The first song is tuned to the Ragam Gambhira Naattai, which is derived from the ‘parent’ Ragam Naattai. Like the latter, Gambhira Naattai is considered auspicious for beginning a musical offering, especially because it generates an atmosphere of vigour and dynamism. The beat is that of Adi Talam.

Offering salutations to the Sustainer of the Universe, the opening song expresses adoration to the Lord for graciously taking birth in human form to shower Love and Compassion and guide us on the path of Dharma.

Recalling the blessing of Divine Motherhood conferred on Mother Easwaramma of the Ratnakara family, the song celebrates the early days of Swami who mixed pranks, music and Leelas with profound teachings, making the daily experience of early devotees like the dance of waves on the Divine Ocean of Love.

Oh! How fortunate and blessed those devotees were!

Pallavi:

praṇamāmi sāyīśa sakala bhuvana śubhakara ghanacarita

sṛṣṭi sthiti kāraka suguṇākara ratnākara vamśābdhi sudhākara

Meaning:

I bow before You Lord Sai, the bestower of auspiciousness to the entire Universe; the one whose story is the most glorious; the preserver of all creation, the source of all virtues and the crest jewel of the entire Ratnakara clan.

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Anupallavi:

praṇatārtihara śivaśakti rūpa bhāradvāja gōtrōdbhava

nī padamu sōki bhuvi dhanyamāye nī karuṇakilanu evaru sāṭi

Meaning:

O dispeller of the devotees’ distress, You are the embodiment of Shiva and Shakti; the One born in sage Bharadwaja’s lineage. (When) the earth itself has been sanctified by the touch of Your feet; (then) who can equal You in compassion?

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(1)

nī divyāvatāramu kalilō prēma itihāsamu

tavacaraṇam mama śaraṇam bhakti mukti pradāyakam

Meaning:

Your divine incarnation is a saga of Love in this kali age;

Your feet is my refuge, it confers upon me devotion and liberation.

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(2)

sādhu maunijana prārthana phalitam īśvarāmba suta nī jananam

dharmōddharaṇaku sāradhyam viśvamānavataku bhavya bhavitavyam

Meaning:

Your birth as the son of Easwaramba is the fruition of the prayers of sages and saints,

It upholds Dharma and ushers in a glorious future for the entire mankind. 

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(3)

sūrya candrāgni trinētra śōbhita rūpa jita bhakta hṛdaya

pāmara jana tāpatraya kṣayakara sūtratraya bōdhaka

Meaning:

Your form is adorned with the Sun, Moon, Fire and the third eye; it is capturing the hearts of the devout.

You dispel the worry of the ignorant folk by teaching them Your three fold message - Daiva preethi, papa bheethi, sanga neethi (Love for God, Fear of sin, Morality in Society).

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(4)

candrabimbamuna sūryagōḷamuna veligē tējō rūpam

antalōna dṛggōcaramayye daśāvatāra vaibhavam

Meaning:

Your radiant form was seen in the moonshine and in the solar orb;

The very next moment You granted the glorious vision of Dasaavathara (Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu).

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(5)

sangīta sarvajña naigama pāramya bhāṣyārtha vacōnipuṇa

nī līlā mahimalu vinōdamulu citra vicitramulu

divyamu bhavyamu navyamu rasaramyamu nī padamē parama padamu

Meaning:

Knower of all music; Expert in explaining the essence of all esoteric knowledge,

Your playful pranks and miracles are exhilarating, fascinating, divine, grand, unique and nectarous. Your feet are our ultimate goal.

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(6)

kōrina phalamulanella nosage cinta drumam

celimikānḍra muccaṭa dīrcē kalpabhūjam

talacinantanē sṛṣṭi jarugu satya sankalpam

prēmarūpa sāyi karatalamē kalpakam

Meaning:

The tamarind tree was transformed into the wish fulfilling tree, it gave everything Your childhood friends desired;

You possess the Sathya Sankalpa (Resolve of Truth) that make things happen the moment You will it. O embodiment of love, Sai, Your palm itself is verily the wish-fulfilling tree.

