The Musical Legacy of Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple
I have been thoroughly documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, delving into its intricate architecture, layout, iconography, deities, and various other significant aspects. In this episode, I will turn my focus to the temple's rich musical heritage.
Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the trinity of Carnatic music, composed a song in the 1830s that pays homage to Kantimati:
Ragam: Hemavati
Talam: Aadhi
Pallavi:
Sri Kanthimatim Shankara Yuvatim
Sri Guruguha Jananeem Vandeham
Charanam:
Hreemkara Beejakaara Vadanaam Hiranya Maimaya Shobaa Sadanam
Paaka Shasanaadi Deva Vinutham Parashurama Natha Hima Shaila Suthaam
Shuka Shounakaadi Sadaaraadhithaam Shudhha Thaamrapamee Thatasthitham
Shankadyashtothhara Sahasra Kalashaabhisheekha Modaam Surahithaam
Translation:
Pallavi:
I bow to Sri Kanthimati, the young wife of Shankara (Lord Shiva),
I salute the mother of Sri Guruguha (Lord Muruga).
Caranam:
She has a face that embodies the sacred syllable 'Hreem' and is the abode of golden splendor.
She is praised by Devas like Indra, revered by Parashurama, and is the daughter of the Himalayas.
She is worshiped by sages like Shuka and Shaunaka and resides on the banks of the pure Tamraparni River.
She rejoices in the ritual bathing with 108 golden pots and is beloved by the divine beings.
Subbarama Dikshitar (1839–1906), another significant figure in Carnatic music, composed the song "Kantimati Karunamrta" (Rupakam). (He was both the grandson and adopted son of Baluswami Dikshitar, the brother of Muthuswami Dikshitar. Though he was a talented composer in his own right, he is best known for his work Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini, a comprehensive book that documents Muthuswami Dikshitar's compositions and serves as a key reference for various Carnatic musical concepts.)
Here are the lyrics:
Pallavi:
Kāntimati Karuṇāmṛta lahari Kāntārā vasanē gauri
Anupallavi:
Sāntam kr̥pākaraṁ hr̥tkumudānanda sādhanam
Sūryāgni nētra sahita śrī nētrajāla rahitam
Caranam:
Sāgni tēja rupiṇīm prēma bhakta duritāpahāriṇīm
Paṅkajāsa vēndra nuta pāpahara vārāśi yutām
Tungadhairya mūrtiṁ tuṅgavidyā dhāriṇīm
Śaṅkarādya bhakta nandi mukhāgra gaṇḍa pūjitām
Translation:
Pallavi:
O Kāntimati, waves of compassion and nectar, Gauri who dwells in the forests.
Anupallavi:
She is peaceful, the embodiment of grace, and brings joy to the lotus-like hearts.
Her eyes are like the sun and fire, and her divine vision is unmatched.
Caranam:
She is the embodiment of fiery radiance and removes the sins of her loving devotees.
She is worshiped by Indra and is the ocean of sin-destroying grace.
She represents lofty courage and bears supreme knowledge.
She is venerated by Shankara and other devotees, including the Nandi clan.
Another beautiful composition dedicated to the temple is by Papanasam Sivan from the early 1900s:
Ragam: Kanada
Talam: Misra Chapu
Pallavi:
Kanthimathi annai nee kathi katharuL karuna nidhi amb
Anupallavi:
Saanthi pera engum thedi vandadaintha kumba munik karuL
Sambu uLam kavaruL
Caranam:
Kanya miku thiru veedhigalil ankum kaniyinum
Iniya thamizh marai muzankum
Punya nadhiyil sirandha Thamiraparani vadakarai
Nellai pathi vaLar
Translation:
Pallavi:
O Mother Kanthimati, you are my refuge, please protect me with your boundless compassion.
Anupallavi:
Sage Agastya sought peace here, and Lord Shiva offered him shelter.
You captivated Lord Shiva's heart.
Caranam:
In the city of Nellai, the sacred streets resound with the sweet sounds of Tamil scriptures.
The city thrives on the northern bank of the sacred Tamraparani River, and here, you reside, O Mother.
The other parts of the series can be accessed through the below-listed links.
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