Have you heard of Music
That casts a spell,
Enveloping you in its melodious folds?
A rare name, indeed! - Sopänam!
Known only to a few
But unheard and unknown to many
Yet, it exists,
Along the sandy beaches that stretches along
The deep Arabian sea
Amidst the swaying palms
In the wooden carved temples of Kerala,
Sopänam-the soulful music!
The divine melody of Sopanam
Is the song of the steps -
Steps that carry you along the ascending sweet notes,
Steps that cascade down with descending melodies,
Steps that hold you in rapt attention,
Steps that lift your spirit,
Take you on a joyful ride
Into the inner recesses of the mind,
To reflect and meditate
On the ever compassionate Almighty;
A journey most illuminating,
A spiritual sojourn!
As you stand in the temple,
Praying with folded hands,
The ears catch
The strains of the lingering lyrics
Weaving the romantic interludes
Of Radha and Krishna
Their ardent yearning,
Secret meetings,
Sweet murmurings,
Passionate love
Crossing the hurdles of time and tide,
With eternal love!
Hark! Listen to the music
Soft tender notes of Sopanam
Sensitive like the whispering palms
Scented like the sacred basil leaves
Seductive like the white jasmine flowers!
Soothing like the gentle breeze,
Yet, powerful and intense like the Kathakali dancers
Portraying the ancient legends and stories
Of Gods and heroes,
War and peace,
Love and hate, jealousy and revenge,
Dancing through this enriching music!
A melody truly divine,
Inspiring,
Prodding,
To climb the ladder-
The steps of symphony!
The yearning soul,
Desperate to seek
The expression of love,
The aesthetic experience,
The boundless bliss -
Unity of man, music and God,
A spiritual journey truly rewarding!
Hark! Listen to the music Soft tender notes of Sopanam Sensitive like the whispering palms Scented like the sacred basil leaves Seductive like the white jasmine flowers! ........................ Lovely rendering! Only by reading your poem I have got a clear idea of what Sopanam is, though I know it is one of the traditional music form of Kerala! I have been transported to the serene atmosphere of a Kerala temple situated at a higher plane, from where the notes of a divine song rise!
Thank you so much for reading this poem. Happy that you liked it Valsa. May the divine song bless us all.
Sopanam, a divine music that transports a devotee to a spiritual plane has nicely been explained through the words of this fine poem. Thanks a lot, Geeta ji. I have got something new to learn. Sopänam! .... Known only to a few But unheard and unknown to many.... Yet, it exists, Steps that lift your spirit.... Take you on a joyful ride
I listened to the following song, though I couldn't understand it but the slow, soothing and peace providing music was amazing. Sa virahe - Sopanam Ensemble - Music Mojo Season 2 - Kappa TV
Nice to know about Sopanam, anything including music that promotes universal love and brotherhood, I welcome. I would like to search on the internet this music that must be soothing, pleasing and peace providing. The poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon if forcing me to listen to this music, is a big success, no doubt in it, it's a wonderful poem.
Hi Geeta, When I read on Sopanasangeetam, I remember the inimitable rendition of the form of music by Njarallath Rama Poduvall. Your lines Soft tender notes of Sopaanam Sensitive like the whispering palms truly reminiscent of his music. Enjoyed the poem. You have mentioned that you are a dancer; your love for dance and music makes your poem exquisite. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Unni, So good to see you on this page. Sopanam Music touches your soul. Thank you so much for reading this poem and appreciating it as well.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Hark! Listen to the music Soft tender notes of Sopänam Sensitive like the whispering palms Scented like the sacred basil leaves Seductive like the white jasmine flowers! Soothing like the gentle breeze, Yet, powerful and intense like the Kathakali dancers Portraying the ancient legends and stories Of Gods and heroes, War and peace, Love and hate, jealousy and revenge, Dancing through this enriching music! dear Geeta Poetess. you have a very special way of expressing your emotions and feelings and thoughts. i am from Kerala and i know what you mean. i thank you very much.
Thank You Antony! That was a beautiful comment! Sopanam style of singing is enchanting and soulful. So happy to know that you understand these feelings and expressions. :)
Dear Antony, Thanks a lot for your heart warming comment. Yes! Sopanam is most lyrical. As you are from Kerala, you will understand exactly what i mean. Thank you again!