Degree Kaapi

Pasuram 8 : Keezh Vaanam Ragam : Dhanyasi Singer : Madhu Iyer Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir Through the eigth pasuram, Andal cajoles the still-sleeping village maidens to wake up early & join their waiting friends in the Lord's worship. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is...

Pasuram 7 : Keesu Keesu Ragam : Bhairavi Singer : Madhu Iyer Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir In this seventh pasuram, Andal exhorts the village maidens to wake up early & worship Lord Narayana. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty s...

Pasuram 6 : Pullum SIlambina Ragam : Shankarabharanam Singer : Madhu Iyer Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir In the sixth pasuram, Andal gently chides young devotees to arise early & pray to Lord Hari in observance of the ritual vow. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part...

Pasuram 5 : Mayannai Ragam : Sri Singer : Madhu Iyer Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir Through the fifth pasuram, Andal explains that by worshipping Lord Damodara (Vishnu) with fresh flowers & songs, devotees can wash away all their sins, past & future. The song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known...

Pasuram 4 : Aazhi Mazhai Kanna Ragam : Varali Singer : Madhu Iyer Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir The fourth pasuram beseeches Varuna, the God of Rain, to be as generous & resplendent as Lord Vishnu & shower the earth with rain. The song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part...

Pasuram 3 : Ongi Ulagalandha Ragam : Arabhi Singer : Madhu Iyer Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir The third pasuram praises Lord Vishnu in his form as Vamana & explains what devotees can achieve by following their guru or acharya to worship God. The song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasura...

Song : Vaiyatthu Vaazhveergal Raga : Gowli (Carnatic) Singer : Madhu Iyer A beautiful pasuram describing the austerities that devotees must perform in order to maintain a vow and serve the Lord. This song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppavai, a set of thirty...

Pasuram 1 : Margazhi Thingal Ragam : Nattai Singer : Madhu Iyer Venue : Brahma Vidya Mandir Margazhi Thingal, the first song in Thiruppavai, beseeches devotees to come together to worship Krishna, the son of Yashoda. The song was composed in chaste Tamil over 1200 years ago by the only female Vaishnavite saint Kodhai Alwar, or Aandal as she is popularly known. The pasuram is a part of the Thiruppa...

Karthigai Deepam is an ancient festival that is observed across India and several other countries in South Asia and South-East Asia in October or November every year. This is the third & final podcast in the three-part series about the traditions & legends around Karthigai Deepam. Listen to the other two parts here - Karthigai Deepam Part 1 https://rss.com/podcasts/degreekaapi/461077/ Kart...

India is a land of diversity. In spite of different languages, traditions & customs followed in different regions, India is linked by a common thread that is expressed through its festivals. 'Festivals of India' is a series that will attempt to cover in depth some of the important celebrations observed across India, & the common thread that binds us all to this ancient civilisation. This i...

India is a land of diversity. In spite of different languages, traditions & customs followed in different regions, India is linked by a common thread that is expressed through its festivals. 'Festivals of India' is a series that will attempt to cover in depth some of the important celebrations observed across India, & the common thread that binds us all to this ancient civilisation. This i...

Varsha Pirappu is the Tamil New year celebrated by the Tamil diaspora globally on 13th or 14th April every year. This day is important for many cultures & religions in South Asia & South East Asia, as it marks the transition of the solar cycle from Meenam (Pisces) to Mesha (Aries). It is also the time of harvest in some places in India & thus also celebrated as a harvest festival. Find...

A beautiful & meditative Sanskrit Vedic Chant from the Rudram, praising Lord Shiva. Rudram (Samhita Patha & Ghana Patha) . Video link here https://youtu.be/5aGZKrMwlbk Vocals by Madhu Iyer Programming by Marshall Robinson Mixing & Mastering by Abin Paul Editing by Anuradha Srinivasan Supported by Sri Lalitam Trust saṃhitā - pāṭhaḥ & ghana - pāṭhaḥ ------------------------------- Th...

Thai Pusam is celebrated by Tamils around the world, in places as far apart as India, Sri Lanka, Fiji & Indonesia. With different kavadis & chariot processions, the festival is a spectacular mix of colours, music & dance. Enjoy this podcast on the celebration & customs of Thai Pusam. This is the first of a two-part series on the festival of Thai Pusam. Watch the video here https://...

Maha Shivaratri is an ancient & important festival celebrated by many Hindus across the world. From Kashmir to Karnataka, Mauritius to Pakistan, know more about how people observe this festival & the stories behind the rituals. This is Part 1 of the two- part series on Maha Shivaratri. Watch the video here https://youtu.be/CTwubq8Y8W0 Background Music - Shiva Mantra by Madhu Iyer ( https:/...

#Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamils everywhere. The festival has evolved over centuries into a four-day celebration that brings together friends and family. Games, song & dance, and food form the highlight of Pongal. This podcast explains the rituals and customs associated with the festival, and the unique ways it is celebrated across the world today. Watch the video here https:...