Muthai Tharu | Thiruppugazh by Arunagirinathar | Aruna Sairam

#arunasairam #spiritual #arunagirinathar #thyagaraja

Aruna Sairam presents a stirring performance of this sacred hymn as part of the "Guru Nanak's Message of Peace through Music" project. Explore the lyrics and translation below to discover the profound meaning behind this composition and why it was chosen for this special project.

About the song
"Muthai Tharu" is a sacred Tamil hymn from the Thiruppugazh, composed by the 15th-century saint-poet Arunagirinathar in praise of Lord Murugan. This was his first composition following a profound spiritual transformation, marking his turn towards a devoted life.

Lyrics with Transliteration & Translation
Muthai tharu patthi thirunagai atthikkirai satthi Saravana
O pure and gracious Lord of Thiruchendur who grants the pearl of wisdom and devotion, who resides near the sacred river, I bow to you, Saravana

Mutthikkoru vitthu guru para ena odhum
You are the seed that gives the pearl of liberation; the ultimate Guru, the Supreme Being

Mukkat para marku churuthiyin murpattadhu karpith thiruvarum
You taught even the great three-eyed Shiva, revealing the secret of the sacred syllable 'Om'

Muppatthu muvargath thamararum adi pena
The thirty-three gods and celestial beings worship at your feet

Patthu thalai thatthak kanaithodu otrai giri matthaip porudhoru
The one who fought the demon with ten heads using a single mountain as his weapon

Pattap pagal vattath thigiriyil iravaaga
Who made bright daylight appear even in the dark night by his divine radiance

Pattharkira thatthaik kadaviya pacchaippuyal mecchath thagu porul
The green storm-like divine one who removes the obstacles of devotees and showers blessings

Patchatthodu rakshiththarulvadhum oru naale
Who protects and redeems those who worship him with sincerity

Thitthitheya otthap paripura nirttha padham vaitthup Bhairavi
The one whose graceful dance is performed with precision, under the gaze of Goddess Bhairavi

Dikkotka nadikkak kazhugodu kazhudhaada
When he dances, even the directions sway, the eagle and the donkey move in rhythm

Dhikkup pari attap Bhairavar thokku thoku thokkuth thoku thoku
Even fierce Bhairavas join in rhythm, striking the beat in devotion

Chithrappavurikkuth thrigadaga ena odha
The sacred drum resounds beautifully in his praise

Kotthup parai kottak kalamisai kukku kukukuku kukukuku
Drums beat and instruments play melodiously, filling the air

Kutthip pudhai pukku pidiyena mudhukoogai
Adorned with sacred ash and garlands, he dances with unmatched charm

Kotputrezha natpatr avunarai vetti baliyittuk kulagiri
The one who destroyed the arrogant demons and offered them as sacrifice at the holy hill

Kutthup pada otthup poravala perumaale
O Great Lord, who dances and grants victory to your devotees!

Composed by Saint Arunagirinathar (15th century)
Part of the Thiruppugazh collection

About the Project

Performance Date: 6 April 2025  
Venue: Barbican Centre, London  
This project explored how Guru Nanak’s timeless message of equality, compassion and spiritual awakening continues to resonate. Music was central to his mission—he travelled with Bhai Mardana, a Muslim rababi, using song to share spiritual wisdom beyond caste and creed. Darbar honoured this tradition by bringing musicians of diverse faiths onto one stage, spreading unity and peace.  

 

*Credits*:

Musicians
Aruna Sairam (carnatic vocals) 
Zeeshan Ali (sufi vocals) 
Bhai Anantvir Singh (kirtania) 
Amrita Kaur (kirtania) 
Momin Khan (sarangi) 
Patri Satish Kumar (mridangam) 
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam) 
Surdarshan Chana  (tabla & jori) 
Gurdain Rayatt (tabla) 
Beibei Wang (da ga drum) 

 

Darbar Team
Sandeep Virdee OBE (Artistic Director) 
Simrat Lall (Darbar Festival Manager) 
María Guardiola (Festivals and Events Manager) 
Depesh Patel (Events Manager) 
Jamie Craven (Head of Design) 
Rahul Ravindran (Creative Video Editor) 
Sana Ejaz (Marketing Executive) 
Zahabiya Patharia (Marketing Executive) 
Christoph Bracher (Head of Sound) 

 

Filming Crew
Pritpal Sagoo (Digital Consultant) 
Gurwinder Soor (Content Creator and Platform Manager) 
Tom Grancia (Technical Production) 
Carl Owen (Camera Operator) 
Chris Connel (Camera Operator) 
Anup Parmar (Camera Operator) 
Nick Morchang (Camera Operator) 

 

Technical Team
Phil Jones (Front of House Sound) 
John Duckett (Sound Monitors) 
Mark Gardner (Lighting Designer) 
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Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir and inspire. Since 2006, we have delivered live events, education, broadcasts and digital experiences, while supporting new talent from India and the UK. 

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