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Dikshitar’s insight
into astrology and science
By Sudha Jagannathan |
Muthuswamy
Dikshitar is well known for his specialized
compositions on various deities. One such group
of compositions is on the nine planets (Navagraha
kritis). These kritis demonstrate Dikshitar’s
skill in Sanskrit, as he brought out the raga mudra
(symbol) in a few kriti.
There are seven principal planets and two chaya
grahas. The kritis are set in sapta (seven) suladi
talas. The kritis are also known as Vara Kirtanas,
sung in praise of deities who preside over each
day of a week.
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Muthuswamy Dikshitar was well known
among the trinity for his in-depth knowledge on
various religious and spiritual subjects.One among
his group compositions consisted of vara kritis,
on each day of a week.Musicologists felt that Dikshitar
had originally composed only seven kritis.Each of
these kritis fall under the suladi sapta talas.The
two other kritis on Rahu and Ketu were additions
and in course of time, this group kritis came to
be called as Navagraha kritis.Nevertheless the Navagraha
kritis also reveal Dikshitar’s insight into
astrology and science.
Legendary vocalist Madurai Mani Iyer had popularized
these Navagraha kritis with his adept rendering.
He was a great worshipper of the planets and firmly
believed that only with the blessings of Navagrahas,
one can overcome the shortcomings in life.Hence,
he made a practice to sing them,during his concerts.
The first kriti “Suryamurte” is in raga
Saurastra and set to Dhruva (catushra) tala(14 beats)
This kriti is in the praise of Sun (Surya) God.
Dikshitar first salutes the Sun, who is the spouse
of Chaya Devi. He is the Lord of Simha Rasi. He
is the friend of Lotus, making it bloom and illuminates
the whole universe with his divine light. He is
the destroyer of all sins and father of Karna of
Mahabharatha. This Sun God has lots of fondness
towards Guruguha.
He is foremost among all planets. He is riding a
chariot with seven horses. Here, the raga mudra
is given as Saurasthrarna Mantra, which is his soul.
Finally, this God (Sun) gives salvation (Mukthi)
to those who worship him.
The second Kriti is “Chandram Bhaja Manasa”
in raga Asaveri and set to Matya (caturashra) Tala.
This kriti is in praise of the presiding deity Moon
(Chandra). Chandra controls the mind. Hence, Dikshitar
asks the mind to sing the praise of Moon, who is
the spouse of Tara. He is worshipped by Devandra(Indra)
and Lokapalakas. He is also the brother of Divine
mother Lakshmi. He produces nectar. He is the creator
of night and the Lord of sixteen Kalas (16 lunar
phases).
He bears the mark of a hare. He is adorned by Lord
Shiva in his crest. He has cool rays and makes peoples’
mind cool. He has four hands (chatur bhuja). Chandra
is one eye to Lord Venkatesha. Chandra came from
Virat Purusha’s mind. He is capable of producing
herbal medicines. He is both cursed and blessed
by Brihaspathi. Chandra is white like a Sharath
Kala (autumn moon). He is adorned with ornaments
like Kankanam (wristlet), Keyura (armlet), Mala(garland)
and Crown. He is very affectionate to Rohini.
The third kriti is “Angarakam” in raga
Surati and set to Rupaka Tala. This kriti is in
praise of the Lord Angaraka. He is the divine Mandara
tree and the presiding deity of Mangalavara (Tuesday).
He is like a Karpaga Vriksha (Manadra tree) to the
people who worship him. He is the son of the Mother
Earth. He is the Lord of Mesha Rasi (Aries) and
Vrishabha (Scorpio) rasi-zodiac. He shines with
a reddish form and adorns weapons like the sword
and trident.
He has the feet and neck, which are very beautiful,
and rides on the goat. His highest apogee-peak is
the Makara rasi(Capricon). He is worshipped by both
gods and demons and has a charming smile. He is
worshipped in the Vaidyanatha Ksethra(near Tanjore).
He is the friend of Surya and Chandra.
The fourth kriti is “Budhamasrayami”
in raga Natakurunji and set to Jhampa(Misra) Tala.
