A cradle of Culture
Lakshmi Varaham
Sri Lakshmi Varaham
Dikshithar composed this piece when he visited the Lakshmi Varaha Swamy temple in Kallidaikurichi, a beautiful small village aptly named kal + idai + kurichi translating to "town sandwiched between hills", on the banks of river Taamaraparni. The Lakshmi Varaha Sannidhi here is famous one and the Lord Kubera here is considered very special.
Pallavi:
Shree Lakshmi Varaaham Bhajeham
Shree Lakshmi Sahitham Srithajana Shubha Pradham
I worship Lord Lakshmi Varaha, who is in the company of Goddess Lakshmi and gives happiness and prosperity to those who take refuge in him.
The pallavi goes as "Sa Dha Ma Ga Ri Sa in its avarohanam - abhogi raga scale. The "Sa Dha Ma" notes are sung flat and simple. The pallavi is a wonderful introduction to the song.
In the Anupallavi he embellishes the Lord further.
Anupallavi:
Neela Megha Ghana Shyamala Gaathram
Neela Bhudevi Sthuthi Paathram
Neelakanta Shiva Guruguha Mithram
Nikhila Bhaktha Jana Bhayaarthi Daathram
Meaning:
Whose body is a dark blue-black in colour, resembling the dark rain-bearing clouds, who is the object of praise of Niladevi and Bhudevi. He is the friend of the blue necked Lord Shiva and Lord Subrahmanya. He removes fears and miseries of all his devotees. The mudhra "guruguha" is beautifully intertwined as he refers to Lord Subrahmanya.
Charanam:
Mangalaalayaa Abhogi nutha Padam
Pungava Budhajana Natham Vedanutham
Shankara Priya karam Kubera Pratheeshtitham
Shanka Chakra Dharam Krupaakaram
Madhyamakalasahithyam:
Pankajaasana Pramukha Sevitham
Pankaja Mukha Bhaargavee Bhaavitham
Bhanga Hara Thaamraparnee Theerastham
Sankata hara Sadaananda Sahitham
Meaning:
He refers to the Lord as - One who's feet is ornated by the auspicious Raga Abhogi, as one praised by the Virtuous and knowledgeable and the Vedas and scriptures. He pleases Lord Shankara and enriches the wealth of Lord Kubera. He is also the bearer of the conch and the divine disc. Worshipped and served by Lord and other important Gods. Meditated upon by the Lotus-faced Goddess Lakshmi. Along the banks of the river Tamaraparanee, the Lord removes all the obstacles and worries and is always filled with bliss.