In a remarkable celebration of music and spirituality, maestro Ilaiyaraaja unveiled his latest album, “Divya Pasurams,” at the esteemed Krishna Gana Sabha auditorium in Chennai. This special album, which features select pasurams from the revered Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, was launched in a grand event organized by the Mercuri Foundation.
The Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses, is attributed to the 12 Alwars, saint poets whose devotional hymns are central to Sri Vaishnavism. From this extensive anthology, eight pasurams were meticulously selected for the album, bringing them to life with Ilaiyaraaja’s unparalleled musical vision. The veteran composer’s dedication to infusing traditional hymns with contemporary musical arrangements draws a new dimension to these ancient verses.
Ilaiyaraaja, revered for his wide-ranging contributions to Indian music, took to the stage to share the inspiration behind the project. He recounted how, following the success of his previous work, Thiruvasagam, many admirers had implored him to compose music for the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham. “Many well-wishers requested that I work on the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, but I believe everything has a time. This moment feels predestined,” he expressed, emphasizing the significance and timely manifestation of this project.
As the soulful rendition of “Pallandu Pallandu” resonated through the auditorium, Ilaiyaraaja ceremoniously presented the first copy of the album to Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, a distinguished spiritual leader. The seer praised Ilaiyaraaja’s work, stating, “Everyone sings these verses, but Mr. Ilaiyaraaja has added beautiful music to them and dedicated it to the world today. We are moved by his devotion, commitment, dedication, and charitable attitude.”
The event was graced by eminent Tamil scholars D. Gnanasundaram and U.
. Ve. Venkatesh, who both shared their perspectives on the significance of Ilaiyaraaja’s contribution to preserving and propagating spiritual literature through music. Their eloquent speeches highlighted the importance of integrating classical texts with modern musical interpretations to enhance their reach and impact.
Adding to the spiritual ambiance of the evening, scholar Srinithi delivered a profound discourse that delved into the historical and religious import of the pasurams. Her elucidation on the context and meanings of these verses provided the audience with deeper insights into the rich heritage embodied in the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham.
The evening concluded on a high note with a mesmerizing dance performance by Anitha Guha’s acclaimed Bharathanjali troupe. The dancers, through their well-choreographed movements, visually interpreted the themes of devotion and divine love expressed in the pasurams. The synergy of classical dance and Ilaiyaraaja’s musical compositions captivated the audience, leaving them in awe of the seamless fusion of art forms.
The launch of “Divya Pasurams” is not merely an addition to Ilaiyaraaja’s prolific oeuvre but a testament to his continuous quest to explore the intersections of music and spirituality. This album stands as a bridge between age-old traditions and contemporary artistic expressions, offering listeners a spiritually enriching musical experience.
As music enthusiasts and devout followers await the public release of the album, the launch event itself has set a precedent for future endeavors that aim to bring classical literature and modern music into harmonious dialogue. This project underscores the timeless relevance of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, ensuring that these divine hymns continue to inspire and elevate the human spirit through the universal language of music.
The significance of this event resonates well beyond the confines of the Krishna Gana Sabha auditorium, heralding a renewed interest in the sacred texts of the Alwars. Ilaiyaraaja’s “Divya Pasurams” promises to be a cherished addition to the canon of devotional music, inviting a wider audience to experience the profound beauty and sanctity of these timeless verses.