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(7)

ādi antyamulēni adbhuta līlā vinōdam

sāyi prēma kaḍali keraṭāla lāsyam

bhaktāḷiki oka kṣaṇamuna divyānubhūtula pāravaśyam

marukṣaṇamuna satya premākarṣaṇa mānava sahāja

naijam pasitanambunanē paramātmagā nerigina

alanāṭi bhaktula bhāgyamē bhāgyam

Meaning:

Sai's delightful and fascinating play is without a beginning or an end; Sai’s love is like the gently dancing waves.

For the devotees, at one moment it is an overwhelming Divine experience (with You) but the very next instant, it is a powerful attraction to Your (human side) true love. 

To have recognised Your divinity even when You were young, is indeed a grand fortune of the devotees of yore.

This song is in the mellifluous Ragam Mayamalava Gaula which is supposed to evoke the 'freshness of the morning'. Being simple to learn, to sing this Ragam is also considered to be a gateway to Carnatic music. Like the previous song, this one is also set to Adi Talam.

In this song the singers, after declaring that they always meditate on the Poorna Avatar aspect of Swami, eulogize His Compassion, the Prema with which He would join in during Vedam recitations though He Himself is the Source of the Vedas. The song also recalls the glory of the Vibhuti abhishekam Swami performed, and His bringing forth Lingam from within.

Lord He was of everything and yet, Swami made sacrifice the fragrance of His Life! As the Poorna Avatar, His entire attention was reserved for us, while the vast Cosmos received but a glance! How fortunate we are!

Pallavi:

sadā bhāvayāmi śrī satya sāyi paripūrṇāvatāram

Meaning:

I always meditate on Sri Sathya Sai, the complete and absolute incarnation of God.

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Anupallavi:

sadā nādōpāsita mōdam

māyāmānuṣa vēṣa dharam

Meaning:

One who always delighted in music, adorning an illusionary human form.

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Charanam:

prēma tanumaniśam karuṇā hṛdayam

Meaning:

The embodiment of love with a compassionate heart.

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(1)

vēdapuruṣa vēdapōṣakam vēdasārarūpa vēdagānalōlam

Meaning:

One who is extolled in the Vedas, the sustainer of the Vedas;

His form is the very essence of the Vedas; One who enjoys the recitation of the Vedas.

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(2)

lingōdbhava bhasmābhiṣēka līlā vilāsa parti śivam

Meaning:

He is Parthi Shiva who brings forth the holy Linga, performs the miraculous Vibhuti abhisheka

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(3)

nēnunḍaga bhayamēlananucu abhayamosage anugraha vṛṣṭi

Meaning:

He is the one who showers abundant grace by declaring, “Why fear when I am here?”

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(4)

bhaktāpamṛtyu haraṇam gatajīva prāṇa pradāyakam

Meaning:

Who wards off the fear of death through devotion, Who brings back to life even the dead.

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(5)

pūvu puṭṭaganē parimaḷincu rīti bāla prāyambuna tyāgaśīlata nerape

Meaning:

Just like a flower spreads fragrance even as it blossoms, (Sathya Sai) taught the virtue of sacrifice in childhood itself. 

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(6)

nī avatāra paramārthamunu suntaina teliyudurē

nirvyāja prēmātiśayamutō ninnu nīveruka paracanināḍu

Meaning:

Who can ever comprehend even a fraction of the glory of Your incarnation! With boundless love You have revealed Yourself to all.

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(7)

puruṣulalōna puruṣuḍavu pasivārilōna bāluḍavu

mahiḷala madhya mahiḷavu manaserigi manōradhamulīḍercu

prāṇa vibhuḍavu nīvu ēkāntambuna viśvavibhuḍavīvu

Meaning:

You are a man among the men, child among the children, a woman among women; thus You become the beloved knowing each one’s heart and fulfilling their desires. When alone You are the emperor of the Universe.

