This post was to be posted along with my other blogs on birds the name of which are found in the name of carnatic ragas. But somehow whatever I wrote and saved was in some other computer in which I did not have access afterwards. Today, I got free time to spend on computer which made it is possible for me to write and post this. MY blog is used for my writing on subjects related to music, mysticism, miscellaneous and yoga.
Garuda, a mythical bird or bird-like creature that
appearing in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology is regarded as king of birds and is worshiped being the
trusty mount of Vishnu and the remover of
the effects of poisons from one's body. It is the implacable enemy of snakes Garuda
Vidya is the mantra against snake poison
to remove all kinds of evil. The
large mythical bird with eagle-like features that appears as the subject of certain mythological stories is represented with a human upper body, big eyes,
beak, short blue horns, yellow hair standing on end, bird's claws and wings.
However, sometimes, Garuda is represented in human form with wings.
Vishnu was pleased with Garuda's strength and
determination which was noticed at the time of Garuda's attempts to bring nectar to save his mother. Garuda plays an important role in Krishna Avatar in which Krishna and
Satyabhama ride on Garuda to kill Narakasura. On another occasion, Lord Hari
rides on Garuda to save the devotee Elephant Gajendra. Garuda's wings are believed to be chanting the Vedas while flying. Throughout
the Mahabharata, Garuda is invoked as a symbol of impetuous violent force, of
speed, and of martial prowess. India uses Garuda as military symbols: It becomes a guiding spirit as this majestic Eagle soars high in the air, sharp and agile, always ahead
Garuda
became national emblem of Thailand and Indonesia. The emblem
of Thailand’s Garuda is portrayed
more traditional anthropomorphic
mythical style and Indonesian Garuda is represented in heraldic style with traits. In Indonesia, Thailand
and Mangolia it is not only used as a cultural symbol but also certain organizations are named
after Garuda. Indonesian airline, football
teams and in many other places, Garuda’s name is in use. There are music, malls and many which are found to have named after Garuda.
In Yogasana, Garudasana or Eagle Pose increases the ability to concentrate, improves leg and foot
stability and promotes balance. Brings mental harmony. Has a beneficial
influence on the male reproductive organs and is specifically recommended for
prostate problems.The other important point is that Garuda represents the five vayus within
us : prana, vyana, udana, samana, brahmana through his five forms Satya,
Suparna, Garuda, Tarkshya, Vihageshwara. These five vayus through yoga can be
controlled through Pranayama which can lead to Kundalini awakening leading to
higher levels of consciousness.
The main reason for my writing this blog is my interest in music and therefore, a raga name referring to Garuda is "Garudadhwani" in which 'Thathvameruga
Tharama" is the only very popular piece. I
could hear the song when my vocal sir taught my junior who is also
my friend. Through this song Tyagaraja is asking if It
is possible to know the meaning of the eternal truth of "Tatvamasi". The lyrics and meaning of the song is :
Pallavi
tatvameruga taramA para
tatvameruga taramA para
anupallavi
tatvamasi yanu vAkyArthamu rAma nIvanu para
caraNam
tamasa rAjasa guNamula tannu kollu pOdayA rAma bhaktuDaina tyAgarAja vinuta vEda shAstra
Meaning:
Is it possible to realize and experience the profundity of the vedic declaration, Tatvamasi-"You are that"? The traits of Tamasa and Rajasa gunas can never be avoided by us. It is possible to know the meaning of the eternal truth of "Tatvamasi" O Rama!?
tatvamasi yanu vAkyArthamu rAma nIvanu para
caraNam
tamasa rAjasa guNamula tannu kollu pOdayA rAma bhaktuDaina tyAgarAja vinuta vEda shAstra
Meaning:
Is it possible to realize and experience the profundity of the vedic declaration, Tatvamasi-"You are that"? The traits of Tamasa and Rajasa gunas can never be avoided by us. It is possible to know the meaning of the eternal truth of "Tatvamasi" O Rama!?
This raga has a shade of western music when sung or played in
drutakala. Most of the svaras are used without gamaka. The reverse of Bilahari
making seven notes on the ascending scale, but only five on the descending Carnatic Kritis found in this raga are:
- Ananda Sagara Tala:-Adi Composer:-Thyagaraja
- Tatva Meruga Tala:-Rupaka -Thyagaraja
- Devi Kamalalaye Tala:-Adi Composer:-Mysore Vasudevacharya
- Emineramunnani, Garudadhwani, Krithi, Adi, Garbhapurivasa
- Garudavahana, , Rupaka, Muthaiah Bhagavatar
- Rajarajeswarii, Adi, Muthaiah Bhagavatar
- Sri bhavamchinmayam, , Misra Chapu, Muthaiah Bhagavatar
- Chandamundasiraschethry, Rupaka, Muthaiah Bhagavatar
- Nitho jeeppaka Adi Pallavi Sesha Iyer
- Kaaththarul Adi Abraham Pandithar
- Pakshiraja garuda Triputa Lakshmikrishna
