Jo bhaje hari ko sada

Composition: Brahmanand
Voice: Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
Composition Format: Bhajan
Raag: Bhairavi
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This is a popular piece in Raag Bhairavi by the maestro, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. I really love it, and, not just any version, but this particular version that I have posted. 

I tried other versions available online but didn't like any of them. In this version, the singer doesn't experiment too much with the techniques. He sings it in a very simple, serious, matter-of-fact manner, with only as much technique as required. Only the slightest hint of a mridanga and tanpura are heard as accompaniments. It is thus able to draw one into the bhajan, to get lost in its smoky serenity and smell the essence of what the words are trying to convey. I feel spiritually elated hearing this.

I am not sure who wrote this bhajan. The name Brahmanand is mentioned in the laste verse and so I assume it is some poet or saint by that name who wrote it. _______________________________________________________________________________________

Jo bhaje hari ko sada
So hi param pad paayega
So hi param pad paayega

Deh ke maala, tilak aur chaap
Nahi kisi kaam ke
Prem bhakti ke bina
Nahi nath ke man bhayega

Chor duniya ke maze sab
Baith kar ekant me
Dhyan dhar hari ke charan ka
Phir janm nahi aayega

Drind bharosa man me kar ke
Jo jape hari naam ko
Kehta hai brahmanand
Bichch me samayega

Jo bhaje hari ko sada
So hi param pad paayega
So hi param pad paayega
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Translation:

One who always thinks of the lord
He alone will attain the highest order

For the body, ornaments
Are of no use
Without love and prayer
You will not please the lord

Renounce all worldly pleasures
Sit in solitude
Meditate upon the lord’s feet
Then you will not be born again

With the heart firmly faithful
One who takes the lord’s name
Says Brahmanand
He will find salvation

One who always thinks of the lord
He alone will attain the highest order
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Reference for Lyrics: http://www.bhajanganga.com/bhajan/lyrics/id/51/title/jo-bhaje-hari-ko-sada-sohi-param-pad-paavega