Shyamale Meenakshi is a nottuswaram composed by one of the Trinity of Carantic music – Muthuswami Deekshitar. This song describes the various attributes of Meenakshi Goddess of Madurai.
As the legacy of Indian classical music strands continues, some of the remarkable compositions are illustrated as ageless jewels. The music piece, “Shyamale Meenakshi Nottuswaram” by Muthuswami Dikshitar, leads the list. This musical piece is considered to be a tribute to Goddess Meenakshi, the main deity of the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Let us delve into understanding the beauty and importance of the Shyamale Meenakshi Nottuswaram while exploring its history, glimpse, structure, and evoked emotions.
A glimpse of Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Legacy
Muthuswami Dikshitar was one of the most iconic Carnatic music composers besides Tyagaraja and Shyama Shastri. During his living period between 1775 and 1835, his compositions were so iconic and a pure reflection of intricate melodies. Usually based on deep philosophical themes and devotions, he stood as a prime example of his talent that encapsulated the focal devotion and vibrance of South India.
Shyamale Meenakshi Composition: A Musical Gem
The Shyamale Meenakshi Nottuswaram is widely known for the provoked contemplative mood. This raga is an expression of deep, emotional connection befitting it as a chosen composition for deities. This particular piece starts with the words “Shyamale Meenakshi, which transcends the magic of Goddess Meenakshi and adorns her beauty and grace.
Scooping from the initiation, the lyrics further describe the wide splendor of the Meenakshi Temple, the most beautiful divine procession which imbibes the presence of goddess Meenakshi herself. This special composition by one of the Trinity of Carnatic music, Muthuswami Dikshitar reveals the curated melodies followed by vivid images of the deities, temples, and rituals.
Importance & Devotion
This specific piece is not just a musical composition but revered as a devotional offering, It is a reflection of the profound devotion of the artist to the goddess and his remarkable revered prestige for the temple. This classical piece is a significant medium to connect with the divine which also allows both the performer and the listener to experience a spiritual transcend.
How to sing Shyamale Meenakshi
To perform this music piece, an individual needs to have a good practice of Carnatic music. The song is set in Shankarabarana Ragam and Adi Talam. The artist needs to be apt in conveying the devotion and its importance as embedded through their music. The gradual rise and low of tempo and elaborative phrases are indeed the scope for precision both technically and emotionally. Use Shruti Box to make sure you stay in pitch.
Undoubtedly, this music composition has been rendered by multiple musicians over the years infused with their styles and interpretations. This diversity has been an add-on to the richness of the piece showcasing the versatility of rich Indian Classical Music.
Shyamale Meenakshi Lyrics in English
Shyamale meenakshi sundareswarasakshi
Shankari guruguha samudhbhave shiveva
pamara mochani pankaja lochani
padmasana vaani hari lakshmi vinuthe shambhavi
Shyamale Meenakshi Notes
Raga: Sanakarabaranam
Tala: Aadi
Aro : S R2 G2 M1 P D2 N2 S
Ava: S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
| S | , | , | R | G | , | M | , | P | , | , | , | P | , | , | . | | | |||
| Sya | – | – | ma | le | – | mi | – | na | – | – | – | Kshi | – | – | – | | | |||
| D | , | , | N | Ṡ | , | Ṡ | N | | | D | , | P | , | M | , | G | , | || | ||
| sun | – | – | da | re | – | sva | ra | | | sa | – | – | – | Kshi | – | – | – | || | ||
| M | , | D | , | M | , | R | , | G | , | P | , | G | , | S | , | | | |||
| San | – | ka | – | ri | – | gu | – | ru | – | gu | – | ha | – | sa | – | | | |||
| R | , | M | , | R | , | Ṇ | , | | | S | , | , | , | S | , | , | , | || | ||
| mud | – | bha | – | ve | – | si | – | | | ve | – | – | – | va | – | – | – | || | ||
| P | , | , | , | P | , | P | , | M | , | , | , | M | , | M | , | | | |||
| pa | – | – | – | ma | – | ra | – | mo | – | – | – | cha | – | ni | – | | | |||
| G | , | , | , | G | , | G | , | | | R | , | , | , | R | , | R | , | || | ||
| pan | – | – | – | ka | – | ja | – | | | lo | – | – | – | cha | – | ni | – | || | ||
| P | , | , | , | P | , | D | P | M | , | , | , | M | , | P | M | | | |||
| pa | – | – | – | dma | – | sa | na | va | – | – | – | ni | – | ha | ri | | | |||
| G | , | , | , | G | , | M | G | | | R | , | , | , | R | , | G | R | || | ||
| la | – | – | – | ksh | mi | vi | nu | | | te | – | – | – | sam | – | bha | vi | || |
Final Thoughts
The artistic composition, Shyamale Meenakshi Nottuswaram is an ageless beauty and a testament to the rich Indian classical music. With the profound vibe of spirituality evoked through the piece, it leaves an impact and respect for the artist Muthuswami Dikshitar in the hearts of thousands. This piece has been legendary in inspiring many musicians and music enthusiasts equally while bridging the gap between devotion and art most beautifully, and indeed remained the crown of the rich Carnatic music compositions.
You can learn Carnatic music from trained Carnatic teachers. For more details check our Online Carnatic Music Classes.
Also check the following famous carnatic songs:
- Maha Ganapatim
- Chinnachiru Kiliye
- Maadu Meikum Kanne
- Ekadantaya Vakratundaya
- Brahmam Okate
- Vathapi Ganapathim
- Aigiri Nandini
- Kandha Sasti Kavasam
- Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma
