Synopsis
"Deva devam Bhaje" is one of the most popular devotional compositions of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, the great Telugu saint-poet. This beautiful keertana glorifies Sri Rama as the supreme embodiment of righteousness, courage, compassion, and divine grace.
- Composer: Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya
- Deity: Sri Rama
- Theme: In Praise of Sri Rama
- Ragam: Hindola / also Dhanyasi
- Talam: Adi
- Language: Telugu
- Core Message: Divine Qualities of Sri Rama
The song describes various divine attributes of Sri Rama: His valor in defeating Ravana, His noble appearance, His commitment to Dharma, and His identity as the Supreme Narayana. Like many of Annamacharya's compositions, this keertana ultimately connects Sri Rama with Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala.
Traditionally, this keertana is rendered in Hindola Ragam and sometimes it is sung in Dhanyasi Ragam as well. Deva devam Bhaje remains an all-time favorite among devotees and Carnatic music lovers alike.
Deva Devam Bhaje: Lyrics in Telugu and English with Meaning
Hindolam
ఆరోహణం: స గ2 మ1 ద1 ని2 స
అవరోహణం: స ని2 ద1 మ1 గ2 స
Arohana (ascending): Sa Ga2 Ma1 Da1 Ni2 Sa
Avarohana (descending): Sa Ni2 Da1 Ma1 Ga2 Sa
Dhanyasi
ఆరోహణం: స గ2 మ1 ప ని2 స
అవరోహణం: స ని2 ద1 ప మ1 గ2 రి1 స
Arohana: Sa Ga2 Ma1 Pa Ni2 Sa
Avarohana: Sa Ni2 Da1 Pa Ma1 Ga2 Ri1 Sa
పల్లవి / Pallavi
Telugu Lyrics
దేవదేవం భజే దివ్యప్రభావం
రావణాసుర వైరి రణపుంగవం రామం ॥
English Lyrics
Deva devam bhaje Divya prabhaavam
Raavanaasura vairi Rana pungavam Ramam
Meaning: "Praise unto the divine shining glory of Sri Rama that spreads all over the universe. He, the enemy of Ravanasura and the mighty warrior who defeated and killed him."
చరణం 1 / Charanam 1
Telugu Lyrics
రాజవరశేఖరం రవికుల సుధాకరం
ఆజానుబాహు నీలాభ్రకాయం ।
రాజారి కోదండ రాజదీక్షాగురుం
రాజీవలోచనం రామచంద్రం ॥
English Lyrics
Raajavara Sekharam Ravikula SudhakaramAajanubahu Neelabhrakayam
Rajari Kodanda Raja Deekshagurum
Raajeevalochanam Ramachandram
Meaning: In Charanam 1 Annamayya praises Sri Rama as the crown jewel among the Kings. He is the moon of Surya Vamsam who brings glory to the dynasty.
The one with a perfect and well-built physique (Ajanubahu), a symbol of divine perfection. The one who is dark / blue complexioned with lotus shaped eyes. He, who wields Kodanda, the bow. And the one who is admired by all for His handsome appearance, nobility, and righteousness.
చరణం 2 / Charanam 2
Telugu Lyrics
నీలజీమూత సన్నిభ శరీరం
ఘన విశాల వక్షం విమల జలజనాభం ।
తాలాహి నాగహరం ధర్మ సంస్థాపనం
భూలలనాధిపం భోగిశయనం ॥
English Lyrics
Neela jeemoota sannibha sareeram ghranavisala vaksham vimala jalaja naabham
Talahi naagaharam Dharma sansthapanam
Bhoo lalanaadhipam bhogi sayanam
Meaning: In this Charanam Sri Rama is described as a person with a dark complexion like the dark clouds with a broad chest and a lotus-like navel from which the creation emerges.
He is the establisher and protector of Dharma. And the Ruler of all the creations who reclines on Adisesha, the Divine Serpant.
| Also Read: Lyrics and Meaning of Brahmamokkate Parabrahmamokkate |
చరణం 3 / Charanam 3
Telugu Lyrics
పంకజాసన వినుత పరమ నారాయణం
శంకరార్జిత జనక చాప దళనం ।
లంకా విశోషణం లలిత విభీషణం
వేంకటేశం సాధు విబుధ వినుతం ॥
English Lyrics
Pankajasana vinuta parama NarayanamSankararjita janaka chaapa dalanam
Lanka vishoshanam laalita vibheeshanam
Venkatesam saadhu vibudha vinutam
Meaning: In the final verse Annamayya glorifies Sri Rama as the Supreme Narayana who is adored by the lotus-seated Brahma, the Creator. The Supreme Hero who broke the mighty invincible bow of Shiva at King Janaka's court and won the hand of Sita.
The Conqueror of Lanka and the compassionate Protector who comforted Vibhishana (Ravana's younger brother). He is Sri Venkatesa who is adored by the sages and the learned devotees.
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.
| Also Read: Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Stories |
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 Devadevam Bhaje?
A. Devadevam Bhaje was composed by Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya, the renowned 15th-century Telugu saint-poet and devotee of Sri Venkateswara. He composed over 32,000 devotional songs in praise of Sri Venkateswara and various forms of Sri Vishnu.
2. What is the meaning of Devadevam Bhaje?
A. Victory to God of Gods".
3. Which deity is praised in Devadevam Bhaje?
A. Sri Rama - the 7th avatar of Sri Maha Vishnu's Dasavatarams.
4. What is the core message of the keertana Devadevam Bhaje
A. It conveys the message of true / unconditional devotion.
5. Is Devadevam Bhaje sung in Carnatic music concerts?
A. Yes. It is sung.
Conclusion
Devadevam Bhaje is not just a devotional song but it is a rich poetic praise on Sri Rama's divine qualities and His role as the Protector of Dharma. Through impressive descriptions of Rama's valor, compassion, beauty, and righteousness. Annamayya reminds devotees of the timeless virtues that Sri Venkatesa embodies.
The composition also highlights the Vaishnava belief that Sri Rama and Sri Venkateswara are manifestations of the same Supreme Narayana. Reciting or listening to this sacred keertana fills the heart with complete devotion and inspires one to walk the Dharmic path.
May the blessings of Sri Rama and Sri Venkateswara guide us towards peace, devotion, and spiritual upliftment.
Om Namo Venkatesaya
ॐ Insights into Hinduism by Sobha Kalyani Chivukula
Listen to this melodious song by Priya Sisters