Stimulation in the form of praise and prayer: Shriram V. With Ashwath Narayanan, in the Hindu Lit for Life 2025, on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Chennai. Photo Credit: R. Ravindran.
Devotion, in its most unrestrained form, can be as adventurous as it is hearty. Historian v. Sri Ram and Karnataka singer Ashwath Narayanan took us through the fearless expressions of Ninda Stuti, where saints and poets joke, instigate, and even accuse their gods of having an intimate relationship.
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The peculiar ritual of Sakkia Nayar to throw stones on the Shiva Linga, interpret it as a eccentric but deeply effective worship and how Manikavasagar, in his irreversible talent, declare that until Shiva does not have an exemption on him. They do, he will laugh at the Lord laughing. The world – Joking him as the fickle that swallowed the poison, separated an elephant, and danced in the crematorium. In another poem, Manikavasagar, saying this, taunted the Lord, saying, “I gave myself to you; You gave me yourself. Who is clever? You didn’t get anything, but I enjoyed it forever! “Ashwat Narayanan brought these shlokas into life, capturing the intensive mix of surrender and disobedience, singing ‘Thandhu An Thanaai Kondhu N Police Station’ in Shanmukhpriya.
Comparing over the present time when we could be punished to hurt religious sentiments, Shri Ram highlighted that these musicians had the freedom to write what they wanted.
Boldness Shivite is not limited to saints; Shriram highlighted Andal’s courageous allegations in Nachiyar Thirumoji. Disappointed with Krishna’s apathy, she blames her mother, Yashoda for raising such a lawless child.
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Similarly, Purdardas and Kanakadas pushed this tradition forward in Kannada poetry, questioned their gods and made fun of them with compositions like ‘Nritha Kande’ and ‘Bande Baiya’.
Even Tamil musicians like Marimuthapilai, Arunachal Kavi and Gopalakrishna Bharti adopted this adoption. Marimuthapillai launched Nataraja in ‘Enneramum Oru Kaalai ThookikondiRukiragai’, asking why the Lord put one leg, all the time, listed the reasons, humorous reasons. Gopalakrishna Bharti, in ‘Piyandi police station’ (Dhanya), continuing a legacy accusing Shiva of negligence, where Rama was not spared – Bhadrachala Ramadasa mourned his plight in ‘Ayyo Nirawanti Anaya Devamu’. Tyagaraja also convicted Rama in ‘Adiki Sukhmu’ in Madhyamavati, which was displayed by Ashwath.
This courageous tradition ends, inspires modern manifestations in cinema and popular music, shows that devotion, at its core, has a deep personal relationship – one that allows for just, frustration and audacity, While lies in unwavering love.
The Hindu Lit for Life event is presented by Kia India and is with Christ University. Associate Partners: LIC, RR Donnelley, Blue Star, Brigade Group, Nitte Deemed-Bee Bee Bee Univery, Prochure, Singer, Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Ltd, Uttarakhand Tourism, Vajiram and Ravi, Akshakalpairam and Ravi, Indian Banks and ICFAI. Realty Partner: Cassagrand. Bookstore Partner: Crossword. Food Partner: Wow Momo, Beverages Partner: Beachville, Radio Partner: Big FM, TV Partner: Putia Thalimurai Gift Partner: Anand Prakash. Supported by: US Consulate, Chennai, Water Partner: Repute
Published – January 18, 2025 09:00 PM IST
