Manardirkugandadu- Sindhubhairavi-Tanjore Sankara Iyer

This is a popular kriti in the Raga Sindhu Bhairavi composed by Thanjavur Sri Sankara Iyer. Most of his kritis are well-known and are characterised by their simple yet profound meaning, easy-flowing language, and elegant verses. In Manadirkugandadhu, the divine attributes of Lord Muruga are extolled. The composer avers that meditating on the Lord's countenance and appearance, and chanting His sacred name lifts the veil of " Maya' and dissolves it through devotion. In the anupallavi, the Lord's celestial weapon, the omnipotent "Vel" is acclaimed as that which protects the devotees and is capable of neutralizing the most insurmountable difficulties. In the charanam, the immense blessings that accrue to the ardent devotee are exquisitely described. Through meditation and surrender to the Lord, the worshippers' desires are fulfilled, the hardships are alleviated, and eternal bliss is attained. This kriti is preceded by a Viruttam featuring a stunning verse - Vizhikku thunai - விழிக்குத் துணை from Kandhar Alankaram - a masterpiece in Tamizh literature - by the celebrated saint-poet Arunagirinathar. "Alankaram" literally means ornamentation or embellishment. Lord Muruga's physical beauty, His divine attributes and powers, the power if his nama and the courage chanting his divine names gives the Bhaktha , highlighting the importance of devotion and surrender are illustrated in Kandar Alankaram. Artists Vidwans Mysore Srikanth , B.Sivaraman and B.S.Purushotaman.