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Singing of Ramayana
Singing of Ramayana
Preface
Preface
In this Sargahm it is shown that Ramayana epic is the best amongst all.
When Sri Rama was ruling the kingdom after the coronation, Valmiki due to grace of Brahma with Divine eyesight was able to create Ramayana with Slokas beautiful with synchronising Lyrics and Melodies. This great epic contains 24,000 Slokas(Verses) split in 500 Sargams(Chapters) in 7 Kandams. Then he thought who will describe what happened after the Coronation of Rama(Rama Pattabhishekam) and what is going to happen in future to the people?
He prayed for a suitable Disciple and 2 of them Luv & Kush bowed to him, solicited him to tell Ramayana to them. They were Princes and Courageous and will accomplish any task undertaken. They knew the Guru Srishya Parampara (well versed in the rules orderliness of Teacher Student relationship of Humility and respect with a ffection). They were learned and knew Veda and Vedanthas completely.By practicing the knowledge acquired they had earned Fame. Luv & Kush have the intellect not to forget what they have learnt in otherwords converted knowledge into wisdom. They are handsome and were dear to Valmiki as they grew up in his Hermittage. Hence accepting their request he taught them Ramayana which extolls the inner meaning of all the Vedas &Sastras. And named it as “ Ramayanam- famed Sitacharitham- Paulasyavadham “ it is pleasant like Honey to hear and read. Verses are suitable to sing in any of these ie Drutham, Madhyam, Vialmbhitam (speed of the music doubles in Madhyam and quadraples in Drutham).
With 7 types of Raga(Musical tones or SapthaSwarams) with proper intervals sadjham and can be sung along with String Instruments such as Dhantari with harmony as well as Drums . They learnt the Ramayana Kavya which is adorned by the Nava Rasa (Nava means 'Nine' and Rasa signifies 'mood,' 'emotion,' 'expression' or 'sentiment.' The Navarasa, in the scriptures refer to the nine expressions that humans often show. These are shringara (love), hasya (laughter ), karuna(kind-heartedness or compassion), roudra (anger), veera (courage), bhayanaka(fear), bheebhatsya (disgust), wonder or adbhutha (surprise) and shantha (peace or tranquility).They knew the inner meaning of Essence of Music in it’s entirerity. They are experts in playing Veena-string instrument. They know the pivotal creation nodes of singing in Low and High Pitch is Manthara, Madhya and Thaara respectively.They are Like Ghandarvas in Human forms.They are handsome and noble sharp features ie Uthama Lakshanas.They are experts in performing Dance and exhilarating in expressions there in and are masters in art of expressions ie Abhinaya kramas.Very Sweet while conversing. They are replica of Rama.They are sinless in Thought, speech and in their actions.
As per Valmiki’s advice they have assimilated entire Ramayana and practiced singng Ramayana where Pious and noble Saints were present the Dharma Katha (Story of Righteousness). They sang Ramayana for those Vaideekas or Preist who were performing Ashwamedha Yagam Sacrifice during the interval. Great intellectuals and Bhagyavans Blessed were they to hear the Ramayana and cried unabashedly and celebrated the two kids Luv & Kush. Righteous Preists were extremely pleased and appreciated the harmonious words as tunes of the songs. And “how the episodes that took place long ago is being brought infront of our eyes now. “ thus they praised Valmiki and Luv & Kush brothers .
Seeing the happiness of the great sages Luv & Kush were enthused to sing the Slokas with fervor in appropriate Raga VIZ. melody patterns with characteristic intervals, rhythms, and embellishments, were used by brothers musicians so that those who hear can derive the inner meaning of the Verses and enchanting and enthralling to their ears as well and gave the kalash a reward to them. Another Rishi saint who was adept in knowing the minute lapses in Music was pleased and gave new dresses to them. Each of the Rishis showered their belonigings dearer to them. Many showered them with heartfelt Blessings “ May you two Live Long- MAY ALL Blessings be showered on you two”.Some Rishis granted boons.
The Boulevards and streets people who gathered and heard the Ramayana were mesmerized and “The Ramayana composed by Valimiki is very stimulating and the epic has closed as it was started. This has set standards for oncoming Poets. They praised the 2 brothers “ You have sung well this Ramayana which gives Long Life with health,and pleasing to the Heart”.
Rama came to know of these 2 brothers from Shatrugna , he requested Bharatha to invite them and showered eloquent etiquets on them. Rama having completed the Ashwamedahyaga was happy and in the company of his brothers was seated in the Godlen Throne brought from Heaven by his father Dasaratha. Seeing those two uncomparably handsome brothers Rama told his brothers “ These young kids are exuding aura like celestials and their Slokas are Unique, Novel stanzas with meaningful words extolling the Story and let us Listen in carefully” and asked Luv & Kush to sing
They with beautiful melodies synchronizing with String & Drum instruments sang oozing out honey like words which made the audience understand the meaning and dwelve & Immerse themselves in their music. Not only did their music was pleasing to the ears but pierced into the Audience body, mind and soul and smoothened them. Then Rama said “ Though these Kids are wearing Dresesses of Saints they look like 2 Princes of Great King . Eventhough they are Singers they seem to be Saints having done great Penance. This Sita Charitha is very special and having been separated from my Sita, dear to my heart ,soothens me as well. Hence please hear this properly.” Hearing these words of Rama the 2 brothers Luv & Kush sang in Music as per Marg tradition. Rama always shares with others and he wanted all to enjoy this Music fest. He wanted to be amidst the audience and hear the music. If he gets up from Throne , others will also get up, so this atmospehere will get disturbed. Slowly Rama slid down and sat amongst audience and gave himself up to music encore and forgot himself. (Slokas 36).
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