Since 2000, Stringer and a diverse ensemble of accompanying musicians have toured North America and Europe tirelessly, developing new venues for music, and expanding the audience for kirtan. He has introduced chanting for the first time to many seemingly unlikely cities, and through his consistent touring, has been instrumental in the development of a number of thriving local kirtan communities.
Bhagavati
Dave Stringer Lyrics
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Giri vara vindhya shirodhini vasini vishnuvilaasini jishnunute
Bhagavati he shitikanthaku tumbini bhooriku tumbini bhoorikrute
Jaya jaya he mahishaa suramardhini ramya kapardini shailasute
Suravara varshini durdhara dharshini durmukha marshini harsharate
Tribhuvana poshini shankara toshini kilbisha moshini ghosharate
Danujani roshini ditisuta roshini durmada shoshini sindhusute
Dhanuranu sangara nakshana sanga parishphu radanga natatkatake Kanakapishanga prishatkanishanga rasadbhatasringa hataabayuke
Krutachaturanga balakshitiranga ghatadbahuranga ratadbatuke
Jaya jaya he mahishaa suramardhini ramya kapardini shailasute
Vijita sahasra karaika sahasra karaika sahasra karaikanute
Krutasura taaraka sangara taaraka sangara taaraka soonusute
Suratha samaadhi samaana samaadhi samaadhi samaadhi sujaatarate
Jaya jaya he mahishaa suramardhini ramya kapardini shailasute
The lyrics of "Bhagavati" by Dave Stringer invoke the Hindu goddess Durga, who is also known as Mahishasuramardini, or the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. The opening lines of the song pay homage to the goddess, calling her "Ayi giri nandini," or "One who dwells in the mountains and valleys." The lyrics then describe various aspects of Durga's power and beauty, such as how she resides on the peaks of Vindhya mountains, and how she is venerated by Lord Vishnu. The lines "Bhagavati he shitikanthaku tumbini bhooriku tumbini bhoorikrute" refer to Durga's role as the consort of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction, and depict her as someone who fulfills the desires of her devotees.
The second verse of the song further praises Durga's power and might, describing how she dispels sorrow and protects the three worlds. The lines "shankara toshini kilbisha moshini ghosharate" refer to how Durga pleases Lord Shiva and removes the sins of her followers. The verse goes on to depict her as the destroyer of demons, including the mighty Mahishasura, whose defeat is celebrated during the festival of Durga Puja.
The final verse of the song invokes Durga's warrior form, describing how she is armed with various weapons such as the bow and arrow, and how she defeats her enemies in battle. The lines "Vijita sahasra karaika" reference her thousand-handed form, while "Krutasura taaraka sangara" describes how she defeated the demon Tarakasura. The song concludes with a final tribute to Durga, calling her the "ramya kapardini shailasute," or the one who dwells on the beautiful mountains.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayi giri nandini, nandita medini, visva vinodini, nandinute
Oh Mother Goddess who dwells in the mountains, who is the delight of the universe and who is praised by everyone.
Giri vara vindhya shirodhini vasini vishnuvilaasini jishnunute
You reside on the peaks of Mount Vindhya, you wear it like a crown, and you are loved by Lord Vishnu.
Bhagavati he shitikanthaku tumbini bhooriku tumbini bhoorikrute
You are the goddess who holds the spears of Lord Shiva, and you are the creator of the universe.
Jaya jaya he mahishaa suramardhini ramya kapardini shailasute
Victory to the goddess who defeats demon Mahisa. She is the beautiful one with flowing black hair, who resides in the mountains.
Suravara varshini durdhara dharshini durmukha marshini harsharate
You are the one who showers blessings on the devas, keeps the evil ones at bay, and destroys the demon's pride with your smile.
Tribhuvana poshini shankara toshini kilbisha moshini ghosharate
You are the one who nourishes the three worlds, delights Lord Shiva, destroys the sins of all living beings, and makes a loud sound.
Danujani roshini ditisuta roshini durmada shoshini sindhusute
You are the one who makes the demons angry, the daughter of the mother of all beings (Aditi), and the eliminator of the arrogance of enemies. You are the daughter of the ocean.
Jaya jaya he mahishaa suramardhini ramya kapardini shailasute
Victory to the goddess who defeats demon Mahisa. She is the beautiful one with flowing black hair, who resides in the mountains.
Dhanuranu sangara nakshana sanga parishphu radanga natatkatake Kanakapishanga prishatkanishanga rasadbhatasringa hataabayuke
You hold a bow and arrow, which make a deadly sound. You dance fiercely and with great energy. In your hands there are the golden sickle and the iron dagger.
Krutachaturanga balakshitiranga ghatadbahuranga ratadbatuke
You are the one who played chess with Lord Shiva, and defeated Him. You have four arms and are adorned with golden ornaments. The sound of your bell removes fear.
Jaya jaya he mahishaa suramardhini ramya kapardini shailasute
Victory to the goddess who defeats demon Mahisa. She is the beautiful one with flowing black hair, who resides in the mountains.
Vijita sahasra karaika sahasra karaika sahasra karaikanute
You are the goddess who is victorious over thousands and thousands of hands.
Krutasura taaraka sangara taaraka sangara taaraka soonusute
You destroyed the demon Krutasura and his army. You are the daughter of the king of the mountains and the destroyer of evil.
Suratha samaadhi samaana samaadhi samaadhi samaadhi sujaatarate
You are the one who brings peace of mind, and who helps us attain a state of deep contemplation. Your beauty surpasses all others.
Jaya jaya he mahishaa suramardhini ramya kapardini shailasute
Victory to the goddess who defeats demon Mahisa. She is the beautiful one with flowing black hair, who resides in the mountains.
Lyrics © MAGNETIC MELODIES
Written by: Dave Stringer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind