February 11, 2015

Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani


SaiRam
This is a Sai Bhajan, describing our Divine Mother.  Originally, I wanted to post an Interfaith Sai Bhajan.  But now, I am in mood to invoke, praise and love my Divine Mother - Sai Jagan Maatha :) Enjoy Her Divine love, care and protection!

The "Sai Jagath Janani" in the first line, the next line "Maatha Maatha" and the "Sai Jaganmaatha" in the last line hit a low note while, "Jagath  Janani" (fourth line) will hit a high note -  Try to balance it, such a way that your voice can handle these ranges.

Lyrics:
Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani
Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani
Maatha Maatha Maatha Jagath Janani
Maatha Maatha Maatha Jagath Janani
Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani
Jagath Janani Shubha Karini
Jagath Janani Shubha Karini

(Amba) Sai Jaganmatha Sathya Sai Jaganmaatha
(Amba) Sai Jaganmatha Sathya Sai Jaganmaatha

(Faster)
Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani
Maatha Maatha Maatha Jagath Janani
Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani
Jagath Janani Shubha Karini

(Amba) Sai Jaganmatha Sathya Sai Jaganmaatha
(Amba) Sai Jaganmatha Sathya Sai Jaganmaatha

(Slow Chorus)
Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani

Audio Clip: Amba Mandahasa Vadhani Manohari Sai Jagath Janani


Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda

This is a nice, fast and peppy Krishna Bhajan.  You can listen to the version with all the musical instruments and gala at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq1eFtPAMp0 - the energy is bursting, aint it!  Enjoy it, Soak it up :) !


Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda
Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda

Venu vilola Vijaya Gopala Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda
Venu vilola Vijaya Gopala Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda

Bhaktha Vatsala Bhagavatha priya Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda
Bhaktha Vatsala Bhagavatha priya Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda

(Faster)
Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda
Venu vilola Vijaya Gopala Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda
Bhaktha Vatsala Bhagavatha priya Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda
Bhaktha Vatsala Bhagavatha priya Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda

Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda
Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda

(Slow Chorus)
Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Govinda Brindavana Chanda Anatha naatha deena bandhu  Radhey Govinda

Audio Clip: Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Govinda

February 9, 2015

Sai, You are my Heart and Soul

SaiRam

I was born and brought up in India.  Having spent most of my early years in India, I am used to Bhajans in Indian languages.  English bhajans are something that are still growing on me (so, kindly bear with me :) ).   However, these bhajans by Dr. Srinivas Raghavan sound very familiar, almost like English bhajans set to an Indian tune - so, it is very easy for me to grasp :)

The first time I heard his bhajans was in the Souljourns. 
[ For those who are already not aware, Souljourns (links provided below for your reference) is a channel in Youtube and Vimeo, where Ted Henry and Jody Cleary post videos of interviews with Sai Devotees.  You can find more info at http://souljourns.net/ .. And some more reference links are :
https://www.youtube.com/user/Souljourns
http://vimeo.com/souljourns

When we stopped binging on Commercial videos, Radiosai and Souljourns became our refuge :) .  I sincerely thank all the people behind it for their efforts. ]

Okie, back to our Bhajan - If you have not listened to Dr. Raghavan's Souljourn, please take some time and do so.. It is soo beautiful.  There are couple of bhajans, he sings in the middle - AWESOME!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dytyYc6wW-A

Someday, I am hoping to learn "Remind me my Lord" - the song he sings in this video..Until then, here is one of my favorites.  I learnt this bhajan with the help of an audio posted by one of our Sai brothers here.

Lyrics:
Sai You Are My Heart And Soul
Sai You are my heart and soul
You are my path and my goal
You are my path and my goal
You make my life, whole and complete, You give your Love to me.
You make my life, whole and complete, You give your Love to me.
Sai You are my heart and soul
Born in this world in the name of Sai, Hold on to Him if you can.
Born in this world in the name of Sai, Hold on to Him if you can.
He is in one, He is in all You can see Him in everything.
He is in one, He is in all You can see Him in everything.
(Faster)
Sai You Are My Heart And Soul
Sai You are my heart and soul,
You are my path and my goal.
You make my life, whole and complete, You give your Love to me.
Sai You are my heart and soul!
Born in this world in the name of Sai, Hold on to Him if you can.
He is in one, He is in all You can see Him in everything.
(Slow Chorus)
Sai You are my heart and soul!

