Uyyalalugavayya / Neelambari / Khandachap / Thyagaraja / Neyyattinkara Vasudevan

Krithi: Uyyalalugavayya
Ragam: Neelambari
Thalam: Khandachap
Composer: Thyagaraja

Vocal: Neyyattinkara Vasudevan

Sri.Neyyattinkara Vasudevan was a renowned Carnatic vocalist from Kerala, widely respected for his dedication to classical music and his pioneering role in breaking social barriers within the Carnatic tradition. Born in 1940 in Neyyattinkara, a town near Thiruvananthapuram, Vasudevan grew up in humble circumstances but displayed an early passion for music. He pursued formal training at the Swathi Thirunal Music College, graduating with honors in Ganabhushanam (1960) and Sangeetha Vidwan (1962). His musical foundation was shaped by great masters including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and Ramnad Krishnan, who guided him through rigorous training and refinement of his art. Vasudevan's career took off when he became Assistant Professor at RLV College of Music in Tripunithura, where he flourished both as a performer and a teacher. In 1974, he joined All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram, as an ‘A Grade’ staff artist, and was later honored with the rare ‘A Top’ rank in Carnatic vocal music. Known for his strict adherence to classical tradition while innovating within its bounds, Vasudevan was acclaimed for his emotive raga renderings, clean diction, and mastery of rakthi ragas. His performances were marked by perfect tempo, compact swaraprastharas, and deep rapport with accompanists and audiences. He gained acclaim throughout India and internationally, performing in countries such as the U.S., Canada, UAE, and Oman. Vasudevan was a tireless promoter of Swathi Thirunal’s compositions and performed regularly at prestigious venues including the Madras Music Academy, where he received multiple awards for Best Vocalist. His many accolades include the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award (1982), its Fellowship (1989), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Carnatic Music (2000), and the Swathi Puraskaram (2007). He was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2004 and was titled "Asthana Vidwan" by the Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh, USA in 1984. Sri Neyyattinkara Vasudevan passed away on May 13, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence and a path for future generations to follow.

Violin: M Chandrasekaran
Mridangam: Tanjavur Upendran

This beautiful Utsava Sampradaya Kirthana (traditional festival song) by Thyagaraja swamy describes a sacred service performed for the deities at night, where devotees sing lullabies to Lord Rama, lovingly rocking him in a cradle and experiencing immense joy and devotion. The composition itself is a lullaby-like prayer, a tender and emotional outpouring of love for Rama. Through this song, Thyagaraja portrays the Lord as the compassionate protector of his devotees, adored by gods and sages alike, while depicting himself as a humble child yearning for the Lord’s comforting and affectionate presence.

Pallavi
Uyyalalugavayya sri rama

Anupallavi
Sayyata patalanu sat-sarvabhauma

Charanam 1
Kamalajadyakhila surulu ninu koluva vimalulaina munIndrulu
dhyanimpa kamanIya bhagavatulu guna kirtanamulu nalapambula seyaga

Charanam 2
Naradadulu merayachu nutiyimpa saramulu baga vinuchu ninnu
nammuvarala sada brochuchu veda sara saphalanu juchuchu sri rama

Charanam 3
Nava mohanangulaina sura satulu vivaramuga badaga ni bhagyama
navaratna mantapamuna tyagaraja vinutakrti bunina sri rama

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Meaning:

O Lord Sri Rama, may you swing gently in the cradle as I lovingly rock you. O Supreme Emperor among the noble, listen to these sweet lullabies that I sing for you.

The gods beginning with Brahma and all the celestials worship you, the pure and great sages adore you. The charming devotees meditate upon you and sing melodious praises of your divine qualities.

Sage Narada and others, shining with devotion, sing your praises, those who listen to those songs with reverence absorb their true essence and realize you. O Sri Rama, You ever protect those who have faith in you, granting them the fruition of the very essence of the Vedas.

O my good fortune, While the youthful, charming, and graceful celestial maidens sing in detail, O Lord Sri Rama, who has assumed the form praised by this Thyagaraja, bless me with your grace.

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