Meaning of HARIVARASANAM

[Raman K]

Harivarasanam

Harivarasanam (also known as Hariharasuthaashtakam) is a devotional song composed in the astakam metre, recited at Sabarimala (the principal Ayyappan pilgrimage site), before closing the temple door every night. The song was written by Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer and Swami Vimochanananda sang it for the first time at Sabarimala. Harivarasanam is written in highly Sanskritised Malayalam.

 

Introduction

 

Sabarimala was located in the deep jungle area, and in the past a few prayful devotees managed the difficult pilgrimage. The temple opened during the Sabarimala season (November to January) but otherwise was only open on the first day of every Malayalam month. VR Gopala Menon, fromAlapuzha used to accompany Thirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri, the Melshanthi (head priest), to Sannidhanam every time, and would stay there by himself even when the temple was closed, remaining undisturbed by the wild animals. Later, when Devaswom Board was formed, it is believed that he was asked to move out. He eventually passed away at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar.

 

Gopala Menon used to recite "Harivarasanam" with devotion during his time at Sannidhanam, and when Thirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri heard about the passing away of the Revered Menon, he was deeply saddened. At the end of the day's rituals, the Namboothiri was about to close the doors of the Sannidhanam when he remembered the dedication and sacrifice of the Revered Gopala Menon and he then began to recite "Harivarasanam"' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day.

Today, as the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis (priests) leave the Sreekovil one by one. As the song ends, only the Melsanthi is inside. He extinguishes the lamps one at a time and closes the doors for the night.

 

Verses

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam Haridadhiswaram Aaradhyapadhukam Arivimardhanam Nithyanarthanam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		Repository of Hari's boons, Enchanter of universe, Essence of Hari's grace, He whose holy feet is worshipped, He who kills enemies by good thought, He who daily dances the cosmic dance, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Sharanakirtanam Shakthamanasam Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye		He who likes song of refuge, He who gives strength of mind, He who is the great ruler, He who loves to dance, He who shines like the rising sun, He who is king of all beings, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God
Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanchitham Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye		He whose soul is truth, He who is the darling of all souls, He who created universe, He who shines with a glittering Halo, He who is the temple of "OM", He who loves songs, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God
Thuragavahanam Sundarananam Varagadhayudham Vedavavarnitham Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye		He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face, He who has the blessed mace as weapon, He who bestows grace like a teacher, He who loves songs, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God
Tribhuvanarchitam Devathathmakam Trinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam Tridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye		He who is worshiped by the three worlds, He who is the soul of all gods, He who is the lord of Shiva, He who is worshipped by devas, He who is who is worshipped three times a day, He whose thought is fulfilling, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God
Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye		He who destroys fear, He who brings prosperity, He who is enchanter of universe, He who wears holy ash as ornament, He who rides a white elephant, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God
Kalamrudusmitham Sundarananam Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam Kalabhakesari Vaajivahanam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye		He who blesses with enchanting smile, He who has is very pretty, He who is adorned by sandal paste, He who has a pretty mien, He who is a like a lion to the elephants, He who rides on a tiger, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God
Srithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam Sruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam Sruthimanoharam Geethalalasam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He who is dear to his devotees, He who fulfills wishes, He who is praised by Vedas, He who blesses life of ascetics, He who is the essence of Vedas, He who enjoys divine music, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee God My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa

 

Harivarasanam by K.J.Yesudas  You tube link

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=rcQCkkVKC5w

 

Ayyappa Harivarasanam by K J Yesudas

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=b7LyOOccR7A

 

Saranam Ayyappa  by  Raviraghunath

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=90XGK7U_Iho&feature=related