Nadopasana 2024

“Nadopasana” means devotion or worship (upasana) through music (nada). Great composers of Carnatic music, such as Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshithar, Shyama Sastri, Purandaradasa, Annamacharya, to name a few, were devout practitioners of Nadoposana. The tradition passed along by them has led many musicians, composers and teachers to revere music as the way of devotion to God.

In that tradition, Guru Krupa School of Music focuses on inculcating the love of learning and appreciating Carnatic Music as a way of devotion. This annual recital - Nadopasana gives the opportunity for the adults and next-generation kids learning music to reflect upon some of these profound thoughts and delve into the mystic essence of music.

Smt. Bharathi Hariharan – Carnatic Vocal Teacher

Smt. Bharathi Hariharan is a Carnatic Vocal teacher based in Maryland, USA. She formally learnt Carnatic music from her mother Smt. Anuradha Shiva, who also trained her in Veena and Vazhuvoor bani of Bharatanatyam. She founded the Guru Krupa School of Music with a passion to inculcate Indian culture among next-generation kids and adults. She has been teaching carnatic music to kids and adults alike for more than 10 years in the US and for over 10 years in India. She is also passionate about teaching shlokas and has been an actively offering in-person shloka classes for kids and online shloka classes for adults. She has a doctorate degree in Physics and is currently serving as Professor at Howard Community College, Maryland.

Krishna Sridhar - Mridangist

Krishna Sridhar is from Buffalo, New York. He first started learning mridangam in the Karaikudi Mani sir School under Sri Vijayan Bhaskar at the age of 7. He continued his tutelage from Sri Nanganallur R. Sriram. He currently learns advanced techniques from Sri S.J. Arjun Ganesh. Krishna is currently a Junior at Indiana University Bloomington and a student of Dr. R. Ranganji for Sama Veda and Sanskrit Paatam.

Smt. Subhasree Ramachandran - Violin

Smt. Subhasree Ramachandran, Masters graduate in physics, learnt violin from AIR (All India Radio) artist Vid.Sachidhanandam. Subhasree completed her higher degree in violin from Government of TamilNadu, and has performed at many concerts at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Satguru Sangeetha Samajam Music college, Margazhi utsav concerts, Satsangam, Rotary club, Chinmaya mission in India for over 7 years. Subha is currently teaching violin for her students in Germantown, Maryland.

Haresh Karthik Saravana - Keyboard

Haresh Karthik Saravanan is a senior at Urbana High School. He has a keen interest in composing music. He has been playing piano for the past 6 years and has performed locally in recitals such as Halloween Recital, Spring Recital, and much more.

Ramadevi Ravindran - Bharathanatyam Artist

“Adal kalaimani” “Nattuvanga Visharatha” Dr.Ramadevi Ravindran is the founder and artistic director of Kalai koodam USA, school of classical dance, which mainly focuses on Bharatha Natyam. Dr. Ramadevi started her dance journey from the very tender age and trained in Tanjavur and Vazhoovur bani under Guru Srinivasan, kalaimamani Smt Jayalakshmi Arunachalam Pillai, Kalaimamani Smt chandra Dhandayuthapani Pillai, Kalaimamani Smt Indra Rajen and kalaimamani Natana Sigamani. She’s been teaching and performing in the USA for past 10 years. She also performs and teaches internationally.

List of Performance

Ganesha Pancharatnam

Ragam: Ragamalika
Thalam: Adi – Tisra Nadai
Composer: Adi Shankaracharya

Ganesha Pancharatnam is a devotional hymn in praise of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. It consists of five verses (Pancharatna – five gems), each celebrating Ganesha's attributes such as auspiciousness, wisdom and compassion. Adisankara in his first line, Mudaakaraattamodakam, says Ganesha is holding modhakam in his hands with happiness, “modhaka” means bestower of happiness. The hymn is traditionally recited to invoke Ganesha's blessings.
Performers: Aadhya Vaishnavi Chipinapi, Abirami Thyagarajan, Akira Singam, Amogh Bragadeesh, Anika Palusa, Arren Pydimarry, Chyavan Kumar Marthi, Dithya Mandava, Eshaan Sai Dasa, Gauri Reka, Jay Boorugu, Jayaditya Buddan Ramesh, Jeevan Chethan, Lakshmi Chidroopa Marthi, Meenakshi Billa, Rakshan Srinivasan, SaiJanani Mani, Samrita Krishnanand, Sharanyaa Anand, Shasha Dasara, Shashank Dasara, Shashvat Hariharan, Shruti Buddan Ramesh, Shyra Yanamadala, Sri Savik Boddepalli, Srivatsav Ponnuru, Tejas Anand, Varenya Vinjamuri, Vidyut Vijay, Vinirvi Ambala, Vrishank Srinivasan.

