By presenting this write-up, I am not trying to show my Paandithya in Bhajan nor am I trying to dilute the Sampradaayam but am trying to share my knowledge and understanding with those amateur Bhajan aspirants, who are looking for the meaning, Paddhathi and the usefulness of doing Bhajan with a time constraint. This is with a view to sustain the Sampradaayam even in a nutshell, if the Sampradaayam cannot be followed in its fullness in the present day life. We are witnessing a degeneration of the Sampradaayam in today's life. I would like to state the importance of the Sampradaayam handed over to us by great Bhagavathaas/ Sanths in the manner in which it appealed to me and my own bhava with which I participate in it. I do not intend harming anyone's feelings or belief nor do I argue on relaxation of the rules therein.  

I have been observing in many bhajan programmes - whether by local bhagavathaas or up-county - that the audience are always in the age group of 40 onwards.  It pains me to note that the younger generation is not being attracted towards this movement.  Why?  Partly it is the modern trend propagated by the TV serials, Cricket matches and other social gatherings.  However, I am of the opinion that the younger generation is attracted towards these waistful gatherings because they are not brought up according to the cultural tenets of our tradition.  They are not even aware of the Puranic Stories nor are they initiated towards the Vedic culture.  We, as parents, are to be blamed, because we do not give much attention to the up-btringing of the children and leave it to the Baby Sitters and Hostels.  Our personal attention in the developmental stage of the child is totally nil.  The Bhakthi cult should be inculcated in the tender age for which they should be taught the values of our Culture and Tradition. 

I sincerely hope that a few of the youngsters, who happen to fall into this websiote - accidently = might get convinced and will get initiated into this movement, which will pave way for many others to come, since a word from a youngster is more valuable than an advice from an elder now-a-days.  I believe, no compulsion will help to bring them into this fold.  If the younger generation is attracted to ny writings and have been initiated into Bhajan field, I consider it as a great achievement, a great return for what I have done.  It is with the view of handing over the tradition to the next generation that I have ventured on a mission like this. 

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My Background:

I hail from a family of Bhajana tradition from Pallavur Village (Palghat District-Kerala State), migrated to & settled in Mumbai since 1957. I have been associated with Bhajan from the age of 8 with the guidance and encouragement from my parents and elder brother and have participated in Paddhathi Bhajan, Deepa Pradakshinam, Dolothsavam, Kalyaanam, Poorna Ashtapadi Bhajan, Vasantha Kelikkai, Pawwalimbu etc. with many contemporary Bhagavathaas, hailing both from Bombay and outside. In Nurani, I participated in the Bhajans of Nurani Appu & party and I am indebted to shri Seshadri Iyer (Checha mama) with whom I had been dancing in Deepa Pradakshinams. In Bombay, I have been associated with my brother Shri Nurani Chuppamani Avargal, who is instrumental in spreading Deepa Pradakshinam in Bombay in those days. Later, I associated myself with Late Sri (Kalyan) Krishnamoorthy Avargal, Harihara Puthra Bhajan Samaj etc. to mention a few. At present I am associated with Mulund Bhajan Samaj. Mainly, I perform abhinaya and dance during Deepa Pradakshinam, Dolothsavam & Kalyaanams and explain the important aspects of Bhajana Sampradaayam, apart from singing.  I have also conducted, with the help of other Bhagavathaas, Paddhathi Bhajan, Deepa Pradakshinam, Dolothsavam, Unchavrutthi and Kalyaanams in public functions.    

However, I attained poornathwa - i.e. performing Bhajan, following a definite Paddhathi, with Bhakthi knowing the meaning (overall import) of the songs -- only after I had the opportunity of Guru Kula Vaasam with my Guru Brahmashri Pudukkottai Gopalakrishna Bhagawatha Swamy for about 15 days, who, voluntarily, initiated me, out of compassion, into Bhajan Sampradaayam through Naamopadesam in the year in which he attained the Lotus Feet of the Lord. This shows, that whatever one has acquired with self effort and involvement, its culmination is possible only with Guru Krupa. Any knowledge gained, to be permanent and full, should be gained through Guru or must have Guru's approval.   It is providence that I was selected by my Guru for this voluntary initiation.   It is evident that Guru Krupa flows towards you only when you are ripe enough. 

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