Saturday, February 26, 2011
On 26th February 2011, the historic “Nada Tattva Raga Sagara”- Music for Meditation and Healing concert of Pujya Sri Swamiji was held in the sprawling Gayatri Vihar auditorium in Palace grounds, Bengaluru. About 5000 people attended the program. The concert was inaugurated by Sri.Ramachandre Gowda, Chairman, Karnataka Planning Commission. Sri. C. S. Narasimha, Executive Trustee of Bengaluru SGS Ashrama and Sri. Koteswara Rao – Co-ordinator of this concert garlanded and welcomed Pujya Swamiji. A commemorative audio CD of previous concert in Bengaluru Jnana Jyoti Auditorium in 2009 titled “Karya Siddhi Raga Sagara” was released. The Ragas in the CD are ” Hemavati (Bhajan Shambho Samba) , Lalita (Bhajan-Devi Vani ) & Vanaspati (Bhajan Ilalo Kalalo).
Stalwart musicians accompanied His Holiness both on melody and rhythm sides. Vioin legend Nada Nidhi Dr. L. Subramaniam and Mridangam maestro Sri. Kaaraikkudi Mani on Mridangam leant amazing support to Sri Swamiji.
The compositions played in the concert were
Pranava Svarupam – Raga Rushyaketu Priya
Vande Santam Hanumantam – Raga Kharaharapriya
Nada Tattva Raga Sagara – comprising of Raga Purnapanchama (Kriti- Oogavamma Yaga Mata), Raga Yogini (Kriti – Vande Shivam)
& Raga Chakravaka (Kriti – Gauri Taye)
Kurukshetra tune – Raga Keeravani
Raga Ragini Mangala – Raga Sama
Pujya Sri Swamiji playing such rare Ragas – Yogini and Purna Panchama was acclaimed by musicologists.
The stage was aesthetically and richly decorated with themes from Belur temple design. Large lotus petals in the design leant a spiritual theme. Color wash lights heightened the mood. The mellifluous music that flowed from the stage was soothing and meditative. Dr. L. Subramaniam’s technique of violin play has always had a special attachment to Pujya Sri Swamiji’s music. Those who have listened to them together on albums like Inner Healing, Amba Bhavani etc have had a magnetic attraction. Today ‘s music play was one such event. The blend of the play was unique and complete. It was “Purna Music”.
During the Tani Avartanam, Pujya Sri Swamiji went around the audience holding a crystal wand. Sri Swamiji sat in the audience chair and listened to the thunderous and gripping Tani Avaratanam between Sri. Kaaraikkudi Mani and Sri. Suresh. The legends intricate Laya play, patterns of Laya were amazing. After the concert, by Sri. Senthil & Sri G.N. Sarma honored the artists. With this, Bangalore audience saw one of the most unforgettable concerts of Pujya Sri Swamiji.
