Brahmamokkate: A Timeless Message of Equality and Oneness
Brahmamokkate Parabrahmamokkate is one of the most popular devotional compositions of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, popularly known as Annamayya. Through this simple yet powerful song, Annamayya conveys the timeless truth that the Supreme Energy is one and the same in all the beings and that is Supreme Truth.
- Composer: Tallapaka Annamacharya
- Deity: Parabrahma - The Supreme Energy
- Language: Telugu
- Ragam: Bouli / Mayamalava Goula
- Talam: Adi
- Theme: Equality and Absolute Oneness
This timeless keertana conveys the powerful message of equality. Though this song, Annamayya highlights the core Vedantic truth of universal oneness i.e. the same Supreme Energy exists in all the creatures regardless of caste, creed, social status or species. The song beautifully expresses the philosophy of Supreme Consciousness that resides in all the creatures of the world and that is the Universal Truth.
Even after centuries, the message of Brahmamokkate remains relevant and continues to inspire devotees, musicians and spiritual seekers across the world.
Brahmamokkate: Telugu Lyrics with English Transliteration and Meaning in English
పల్లవి / Pallavi: Lyrics and Meaning
Telugu Lyrics
తందనాన అహి తందనాన పురే
తందనాన భళా తందనాన
బ్రహ్మమొక్కటే పరబ్రహ్మమొక్కటే
పరబ్రహ్మమొక్కటే పరబ్రహ్మమొక్కటే
English Transliteration
Tandanana Ahi Tandanana Pure
Tandanana Bhala Tandanana
Brahmamokkate Parabrahma Mokkate
Prabrahmamokkate Prabrahmamokkate
Meaning:
The word 'tandanana' is a slang used in the local folklore to give a rhythmic energy and punch into the folk music. While the words like 'ahi', 'pure' and 'bhala' are the regional exclamations to express joy and appreciation in various Telugu dialects. The second line describes the Supreme Creator (Parabrahma) is ultimately the only One.
| Also Read: Lyrics and Meaning of Devadevam Bhaje |
చరణం 1 / Charanam 1: Lyrics and Meaning
Telugu Lyrics
కందువగు హీనాధికము లిందు లేవు
అందరికి శ్రీహరే అంతరాత్మా
ఇందులో జంతుకులమoతా నొక్కటే
అందరికి శ్రీహరే అంతరాత్మా
English Transliteration
Kanduvagu Heenadhikamu Lindu Levu
Andariki Srihare Antaratma
Indulo Jantu Kulaminta Nokkate
Andariki Srihare Antaratma
Meaning:
In the divinity, there is no class distinction like 'high status' or 'low status'. It is Sri Hari (the Supreme Energy) who resides in all the beings. Here all the creature are one and the same and it is Sri Hari who dwells in all the creatures as the inner soul (Antaratma). Through this Keertana, Annamayya spreads the message that the sacred equality extends beyond humanity to embrace the entire living world. The soul (Atma) is the same in all the living creatures which is the Ultimate / Universal Truth.
చరణం 2 / Charanam 2: Lyrics and Meaning
Telugu Lyrics
నిండార రాజు నిద్రించు నిద్రయు నొకటే
అండనీ బంటు నిద్ర అదియ్యు నొకటే
మెండైన బ్రాహ్మణుడు మెట్టు భూమి యొకటే
చండాలుడుండేటి సరిభూమి యొకటే
English Transliteration
Nindara Raju Nidrinchu Nidrayu Nokkate
Andane Bantu Nidra Adiyyu Nokkate
Mendaina Brahmanudu Mettubhoomi Yokkate
Chandalu Dundeti Saribhoomi Yokkate
Meaning:
The sound sleep experienced by a wealthy, powerful King and the sleep enjoyed by his humble servant is the same. Similarly, the elevated ground (Mettubhoomi) on which an educated scholar (Brahmin) stands and the flat plain ground (saribhoomi) on which a chandala (a person of the lowest caste who is engaged in filthy work) stands, are the same. Mother Earth provides the same ground regardless of high or low castes, and so also Nidra Devi (sleep). These wonderful words of 'Equality' are written by Annamayya (a Brahmin by birth) in the early 15th century.
చరణం 3 / Charanam 3: Lyrics and Meaning
Telugu Lyrics
అనుగు దేవతలకును అల కామసుఖ మొకటే
ఘన కీట పశువులకు కామసుఖ మొకటే
దిన మహోరాత్రములు తెగి ధనాఢ్యున కొకటే
వొనర నిరుపేదకును ఒక్కటే అవియు
English Transliteration
Anugu Devatalakunu Alakama Sukhamokate
Ghanakeeta Pasuvulaku Kamasukha Mokate
Dinamaho Ratramulu Tegi Dhanadyudanakokate
Vonara Nirupedakunu Vokate Aviyou
Meaning:
The basic sensual (sexual) pleasures and biological instincts (Kamasukham) are the same for the celestial deities (Devatas) and also for the lower creatures like birds, beasts and tiny insects. So also, the natural cycle of day and night are the same for a multi-millionaire and the poorest of the poor.
