A note from our hearts...
We recently happened to listen to a recording of Shri. Sanjay Subrahmanyan where he had sung a Shri. Arunachala Kavi composition, "Rama Saami Dhoothan Naanada". The tune in itself was impressive with the right elements of Drama, Musicality and Nuances that pushed us to immediately learn this Krithi. The choice of Raga Bahudari for a song with a powerful message (Hanuman warning Ravana of dire consequences if he does not return Sita Maa back to Sri Rama immediately) in itself was intriguing. There is even diplomacy at play where Hanuman tells Ravana that inspite of his knowledge of Music and Vedas (The Carrot), he is still treading the wrong path towards being decimated by Sri Rama (The Stick). We got into action and started learning the song from recordings that were available.
During the month of May 2024, we sang this composition for the very first time in the Vasanthothsavam Celebrations of the Sree Seetha Ramaswamy Temple, Trichur. This happens to be our Family Temple.
As the rendition of the song began, some sat up straight, some started clapping in rhythm, some had tears in their eyes, some had a smile on their face imagining the context of the song and some were just closing their eyes and nodding in rapt attention. All this, just as we sang the first line "Rama Saami Dhoothan Naanada! Adada Ravana! Naanada Yen Per Hanumanada!" (I am the Devotee of Sri Rama, Oh Ravana, My Name is Hanuman). The tune is like a statement in itself.
The energy was palpable, and the not one among the housefull audience that had turned up could hold their emotions and excitement! Such is the power of this composition, "Ramasaamidhoothan".
While the Lyrics comes from Shri Aruncahalakavi , it was only a few weeks ago, that we learnt that the composition was tuned in Raga Bahudari, by none other than Shri. Sanjay Subrahmanyan himself.
As we were in the process of learning the Krithi, there were a few aspects and flow of phrases in the composition, that continued to intrigue us. For instance, 'Naanada Yen Per Hanumanada', where ascending notes have been used, felt like the visualisation of the mountain of Tail, on which Lord Hanuman seated himself while making this statement. The visualisation that ran in our mind was also the effect of having watched the Sampoorna Ramayanam Film as kids, a million times. Another instance is where Hanuman reprimands Ravana by saying "Dont let your inappropriate desires land you in a well of trouble", where the first part is at a high notation, tune wise, highlighting the very basis of Ramayana which was the unjust abduction of Sita Maa and the latter part uses descending notes, to give the impact of falling into a well. Whether this was planned or an inspired impromptu phraseology, only Shri. Sanjay can say, but the composition certainly has the power to tug at the strings of your heart, both as musicians and listeners.
Here is a humble message of gratitude to Shri. Arunachala Kavirayar for the divine and nerve tickling Sahithya/Lyrics and to Shri. Sanjay Subrahmanyan , for tuning it so aptly in Ragam Bahudari, the unimaginable Sancharas so beautifully woven together, bringing out every nuance and aspect of the composition, musically and contextually, in its fullest glory!
Thanking you
Sincerely,
Trichur Brothers
