Bala Jo Jo Re | Rama's Lullaby | Marathi lyrics and Translation

Source - https://www.transliteral.org/

Original Lyrics - Shri Vitthala Dasa

Translation - Gemini + Shri. Shrinath P. Shenoy

Note - The lyrics are not pronounced correctly in this version, and one stanza is out of order. But that should not take away the credit for being one of the beautiful renditions of this piece. I consider this as one step taken in the right direction by the producers and artistes, with whatever limited understanding they had about the lyrics.

 

Lyrics and Translation (corrected)

बाळा जो जो रे कुळभूषणा । दशरथनंदना ।

निद्रा करि बाळा मनमोहना । रामा लक्षुमणा ॥धृ॥

Sleep, my child, ornament of the family, son of Dasharatha.

Sleep, my beloved child, Rama and Lakshmana.

पाळणा लांबविला अयोध्येसी । दशरथाचे वंशी ।

पुत्र जन्मला हृषीकेशी । कौसल्येचे कुशी ॥१॥

A cradle was set in Ayodhya, in Dasharatha's lineage.

A son, Hrushikeshi (Lord Vishnu), was born from Kaushalya's womb.

रन्तजडित पालख । झळके अलौकिक ।

वरती पहुडले कुलदिपक । त्रिभुवननायक ॥२॥

The jewel-studded cradle gleams, priceless.

Above it rests the lamp of the lineage, the Lord of the three worlds.

हालवी कौसल्या सुंदरी । धरुनी ज्ञानदोरी ।

पुष्पे वर्षिली सुरवरी । गर्जती जयजयकार ॥३॥

Beautiful Kaushalya rocks it, holding the string of knowledge.

Gods shower flowers, resounding with shouts of victory.

विश्‍वव्यापका रघुराया । निद्रा करी बा सखया ।

तुजवर कुरवंडी करुनिया । सांडिन आपुली काया ॥४॥

O All-pervading Raghuraya, sleep, my friend.

I will sacrifice myself for you, doing a protective ritual (kuravandi)

येऊनि वसिष्ठ सत्वर । सागे जन्मांतर ।

राम परब्रहा साचार । सातवा अवतार ॥५॥

Sage Vasishta quickly came and speaking of his divine birth, declared

Rama is truly the Supreme Being, the seventh incarnation.

याग रक्षुनिया अवधारा । मारुनि रजनीचरा ।

जाईल सीतेच्या स्वयंवरा । उद्धरि गौतमदारा ॥६॥

He protected the yagna (sacrifice) and killed the rakshasas (Khara Dushana Tataki).

He went to Sita's Swayamvara and liberated Ahalya (Gautama's wife).

पर्णिले जानकी सुरुपा । भंगुनिया शिवचापा ।

रावण लज्जित महाकोप । नव्हे पण हा सोपा ॥७॥

He married beautiful Janaki (Sita), breaking Shiva's bow.

Ravana was greatly enraged and shamed, realising the difficulty of the condition (for Sita's swayamvara) 

सिंधूजलडोही अवलीळा । नामे तरतिल शिळा ।

त्यावरी उतरुनिया दयाळा । नेईल वानरमेळा ॥८॥

By his name, stones floated effortlessly on the ocean's waters.

Crossing upon them, the compassionate one led the army of monkeys.

समूळ मर्दूनि रावण । स्थापिल बिभीषण ।

देव सोडविले संपूर्ण । आनंदले त्रिभुवन ॥९॥

Completely destroying Ravana, he established Vibhishana.

He liberated all the gods, and the three worlds rejoiced.

राम भावाचा भुकेला । भक्ताधीन झाला ।

दास विठ्ठले ऎकिला । पाळणा गाईला ॥१०॥

Rama is hungry for devotion, he becomes subservient to his devotees.

Thus, Vitthala Dasa (the poet) heard this and sang this lullaby.

Foot-note 

कुरवंडी (Kuravandi) is a traditional Indian ritual, primarily practiced in Maharashtra and other parts of India, which involves waving certain items around a person or an idol to ward off evil or negative influences, and to bring good fortune.

Here's a breakdown of what it entails:

• The Act: It involves a circular motion, often with specific items like:

  • Lamps (deepa/arati): Waving lamps or an arati (a plate with lit wicks) around an idol or a person is a very common form of kuravandi, especially in religious contexts. This is done to honor the deity/person and to dispel any negative energy.

  • Rice, salt, turmeric, kumkum: These ingredients are often used, particularly during auspicious occasions like weddings or welcoming a new baby. The belief is that these items absorb any negative energy or "evil eye" directed towards the person, and then they are usually discarded.

• Purpose:

  • To remove malignant influences/evil eye (drishta): This is a primary reason for performing kuravandi. It's believed that others' envy or negative thoughts can cause harm, and this ritual helps to counteract that.

  • To bestow blessings and good fortune: By cleansing the aura, it's thought to invite positive energy and prosperity.

  • As a gesture of love and protection: Especially when performed by elders for children, or by a wife for her husband, it's a symbolic act of wishing them well and protecting them.

• The Song: Sometimes, as mentioned in the dictionary definition, "kuravandi" can also refer to the song appropriate to this rite. The lullaby you provided is a perfect example, as the line "Tujavar kuravandi karuniya" (performing kuravandi over you) directly refers to this protective ritual for baby Rama.

In essence, kuravandi is a ritual rooted in folk beliefs and cultural practices, intended to safeguard loved ones and bring auspiciousness.

Narayana, Ena Baarade - AI Translation

This song is attributed to Purandara Dasa, the father of Carnatic music and a profound saint-poet. 

It beautifully critiques performative spirituality and reminds us that sincere devotion—especially through Nama Smarana (chanting the name of the Lord)—is more meaningful than elaborate rituals.

nArAyaNa enna bArade

“Why do you refrain from uttering ‘Narayana’?

nimma nAligeyoLu muLLu muridihude kallu jaDidihude

Has a thorn struck your tongue, or has it turned to stone?”

🌿 Verse 1:

vAraNAsige pOgi dura baLaleke 

Why wander far to Varanasi?

nIra kAvaDi pottu tirugalEke

Why carry pots of water and roam about?

UrUru tappade dEshAntaraveke 

Why travel from town to town, from one land to another?

dArige sAdhanavallave harinAma

Isn’t chanting the Lord’s name the real path to salvation?

🕯️ Verse 2:

nityOpavAsaviddu hasidu baLaleke 

Why suffer through endless fasting, starving in vain?

matte caLiyoLu gange muLugaleke

Why plunge into the freezing waters of the Ganges?

hastava piDidu mADuva japa tapavEke

Why strain your hands in ritualistic chanting and austerities?

muktige sAdhanavallave harinAma

Isn’t the Lord’s name the truest means to liberation?

🛕 Verse 3:

satisutaranu biTTu yatigaLAshramavEke

Why abandon your virtuous wife and children and seek monastic life?

vrata krcchara nEma niSTegaLEtake

What’s the point of rigid vows, severe penance, and rituals?

pruthiyoLage namma purandara viTTalana

When Purandara Vitthala lives among us on this very earth,

atishayadindomme nenedare sAlade

Isn’t remembering Him with deep devotion enough?

nArAyaNa enna bArade

Sapaada Bhakshya | The Ratio of 1.25 (Savaai)

This is the celebrated prasadam of Satyanarayana Vrata.

The most delicious prasadam in the World.

Due to its ghee content, not easily got when we were young. And if made correctly, all astikas go mad about it.

The characteristic is the ratio of 1.25. You can make it at any quantity, but each ingredient should be 1.25 of the original measure taken.

Ingredients (as per the shloka)

1. Sooji (or wheat atta) - The shloka mentions Godhooma Choorna. In absence, Rice Rava can be used, but is seldom used.

2. Sugar/Jaggery (as per the shloka)

3. Cut ripe bananas (The variety used will make taste difference)

4. Ghee

5. Milk

Note - There is no mention of the procedure. Hence, there are procedural variations in different communities as to how this must be prepared.

Technical Background

Lets remind ourselves a little bit about density and volume. Less dense items will occupy more volume. Which also means that 1.25 cup of sooji or wheat atta will be lighter than 1.25 cup of sugar. 

Hence the whole quantity is a game of ratios and not of weights.

For the Satyanarayana Pooja we had at our place i used 3 and 3/4 cups of all ingredients. This is assuming I have a huge cup which can hold 3 standard cups of ingredient.

Procedure

Have your bath and complete your prayers. Clean the kitchen area.

Mix all the ingredients in the vessel meant for preparing prasadam. If its a thick bottomed then better. Keep it big.

Post mixing start the flame and stir continuously. Once it gets heated, the reaction starts.

While stirring, keep a devotional frame of mind. Play some devotional piece and sing along. I had the Suprabhatam track from Rocketry running, and interestingly, the whole process took as much time as the Suprabhatam...i.e. 30 mins. I had frankly expected more time.

So what is the point till when it needs to be cooked?

20 minutes into the process, the ghee started coming out copiously. I kept stirring it on medium heat till i realised that the sapaada started leaving the sides of the vessel easily, as well as started slipping off the ladle. This is when it is done.

Then close the flame,  bring it to the side of the vessel and scoop out additional ghee as much as possible.

Leave the sapaada in the vessel and cool it there, before taking it out. This will ensure that the excess ghee which remains is re-absorbed and gives the sapaada a better texture and taste.

The uniqueness of this process - 

1. The sooji is not roasted

2. Water/liquid volume is same as sooji  volume. When we make Sheera, we add more water, ending up with a longer cooking time

3. Sugar is added along with all ingredients. This helps keep the moisture consistent and helps cook quickly.

The choice of banana/Rambhaphalam/Kadaliphalam

The taste and aroma majorly are enhanced due to the quantity of ghee as well as the choice of banana. People in GSB community know that only puttubale/elakki or rasabale should be used. But there is no shastrokta opinion in this matter. The thumb rule is to use Rambhaphalam/Banana which is available locally.

In Mumbai, due to the lack of elakki or rasabale, people used to use ripe Pacche Bale/Green Banana and this in my opinion, gives sapaada a heavenly taste. I am yet to prepare it with rasabale, and will add a record of my observation here, when i will make it for the next Satyanarayana Pooja.

Satya Dharma

Apart from all of this, lets also remember that Satyanarayana Vrata is a reminder for us that Hindu Dharma is Satya Dharma. Satya is Narayana. Truth as we understand is only about truth in speech, but it extends to all facets of our life. Our itihaasas and practices were created to help us practice Satya Dharma and since we forgot this, our miseries started. 

The Vratam is a reminder to us that its is not as difficult to lead a good life following Satya Vrata. The anticipated hardships are anyways going to come only to spoil our life and legacy. We need to get all the right ingredients and cook them in this journey of life to get the prasadam of contentment, which Sapaada Bhakshya shows us a glimpse of.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Walukeshwara - Tracing Forgotten History

Time erodes everything. Re-search is a continuous process and aims at re-finding and preserving items and ideas which need to be passed on for times to come.

People in Mumbai who have looked up the history of Walkeshwar/Walukeshwara, would probably be aware of a few things and few people, especially Shri. Rama Kamath, who re-built the temple which is called Walkeshwar today.

The objective of this research is to exhume some forgotten details of importance about the episode of Walukeshwara in the history of Mumbai. archive.org and a couple of other sources have helped trace the missing links and build a fair picture of what will be seen in this article.

Walkeshwar - The present temple

I was curious about Shri. Rama Kamath - what was his Gotra, his Kuladevata etc. as any grounded fellow Saraswat would be. A visit to the temple, close to Shri. Walkeshwar Kashi Math, made me discover these inscriptions, which are not too old, but have crucial pointers.

 

Translation - During the period of the Shilahara rule in the 12th Century C.E. , a Shiva temple was constructed by a leader of Gomantaka Dwijas (Dwijas from modern Goa), named LakshmaNa (Prabhu), hence the temple was known as LakshmaNeshwara. Eventually the temple was attributed to the son of Sumitra i.e., LakshmaNa.

With the passage of time and arrival of the cruel firangis (Portuguese) in Mumba Island (Mumbai), it was destroyed and reduced to a pile of stones. 

Eventually, Mumbai was passed on to the East India Company (referred as the English Trade Group). A pious, good natured person named Shri. Rama Kamath, from Saraswata kula and Gaargya Gotra; a great businessman and the Treasurer, Commander of the Army of the East India Company; who consecrated the temple of Samaliyalal (Krishna in Gujarati) and Venkatesha in Fort. 

Three years after the Vikrama Varsha named Nanda, he performed the Jeernoddhaara (re-consecration) of this Shiva Temple (in 1715 C.E.), which is has attained pious fame today as the Walukeshwara. 

In front of whom the whole World appears as a speck of sand, my humble prostration to Walukeshwara (The Lord made of sand), who is the ocean of kindness and peace.

Notes - 

1712 C.E was Nanda naam samvatsara, 3 years post that is 1715 C.E.

The spot where the temple currently stands was Lakshmaneshwara and not Walukeshwara. But it has gained that name over time.

Original Walukeshwara temple was present in the spot where current Raj Bhavan stands. The ruins were moved to museums in London, before constructing a house, by the East India Company. This is currently the residence of the Governor.

Samaliyalal is one of the old Gujarati names for Krishna, which is associated with his complexion - Shyam. Saanvariya is the equivalent which we all are aware of.

The Samaliyalal temple is a separate temple which was a community one, supported by members of GSB and Gujarati community. Venkatesh temple was basically the family shrine of Shri. Rama Kamat. With time, his estate was eventually dissolved and the family deities came to stay along with Samaliyalal. Kalikaala was prabala and the temple premises were appropriated by a Gujarati Pandit. This was eventually reclaimed and given back to GSB samaj due to efforts by the community, spearheaded by my grandfather, Shri. Hariappa Shenoy.

Today its a small temple, which needs urgent repairs. 

Paitruka

Gotra-Pravara: Vaasistha-MaitraaVaruna-Kaundinya

Kuldeva: Ramnath Shanteri Kamakshi, Ponda (originally Lotavali)

Lakshmana Shanbhag (Mid 18th Century)

Resident of Mulki/Kadekara (disputed)

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Rukmayya Shanbhag (Late 18th Century)

Migrated to Kapu (Udupi) and founding father of Kapu Shenoy Family. Prospered in Kapu. 

Became the Patel and the descendants of his first son are still holding the position.

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Ganapayya Shanbhag (Mid 19th Century)

Inherited/acquired lands and build our Daiva Gudi to Pilli Chamundi. 

Might have been involved in litigations and lost his property, as seen from most of the descendants having migrated to Bombay.

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Madhava Shanbhag (Late 19th Century)

Had a petty shop. Died in penury, probably brought by property division or personal issues, leaving behind 2 young sons. Inherited property having the Daiva Gudi, which was mortgaged to Jaina money lenders.

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Kaup Hariappa Madhav Shanai (1913 - 1958)

Migrated to Bombay as a boy, worked hard and became a hotelier, confectioner and politician. 

Re-acquired mortgaged lands in Kapu and rebuilt Daiva Gudi. Did great service to Kashi Math Samsthan and helped countless people.

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Prabhakar Shenoy (1947 - 2021)

Graduated in science, became self-employed in his surgical business. Fought for the dharma always. Talented writer, speaker and singer. Led a life of hard work, respect and raised his family with honesty.

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Shrinath Shenoy (1988 - present)

Trained to be an engineer, worked in Pune and moved to Udupi, the story continues…:)

Memorable events related to food

Manipal - late 1990s

Between 1997-2000, our families had a chance to come together due to thread ceremonies of all male cousins. We had a gala time every summer vacation and the food memories from this time were beautiful.

The gobi manchurian, parcelled in banana leaves and brought home by uncle from a restaurant named Dwadashi in Kalsanka, Udupi. (closed now), was loved by all, due to its unique taste and aroma which is hard to find these days. We also had savoured a lot of Gud Bud ice creams in these days at multiple places, most notable one being at Lakshmi Soda Stall in Karkala. They used to prepare their own ice cream and it was fabulous in those days. Also to mention the soda sherbet, made with freshly prepared soda right out of the machine.

One day, the senior folks had also pulled off a tandoori party, grilling chicken on top of Srikar mam's terrace. It was a bit over charred, and not sufficient for our hungry bellies, but a memorable experience indeed.

We had also tasted Chole Bhature for the first time when all ladies of the house worked hard and prepared it under Meera Baliga akka's guidance.

The most fabulous Biscuit Ambade were enjoyed during the year of Pratap's thread ceremony, the ranpo maam had made such amazing light and crispy ones that i ended up eating 6 big ambades.

NSS Camp

We had been to the same village in 2007. The village is named Songarh and located in Raigad District, MH. The quality of food served in 2008 was on the other end of the scale compared to the one in the previous year. I remember seeing the men prepare the food on openfires, chopping cabbages with steel glasses etc. to prepare the stir fry, which was very lovely. Also got a taste of bhareli vangi made with small brinjals cooked on coal fire.

From the camp in 2007, only two food experiences are worth sharing. One is the amazing kanda poha made by he ladies in Kasarmalai. The poha was well made, fluffy and topped with freshly grated coconut and fried peanuts. We even got second helpings, which made us very happy, hungry that we were after having walked a good deal that morning. Another was the amazing chai and Parle G biscuits we had in a dhaba when Shantaram, Parikshit, Nikhil and I had gone to a nearby village for a small demo in the village school.

Here, one of the teachers had asked us what was being served to us for food and remarked that the non-veg is made very well in these sides, particulary Kombdi Wade - Chicken curry served with fried rice wadas. Interestingly in my last NSS camp of 2009, i tasted his in a village near Sai, located on a hilltop, which was a memorable experience in the cold winters of December.

Delhi-Sonepat-Chandigarh - 2012

This was the first time i travelled by Rajdhani express for Mitesh Sharma's wedding. The food was amazing on the train, along with the company.