చరణం 4 / Charanam 4: Lyrics and Meaning
Telugu Lyrics
కొరలి శిష్టాన్నములు గొను నాకలొకటే
తిరుగు దుష్టాన్నములు తిను నాకలొకటే
పరగ దుర్గంధములపై వాయువొకటే
వరస పరిమళముపై వాయువొకటే
English Transliteration
Korali Sishtanammulu Gonu Nakalokate
Tirugu Dushtannamulu Tinu Nakalokate
Paraga Durgandamulapai Vayunokate
Varusa Barimalamupai Vayunokate
Meaning:
Hunger is the same, for the one who craves for tasty food and for one who craves for junk (poor quality) food. In the same manner, the air that flows across a foul, decaying object carrying the bad smell is the very same wind that carries the delightful fragrance of objects like fresh flowers.
చరణం 5 / Charanam 5: Lyrics and Meaning
Telugu Lyrics
కడగి ఏనుగు మీద కాయు ఎండొకటే
పుడమి శునకము మీద బొలయు నెండొకటే
కడు పుణ్యులను పాప కర్ములను సరి గావ
జడియు శ్రీ వేంకటేశ్వరు నామ మొకటే
English Transliteration
Kadigi Yenugumeeda Gayu Yendokate
Pudami Sunakamumeeda Bolayunedokate
Kadu Punyulanu Papakarmulanu Sarigava
Jadiyu Sri Venkatesu Namamokate
Meaning:
The rays radiating from Sun fall equally upon a majestic royal elephant and that on a street dog. Finally Annamayya concludes the Keertana with the deep spiritual note and says that the name of 'Sri Venkateswara' is the ultimate Saviour for everyone alike - be it a sinner or the holiest person.
| Also Read: Lyrics of Kattedura Vaikunthamu |
Philosophical Significance of Brahmamokkate
The central theme of Brahmamokkate is the oneness of creation. Annamayya reminds us that all the distinctions are created by the society and are superficial when one looks at it with spiritual mind.
Equality of All Human Beings
The keertana teaches that every individual is equally important before God. Wealth, social status and external appearances do not determine the worth (spiritual worth) of a person.
The Divine Exists in Everyone
According to Vedantic philosophy, the same Divine Consciousness exists in every living being. Brahmamokkate beautifully conveys this Universal Truth in a manner that is easy to understand by the common man and they can relate to it.
A Message Relevant Even Today
In a world often divided by differences, Brahmamokkate encourages us to look beyond external distinctions and recognise the unity that connects all human beings.
Devotion Beyond Differences
The song inspires devotees to cultivate humility, compassion, and respect for all beings while deepening their devotion towards the Divine.
Sri Annamacharya: The 15th Century Telugu Saint-Poet
Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, popularly known as Annamayya, is a mystic saint-poet born in 1408 CE in Tallapaka a small village in the then Kadapa district (now Annamayya district) of Andhra Pradesh.
He was born to Narayana Suri and Lakkamamba, in a Telugu Brahmin family that popularised Vaishnavite faith in Andhra Pradesh in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Annamayya spent most of his life in composing 'Keertanas' and 'Padams' on Sri Venkateswara Swamy. He is regarded as 'Telugu Padakavi Pitamaha': the grand old man of Telugu poetry.
He also authored 12 Satakams, Ramayana in the form of Dwipada Sankeertana Lakshnam, Sringara Manjari and Venkatachala Mahatyam. Most of his works are in Telugu and Sanskrit languages.
Annamayya dedicated his life and compositions to Sri Venkateswara Swamy. His compositions are engraved on copper plates and are treasured in Sankeertana Bhandaram - a rock-built cell opposite the Hundi at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. And these remained unnoticed for over 400 years.
He is one of the greatest saint-poets of Telugu literature and devotional music. He is widely regarded as the first known composer of Telugu keertanas and is known as the 'Toli Telugu Vaggeyakara' i.e. the first lyricist, composer and singer of the Telugu literature.
Annamayya is one of the earliest known musicians of India to compose more than 32,000 songs known as 'Sankeertanalu'. His songs are a beautiful combination of devotion, philosophy, ethics, and spiritualism. Most of his songs are sung in typical Telugu folk style which continue to be sung and cherished even today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who composed Brahmamokkate?
A. Brahmamokkate was composed by Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya), one of the greatest and legendary Telugu saint-poets of the 15th-century who dedicated his works to Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
2. What ragam is Brahmamokkate sung in?
A. The keertana is traditionally composed and rendered in Bouli Ragam (often associated with Mayamalava Goula Ragam). Its soothing rhythm is perfect for early morning devotional practices.
3. What is the main message of Brahmamokkate?
A. The main message is that all human beings are equal and that the same Divine Consciousness resides in everyone.
4. Why is Brahmamokkate so popular?
A. Brahmamokkate is very popular because it is written in simple and easily understandable language, it conveys the profound spiritual message and is timelessly relevant to humanity.
5. Is Brahmamokkate related to Advaita philosophy?
A. Yes. The keertana reflects the Vedantic idea of the oneness of existence and the presence of the same Divine Reality in all beings which is the core concept of Advaita (non-dual) philosophy.
Final Note
Brahmamokkate is not just a devotional song but is a timeless composition that conveys the Universal message. It teaches equality, unity, humility, and devotion. Through this masterpiece, Annamayya reminds us that the same Divine Energy (essence) lies in all irrespective of their external differences.
The universal appeal and profound philosophy of the keertana continue to inspire generations of devotees and music lovers. The message of Brahmamokkate remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago, encouraging us to see God in every being and to live with compassion, respect and harmony.
ॐ Insights into Hinduism by Sobha Kalyani Chivukula
Listen to this masterpiece Keertana by Sri Balakrishna Prasad garu
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