Carnatic Cruise

Ragam: Vasantha Language: Tamil Composer: Arunachala Kavi Rayar Translation: I saw Seetha, Oh Raghava! In the city of Lanka, which even the Gods haven't seen, I saw the mother who blessed us with the Aravinda Vedas (religious texts). I saw Seetha, Oh Raghava! She was of the color of the winter white lotus, And she (the queen) spent each day like it was an eon. Thinking of her, Ravana visited her everyday, She told him to stop and sent him away saying “Che Che”. When the queen was about to take her own life, I decided that it would be wrong to delay any further. I interrupted her by speaking against her actions saying “Rama, Rama, Rama!” I saw Seetha, Oh Raghava! Credits: Guru: Smt. Sukanya Prem Kumar Vocals: Shakthi Sivakumaran

Ragam: Madhuvanti Language: Tamil Composer: S. Cidambaram Translation: Ever since the day I laid eyes on you, my love for you overflows. The one who holds a spear (Vel) in hand, oh compassionate son of Lord Shiva! Crowds will gather to sing your praises to please you, Lord! My heart has not forgotten your blue peacock. My love and devotion towards you is not hidden. The decorated prince had occupied the Temple of my mind! With a subtle smile, you have placed a fragrant flower of devotion within us. Credits: Guru: Smt Sukanya Prem Kumar Vocals: Shakthi Sivakumaran

Language: Tamil Raga: Kanada Composer: Ootukkadu Venkatasubbaiyer Translation: My mind wavers, oh Krishna! Like the waves of the ocean, my mind wavers at the sound of your mesmerizing, and blissful flute. Like a statue, you stand still. I don’t realize how the time goes by while listening to you play the flute, oh strange Krishna! My mind wavers, oh Krishna! Like the waves of the ocean, my mind wavers at the sound of your mesmerizing, and blissful flute. The moon shines distinctly, just like daylight. My eyebrows squirm as I look in your direction. I hear the tunes of your melodious flute, making my eyes droop, while invoking peculiar feelings. Are you trying to please me by giving me a picture of someone else? Are you trying to embrace me in this lonely and secluded forest and overwhelming me? As long as the waves explore the ocean’s expanses, and as long as the sun shines upon the earth, should I too wait for you to reciprocate my love? Should I cry my heart out to invite you, while you spend your time with other women? Is this bearable? Is this virtuous? Is this righteous? My mind sways in sorrow, just like the bells that sway along with the melody of your flute. My mind wavers, oh Krishna! Like the waves of the ocean, my mind wavers at the sound of your mesmerizing, and blissful flute. Credits: Guru: Smt. Sukanya Prem Kumar Vocals: Shakthi Sivakumaran