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Dikshitar’s insight
into astrology and science
By Sudha Jagannathan
Muthuswamy Dikshitar is well known for his
specialized compositions on various deities. One such group
of compositions is on the nine planets (Navagraha kritis). These
kritis demonstrate Dikshitar’s skill in Sanskrit, as he
brought out the raga mudra (symbol) in a few kriti.
There are seven principal planets and two chaya grahas. The
kritis are set in sapta (seven) suladi talas. The kritis are
also known as Vara Kirtanas, sung in praise of deities who preside
over each day of a week.
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Muthuswamy Dikshitar was well known
among the trinity for his in-depth knowledge on various religious
and spiritual subjects.One among his group compositions consisted
of vara kritis, on each day of a week.Musicologists felt that
Dikshitar had originally composed only seven kritis.Each of
these kritis fall under the suladi sapta talas.The two other
kritis on Rahu and Ketu were additions and in course of time,
this group kritis came to be called as Navagraha kritis.Nevertheless
the Navagraha kritis also reveal Dikshitar’s insight into
astrology and science.
Legendary vocalist Madurai Mani Iyer had popularized these Navagraha
kritis with his adept rendering. He was a great worshipper of
the planets and firmly believed that only with the blessings
of Navagrahas, one can overcome the shortcomings in life.Hence,
he made a practice to sing them,during his concerts.
The first kriti “Suryamurte” is in raga Saurastra
and set to Dhruva (catushra) tala(14 beats)
This kriti is in the praise of Sun (Surya) God. Dikshitar first
salutes the Sun, who is the spouse of Chaya Devi. He is the
Lord of Simha Rasi. He is the friend of Lotus, making it bloom
and illuminates the whole universe with his divine light. He
is the destroyer of all sins and father of Karna of Mahabharatha.
This Sun God has lots of fondness towards Guruguha.
He is foremost among all planets. He is riding a chariot with
seven horses. Here, the raga mudra is given as Saurasthrarna
Mantra, which is his soul. Finally, this God (Sun) gives salvation
(Mukthi) to those who worship him.
The second Kriti is “Chandram Bhaja Manasa” in raga
Asaveri and set to Matya (caturashra) Tala. This kriti is in
praise of the presiding deity Moon (Chandra). Chandra controls
the mind. Hence, Dikshitar asks the mind to sing the praise
of Moon, who is the spouse of Tara. He is worshipped by Devandra(Indra)
and Lokapalakas. He is also the brother of Divine mother Lakshmi.
He produces nectar. He is the creator of night and the Lord
of sixteen Kalas (16 lunar phases).
He bears the mark of a hare. He is adorned by Lord Shiva in
his crest. He has cool rays and makes peoples’ mind cool.
He has four hands (chatur bhuja). Chandra is one eye to Lord
Venkatesha. Chandra came from Virat Purusha’s mind. He
is capable of producing herbal medicines. He is both cursed
and blessed by Brihaspathi. Chandra is white like a Sharath
Kala (autumn moon). He is adorned with ornaments like Kankanam
(wristlet), Keyura (armlet), Mala(garland) and Crown. He is
very affectionate to Rohini.
The third kriti is “Angarakam” in raga Surati and
set to Rupaka Tala. This kriti is in praise of the Lord Angaraka.
He is the divine Mandara tree and the presiding deity of Mangalavara
(Tuesday). He is like a Karpaga Vriksha (Manadra tree) to the
people who worship him. He is the son of the Mother Earth. He
is the Lord of Mesha Rasi (Aries) and Vrishabha (Scorpio) rasi-zodiac.
He shines with a reddish form and adorns weapons like the sword
and trident.
He has the feet and neck, which are very beautiful, and rides
on the goat. His highest apogee-peak is the Makara rasi(Capricon).
He is worshipped by both gods and demons and has a charming
smile. He is worshipped in the Vaidyanatha Ksethra(near Tanjore).
He is the friend of Surya and Chandra.
