Varaveena

Mythology is an important feature of every culture. Mythology is fascinating - whether it be Greek, Roman, Hindu etc. In Hindu mythology, "Varaveena" is a song is in praise of the goddess who plays the veena, who has soft hands, has lotus petal shaped eyes, has a beautiful form, the one who shines with unparalleled good qualities, giver of victory, granter of wishes. The song is "pretty" in the sense that it is based in the simple and elegant major pentatonic scale "Mohanam". This song is one of the earliest of songs taught in the South Indian Classical school of music. Children seem to love it and connect to the simplicity of the scale. It is also a great way to teach kids about the instrument - "The Veena" - which is a plucked stringed instrument - similar to the ancient harp, the sitar, the slide guitar etc.  

The lyrics -

vara veeNaa mridu paaNi 
vana ruha lOcana raaNi 
suracira bambara vENi 
suranuta kalyaaNi 
nirupama subaguNa lOlaa 
nirata jayaaprada sheelaa 
varadaapriya ranganaayaki 
vaancita pala daayaki 
saraseejaasana jananee 
jaya jaya jaya
(vara veenaa)