Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: indian
Song Meaning of “Thillana – Desh – Adi” by Vittal Ramamurthy
This classic Carnatic composition by Vittal Ramamurthy is a traditional thillana – a type of South Indian dance form. It is based on the raga Desh in adi taala, a type of tala, or rhythmic cycle. The piece is a celebration of joy and devotion to the divine, expressing a pleasurable experience of devotion through vibrant rhythms, melodic flourishes and lyrical beauty.
The thillana begins with a playful and rhythmic section representing the jubilation of the human spirit. The melody then takes a more serious and graceful turn during the middle section composed of soul-stirring raagam and intricate taalam patterns. Heading into the end, the music transitions into a vigorous finale of rhythmic intensity and climactic displays. This joyous expression of devotion concludes with a three-beat exchange between the mridangam and tabla.
The lyrics of the thillana convey the spiritual nature of the composition, where the devotee is spreading their love and devotion to the divine. The first stanza is an expression of devotion through symbolic language. It speaks of the human “coming to life” and finding joy in their union with the divine, seeking to bring the divine closer, asking that the day be never-ending.
The subsequent stanzas are filled with praises of the divine with words like “Innumerable Gems of Radiance (Gauhara)” and asking for acceptance, grace and protection.
This thillana is a vivid and joyous expression of devotion, which speaks for its timeless and universal appeal. It is truly a masterpiece of composition and vocal expression, which radiates with the energy and vibrancy of devotion and human spirit.