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(8)

yuvataku anusaraṇīyam satyam samaya pālanam

hita mita mṛdu bhāṣaṇam samucita vēṣadhāraṇam

prati panilo ninḍaina samskāram sēvaparāyaṇatvam

satyam nitya vratam sāyi jīvitamē jagatiki sandēśam

Meaning:

You set an ideal for youth, by adhering to Truth and punctuality,

Through speaking that is good, limited and soft, through appropriate mannerisms.

Every act is suffused with refinement and the feeling of service.

Truth is Your eternal vow, Sai’s life is His message to the world.

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(9)

dīna jana sēvayē sāyiki santuṣṭi

sarva jīvarāsulapaina kāruṇya dṛṣṭi

janabhāgadheyā īśvarāmba tanayā

mī kanusannala sāgu ī sarva sṛṣṭi

Meaning:

Serving the destitute alone satisfies Sai,

His compassionate gaze is on all living beings

O Son of Easwaramma, the giver of all wealth,

The entire creation functions by Your mere glance.

This song is in the Ragam Arabhi which is a very energetic tune, lending itself to much creative expression. As earlier, the song is set to Adi Talam.

This song celebrates the 'human aspect' of Swami. Swami gave Himself so freely to His devotees and especially to His students that even the Devas became jealous!

Planting Himself inside as the Divine Light (Atma Jyoti) of every single individual, Swami was Mother, Father, Brother and Friend to everyone, but where students were concerned, Swami went even further to claim them as His property! Could there b a greater blessing?

Pallavi:

caraṇa sēvanam parama pāvanam

madhuram madhuram sāyi rūpa nāmam

Meaning:

Serving the lotus feet is the most auspicious. Sai's name and form are most nectarous and sweet.

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Anupallavi:

ariṣaḍvarga haraṇam hariṣaḍvarga varadam

apārajana parivartana dakṣam

Meaning:

Vanquisher of the six vices, bestower of the six divine qualities (Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema, Ahimsa and Thyaaga) and the One who has the ability to transform multitudes of people.

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Charanam:

kāruṇya lāvaṇya kamanīya gātram

Meaning:

The One whose enchanting voice is full of compassion and charm.

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(1)

akhaṇḍa vibhuti vaibhava sundaram

Meaning:

The beautiful One of endless glory and grandeur.

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(2)

satyam śivam sundaram mānavathā mūlya sambharitam

Meaning:

The One who is embodiment of Truth, Auspiciousness and Beauty and repository of human values.

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(3)

vinaya bhāsura mṛdu subhāṣaṇa sahana śīla tyāgamaya rūpa

Meaning:

The One who is radiant with humility, sweet in speech and forbearing by nature has sacrifice as His form.

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(4)

pancabhūtādhāra sarvajīvanādhāra

sarvavyāpaka sarva śaktimaya sarvajña

Meaning:

The One who is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient, and is the basis of all five elements and all lives.

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(5)

vātsalyādi guṇōjjvala sāyi sadayā

ānanda dāyaka mṛdula hṛdaya

bhakta sakhā chittākāśa jñāna bhāskara

Meaning:

Sai's compassion glows with motherly love. One who bestows bliss and tender hearted. He is the dearest friend of His devotees and who is the effulgent knowledge in their minds.

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(6)

māta pita guru daivamu mari sakhuḍavu nīvaināvu

purājanma paramparāgata mōkṣadāyaka puṇyaphalam

bhaktāḷiki parama nidhānam amūlya mūladhanam

Meaning:

You have become our mother, father, preceptor, friend and God.

You are that good fortune that can liberate us from all our past actions and lineage.

You are the supreme spiritual home and the invaluable treasure for devotees.

