Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Divine Kamalamba Navavarana Kritis rendered by Legends, A Grand 250th Tribute

Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775–1835) stands as a monumental figure in Carnatic music, renowned for his profound contributions that seamlessly blend musical mastery with deep spiritual insight. As one of the illustrious Trinity of Carnatic composers, his works are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship, scholarly depth, and devotional fervor. Among his numerous compositions, the Kamalamba Navavarana Kritis hold a distinguished place, epitomizing the confluence of art and spirituality.

The Kamalamba Navavarana Kritis are a set of eleven compositions dedicated to Goddess Kamalamba, enshrined in the Thyagaraja Temple of Tiruvarur. Each kriti is meticulously crafted in a distinct raga and tala, embodying the essence of the corresponding avaranam and facilitating a musical journey through the layers of the Sri Chakra.

The rendition of this classic cycle of compositions begin with an invocatory song on Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga.

00:00:00 - Gowla - Sri Maha Ganapathiravathu Mam - Misra Chapu
by Alathur Brothers

00:08:46 - Surutti - Balasubramanyam Bhajeham - Adi
by RK Srikantan

The 11 Navavarna kritis are as follows:

Dhyana Kriti
Serves as a meditative invocation, preparing the devotee for the ensuing spiritual journey.​ Utilizes the vocative case, directly addressing the Goddess and seeking her benevolent presence.
00:13:01 - Thodi - Alapana
00:24:49 - Thodi - Kamalambike - Rupakam
by MS Subbulakshmi

1st Avaranam
Trailokyamohana Chakra ("Enchanter of the Three Worlds")
Represents the outermost enclosure, symbolizing the material realm and its allurements.​ The soothing Anandabhairavi raga complements the theme of divine protection amidst worldly enticements.
00:40:30 - Anandabhairavi - Alapana
00:45:46 - Anandabhairavi - Kamalamba Samrakshathu - Misra Chapu
by Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer

2nd Avaranam
Sarvasaparipuraka Chakra ("Fulfillment of All Desires")​
Denotes the sixteen-petaled lotus, associated with the fulfillment of noble desires.​ The grandeur of Kalyani raga reflects the completeness and auspiciousness of this chakra.​
00:57:51 - Kalyani - Alapana
01:14:00 - Kalyani - Kamalambam Bhajare - Adi
by ML Vasanthakumari

3rd Avaranam
Sarvasamkshobana Chakra ("Agitator of All")​
Embodies the eight-petaled lotus, signifying the stirring of the soul towards spiritual awakening.​ Shankarabharanam's majestic tone mirrors the transformative energy of this chakra.
01:27:46 - Shankarabharanam - Alapana
01:38:44 - Shankarabharanam - Sri Kamalambikaya Katakshitoham - Rupakam
by DK Jayaraman

4th Avaranam
Sarvasaubhagyadayaka Chakra ("Bestower of All Prosperity")​
Relates to the fourteen-triangle enclosure, associated with bestowing auspiciousness and prosperity.​ The expansive nature of Kambhoji raga aligns with the chakra's theme of abundance.
01:50:08 - Kambhoji - Kamalambikayai - Ata
by S Rajam

5th Avaranam
Sarvarthasadhaka Chakra ("Accomplisher of All Purposes")​
Pertains to the ten-triangle enclosure, emphasizing the fulfillment of all endeavors.​ Bhairavi's depth and intensity convey the chakra's potent energies.
02:00:15 - Bhairavi - Alapana
02:15:43 - Bhairavi - Sri Kamalambayah param - Misra Jampa
by Madurai Mani Iyer

6th Avaranam
Sarvaraksakara Chakra ("Protector of All")​
Represents the ten-triangle enclosure, focusing on divine protection.​ The haunting melody of Punnagavarali evokes a sense of seeking refuge and protection.
02:23:17 - Punnagavarali - Kamalambikayaastava - Rupakam
by Mani Krishnaswami

7th Avaranam
Sarvarogahara Chakra ("Curer of All Diseases")​
Corresponds to the eight-triangle enclosure, symbolizing the eradication of all ailments and the attainment of perfect health.​ The gentle and soothing nature of Sahana raga reflects the healing and nurturing qualities associated with this chakra.​
02:33:03 - Sahana - Alapana
02:42:19 - Sahana - Sri Kamalambikayam - Tisra Triputa
by Ramnad Krishnan

8th Avaranam
Sarvasiddhiprada Chakra ("Granter of All Perfections")​
Pertains to the three-triangle enclosure, representing the bestowal of all accomplishments and spiritual perfections.​ The rare and evocative Ghanta raga enhances the mystic and profound nature of this chakra.​
02:48:16 - Ghanta - Sri Kamalambike - Adi
by T Viswanathan

9th Avaranam
Sarvanandamaya Chakra ("Full of All Bliss")​
Corresponds to the innermost point, the bindu, symbolizing the ultimate state of bliss and unity with the divine.​ Ahiri raga's poignant and meditative quality encapsulates the profound bliss and serenity of this chakra
02:54:29 - Ahiri - Alapana
02:56:36 - Ahiri - Sri Kamalamba Jayati - Rupakam
by M Balamuralikrishna

Mangala Kriti
Serves as the concluding piece, offering auspicious closure to the musical and spiritual journey.​ The use of Sri raga, traditionally associated with auspiciousness, reinforces the sense of completion and benediction.​
03:08:02 - Sri - Sri Kamalambike - Khanda Ekam
by T Brinda