AudioClip: Sai You are my heart and soul!

Sundara Sundara Vinayaka

SaiRam

This is a Sai Bhajan.. Couple of days ago, I was wondering that I know only 2 or 3 Ganesha Bhajans and hence, started looking for a new one to learn.  This was it..

The last 4 lines of Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Shri Ganesha looks tricky, but if you practice then you will realize that it follows the same pattern or tune as the bhajan itself - Just instead of the words, you have Jai Jai ganesha, etc.

You can find Swami's students singing this Bhajan at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4F-h_R1Xrg

Hope you enjoy it.

Lyrics:
Sundara Sundara Vinaayaka
Subha Mangala Daayaka Vinaayaka
Vighna Koti Hara Vimala Gajanana
Sakala Vighna Hara Sai Gajanana
Eshwari Nandana Parthi Gajanana
(Faster)
Sundara Sundara Vinaayaka
Subha Mangala Daayaka Vinaayaka
Vighna Koti Hara Vimala Gajanana
Sakala Vighna Hara Sai Gajanana
Eshwari Nandana Parthi Gajanana

Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
(Faster)
Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha

Jai Jai Ganesha Jaya Sri Ganesha
(Slow Chorus)
Sundara Sundara Vinaayaka

Translation:
Hey Vinayaka, the beautiful One, You bestow auspiciousness. You are the remover of obstacles (in one's endeavours). You are the son of Eshwari (Parvathi) and You are the Gajanana of Parthi. Victory to Thee, Ganesha
Source: SaiDarshan


Audio Clip: Sundara Sundara Vinaayaka

February 4, 2015

Chitta Chora Yashoda Ke Bal

This is a Krishna Bhajan.. A very simple two line one, but sooo lovely.  The best rendition I have ever heard is by the amazing Playback singer, Smt. K.S. Chitra :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbMpS3Ygr_0

This is a very simple bhajan that kids can learn very easily.  I have tried this out on my 5 yr old and the one place I see trouble, is remembering that the first line has 3 Gopals and next line has 4 Gopals.  But, if you get your kid to repeat this bhajan frequently (Practice, Practice, Practice :) ), I am sure that your kid will get the hang of the tune. And then, it will not be required to remember how many Gopals are in a line :)

Lyrics:
Chitta Chora Yashoda Ke Bal, Navanitha Chora Gopal
Chitta Chora Yashoda Ke Bal, Navanitha Chora Gopal
Gopal Gopal Gopal Govardhana Dhara Gopal
Gopal Gopal Gopal Govardhana Dhara Gopal
Gopal Gopal Gopal Gopal Govardhana Dhara Gopal
Gopal Gopal Gopal Gopal Govardhana Dhara Gopal
(Faster)
Chitta Chora Yashoda Ke Bal Navanitha Chora Gopal
Gopal Gopal Gopal Govardhana Dhara Gopal
Gopal Gopal Gopal Gopal Govardhana Dhara Gopal
Gopal Gopal Gopal Gopal Govardhana Dhara Gopal
(Slow Chorus)
Chitta Chora Yashoda Ke Bal Navanitha Chora Gopal
Translation:
Krishna is the stealer of the devotee's heart.
As the child of Yashoda, He stole butter and He held
aloft the Govardhana mountain

Source

Audio Clip: Chitta Chora Yashoda Ke Bal Navanitha Chora Gopal



Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam

SaiRam

This a Multifaith Sai Bhajan.  It is very beautiful and melodious - my favorite among interfaith or multifaith bhajans. 

There are couple of Ending notes that are little bit tricky - you just have to put in more practice at Paalanhaar and Shubh Dhaam (the second time).  And one more tip - I feel so ecstatic when I sing Tum Hi Ho Mere Praan and personally, I think dipping/lowering your voice at Praan, to feel that emotion, makes it sound better.

