Tonight Amma came down for the bhajans already at 6.30 pm, half an hour earlier than usual and continued right past 8 o’clock. She sang 11 songs all in all:

Jai Ganesh Jai Ekadanta (Hindi)
Sri Krishna Saranam
Vilical Vili Kelkkan
Karala Mala (Shyam Radhe Bolo)
Parasahasra Hridayangalil
Andela Ravali Adugula (Telugu)
Virahatti Patarunnen
Om Namah Shivaya
Lord Of Vrindavan
Om Hari Om (Tamil)
Jinki Karuna Hai Apar (Hindi)

Amma was giving instructions left and right on how to keep the new song Andela Ravali going, which seemed like it would topple any moment – a very beautiful song otherwise, but which maybe requires some more mileage to run smoothly. At one point Amma picked up the hand cymbals and started giving the correct talam, or beat. Almost everyone got their share of Amma’s motherly scolding. Even I got a few fiery looks even though I thought myself to be fairly innocent in the matter, but then again maybe not. In any case the bhajans were powerful as anything tonight. A surprise to me was Virahatti Patarunnen not so often sang by Amma. Parasahasra Hridayangalil always kicks butt, please excuse the expression!

Vishwanath
18 sep 2006