Nagalingam Bhajeham by Rithvik Raja

Muthusvami Dikshitar’s music has been a constant presence in my life—challenging, grounding, and opening up new ways of listening, learning, and expressing. His compositions have taught me to appreciate nuance, embrace silence, and find beauty in complexity. One such gem is Nagalingam Bhajeham in Shankarabharanam—a piece that radiates simplicity and elegance. Beyond its striking raga shades and contours, it holds a personal memory. When @shwesta and I moved into our home, we noticed a majestic tree brushing against our balcony—the Nagalingam. I immediately recognised the peculiar looking flower from my school days. In those first weeks, I’d sing this kriti every morning as a way to connect—with the tree, the space, and our new life. One particular line lingered in my head for months, which I would obsessively keep humming and repeating, much to the amusement (or irritation) of those around me. The song completely consumed me. Seated in the same balcony this morning, I shared this song with my students—with the tree swaying softly, listening in with a quiet, knowing presence. As we celebrate #Dikshitar250, I’ll be sharing a few of his timeless works that have deeply moved me—sung simply, at home, with love and reverence. #Dikshitar #Dikshitar250 #TributeSeries #HomeRecording #RithvikRaja #Shankarabharanam #Nagalingam #karnatik pallavi nAga lingam bhajEham anAdi lingam vrajEham srI anupallavi nAgavallI prasangam nagajArdhAngam nandi turangam Agama SAstra purANa prasangam avidyA bhangam ati dhavaLAngam caraNam sthUla sUkshma kAraNAtma lingam sukha pradAyaka sundara lingam mUla bhUtam aprAkRta lingam muni gaNAshTa nAgArcita lingam (madhyama kAla sAhitya) nIlakaNTha guruguhAntarangam nityaSuddhakara vidhRta kurangam kAlaharam SirOvidhRta gangam karuNApAngam vijitAnangam