Akka Mahadevi's Vachana - Kannada Song by Giridharan.U.R.

Описание: Karnataka, amongst all the states in India, can boast of a special status as far as Indian musical legacy is concerned. It has produced great musicians from both systems of music -- Carnatic as well as Hindustani. And the compositions, known as Vachana-s have a prominent a place in the body of musical lyric that Karnataka has produced over the centuries. Vachana-s, written in Kannada language, are succinct mystic poetries of the 12th century Veerashaiva saints of Karnataka. These Vachana-s form part of our rich poetic and lyrical heritage and contain pearls of wisdom that continue to be relevant even today.

Vachana-s have today become an important part of the Carnatic concert repertoire, especially among the musicians from Karnataka. They can be sung in both free form, and also with rhythm. Since these poems mostly have 3 or 4 lines, many Hindustani musicians have also adapted Vachana-s to the Khayal and Bandish formats.

This is a simple Vachana of Akka Mahadevi, the greatest 12th century Veerashaiva saint. This Vachana was set to Raga Pahadi by none other than the great Hindustani Singer Padmavibhusan Late Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur and ever since, it is a popular song both for Carnatic and Hindustani musicians. Since Vachana-s have universal appeal and have strong rock flavour, they are today rendered by many local rock music bands also. I found this song as a good exercise to improve one's vocal modulatory skill!

The English meaning of this Vachana is as follows:

Oh sister listen I saw a dream
I saw rice, arecanut and coconut.

With cute matted hair and with sparkling white teeth
Saw a mendicant approaching for alms.

While he was crossing me I caught hold of his arms
I saw he was my Lord Channamallikarjuna, but then I woke up dear!

We can easily recognise Raga Pahadi, as it is a very popular tune used for numerous Indian Film songs that have become famous.

Hope you all will like my modest attempt of singing this beautiful Vachana in Raga Pahadi, which is also my first Kannada song upload here! Thank you.