Lyrics:
Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam
Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam
Parthisha Sai Shankara Tum Hi Ho Mere Praan
Parthisha Sai Shankara Tum Hi Ho Mere Praan
Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam
Zaurashtra Yeshu Buddha Tum Ho Sabke Paalanhar
Zaurashtra Yeshu Buddha Tum Ho Sabke Paalanhar
Sadchitananda Sai Tera Brindavan Shubh Dhaam
Sadchitananda Sai Tera Brindavan Shubh Dhaam
(Faster)
Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam
Parthisha Sai Shankara Tum Hi Ho Mere Praan
Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam
Zaurashtra Yeshu Buddha Tum Ho Sabke Paalanhar
Sadchitananda Sai Tera Brindavan Shubh Dhaam
Sadchitananda Sai Tera Brindavan Shubh Dhaam
(Slow Chorus)
Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam

Source: Prashanthi Mandir Bhajans

Audio Clip: Allah Ho Tum Ishwar Bhi Tum Mahaveer Naanak Naam


February 3, 2015

Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om

This one is a Shiva Bhajan (of course, the name says it so! Aint it! :) ) - a very simple two liner one. The two lines are again repeated in a slightly higher note. 

Lyrics:
Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om
Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om
Bhavaya, Guna Sambhavaya Shiva Thandavaya, Namah Om
Bhavaya, Guna Sambhavaya Shiva Thandavaya, Namah Om
(Higher Note)
Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om
Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om
Bhavaya, Guna Sambhavaya Shiva Thandavaya, Namah Om
Bhavaya, Guna Sambhavaya Shiva Thandavaya, Namah Om
(Faster)
Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om
Bhavaya, Guna Sambhavaya Shiva Thandavaya, Namah Om
Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om
Bhavaya, Guna Sambhavaya Shiva Thandavaya, Namah Om
Bhavaya, Guna Sambhavaya Shiva Thandavaya, Namah Om
(Slow Chorus)
Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om

Translation:
Lord Shiva, supreme Lord, adorned with the crescent moon; Lord of the purest qualities, dancing Lord Shiva, we bow to thee.

Source

Audio Clip: Shivaya Parameshwaraya Chandra Shekharaya Namah Om

 

February 2, 2015

Ramachandra Prabhu Raghuvamsa Raama

SaiRam

This is my first port for this year.  I sincerely apologize for my tardiness in posting this year - Too many things going on in all directions :)

So without much ado, here I am with my first Sai bhajan that I learnt.. There was a time when this bhajan was the only one I knew.  And so, at every instant, I would sing this.  It has always been my all time favorite:

Lyrics:

Ramachandra Prabhu Raghuvamsa Raama
Ramachandra Prabhu Raghuvamsa Raama
Seetha Pathey Jaya Jaanaki Rama
Seetha Pathey Jaya Jaanaki Rama
Ramachandra Prabhu Raghuvamsa Raama
Ahalyodhaaraka Sugunaabhi Rama
Ahalyodhaaraka Sugunaabhi Ram
Raavana Samhara Kodanda Rama
Raavana Samhara Kodanda Rama
Ayodhya Rama Pattaabhi Rama
Ayodhya Rama Pattaabhi Rama
Nava Nava Komala Shree Sai Rama
Nava Nava Komala Satya Sai Rama
Seetha Pathey Jaya Jaanaki Rama
(Faster)
Ramachandra Prabhu Raghuvamsa Raama
Seetha Pathey Jaya Jaanaki Rama
Ramachandra Prabhu Raghuvamsa Raama
Ahalyodhaaraka Sugunaabhi Rama
Raavana Samhara Kodanda Rama
Ayodhya Rama Pattaabhi Rama
Nava Nava Komala Shree Sai Rama
Nava Nava Komala Satya Sai Rama
Seetha Pathey Jaya Jaanaki Rama
(Slow Chorus)Ramachandra Prabhu Raghuvamsa Raama

Translation:
 (Hey Ramachandra, born in the Raghu dynasty, victory to You, the consort of Seetha. You uplifted Ahalya from her curse. You are the embodiment of fine qualities, You are the destroyer of Ravana, You are the One with a bow in one hand. You are the Rama of Ayodhya and You are also Sathya Sai Rama)  
source: SaiDarshan

Audio Clip : https://soundcloud.com/pari-kiran/sai-bhajan-ramachandra-prabhu-raghuvamsha-rama