The fourth kriti is “Budhamasrayami” in raga Natakurunji
and set to Jhampa(Misra) Tala. This kriti is in praise of Lord
“Budha”, the son of Chandra and Tara. He is the
most intelligent. He is made happy by Bhusuras. He is capable
of composing sweet poetry. He has a bright form like saffron.
He makes Guruguha delightful with his presence. He is the enemy
of Kuja. He adorns Ratna Krida (gem-studded crown), necklace
and bracelets. He is the presiding deity of Mithuna (Gemini)
and Kanya (Virgo) Rasi. He is Napumsaka (neuter), devoid of
all sins. He protects the devotees of Lord Shiva. He is always
joyful.
The fifth kriti is “Brihaspathe” in raga Atana raga
and set to Triputa(Tisra) Tala. The kriti is in praise of “Brihaspathi”-
Guru (Jupiter) Lord of Tara. His father is Lord Brahma. He is
the guru of Devas. He is the commander of speech. He adorns
the Vajrayutha (thunderbolt). He is the father of Kacha. He
is free from old age. He is like a wish-yielding divine Kalpataru
to those who worship him. He is manifest in the four phases
of speech (Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama and Vaikari). Para and
others shine with his glorified power. He is the remover of
obstacles. He is the author of Smrithi (Code of Conduct). He
grants the fruits of sacrifices. He makes Paramashiva and Guruguha
delightful.
The sixth kriti is “Sri Sukra” in raga Paras and
set to Ata (Khanda) Tala. This kriti is in praise of “Sukra”(Venus),
who has complete knowledge of all truths. He is a poet and the
authority for marital success. He is the Lord of Rishabha (Tauras)
and Tula (Libra) zodiac (rasi). He is the guru of the Asuras.
He got back his one eye by the grace of Keshava. He wears a
crown and his body is white. He takes twenty years to complete
one rotation. He is a poet. He is hostile towards Sun and Jupiter.
He grants Royal richness and delight’s Guruguha.
The Seventh kriti is “Divakara Tanujam” in raga
Yadukulakambhoji set to Eka (chaturashra) Tala. This kriti is
in praise of “Shani”, the son of Surya who is very
courageous. He causes fear in people, who are deep rooted to
worldly life. He is capable of giving auspicious rewards to
worshippers of Lord Shiva. He is dark. He is the brother of
Lord Yama. He rides on the crow and is dressed in blue. He is
fearless. He is also adorned with blue sapphire stones and blue
garland of flowers. He delights in lamps lit with sesame oil
and rice cooked with sesame seeds. He is the Lord of Makara
and Kumbha Rasi. He is Kamadhenu (divine cow) in wish granting
and son of Chaya Devi.
The eighth kriti is “Smaramyaham” in raga Ramamanohari
and set to Rupaka Tala. This kriti is in praise of “Rahu,”
who is being looked at by Surya and Chandra. His body is distorted.
He has qualities of both the Devas (celestial) and Asuras (demons).
He will drive away the fear of poisonous serpents (Sarpas) from
the mind of devotees. He is seated in a Surpasana and carries
the Trident weapon. “Kayanarna” mantra makes him
delightful. He looks at devotees with compassion. He has four
hands (Chatur Bhuja). He is adorned with the weapons like Sword
(Katkam) and armour (Ketaya). He wears a blue dress. He is adorned
with the Komethaka gems ornaments. He is the friend of Lord
Sani and Sukra and makes Guruguha happy.
The Ninth kriti is “Mahasuram” in raga Chamaram
and set to Rupaka Tala. This kriti is in praise of “Ketu,”
the extremely powerful among Asuras (demons). He is the top
most of the Chaya Graha (Demons). He is adorned with an extraordinary
crown and silk garments. He is seated on a human being. He likes
to take the horse- grain (Kuluttha) as his food. He is amidst
nine planets. He is born of the Jaimini lineage, whose weapon
is anger. He is pleased while chanted with the hymns “Ketum
Krnvan”. He bears the white chamara (umbrella) belonging
to Guruguha. He is the ornament of good people, who have defeated
the guna doshas (good and bad). He is the reason for causing
eclipses. He rotates all the planets in anti-clockwise direction.
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