Carnatic Music Svarajathi 1 (Rara Venu Gopa Bala) - English

Swarajatis are more sophisticated musical forms than geethams, both in terms of size and quality. They have been composed in the 3rd speed, and generally have a pallavi and a few Charanams. The charanams are generally rendered once as swaras and the second time as lyrics. Some swarajatis also have an anupallavi incorporated in them. Many swarajatis like the sublimely devotional ratna-trayam of Shyama Shastri are concert worthy.

rāra vēṇu gōpa bālā - these Telugu lyrics implore Lord Krishna, “Please come my lord Venugopala”. Believed to be composed by Patnam Subrahmanya Ayyar, this popular Swarajathi with its pleasing melody, in Carnatic raga Bilahari and set to Adi Talam, is one of the early compositions that one learns when they start Carnatic music lessons.

Please come (rāra), Lord Venugopala (Krishna), embodiment (śīla) of adorable (rājitha) and victorious (jaya) qualities (sadguṇa).

O, the one with big (sāra) eyes (ākṣa), what (ēmi) offenses (nēra) have I committed? I cannot bear (kōrvalēra) the onslaught of Cupid (mārubāri), the god of Love.

O Nandagopalaa! I have nowhere else to go. You come here (vindu rārā) with a free mind and spread cheer (keduruga gadiyara).
You have always responded to the prayers (nin pilachina) of your devotees. But why don't you respond (palukavu) to me (nalugakurā)? You have responded to the elephant (kari) Gajendra's call and granted him a boon (varadā). Please listen to my repeated calls (mari mari nā adharamugro) protect me quickly (larakani karamuga)!

Don't be angry because I persist with you respectfully.
Come (rā), O the one who held the mountain Govardhana (nagadhara)!
Come ("raa"), O the one who destroyed (hara) the demon Mura (mura)!
Come (rā), O one who destroys (hara) the sorrows of the world (bhava)!
Dont leave (chēkōrā) this (ī) devotee (maguvanu), your delicate (sogasini) child (lalalanu) alone!
Listen to my prayers and wishes (kōrika)!
I prostrate (dendamu) to you (nīyenda)!
I want to reach (chēranu) your company (nīchenta)!
Please do not forget me (maravakurā)!
With my hands and limbs (karamula chē) I seek refuge (śaraṇane) in you (ninnu) again and again (marimari).

- Meaning (From Ravi Kiran's book)

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