354. Shyam Bajaaye Aaja Muraliya
Raag : Yaman
Taal : Teentaal
Tempo : Drut
Devanagari:
श्याम बजाये आज मुरलिया
वे अपनो अधरन गुन सो ॥
योगी जंगम जती सती
और गुनी मुनि सब नर–नारी
मिले मोह लियो है
मनरंग कहत ॥
Romanized:
śyām bajāye āja muraliyā
ve apno adharan gun so ॥
yogī jaṅgam jatī satī
aur gunī muni sab nar-nārī
mile moh liyo hai
manrang kahat ॥
(⚠️ Note: Many singers mistakenly sing “जंगल”; correct word is जंगम,
referring to Shaivite ascetics, as noted by Moumita Mitra.)
Composer / Gharana:
Traditional drut khayal in Yaman. Composer unknown.
Popular across several gharanas, especially in Kirana and Gwalior lineages.
Bandish Insights:
- A lively drut bandish celebrating Krishna playing the flute.
- Allows brisk taans, bol-baant, and rhythmic variations.
- The antara references yogis, ascetics, saints, and sages being mesmerized by Krishna’s divine music.
- Works well as a concluding piece after a vilambit Yaman khayal.
- Very popular among concert performers and students for its energetic character.
Anecdote:
- Pt. Bhimsen Joshi’s version is widely known — powerful, full of taans and dramatic phrasing.
- Moumita Mitra clarified the correct antara wording (“Jogi Jangam”) in her presentation.
- A rare Jugalbandi version exists featuring Bhimsen Joshi & M. Balamuralikrishna, a collector’s gem.
- Pravin Godkhindi & Shadaj Godkhindi also present an instrumental adaptation that beautifully captures the mood.
Links to Listen (Available on YouTube):
Singer: Pandit Bhimsen Joshi | Posted by: Sundeep Dougal | Notes: Classic Kirana interpretation; powerful drut taans.
Singer: Abhishek Kale | Starts at: ’26:20 | Posted by: Abhishek Kale Official | Notes: Clear enunciation and structured taans.
Singer: Ganesh N. Rayabagi | Posted by: GNR Vachanagalu | Notes: Classical and devotional flavour.
Singer: Saurabh Vashishtha | Posted by: nand lal soni | Notes: Lighter classical treatment.
Singer: Harish Tiwari | Posted by: Saadho Raga | Accompanists: Harmonium – Shri Sumit Mishra, Tabla – Harsh Vardhan Tyagi, Tanpura – Aman Panchal & Navnit Kaushal | Notes: Strong traditional Gayaki.
Singer: Pankaj Arya | Notes: Clean student-style presentation.
Singer: Pandit Chhannulal Mishra | Posted by: Sundeep Dougal | Notes: Endearing semi-classical touch.
Artists: Pravin Godkhindi & Shadaj Godkhindi | Posted by: Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava | Notes: Instrumental flute version capturing the drut energy.