Once we reached Hz. Nizamuddin station, we headed to Shashi's place where we had awesome noodles and manchurian prepared by his neighbour. Then we headed to Nishant Trisal's place in Rohini, via the Delhi Metro. Nishant's mom had made a lovely Kashmiri lunch for us, having palak chaman, nadru yakhni and authentic dum aloo. Also, awesome rajma curry and shahi paneer with the best paneer i have ever eaten. Superb rice and soft phulkas to eat these with. We were served kahva after the lunch and it is one of the most memorable experience i have had in this life.

In Chandigarh, the food was standard. For the reception in Sonepat, i enjoyed golgappa with varities of pani to be eaten with for the first time. The Soya Chanp kababs was out of the world and i was shocked that it was not chicken.

We also visited Delhi in that year and enjoyed deep fried parathas with banana chutney and lassi at Chandni Chowk, Kachaalu chat at Palika bazaar and amazing rasgulla and rasmalai a haldirams, chandni chowk.

Maitri Farms - 2015

During my first week on the farm, the helper was away due to his father's demise. We had to work on the farm in the day and cook at night. This was my first experience cooking on wood fire. I helped Jeetu, a villager who was there to help us, prepare a delicious stir fry with dried prawns. Then Shreesh, the farm owner, and I worked together to make the chapatis. Those were huge chapatis and fulfilling on our empty bellies.

Each morning and evening, black tea prepared with lemn gradd and lots of sugar was served. A British guy named Zeke Marshall had mastered it. It was amusing to seee him prepare it for all of us.

Once the rains had started, Jeetu would get mud crabs aka chimbori, from his rice farm. We too had ventured out in the night to collect them from the farm we were in, and got small ones. With these, amazing crab curry was prepared one afternoon, by the helper's wife. She had one day prepared amazing chapaties, gawar beans stir fry and thecha with garlic and green chilly. It was the best item i had eaten during my farm stay.

Shri. Prabhakar H. Shenoy | The Sun which set 2 years ago

I have wanted to write about my late Pitashri, since the time of his passing away in 2021. A few lines to summarize his life for posterity and hoping that i will write about his life at length very soon.

His was the life of an upright man who never begged anyone, believed in hard work, despite being aware that one gets only what one is destined to.

In his younger days, he was a sportsman, but his heart ailment put an end to it. Also made it hard for him to secure a job, which paved the way for him becoming a self made business man, who also helped set businesses for others as well.

He had an active life, despite his heart issues, major surgeries, falls etc. He lived a life more active than an average youngster of today. 

He was skilled in both speech and writing and had a beautiful handwriting carefully cultivated. I have always been proud that my father wrote beautifully, in neat cursive style, and his signature was gold standard for me.

He was adept at bonding with kids and telling them stories, but when enraged, the same kids would shit in their pants looking at his gaze. Same goes for erring adults whose evil intentions were kept in check by his aura and efforts.

He was ably supported by a just, sweet dharmapatni, who helped him run his home and took great care of his health and nurtured 3 kids with love. She prayed hard, saved money, fed him good, healthy food and provided the oil to smoothly run the machinery of their lives.

He had been cheated amply by those he trusted and believed in, but rewarded amply by the Almighty. Yet he was a man of few needs and lived simply till his end, never trying to indulge in luxury or showoff.

Our Yoga Guruji, Shri. Mahavir Sainik ji, had mentioned to me with tears in his eyes, first time we met after the passing away of dad, that my father was a mad man for the world, whose goodness and sanity could only be identified by another mad man like him. By mad man, he actually meant a very grounded person who was easily misinterpreted in popular understanding.

My father believed in the inherent goodness of people, and had consideration for their comforts and pains as his formula while dealing with them. He never called anyone when he felt they may be ill disposed and considered about time of the day when they may be having lunch or sleeping, unlike most people who are only bothered about their objective while calling on phone.

He was very fond of singing old hindi songs, bhajanas and blessed with a beautiful voice and skilled on the harmonium. His guidance and training set the basis for the music we are able to create and enjoy.

Prabhakar and Suman · Prabhakar - Jalte Hain Jiske Liye

Over the years i had realised how good looking he was and he was becoming more sweet like a ripening mango, as he grew older.

We have served him from the time we were kids and my times spent massaging his feet and talking to him about everything under the sky are the times i miss the most. I can recall his face and his voice, whenever i feel like hearing or seeing him.

I am sad about how destiny planned his end, and wished that it could have been a better ending, but believe that he cleaned up all his karmic baggage he had to burn in this lifetime.

He will surely have a great next janma, in a healthy body, happy, virtuous and wealthy family.

The Sun set 2 years ago, but left enough light to guide us for the rest of our life. Miss you Annu...:(