Mahaganapathim Naatai

Introduction

The song Mahaganapathim is the widest choice of song by most of the Carnatic Musicians out there. Yesudoss’s version of Mahaganapathim is so popular, that he sings this song when he gets on a Carnatic Stage. This blog has information about the song, the Raagam Nattai and the notes and notations for the song.

Vivadi Raagams

Nattai belongs to the group of Raagams called the Vivadi Raagams. They are Raagams that are off beat. These Vivadi Raagams are very popular in concerts. They are also Rare Raagams. When a Raagam borrows an adjoining note, but for a different position, then the Raagam is a Vivadi raagam.

There are many Vivadi raagams like Tanukeerthi, Chandrajyothi, Kaikavashi etc. The Raagams Nattai and Varali are also Vivadi raagams, and these are the two popular Vivadi Raagams in concerts.

Nattai

Nattai takes all the seven swaras in its Aarohanam, the ascent and only five swaras in the Avarohanam, the descent. This raagam is from the Chalanattam Cluster. Chalanattam is also an offbeat raagam, belonging to the thirty sixth place, in the Melakartha Raagams.

Ri and Di of Nattai are in offbeat. These are the two important notes of Nattai, that makes the Raagam a Vivadi raagam. When a raagam has one offbeat note, it is going to sound very unusual to the listener’s ears. Think of Nattai, which has two offbeat notes. The aggressive, strong and dominating notes of Nattai, is best for fast paced and brisk beat compositions.

Famous Compositions in Nattai

When we say Pancharathna Keerthanais, Jagadananda Karaka is definitely going to to cross your mind. This song is in the Raagam Nattai. Musicians call this song, a Non-stop Swarafall. Swaminadha Paripalayasumam, JayaJanaki, Prananayaka are a few of the Carnatic compositions of Nattai. Narumugaye from Iruvar, Pani Vizhum Malar vanam from Ninaivellam Nithya, Thanga Magan Ingu from Badshah are a few from the sea of Nattai film compositions.

Muthuswamy Dhikshithar

The song Mahaganapathim was by Muthuswamy Dhikshithar, who was a South Indian poet and a player of veena. He belongs to the Musical Trinity of Carnatic Music, along with St.Thyagaraja and Shyama Shastri. His signature that he leaves behind in the songs is the word “Guruguha”.

His Mahaganapathim, and Vathapi Ganapathim is quite popular at Music concerts and Dance performances to invoke the blessings of the God

Mahaganapathim Lyrics

Pallavi

Mahaa Ganapatim Manasaa Smaraami |
Mahaa Ganapatim
Vasishta Vaama Devadi Vandita ||
(Mahaa)

Anupallavi

Mahaa Deva Sutam Guruguha Nutam |
Maara Koti Prakaasham Shaantam ||
Mahaa Kaavya Naatakaadi Priyam
Mooshika Vaahanaa Modhaka Priyam ||

Mahaganapathim Meaning

The first line is a calling upon the singer itself to think of Lord Ganesha. The second line goes on to say that Ganesha is of so much power, that rishis like Vashista and Vamadeva has praised him in their works.

The Anupallavi goes on to talk about the Supremacy of Lord Shiva, Ganesha’s father and Lord Murugan, Ganesha’s brother. It goes on to sing about how of all the Deva, Maran is the beautiful one, yet Ganesha’s grace outshines every beauty in the world.

Raagam: Nattai

Tala: Chathusra Ekam.

Composer: Muthyswamy Dikshitar

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