Pancha shatpeeda rupini / Karnataka Devagandhari/ Adi / Dikshidar / Manakkal S Rangarajan

Krithi: Pancha shatpeeda rupini
Ragam: Karnataka Devagandhari
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Muthuswami Dikshidar
Vocal: Manakkal S Rangarajan
Manakkal S Rangarajan (13 September 1922 - 26 February 2019) was a renowned Carnatic vocalist known for his mastery over brigas (fast-paced melodic phrases), rare ragas, and complex Pallavis. Hailing from Manakkal village in Trichy District, Tamil Nadu, he belonged to a distinguished musical lineage, with his father Santhana Krishna Bhagavathar being a respected musician. With a career spanning over six decades, Rangarajan was celebrated for his ability to render compositions with electrifying speed as well as deep, meditative grace. His expertise extended across all three octaves (Thri Sthayi specialist), and his ability to blend intricate mathematical precision with expressive melodic beauty set him apart. Rangarajan performed across India and abroad, sharing the stage with legendary musicians, including Mysore T. Chowdiah (Violin),Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai (Violin),Palghat Mani Iyer (Mridangam),Nagercoil Ganesa Iyer (Mridangam),Palani Subramania Pillai (Mridangam). He had a special rapport with Chowdiah, with whom he often engaged in exhilarating improvisational exchanges on stage. He was the only musician to perform on AIR Chennai since its inception without repeating a single song. For 60 consecutive years, he participated in the Tyagaraja Aradhana festival in Thiruvaiyaru, paying homage to Saint Tyagaraja. His rare Pallavi demonstrations at the Madras Music Academy, using both hands for Thalam in different Nadais, were widely acclaimed. His ability to render Apoorva Ragas (rare ragas) with ease made him a standout artist. Rangarajan remained deeply committed to classical traditions, refusing to compromise for commercial appeal. He often performed alongside his entire family, including his wife, children, and daughter-in-law, creating a unique family ensemble in Carnatic music. Even in his 80s, Rangarajan continued to perform with an evergreen voice. He passed away on 26 February 2019 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled musicianship, discipline, and dedication to Carnatic music. His influence continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.
Violin: Karaikudi M S Mani
Mridangam: Mankkal R Sriram
This composition is a prayer to Goddess Raja Rajeshwari, who is the supreme divine mother. Muthuswami Dikshidar seeks her protection and grace, praising her as the embodiment of divine consciousness, remover of suffering, bestower of boons, and one who delights in music and devotion. The krithi also highlights her connection to Lord Vishnu (Padmanabha) and Lord Shiva (Shankari) and her role as the governing force of time and space.
Pallavi
Panchashat peeda rupini mam pahi sri raja rajeshwari
Anupallavi
Pancha dashakshari pandya kumari padmanabha sahodari shankari
Charanam
Devi jagajjanani chidrupini devadinutha guruguha rupini
Deshakala pravarttini maha deva manollasini niranjani
(Madhyamakalam)
Devarajamuni shapavimochani devagandhara raga toshini
Bhava raga tala vishwasini bhaktajanapriya phala pradayini
--------------------------------------------------------------
Meaning:
O Sri Raja Rajeshwari, the Divine Mother, who embodies the dwelling seats, please protect me.
You are the Goddess of the sacred fifteen-syllabled mantra . You are the young goddess of the Pandya kingdom.You are the sister of Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) and the consort of Lord Shiva .
O Goddess, the universal mother, you are the embodiment of pure consciousness. You are praised by all Devas and others and who takes the form of Guruguha. You govern time and space, You bring great joy to Lord Shiva and You are the pure and untainted one.
(Madhyamakalam)
You absolve the curses of celestial sages, You delight in the melodious raga Devagandhari.You instill faith in Bhava (devotion), Raga (melody), and Tala (rhythm).You bestow desired blessings upon your devoted worshippers.
--------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER : These songs have been uploaded for hearing pleasure only and as an archive for Carnatic music. By this I don't wish to violate any copyrights owned by the respective owners of these songs if any. I don't own any copyright of the songs myself. If anything is in violation of the copyright you own, then please let me know, I shall remove it from my TH-cam channel.

[@plnmurthy6587]

What an extraordinary rendition. Divine voice and melodious voice. Literally I was in sublime while listening. Inexplicable in words. Total blissful. Great Artist.

[@vanajaseshan9028]

What a great musician. His melodious voice was a treat to listen.

[@sasthamaniiyer9718]

Great rendition. Wonderful. Great vidwan.

[@krishnamanian]

"AdiyEn 1OO% agree in full agreement with those who warmly and unreservedly praise Gana Kalatharar 'MaNakkaaL S. Rangarajan || Alas he is no more living with us. However, we could hear his singing in audiotapes. And that is blessing. AdiyEn is fortunate to hear his audiocassettes from 'Giri Trading Agencis, Sri Kapaleeswarar Koil Main Strret, Mylapore, Chennai." -- "M.K .Subramanian."