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Lyrics & meaning

Harivaraasanam Vishvamohanam

From Swami Ayyappan · 1975

Lyricist
Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, Chorus
Music director
G. Devarajan
Details
Swami Ayyappan1975

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Harivaraasanam vishvamohanamThe one seated on Hari's blessed throne, the enchanter of the entire universe,
Haridhadheeshvaram aaraadhyapadhukamThe Lord worshipped by the guardians of directions, whose divine sandals are revered,
Arivimardhanam nithyanarthanamThe destroyer of foes and ignorance, who performs the eternal cosmic dance,
Hariharaatmajam dhevamashrayaeI take refuge in the divine Lord, the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva).
Male
Sharanakeerthanam sakthamaanasamHe whose mind is pleased by hymns of total surrender,
Bharanalolupam narthanaalasamWho delights in sustaining the universe and revels in graceful dance,
Arunabaasuram boothanaayakamRadiant like the glowing dawn sun, the master of all living beings,
Hariharaatmajam dhevamashrayaeI take refuge in the divine Lord, the son of Hari and Hara.
Male
Kalamrudusmitham sundharaananamAdorned with a sweet, tender smile and a remarkably beautiful face,
Kalabhakomalam gaathramohanamGentle like a young elephant, with a captivating and enchanting form,
Kalabhakaesari vaajivaahanamWho rides upon majestic mounts like elephants, lions, and horses,
Hariharaatmajam dhevamashrayaeI take refuge in the divine Lord, the son of Hari and Hara.
Male
Shrithajanapriyam chinthithapradhamBeloved by those who seek sanctuary in Him, the fulfiller of all wishes,
Sruthivibhooshanam saadhujeevanamThe ornament of the holy scriptures, the very soul of saintly lives,
Sruthimanoharam geethalaalasamEnchanting to hear, who delights deeply in devotional songs,
Hariharaatmajam dhevamashrayaeI take refuge in the divine Lord, the son of Hari and Hara.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Harivarasanam' (also known as Hariharatmaja Ashtakam) is a revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Ayyappan (Hariharaatmaja), who was born of the divine union between Lord Vishnu (in his Mohini form) and Lord Shiva. The song systematically extols the deity's cosmic charm, benevolent nature, divine weapons/mounts, and compassionate protection offered to devotees who surrender to Him with pure hearts.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Refrain / Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Hariharaatmajam dhevamashrayae

The line 'Hariharaatmajam dhevamashrayae' serves as a rhythmic refrain repeated at the end of every quatrain to reinforce total surrender.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Shrithajanapriyam chinthithapradham / Sruthivibhooshanam saadhujeevanam / Sruthimanoharam geethalaalasam

Repetition of the 'Shri/Sru' sound at the beginning of adjacent phrases creates a soothing, hypnotic auditory cadence.

Imagery / Metaphor

Arunabaasuram boothanaayakam

Compares the Lord's brilliant aura to 'Aruna' (the radiant rising sun), visually symbolizing the awakening of spiritual wisdom.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Harivarasanam' was composed by Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer in 1948 and became immortalized after being featured in the 1975 film 'Swami Ayyappan'. Tuned by G. Devarajan and sung by the legendary K. J. Yesudas, this rendered version is famously played every night as the official lullaby (Urapattu) at the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple before the sanctum sanctorum doors are closed.

Keep listening

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