Listening to Thiruvasagam In Symphony is a Mystical experience.
Thiruvasagam is the 8th of the 12 grand devotional texts on Lord Siva known as Panniru Thirumurai, which form the basis of the Saiva siddhantha philosophy, which according to many is the most refined form of Hindu philisophy beginning right from the Vedas, Upanishads, Vendanta and so on.
Thiruvasagam was sung by Manikkavasagar a great devotee of Lord Siva, it contains the very essence of Bhakti. The idea is to reach the abode of Lord Siva and the steps needed to do that. The songs are dipped in honey, poetically and devotionally. There is a saying that one who is not moved by Thiruvasagam, will not be moved by anything.
Bringing this ancient text of a nector to the reach of the 21th century has been a great service to the humanity. so that we can all enjoy the taste of this nector. Giving more life and more bhakti to Thiruvasagam, Ilayaraja in this new venture has created a masterpiece.
The music is mystical true to the nature of Thiruvasagam. transports you to a different realm. takes you closer to your Self. aids in the Self discovery. being a universal effort coming from musicians form across the globe, this is indeed a grand work. I am not eligible to talk about the grammar of music employed. But from a perspective of experience, this is one of the best . This is truely a cultural cross-over.
My idea about this work changed more and more I listened to it, and more I took effort to understand the meaning fo the songs.
I just now listened to the first song ’Poovar Cenni Mannan..’ for the nth time and I could feel a current run thru my body as I listedn to it with more understanding. This song is about the souls journey to the eternal abode of Siva. simply marvelous.
The second song ’Poyya Vineyen’ which is the peek of the multi cultural work, contains several verses in different forms of music melding together seamlessly, and making you feel the meaning of the words.
The last song ’Puttril Vaazh Aravum Anjen’ is a very soothing song about fearless ness to the illusions and distractions of the material world.
There are six songs in total and would serve as a life long companion in your spiritual journeys. Being illiterate in the musical nuances, I could not elaborate ont he finer points of compositions, but I would very strongly recommend listening to these songs a few times to get the taste of it, once you do that, then no need for any grammar, no need for rules..it just melts you.
This album is a keeper!