| THIRUPPUGAZH - TAMIL MANTHRA | | | | "THIRUPPUGAZH WAY TO HAPPINESS" |
| Thiruppugazh ( "Glory to the Lord" or | | | | Happiness remains the single most pursuit of human |
| "Divine glory") is a 15th century anthology of | | | | beings. Everyone seeks it but no one knows where to |
| Tamil religious songs dedicated to Murugan, the son of | | | | find it. Arunagirinathar opens our eyes and tells us how |
| Shiva, written by the poet-saint Arunagirinathar. The | | | | to find it by adopting “Thiruppugazh way to |
| anthology is considered one of the central works of | | | | happiness” There are various ills that plague |
| mediaeval Tamil literature, both for its poetical and | | | | humanity. Day to day problems hinder our progress. |
| musical qualities, and for its religious, moral and | | | | The verses of Thiruppugazh, serve as a guide, confer |
| philosophical content. | | | | Arul Gjnana, the enlightened knowledge on the |
| The worship of Murugan has strong roots in Tamil | | | | devotee and lead him or her to the correct destination. |
| Nadu. According to Tamil legends, Murugan was the | | | | Be it a wish to own a house, an aim to scale new |
| brave warrior who defeated the powerful demon | | | | heights, a will to face challenges or an aspiration to |
| Soorapadman, and was seen as being the epitome of | | | | seek the Lotus Feet of the Lord, there is a song in |
| youth, compassion and beauty. Arunagirinathar's songs | | | | Thiruppugazh that seeks to fulfill all such wishes.As |
| build on this tradition, hailing Murugan as the source of | | | | Muruga himself prompted Arunagirinathar to sing, it is |
| all knowledge, who even gave saintly advice to his | | | | believed that the words of Thiruppugazh were in fact |
| father, Lord Shiva. Murugan is descriped as being full of | | | | the words of Muruga and every word therefore |
| love and compassion. Arunagirinathar says in the | | | | acquired a power of its own. |
| Thiruppugazh the songs will, by the grace of Murugan, | | | | There are prayers meant to fulfil the different |
| convey the pearls of devotion and wisdom. The songs | | | | aspirations of people. The song: "Viral Maran |
| contain philosophical musings on God, expressed in | | | | Aindhu Malar Vali Sindha" is ideal for removing |
| simple terms, placing particular emphasis on the role of | | | | the marriage obstacle, "Agaramum Aagi" to |
| God's grace or mercy in helping the individual deal with | | | | attain a great lifestyle and "Irumalum Roga" |
| the troubles and ills that afflict humanity. The songs | | | | for health. The song that will shower wealth and |
| also deal with issues of morality and living a virtuous life | | | | prosperity is "Charana Kamalalayathai Arai |
| on Earth, with many exhorting people to seek true | | | | Nimisha." The "Ainkaranai Otha |
| happiness in | | | | Manam" number gives a happy and harmonious |
| "SANTHAM"-RHYTHM NOTATIONS | | | | life, and "Antarpathi Kudiyera" helps one to |
| Arunagirinathar was one of the first poet to set all his | | | | own a house."Sivama Dhudane" to get rid |
| compositions to reverberating music in the style of | | | | of poverty While the hymn "Ninaitha |
| "Santham" which means setting the verses | | | | Theththanayil" helps to achieve any wish.The |
| within a certain length to conform with rhythm (thala). | | | | song "Thimira Udhadhi" to become beautiful |
| Arunagirinathar was the pioneer in the art of setting his | | | | and get rid of bodily flaws. The list goes on endlessly. In |
| poems to the sweet sounds of music.Arunagirinathar | | | | short,Thiruppugazh is a book of treasure from which a |
| produces hundreds of compound rhythmic words such | | | | Karma Yogi also can draw lessons on Dharmic life. |
| as, tatta, taatta, tantha, thaantha, thaiya, thanna, thaana, | | | | THIRUPPUGAZH IN A FUSION FORM |
| thanana, etc . At the beginning of each poem in the | | | | Baba Musiano have released Thiruppugazh in a fusion |
| Thiruppugazh, Arunagirinathar gives the rhythm | | | | form,the very first of its kind.Eight songs mentioned |
| MUSICAL WAY OF WORSHIP | | | | above along with Vinayagar Sdhudhi "Kaithala |
| Music is divine. Music is sublime. Music is the expression | | | | Niraigani" has been composed by Music Director |
| of love and devotion. Music is the language of God. | | | | Dhivyaraja in a unique manner combining classical and |
| Thiruppugazh, which is a set of prayers, is addressed | | | | western music which is well appreciated and gained |
| to the Lord in musical verses. This musical worship has | | | | mass response in the market.Hyms are composed in |
| brought devotees of Muruga nearer to their Lord. Be it | | | | ragas |
| a temple, a musical consort or a bhajan, a singer | | | | a and Hindholam which are very divine and spiritual. |
| invariably renders a song from Thiruppugazh. | | | | |