Thanks to Sri Guruvayurappan for FB share….Very well done by the artist (I dont know the name).
Earlier I posted a video by Smt Visaka Hari where she explains the meaning for each line. Search for “maitrim” to find that video.
Categories: Devotee Experiences, Periyava TV
The artist’s name is smt. Gayathri Venkataraghavan.
Maha Periyava ThiruvadigaLe CharaNam! Hara Hara Shankara, Jaya Jaya Shankara!
“Maitrim Bhajata “- the lyrics of this hymn are given by Mahaperiyava. [ It has come to light in recent years that the original composition was by Dr.V.Raghavan, a great Sanskrit scholar and an ardent devotee of Mahaperiyava. He had submitted it to Mahaperiya, who passed it on to MS ]. The words are so majestic, they are like commands. The hymn reflects Vedic thought and injunctions., Once the meaning is explained it is easy to remember. The meaning can be explained in Tamil or any other language. But why should the whole hymn be translated into Tamil?
The words coming from Saints come from “the depth of Truth” . They have the power of Mantra, they are hallowed, and it is best to stick to them and not translate. Those who listen to this hymn are basically Astikas and should not astikas try to understand simple Sanskrit hymns, especially when they come from venerable authorities?
Secondly, this hymn was set to music with great devotion and dedication by Vasant Desai, one of our classically inclined music directors.This happened 50 years ago, during the days of Mahaperiyava himself.. It was sung in the UN Assembly and received standing ovation. So, the tune of this hymn has also become hallowed. It would be better not to change this, as we would not change the chandas of sacred slokas. This is just my request.
You are right. Our truly great singers have sung and are singing compositions in many languages. Even in schools children are taught songs in the languages in which they are composed. it is an enriching and uniting experience. We “absorb” more than learn a culture when we do it through its music. Moreover every song comes into being with its uniqueness, from a special place, time, environment and experience that cannot be duplicated. Let there be translations to explain the meaning, but let us allow the song to keep its full nature.