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(7)

animiṣulakīsu janimpaga antēvāsula dariśana vēḷa

pari pari naṭanala jūpucu

kuśalamulaḍugucu, lēkhala cēkonucu

abhayamosagucū, nā hakku mīranucu, mī vāḍanēnanucu

satkīrttinondaga santasintunaṭancu, sarvamu tāneyai

bratukubāṭanu pūdōṭaga cēsina hṛdaya bṛndāvana vanamālī

mā tanuvu nīdi mā talapu nīdi

mā hṛdi velugu rūpu nīdi

prēma saugandhikā bharitamau, mā jīvana kalhāramē

nīdu caraṇa yugaḷiki nivāḷi

Meaning:

Even the gods are jealous of the Anthevaasis (those who have Swami's proximity) when You grant them darshan

and bless them through various divine acts,

enquiring about their welfare, accepting their letters

and bestowing fearlessness,

Declaring, "You are Mine. I am yours and I will be happy when you get a good name for yourselves", You have become everything for us.

You are the gardener of our hearts who has transformed our path of life into a flowery garden.

Our body is Yours; Our thoughts are Yours;

The form which is shining in our hearts is Yours!

We reverentially offer our lives as a garland fragrant with the nectar of love at Your Lotus Feet.

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The next song is arranged in that Crown Jewel amongst Ragams, namely Todi. A challenging tune, it is tough to render. But handled with skill, it allows singers to exhibit a wide range in creative tonal modulation, especially at a medium pace at which the Ragam is best sung.

This song not only expresses deep adoration for the Avatar of the Kali Age but, more importantly, sings the glory of Swami’s various social welfare projects.

The song is intended to elevate the musical tempo to a great height, before preparing to bring the curtain down.

Pallavi:

kaliyuga avatāri bhagavan srī satya sāyi

Meaning:

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai - the Divine Incarnation of the Kali Age.

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Anupallavi:

pālita jana mangaḷakāri pāvana citrātaṭa vihārī

Meaning:

You take care of people by bestowing auspiciousness; You dwell on the banks of sacred river Chithravathi.

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Charanam:

prēma sudhāpūram sēvā saundaryabhāsitam

Meaning:

You are full of nectarous love and You shine with the beauty of service.

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(1)

darahāsa vilasita vadana sarōjam

kuṭila kuntala virājamānam

Meaning:

Your flower like face shines with a bright smile. You are adorned with curly hair.

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(2)

nī mṛdulādhara nirgaḷita vāksudhalu grōli

mari mari talaci talaci pulakinci

muktamatulayye supta cittamulu

Meaning:

Soaking in the nectarous words emanating from Your tender lips and contemplating on them over and over again, filled with ecstasy, the minds which were in slumber are awakened to the reality.

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(3)

kalayō vaiṣṇavamāyayō

satyasankalpa paramārthamō

parulu parulē kādu paramātma rūpulana

bṛhatsēvā pradāyakā

Meaning:

You have taught us that others are not truly others but very embodiments of Divinity and given us the opportunity to participate in gigantic service projects which reflects the power of Thy divine will and make us wonder if all these are a dream or a divine mystery.

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(4)

gangajaṭādhara kaṭākṣa vīkṣaṇamuna upponge sāyi ganga

sujala pathakamanaga dāhārtula ārti dīrpanga

Meaning:

The compassionate glance of Sai Shiva has given birth to the Sai Ganga Drinking Water Project.  That project has slaked the thirst of the drought-struck millions.

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(5)

divya bhiṣagvaruḍu adbhuta bhavarōga nivāraṇa samarthuḍu

pēdala ātmabandhuvai velayince ghana ārogya dhāmam

Meaning:

You are the wonderful Divine doctor; capable of curing even the disease of worldliness. As the dearest friend of the poor, You have established a temple of healing.

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(6)

tyāga yōgamulē punādi, satśīlamē paramāvadhi

padārtha, parārtha ēkīkṛta ihaparajñāna

vāradhi nihśulka bōdhanānkita viśiṣṭa vidyālayamidi

Meaning:

Sacrifice and yoga as the foundation,

character-building as the ultimate goal,

combining the study of the material and the spiritual,

the knowledge of here and beyond,

this special University is dedicated to imparting the ‘Highest’ learning, totally free.

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(7)

sāyi divya darśanam ghana pāpa nāśanam

divya pāda sparśanam karmamōcanam

satya sāyi sankīrtanam ātmānusandhānam

Meaning:

The divine Darshan of Sai relieves one of the darkest sins. The touch of the Divine feet relieves one from bondage of actions. Singing the name of Sathya Sai brings about the union with the Atmic principle.

