En Manam Usalada / Simhendramadhyamam / Adi / Papanasam Sivan / K V Narayanaswamy

Krithi: En Manam Usalada
Ragam: Simhendramadhyamam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Papanasam Sivan

Vocal: K V Narayanaswamy

Palghat Kollengode Viswanathan Narayanaswamy (popularly known as K. V. Narayanaswamy or KVN) was born on 15 November 1923 in Palakkad, Kerala, into a Tamil Brahmin family with a strong musical tradition. His early exposure to Carnatic music came from his mother, who was a trained musician. K. V. Narayanaswamy was one of the most revered Carnatic vocalists of the 20th century, known for his meditative and soulful music. KVN was initially trained by C. S. Krishna Iyer, a violinist and vocalist. Later, he became a disciple of the legendary Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, whose bhani (style) emphasized clarity in sahitya (lyrics), a balanced approach to melody and rhythm, and a structured concert format. KVN deeply imbibed these principles, shaping his unique style. He also learned from T. Brinda, a renowned Veena Dhanammal lineage musician, who influenced his rendition of padams and javalis. KVN’s concerts were marked by their serenity, clarity, and bhava-laden renditions. He was known for his impeccable shruti alignment, smooth voice modulation, and an ability to bring out the essence of a raga with minimal ornamentation. His performances were deeply introspective, rich in emotion (bhava), and carried a sense of devotion (bhakti). KVN received several prestigious awards, including Sangeetha Kalanidhi (1986) – The highest honor in Carnatic music, awarded by the Music Academy, Chennai, Padma Shri (1976) , Sangeet Natak Akademi Award,Sangeetha Kalasikhamani etc. KVN remained humble and devoted to music throughout his life. He passed away on 1 April 2002, leaving behind a treasure trove of classical music that still resonates with listeners.

Co-Artists: Details Not available

This krithi is a prayer to Sri Rajarajeswari the divine Mother worshipped at Nanganallur ( Near Chennai ). Papanasam Sivan expresses deep restlessness and a yearning for peace, admitting that the heart can never find steadiness without her divine grace. In a world filled with falsehood and restless minds, he seeks refuge in the Goddess, who is beyond words and thought, the very embodiment of all auspiciousness. Rajarajeswari, who dwells among virtuous devotees, blesses them with purity, peace, and divine protection.

Pallavi
En manam usalada vidalama en anaiye un adimai

Anupallavi
Dunmati padarnda turthargal nirainda tollulagil allodu pagalum uzhalum

Charanam
Shol manam ethada swayambhu maheshan tuyidam amarnda sarva manngale
Tollurgalil nar-gunashilar nirai nanganallur valar raja rajeswari

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Meaning:

O Mother, can my heart ever find steadiness? I am your devoted servant.

In this ancient world, full of slanderers and wicked-minded people, I wander restlessly day and night.

O all-auspicious one, who resides in the pure abode of Swayambhu ( Lord Siva, the self-born one) Mahesa, beyond the reach of words and mind, O Queen of Queens, Rajarajeswari shining in the sacred town of Nanganallur , rich with ancient heritage and noble souls.

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