Himadri Suthe Pahimam / Kalyani / Rupakam / Shyama Sasthri / R K Srikantan

Krithi: Himadrisuthe Ragam: Kalyani Thalam: Rupakam Composer: Shyama Sasthri Vocal: R K Srikantan R. K. Srikantan (Rudrapatna Krishnashastri Srikantan) was one of the most revered Carnatic vocalists of the 20th century, born on 14 January 1920 in Rudrapatna, Karnataka, a village renowned for its rich musical heritage. Born into a musically inclined Sankethi Brahmin family, he received his initial training from his father, R. Krishnashastri, a noted gamaka exponent, and was further guided by his brother R. K. Venkatarama Shastri and eminent musicians such as Veene Subbanna and Chowdiah. Deeply influenced by stalwarts like Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Srikantan developed a classical style marked by shruti shuddham (pitch purity), sahitya shuddham (clarity of lyrics), and strict adherence to tradition. He began performing at a young age and later became associated with All India Radio, eventually settling in Bangalore in 1954, where he continued to perform, teach, and promote Carnatic music for several decades. Even into his nineties, he remained musically active, earning immense respect for his scholarship and dedication. Over his illustrious career, he received numerous honors including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Sangeetha Kalanidhi title from the Music Academy, Madras, and the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India. He was also a devoted teacher whose disciples included prominent musicians such as M. S. Sheela, and his musical legacy was carried forward by his children, including R. S. Ramakanth and Rathnamala Prakash. R. K. Srikantan passed away on 17 February 2014 in Bangalore at the age of 94, leaving behind a lasting impact on the Carnatic music tradition. Violin: M Chandhrashekharan Mridangam: Palghat Raghu ( Recorded in 1991 ) This is a devotional hymn composed by Shyama Sasthri, glorifying Goddess Kamakshi, the daughter of the Himalayas, the Supreme Divine Mother, and the gracious bestower of boons. The composition vividly describes the goddess with divine imagery: lotus-like eyes, a radiant face, adorned with lustrous jewels, and revered by gods and sages alike. She is addressed as the sister of Lord Krishna, the embodiment of beauty, melody, and compassion. With deep devotion, the composer appeals to her for protection, blessings, and spiritual upliftment. Pallavi Himadrisuthe pahimam varade paradevathe Anupallavi Sumerumaddhya vasini (amba) shri kamakshi Charanam 1 Hemagathri pankajanethri matangatmaje sarojabhava harIsha sura munindranuthe Charanam 2 Ambujari nibhavadane maukthikamani- harahobhamana gale bhaktha kalpalathe Charanam 3 Shyamakrishna sodari gauri parameshwari giri- jala nilaveni kiravani shri lalithe --------------------------------------------------------------------- Meaning: Oh daughter of Himalayas ,please protect me. O Giver of boons, Supreme Deity Oh Sri Kamakshi,you dwell at the centre of the sacred mountain 'Meru'. You are lotus eyed with golden body. You are the daughter of Mathanga. You are adored by Brahma, Siva, Hari, Devathas and the Sages. Your face shines like the moon.You look magnificent with necklaces studed with pearls and gems. You are like wish fulfilling creper to your devotees. You are the supreme Goddess Gouri the sister of Vishnu. You are Girija with beautiful black tresses. Oh Laltha, your voice is melodious like the voice of a parrot. --------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER : These songs have been uploaded for hearing pleasure only and as an archive for Carnatic music. By this I don't wish to violate any copyrights owned by the respective owners of these songs if any. I don't own any copyright of the songs myself. If anything is in violation of the copyright you own, then please let me know, I shall remove it from my Youtube channel.