Raghuvamsa Sudha

Composition: Patnam Subramanya Iyer
Voice: M S Subbulaxmi

Composition Format: Kriti
Raag: Kathanakuthuhalam
Taal: Aadi Taal
Language: Telugu
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

In my exploration of M S Subbulaxmi's music I chanced upon this sensational piece. After I had heard it a few times, I felt a curious urge to run around south Indian shores and explore the ancient temples. I pictured myself free and powerful.

I imagine myself standing tall on a cliff, arms open wide against the wind blowing with full force, my head thrown back and my eyes shut tight as I breath in the smell of a limitless green valley, victorious. I imagine a tall ornate temple standing strong against a sea in high tide, the sea waves thrashing upon its large dark stones. I enter the temple; it is dark; I walk slowly towards the light arising from the antechamber. As I enter the room, I am blinded by the magnificent light of the shrine. I struggle to see it clearly, and then, I see it.

Pallavi

Raghuvamsa sudhambudhi chandra shri

Rama Rama Rajeshvara

Anupallavi

Agha megha maruta shrikara

Asuresha mrigendra vara jagannatha

Chittaswaram

Sa- ReMa Ga- ReSa, Re- MaMa Dha- DhaNi,

Ga- GaPa Sa- SaNi, DhaPa MaGa PaMa GaRe

SaRe ReMa MaDha DhaNi, GaPa PaSa SaRe ReMa,

MaGa GaRe ReSa SaNi, NiDha DhaPa PaMa GaRe

Charanam

Jamadagnija garva khandana

Jaya rudradi vismita bhandana

Kamal-aptanvaya-mandana-

Ganita-pura-shaurya shri venkateshvara 
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Translation:

Pallavi
O moon to the nectar-ocean of the Raghu lineage!
Sri Rama, lord of emperors!

Anupallavi
O wind (that drives away the) sin-cloud! Maker of prosperity!
O lion (terrifying the) king of asuras! Noble lord of the world!

Charanam
O Destroyer of Parshurama's conceit!
One praised by the amazed Rudra and others!
O Ornament to the Solar dynasty!
O Doer of innumerable marvellous heroics! Lord Venkatesha!


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Source for lyrics and translation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raghuvamsa_Sudha
Source for information on the composer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patnam_Subramania_Iyer