Pahi Ramachandra

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Tyagaraja

Pahi Ramachandra song is a devotional song praising Lord Ramachandra as a divine savior and protector, “parama pAvana sadguNa sAndra”. Sri Tyagaraja describes his attributes as pure and auspicious, and is a feast for his devotees’ eyes, removing their worries “shOka nivAraNa”.

Performers: Aadhya Vaishnavi Chipinapi, Dithya Mandava, Shasha Dasara, Shashank Dasara, Shruti Buddan Ramesh, Sri Savik Boddepalli, Vinirvi Ambala

Dheena Karunakarane

Ragam: Yamuna Kalyani
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Papanasam Sivan

This song is a devotional plea to Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer. The repetition of phrases like "show mercy" and "shower blessings" emphasizes the devotee's deep reverence and need for Shiva's divine compassion and protection.

Performers: Anika Palusa, Eshaan Sai Dasa, SaiJanani Mani, Samrita Krishnanand, Srivatsav Ponnuru, Tejas Anand, Vidyut Vijay.

Shakthi Sahitha

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

This prayer for Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped alongside his mother Goddess Parvati and praised by Lord Shiva, Indra, and ascetics. It expresses devotion to Ganesha's grace and protection .

Performers: Akira Singam, Chyavan Kumar Marthi, Gauri Reka, Lakshmi Chidroopa Marthi, Meenakshi Billa, Shyra Yanamadala.

Samaganapriye

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

This is a prayer seeking protection from the divine mother Kamakshi, who delights in the chanting of the Sama Veda and resides in Kanchipuram. She is described as the embodiment of bliss, affection, beauty, and motherly love, and is invoked for her benevolence and grace.

Performers: Akira Singam, Chidroopa Marthi, Chyavan Marthi, Gouri Reka, Meenakshi Billa, Shyra Yanamadala.

Pankajamukha

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

This is a prayer seeking protection and grace from the divine, invoking various names and qualities of Lord Vishnu. Addresses Him as the compassionate protector, friend of Shiva, and savior of the destitute, pleading for His kindness and refuge. It reflects deep devotion and surrender to the Lord’s infinite mercy.

Performers: Amogh Bragadeesh, Arren Pydimarry, Dithya Mandava, Jay Boorugu, Jeevan Chethan, SaiJanani Mani, Tejas Anand, Varenya Vinjamuri, Vidyut Vijay.

Shyamale Meenakshi

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

This song describes the attributes of the Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai. Meenakshi is a symbol of strength, courage, and devotion. She is the deity of Madurai and she is the form of Goddess Parvati. The song praises her as the compassionate protector with fish-like eyes, revered by Saraswati and Lakshmi.

Performers: Aadhya Varma Kathika, Amudha Chandrasekar, Mahilan Karthick, Samanvi Ramagundam, Sanvi Ramagundam, Siddharth Palle, Sri Havik Boddepalli, Sri Sahik Boddepalli.

Rama Janardhana

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

This is a devotional song praising Lord Rama, invoking his many titles and qualities, such as his victory over Ravana, his role as the protector of devotees and the righteous, and his embodiment of wisdom and serenity. The devotee seeks Rama's protection and guidance, emphasizing his divine compassion and strength.

Performers: Ananya R Kambam, Paviksha Mandumula, Sisira Bellamkonda, Subanya Saravana Bhava, Varuni Vijai Ganesh, Vedasri Ponnuru, Yuvaan Yalamanchili.

Pacchai Mayil Vahanane - Bhajan

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi

The song is a prayer to Lord Muruga, who is riding on His vahana, the peacock. The devotee feels happy and relieved when he places all his worries on Him. The devotee is seeking a mind free of wavering thoughts, with focus only on Him. As the devotee worships Lord Muruga, He enters his mind slowly and removes all bad thoughts.

Performers: Aaudhya Gowtham, Akshadha VijayAnanth, Anoshi Kunalan, Sreesarani Komaragiri, Tanvik Karthikeyan, Vidyarthi Vijay.

