Venkatachala Nilayam
A Sanskrit praise of Venkateswara that gathers Vishnu’s attributes and the stories of his incarnations.
This Sanskrit song praises the lord of Venkata hill through a flowing sequence of divine names and images. Its verses connect Venkateswara with Vishnu, Rama and Krishna.
| Music | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composer | Purandara Dasa |
| Raga | Sindhubhairavi |
| Tala | Adi |
| Type | Devaranama |
| Language | Sanskrit |
Lyrics
Pallavi
vēnkaṭācala nilayam vaikuṇṭha puravāsam
pankaja nētram parama pavitram
śankha cakradhara cinmaya rūpam
Charanam 1
ambujōdbhava vinutam agaṇita guṇanāmam
tumburu nārada gānavilōlam
ambudhi śayanam ātmābhirāmam
Charanam 2
pāhi pāṇḍava pakṣam kaurava madaharaṇam
bāhu parākrama pūrṇam
ahalyā śāpa bhaya nivāraṇam
Charanam 3
sakala vēda vicāram sarva jīva nikaram
makara kuṇḍaladhara madana gōpālam
bhakta pōṣaka śrī purandara viṭṭalam
Meaning
The opening praises the resident of Venkata hill and Vaikuntha: lotus-eyed, holding conch and discus, and embodying consciousness. The verses recall the music of Tumburu and Narada, Vishnu reclining on the ocean, Krishna supporting the Pandavas, and Rama freeing Ahalya from her curse. The conclusion turns to Purandara Vitthala as the protector of devotees.
Following the words
There is no single narrated episode. Listen instead for the succession of names and images, each adding another aspect of the deity addressed in the opening line.