On a momentous evening at the Krishna Gana Sabha in Chennai, the much-anticipated album, “Divya Pasurams,” was officially launched amidst an air of spiritual reverence and musical grandeur. This special album, which features pasurams (hymns) from the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, has been set to music by the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja. The event, organized by Mercuri Foundation, marked a significant contribution to Tamil devotional music and brought together an esteemed audience.
“Divya Pasurams” is an extraordinary collection that derives its lyrical content from the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham, a revered compilation of 4,000 verses penned by the 12 Alwars, who are celebrated Tamil poet-saints. Out of these 4,000 verses, eight carefully selected pasurams have been musically interpreted in the album. Ilaiyaraaja, a maestro with an unparalleled musical legacy, has applied his unique touch to these devotional hymns, creating a blend of spirituality and harmony.
During the launch event, Ilaiyaraaja shared his journey and the inspiration behind this project. He noted that after the success of his previous work, “Thiruvasagam,” many admirers and well-wishers had encouraged him to compose music for the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham. He reflected on how everything has its ordained time, and for him, the moment to embark on this project had come at the right time.
As the hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Pallandu Pallandu” filled the auditorium, Ilaiyaraaja ceremoniously handed over the first copy of the album to Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy. The revered saint lauded Ilaiyaraaja’s dedication to devotional music. “Everyone sings these verses, but Mr. Ilaiyaraaja has added beautiful music to them and dedicated this to the world today. We are moved by his devotion, commitment, dedication, and charitable attitude,” said the seer, appreciating the maestro’s contribution to spiritual music.
The event also featured prominent speakers who hailed Ilaiyaraaja’s work. Tamil scholar D. Gnanasundaram and the esteemed U.
. Ve. Venkatesh offered insightful remarks on the significance of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham and the transformative power of music. They praised Ilaiyaraaja for his ability to interpret and enhance these ancient hymns in a manner that resonates with both contemporary and traditional audiences.
The evening was an amalgamation of music, dance, and spiritual discourse. Celebrated spiritual speaker Srinithi delivered an engaging discourse that provided deeper insights into the hymns featured in “Divya Pasurams.” Her words underscored the spiritual depth and the historical significance of the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham. Following this, Anitha Guha’s Bharathanjali group delivered a mesmerizing dance performance, further enriching the cultural experience of the evening. The dancers eloquently expressed the poetic beauty and the divine essence of the pasurams through their intricate movements and expressions.
The impact of the “Divya Pasurams” album extends beyond its musical richness. It serves as a cultural bridge that connects the present generation with the timeless traditions and the profound spiritual legacy of the Tamil Alwars. This album is not just a collection of songs; it is an artistic homage to devotion and faith, encapsulated through Ilaiyaraaja’s unparalleled musical genius.
The launch of “Divya Pasurams” at Krishna Gana Sabha was more than an album release; it was a celebration of devotion and music, bringing together a confluence of revered personalities, scholars, artists, and music aficionados. The meticulous selection of pasurams, the profound narration by scholars, the stirring music by Ilaiyaraaja, and the multifaceted artistic performances all contributed to making the event a remarkable milestone in the world of Tamil devotional music.
In conclusion, Ilaiyaraaja’s “Divya Pasurams” is set to become a cherished addition to the canon of devotional music. The album harmoniously merges the spiritual fervor of the Alwars’ hymns with Ilaiyaraaja’s musical brilliance, offering listeners an ethereal experience. The launch event at Krishna Gana Sabha not only celebrated the album but also underscored the enduring power of music to uplift the spirit and connect the soul to the divine.