Velundu Vinai Illai - Bhajan

Ragam: Sivaranjani
Thalam: Adi

This song praises Lord Muruga, invoking His divine presence symbolized by the Vel (spear), which removes fear, worries, and bad fate. It reflects on Muruga's purity, His power to destroy demons, and His ability to lead those who chant His name with devotion to spiritual liberation.

Performers: Bragadeesh Balasubramanian, Haresh Karthik Saravanan, Sankar Ganapathy, Srikanth Pydimarry.

Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje

Ragam: Gambeera Nattai
Thalam: Khanda Chaapu
Composer: Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer

The song Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje venerates Lord Ganesha as the supreme remover of obstacles. It describes him as both a divine presence within us and a protector invoked by deities like Indra. By worshipping Ganesha, one can achieve focus, peace, and overcome disturbances in life caused by various negative influences.

Performers: Bragadeesh Balasubramanian, Haresh Karthik Saravanan, Jayaditya Buddan Ramesh, Rakshan Srinivasan, Sankar Ganapathy, Shashvat Hariharan, Srikanth Pydimarry, Vrishank Srinivasan

Himagiri Thanaye

Ragam: Suddhadhanyasi
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Harikesanallur Muthayya Bhagavathar.

The song Himagiri Thanaye is a devotional song dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayan mountains. The composer calls her as Hemalata, Amba, Eswari, Raja Rajeshwari, she is worshipped by Lakshmi and Saraswati, rama vani sevitha. It praises her divine qualities and her role as the consort of Lord Shiva, expressing reverence for her grace, strength, and nurturing presence.

Performers: Jayaditya Buddan Ramesh, Rakshan Srinivasan, Shashvat Hariharan, Vrishank Srinivasan.

Ragi Tandira

Ragam: Nadanamakriya
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Purandaradasa.

Sri Purandara Dasa blesses the person who is willing to give food for Bhagavatars. Purandarasa dasa says may you be the one who leads a disciplined life, may you be the one who is just in his actions, may you be the one who obeys the words of the Guru, Guru vaakhyavannu paaliparaagi.

Performers: Dharun Sankarasubramanian, Dheesidan Karthick Kumar, Jayaditya Buddan Ramesh, Kaniskar Rajasekaran, Pranay Swaminathan, Rakshan Srinivasan, Shashvat Hariharan, Sreehaan Komaragiri, Vrishank Srinivasan, Yaathith Jeyadhanaraj.

Narayanathe Namo

Ragam: Behag
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Annamacharya.

In the song Narayanathe Namo Sri Annamacharya praises Lord Vishnu with different names like murahara, mukunda, mAdhava, parama puruSa. He sees no difference in his numerous forms. The song nicely brings out the singer’s devotion seeking the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Performers: Dharun Sankarasubramanian, Dheesidan Karthick Kumar, Kaniskar Rajasekaran, Kaniskar Rajasekaran, Pranay Swaminathan, Sreehaan Komaragiri, Yaathith Jeyadhanaraj.

Sambashivayanave

Ragam: Kamas
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Chinna Krishna Dasar.

This song is a Swarajati, pattern of svaras and is a beautiful composition in praise of Lord Shiva. The composer asks Lord Shiva to be his guru and God. He describes Lord Shiva as the one who grants boons to devas, has the moon on his throne and is the embodiment of virtues. He is seeking refuge in Lord Siva in this beautiful Swarajati.

Performers: Akshaya Ganesan, Kaviya Karthick Kumar, Mrugakshi Badhri Vishaal, Riya Iyer, Tripura Kanchibhotla.

Bantureeti

Ragam: Hamsanadam
Thalam: Deshadi
Composer: Sri Tyagaraja.

In this song, Sri Thyagaraja pleads with Lord Rama to bless him with the role of a spiritual guard, symbolizing his desire to always be in Rama’s presence. He asks for the power to conquer inner demons (the six enemies: desire, anger, greed, delusion, pride, and envy).

Performers: Akshaya Ganesan, Kaviya Karthick Kumar, Mrugakshi Badhri Vishaal, Riya Iyer, Tripura Kanchibhotla.

Navaragamalika varnam

Ragam: Ragamalika
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Patnam Subramanya Iyer.

The Navaragamalika Varnam, is a famous South Indian classical music composition. This is commonly used in the composition of Pada Varnams, which are a class of varnams composed mainly for dance. They are particularly useful when the song is intended to portray the Navarasas, or nine emotions.

Performers: Abirami Thyagarajan, Sharanyaa Anand.

