Скачать или смотреть Vandan Vandan Bharatha | Mohanam | Arunachala Kavi | Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar

On the eighth day of Navaratri I turn to ‘Vandan Vandan Bharata’ of Arunachala Kavi, tuned by Ariyakudi in radiant Mohanam.

This kriti is an unceasing salutation to Bharata, the brother whose nobility lies in self-denial. The poet hails him as the very embodiment of dharma: the one who, when Kaikeyi’s boon exiled Rama, spurned the poisoned gift of kingship. Instead, Bharata placed Rama’s sandals upon the throne, vowing to rule only as regent, and withdrew to Nandigrama with hair matted, clad in bark, awaiting Rama’s return. The text celebrates his steadfastness: his refusal to be swayed by power, his insistence that Ayodhya belongs only to Rama, his very life made an offering of loyalty. Each refrain of ‘Vandan Vandan’ is both praise and astonishment — how rare is such a brother, how rare is such fidelity.

Mohanam is the ultimate vessel for this tribute. Its open, pentatonic architecture shines with unshadowed light, carrying an aura of unalloyed joy and resolution. Where sorrow or conflict might demand heavier ragas, Bharata’s truth glows in the simplicity of Mohanam: happiness that springs not from possession but from surrender. Ariyakudi’s setting makes this plain — his restraint channels the grandeur of Bharata’s sacrifice without ever descending into melodrama. To hear him sing this is to feel Bharata’s spirit resound: a joy that comes from renunciation, a quiet majesty greater than any crown.

Violin : TN Krishnan
Mridangam : Palghat Mani Iyer

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