Harivarasanam
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Harivarasanam is a devotional song, recited at Sabarimala (the principal Ayyappan pilgrimage site), before closing the temple door every night. The song was written by Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer and Swami Vimochanananda sang it for the first time at Sabarimala. Harivarasanam is written in highly Sanskritised Malayalam.
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[edit] Introduction
Sabarimala was located in the deep jungle area, and in the past a few prayful devotees managed the difficult pilgrimage. The temple opened during the Sabarimala season (November to January) but otherwise was only open on the first day of every Malayalam month. VR Gopala Menon, from Alapuzha used to accompany Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri, the Melshanthi (head priest), to Sannidhanam every time, and would stay there by himself even when the temple was closed, remaining undisturbed by the wild animals. Later, when Devaswom Board was formed, it is believed that he was asked to move out. He eventually passed away at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar.[citation needed]
Gopala Menon used to recite "Harivarasanam" with devotion during his time at Sannidhanam, and when Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri heard about the passing away of the Revered Menon, he was deeply saddened. At the end of the day's rituals, the Nampoothiri was about to close the doors of the Sannidhanam when he remembered the dedication and sacrifice of the Revered Gopala Menon and he then began to recite "Harivarasanam"' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day.[citation needed]
Today, as the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis (priests) leave the Sreekovil one by one. As the song ends, only the Melsanthi is inside. He extinguishes the lamps one at a time and closes the doors for the night.
[edit] Verses
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Harivarasanam Viswamohanam |
Repository of Hari’s boons, Enchanter of universe, |
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Sharanakirtanam Bhakhtamanasam |
He who likes song of refuge, He who is in the mind of devotees, |
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Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam |
He whose soul is truth, He who is the darling of all souls, |
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Thuragavahanam Sundarananam |
He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face, |
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Tribuvanarchitam Devathathmakam |
He who is worshiped by the three worlds, He who is the soul of all gods, |
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Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham |
He who destroys fear, He who brings prosperity, |
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Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam |
He who blesses with enchanting smile, He who has is very pretty, |
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Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam |
He who is dear to his devotees, He who fulfills wishes, |
