THYAGARAJA SWAMY KRITI C V Kumar  Ragam : Sankarabharanam ;                    Talam : Misra-chapu)

Pallavi

Manasu Swadheenamaina Aaghanuniki Mari Mantra - Tantramulela

//Manasu//

Anupallavi

Tanuvu Tanu Gadani Yenchu Vaniki Tapasu Cheyanela Dasratha Bala !

//Manasu//

Charanam 1

Annee Neevanuchu Yenchina Vaniki Asrama Bhedamela
Kannugattu Mayalani Yenchu Vaniki Kantala Bhramalela  Daratha Bala!

//Manasu//

Charanam 2

Aa Janmamu Durvishaya Rahituniki gatagatamika Yela
Rajarajesha ! Niranjana! Nirupama ! Rajavadana! Thyagaraja Vinutha!

//Manasu//

This is one of the finest renditions of Shri Thyagaraja Swamy.  While it has been classified that all the Bhakti kirtanas of Shri Thyagaraja Swamy can be categorized into Shanta Bhakti, Dasya Bhakti, Madhura Bhakti etc., this kirtana is classified under Snanta Bhakti.  The Ragam selected by Shri Thyagaraja Swamy is also very much in tune with the classification.

This kirtana depicts the union of mind with the LORD (called Bhagavadrati) wherein the mind enjoys the fusion.  The mind is in a total tranquility. It also reflets prayer to Lord Rama in a cool, pure and peaceful state of mind.  In this song, Mantram refers to al Vedic Hymn which is set to a perfect meter (Chandas) and with a particular Method of chanting (called swaras – Udatha, Anudhatha and spuritha) and Tantram refers to various religious kamas andkriyas (like poojas and yagnas) a person is supposed to perform.  These are the means to attain and understand the Brahman and achieve salvation.

Shri Thyagaraja Swamy in this kirtana is questioning the need for such things if a person gets control over his mind.

Meaning

Pallavi: If a person is able to control his mind, why does such a great person need Mantras and Tantras? (Obviously he means that a great person alone can achieve control over the mind.)

Anupallavi :  If he is able to visualize the fact that he is not his body, then why should he do penance.  Oh! Son of Dasaratha! (Oh Lord Rama)?// IF a person is able to control his Mind, why does such a great person need Mantras and Tantras?//

Charanam 1 : If he is able to understand the ultimate truth that every thing in his world is YOU Yourself, then why should he follow different Ashramas**.  Similarly if he is able to understand that this world is nothing but a form of MAYA, then why does he go after beautiful ladies, Oh! Son of Dasaratha!// If a person is able to control his Mind, why does such a great person need Mantras and Tantra?//

Charanam 2:  Right from the day of birth if a person secludes himself from evil thoughts, then why does he worry about the past and the future? Oh King of Kings! Oh uncomparable! Oh Niranjana (meaning one who is totally unattached)***// If a person is able to control his Mind, why does such a great person need Mantras and Tantras?//

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