Harivarasanam

Harivarasanam (Malayalam: ഹരിവരാസനം, Sanskrit in Devanagari: हरिवरासनम्), also known as Hariharasuthāshtakam, is a Hindu devotional song composed in the astakam metre, recited at Sabarimala (the principal Ayyappan pilgrimage site), before closing the temple door every night. The song was written by Kambamgudi Kulathur Iyer and Swami Vimochanananda sang it for the first time at Sabarimala. Though there have been many versions of this song sung by many renowned vocalists, the Sabarimala temple plays the rendition by K. J. Yesudas of a musical version composed by the renowned music director G. Devarajan every evening after the final pooja. Harivarasanam is written in Malayalam.

Introduction

Sabarimala is located in the deep jungle area, and in the past a few pious devotees managed the difficult pilgrimage. The temple opens during the pilgrimage season (November to January) and also on the first day of every Malayalam Era. VR Gopala Menon, from Alapuzha used to accompany Thirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri, the Melshanthi (head priest), to Sannidhanam every time, and would stay there by himself even when the temple was closed, remaining undisturbed by the wild animals. Later, when Devaswom Board was formed, it is believed that he was asked to move out. He eventually died at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar.

Gopala Menon used to recite "Harivarasanam" with devotion during his time at Sannidhanam, and when Thirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri heard about the passing away of the Mr. Menon, he was deeply saddened. At the end of the day's rituals, the Namboothiri was about to close the doors of the Sannidhanam when he remembered the dedication and sacrifice of the Gopala Menon and he then began to recite "Harivarasanam"' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken till date.

Today, as the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis (priests) leave the Sreekovil one by one. As the song ends, only the Melsanthi is inside. He extinguishes the lamps one at a time and closes the doors for the night.

Verses

Harivarasanam Viswamohanam Haridadheeswaram Aaradhyapadukam Arivimarddanam Nithyanarthanam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		Repository of Hari’s boons, Enchanter of the universe, Essence of Hari’s grace, He whose holy feet is worshipped, He who kills enemies by good thought, He who daily dances the cosmic dance, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Sharanakirthanam Bhakthamanasam Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He who likes song of refuge, He who is in the mind of devotees, He who is the great ruler, He who loves to dance, He who shines like the rising sun, He who is the king of all beings, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanchitham Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He whose soul is truth, He who is the darling of all souls, He who created universe, He who shines with a glittering halo, He who is the temple of “OM”, He who loves songs, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Thuragavahanam Sundarananam Varagadayudham Vedavarnitham Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face, He who has the blessed mace as weapon, He who is glorified by Vedas He who bestows grace like a teacher, He who loves songs, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Thribhuvanarchitham Devathathmakam Thrinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam Thridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He who is worshiped by the three worlds, He who is the soul of all gods, He who is lord Shiva, He who is worshipped by devas, He who is who is worshipped three times a day, He whose thought itself is fulfilling, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He who destroys fear, He who brings prosperity, He who is enchanter of universe, He who wears holy ash as ornament, He who rides a white elephant, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Kalamridusmitham Sundarananam Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam Kalabhakesari Vaajivahanam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He who blesses with enchanting smile, He who has a pretty face, He who is adorned by sandal paste, He who has a pretty mien, He who is a like a lion to the elephants, He who rides on a tiger, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
Shrithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam Shruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam Shruthimanoharam Geethalalasam Hariharathmajam Devamashraye Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa		He who is dear to his devotees, He who fulfills wishes, He who is praised by Vedas, He who blesses life of ascetics, He who is the essence of Vedas, He who enjoys divine music, Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord My refuge is in you Ayyappa, My refuge is in you Ayyappa
panchadreeshwari mangalam hari hara premakruthey mangalam pinchalamkrutha mangalam pranamathaam chinthamani mangalam panchasyadwaja mangalam thrujagadhamadhya prabhoo mangalam panchastropama mangalam shruthisirolankaara san mangalam

See also

• Ayyappan
• Sabarimala
• Mahishasuramardini Stotra

References

• Mantras & Slokas of Lord Ayyappa
• http://www.saranamayyappa.org/Harivarasanam.htm
• Harivarasanam Lyrics, Video & MP3 Song
• Harivarasanam Song by KJ Yesudas – Hindu Devotional Blog