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The final Kriti is arranged in the Ragam Madhyamavati, often used to end a concert. As for the beat, this song also is set to Adi Talam.

The song reminds us that Swami as the Source of Primal Sound (OM) loved music, loving it best when there was a harmony of Bhava or feelings, Raga or tune and Tala or beat. Bhajans were thus a favourite of Swami because they not only combined the triple harmony Swami referred to but were in addition also accessible to all.

The song also reminds us that Bhakthi without Karma and Jnana would be incomplete. For Swami, Karma translated as Love All, Serve all, while Jnana meant, 'There is only one religion, the religion of Prema or Love!'

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Pallavi:

satya sāyi avatāra vaibhavam, nitya nūtanam satya sanātanam

Meaning:

The grandeur of the Sathya Sai incarnation is ever new, true and eternal.

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Anupallavi:

satya dharma śānti prēma

prati hṛdi nilipina viśva prēma prasthānam

Meaning:

You are the source of Universal Love that established Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi and Prema in every heart.

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Charanam:

prēma ēkaika matam sāyi bōdhāmṛtasāram

Meaning:

‘Love is the only religion’ is the essence of Sai's ambrosial message.

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(1)

udātta mānavīya sēvayē ādhyātmika sādhana toli sōpānam

Meaning:

One who is extolled in the Vedas, the sustainer of the Vedas;

Noble service to mankind is the first step in the practice of spirituality.

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(2)

grāma sēva, mari dīna jana sēvayē karma yōgam, cakkani rāja mārgam

Meaning:

Serving the villages and the downtrodden is true karma yoga (path of action) and verily the royal path.

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(3)

nāda brahma sāyi sankīrtanamē kalilō mukti mārgam

Meaning:

Singing the name of the Lord Sai, who is Nada Brahma (the Primordial Sound), is the pathway to liberation in the Kali age.

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(4)

bhāva rāga tāḷa mēḷana, bhajanānandamē bhakti mārgam

Meaning:

Experiencing bhajan bliss through the harmony of the feeling (Bhaava), tune (Raaga) and rhythm (Taala) is the path of Devotion (Bhakti Marga)

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(5)

sōham, sōham, sōham erukayē jñānam

aṇuvaṇuvuna ninnu kanugonuṭe jñāna mārgam

Meaning:

Realising ‘I am That’ with every breath is the True Knowledge (Jnana). The path of Knowledge (Jnana Marga) therefore lies in finding You in every atom.

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(6)

kaluṣita kali mānava mēdhāhamkṛti dūrīkaraṇam

kulamata dēśātīta viśva janīna,

satya patha nirdēśanam sāyi mahitōdyamam

Meaning:

Warding away the intellectual arrogance of the impure minds of humanity in Kali age; 
Bringing universality by transcending the caste, religion and nation; 
Guiding everyone on the path of Truth This is the grand mission of Sai.

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(7)

prēmākarṣaṇa śakti yuta sāyī

janagaṇamanamula divyatva jāgṛtiki

velasina viśvavirāṭ rūpā

nitya, śuddha, buddha, caitanya dīptā śāśvata dharma gōpta

Meaning:

Sai is endowed with the magnetic power of Love. Sai is the Cosmic Being whose advent is for awakening the Divinity latent in all. Sai is the effulgent Consciousness which is eternal, pure and enlightened; the eternal protector of righteousness.

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(8)

sāyi siddhāntamulu vannemīra sākāramāye

bhuvi dharmakṣētram, jagati vasudhaika kuṭumbam

digdiganta dhīdhitula tējarille

satya sāyi vibhavam apūrvam akhanḍam anantam

Meaning:

Sai's principles have taken shape in a grand manner turning the Earth into a land of righteousness, and the entire world into one family by spreading its effulgence in all directions.  The grandeur of Sathya Sai is unique, ceaseless and infinite.

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