Kanchadalayadakshi

Ragam: Kamala Manohari
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

This song praises Goddess Kamakshi as the embodiment of beauty, grace, and divine power. She is described as the lotus-eyed Tripura Sundari, adored by Lakshmi, and Vani, the consort of Brahma. Kamakshi is depicted as the radiant protector, destroyer of afflictions, and bestower of prosperity, embodying both singular and multiple mystic energies, bringing bliss to those who worship her with devotion.

Performers: Abirami Thyagarajan, Sharanyaa Anand

Om Gam Ganapathaye - Bhajan

Ragam: Hamsadhwani
Thalam: Adi

A devotional song to Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessing and asking him to remove life's obstacles.

Performers: Aparna Narayanan, Aparna Radhika Kathika, Asha Karri Singam, Nach Mohan, Nirupama Seemaladinne, Praveena Kaipa, Rashmi Vanagundi, Suba Rajendren, Sushma Sanga.

Sriman Narayana

Ragam: Bowli
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Annamacharya.

Sriman Narayana is a devotional song dedicated to Lord Balaji in Tirumala. Sri Annamacharya seeks shelter at His auspicious feet, “shrIpAdame sharaNam”. In the song, he describes the Lord with His consort Kamala riding on Garuda, “garudagamana”, as the one who brings good fortune to yogis. When we sing this song, we seek the blessings of His lotus feet.

Performers: Padmaja Vedantam, Prasanthi Revuru, Sharanya Kalyanam, Shruthi Pathikonda, Suhashini Jegannathan, Uma Anantha.

Mella Mellane Bandane

Ragam: Mohanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Purandaradasa.

Mella Mellane Bandane is a devotional song on Lord Krishna. It humorously portrays the playful antics of Lord Krishna as a mischievous child. The song highlights Krishna’s charming, playful nature, while also reflecting the deep affection and devotion the Gopikastris have for him despite his mischief.

Performers: Padmaja Vedantam, Prasanthi Revuru, Sharanya Kalyanam, Shruthi Pathikonda, Suhashini Jegannathan, Uma Anantha.

Gajananayutham

Ragam: Chakravakam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar.

This prayer praises Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced deity and lord of the devas, worshipped by Brahma, Indra, and the Bhootaganas. He is the remover of obstacles, known for his victory over Kunjara.

Performers: Advika Prakash, Arjun Govindool, Eesha Bhavaraju, Pranay Swaminathan, Sahana Swaminathan, Uma Bhavaraju.

Bramham Okate

Ragam: Bowli
Thalam: Ekam
Composer: Sri Annamacharya.

This Keertana is one of the best and the most popular compositions of Sri Tallapaka Annamayya in which he describes the universal truth of oneness and omnipresence of God in all the creatures alike.

Performers: Advika Prakash, Akshara Challa, Arjun Govindool, Eesha Bhavaraju, Kritika Akkaraju, Mayukh B Thotapalli, Pranay Swaminathan, Sahana Swaminathan, Sahasra Kunchakuri, Samruthi Kumaran, Uma Bhavaraju.

Pooraya Mama Kaamam

Ragam: Bilahari
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Narayana Theerthar.

This devotional song addresses Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd, and praises him for his divine qualities and roles. It reveres Krishna for his enchanting presence in Brindavan, his ability to bestow wealth and joy, and his various incarnations that benefit the world. The song expresses deep devotion, acknowledging Krishna's unique nature and his association with enlightened yogis and devoted followers.

Performers: Akshara Challa, Inika Keranahalli, Kritika Akkaraju, Mayukh B Thotapalli, Neha Reddy, Sahasra Kunchakuri, Samruthi Kumaran.

Rama Mangalam

Ragam: Shankarabharanam
Thalam: Adi
Composer: Dr. Jayaraman Mahadevan.

This song is narrating the story of Ramayana, at the same time glorifying Lord Rama, the jewel of the Raghu dynasty and the son of King Dasharatha.

Performers: Akshara Challa, Aparna Narayanan, Aparna Radhika Kathika, Archana B N Raj, Arjun Govindool, Asha Karri Singam, Ashwini Sabnis, Dhivya Swaminathan, Eesha Bhavaraju, Hareesha Dosawada, Indumathi Ganesan, Inika Keranahalli, Kritika Akkaraju, Mayukh B Thotapalli, Nach Mohan, Neha Reddy, Nirupama Seemaladinne, Praveena Kaipa, Rashmi Vanagundi, Sahasra Kunchakuri, Samruthi Kumaran, Suba Rajendren, Sushma Sanga.

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