This kriti is in praise of Lord “Budha”,
the son of Chandra and Tara. He is the most intelligent.
He is made happy by Bhusuras. He is capable of composing
sweet poetry. He has a bright form like saffron.
He makes Guruguha delightful with his presence.
He is the enemy of Kuja. He adorns Ratna Krida (gem-studded
crown), necklace and bracelets. He is the presiding
deity of Mithuna (Gemini) and Kanya (Virgo) Rasi.
He is Napumsaka (neuter), devoid of all sins. He
protects the devotees of Lord Shiva. He is always
joyful.
The fifth kriti is “Brihaspathe” in
raga Atana raga and set to Triputa(Tisra) Tala.
The kriti is in praise of “Brihaspathi”-
Guru (Jupiter) Lord of Tara. His father is Lord
Brahma. He is the guru of Devas. He is the commander
of speech. He adorns the Vajrayutha (thunderbolt).
He is the father of Kacha. He is free from old age.
He is like a wish-yielding divine Kalpataru to those
who worship him. He is manifest in the four phases
of speech (Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama and Vaikari).
Para and others shine with his glorified power.
He is the remover of obstacles. He is the author
of Smrithi (Code of Conduct). He grants the fruits
of sacrifices. He makes Paramashiva and Guruguha
delightful.
The sixth kriti is “Sri Sukra” in raga
Paras and set to Ata (Khanda) Tala. This kriti is
in praise of “Sukra”(Venus), who has
complete knowledge of all truths. He is a poet and
the authority for marital success. He is the Lord
of Rishabha (Tauras) and Tula (Libra) zodiac (rasi).
He is the guru of the Asuras. He got back his one
eye by the grace of Keshava. He wears a crown and
his body is white. He takes twenty years to complete
one rotation. He is a poet. He is hostile towards
Sun and Jupiter. He grants Royal richness and delight’s
Guruguha.
The Seventh kriti is “Divakara Tanujam”
in raga Yadukulakambhoji set to Eka (chaturashra)
Tala. This kriti is in praise of “Shani”,
the son of Surya who is very courageous. He causes
fear in people, who are deep rooted to worldly life.
He is capable of giving auspicious rewards to worshippers
of Lord Shiva. He is dark. He is the brother of
Lord Yama. He rides on the crow and is dressed in
blue. He is fearless. He is also adorned with blue
sapphire stones and blue garland of flowers. He
delights in lamps lit with sesame oil and rice cooked
with sesame seeds. He is the Lord of Makara and
Kumbha Rasi. He is Kamadhenu (divine cow) in wish
granting and son of Chaya Devi.
The eighth kriti is “Smaramyaham” in
raga Ramamanohari and set to Rupaka Tala. This kriti
is in praise of “Rahu,” who is being
looked at by Surya and Chandra. His body is distorted.
He has qualities of both the Devas (celestial) and
Asuras (demons). He will drive away the fear of
poisonous serpents (Sarpas) from the mind of devotees.
He is seated in a Surpasana and carries the Trident
weapon. “Kayanarna” mantra makes him
delightful. He looks at devotees with compassion.
He has four hands (Chatur Bhuja). He is adorned
with the weapons like Sword (Katkam) and armour
(Ketaya). He wears a blue dress. He is adorned with
the Komethaka gems ornaments. He is the friend of
Lord Sani and Sukra and makes Guruguha happy.
The Ninth kriti is “Mahasuram” in raga
Chamaram and set to Rupaka Tala. This kriti is in
praise of “Ketu,” the extremely powerful
among Asuras (demons). He is the top most of the
Chaya Graha (Demons). He is adorned with an extraordinary
crown and silk garments. He is seated on a human
being. He likes to take the horse- grain (Kuluttha)
as his food. He is amidst nine planets. He is born
of the Jaimini lineage, whose weapon is anger. He
is pleased while chanted with the hymns “Ketum
Krnvan”. He bears the white chamara (umbrella)
belonging to Guruguha. He is the ornament of good
people, who have defeated the guna doshas (good
and bad). He is the reason for causing eclipses.
He rotates all the planets in anti-clockwise direction.
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