Deva's parents are a mystic/artist father and a musically talented mother, she was taught violin, piano and received voice training. By the time she was five years old, she was already chanting the Gayatri Mantra daily, and since that time she continues to integrate meditation into her life.
She has studied Shiatsu, Reflexology, CranioSacral Therapy and Massage, but music remains her first love. The influence of Indian classical music is evident in her singing, although she has never attempted to copy or steal from the tradition. "It just comes naturally," she says, "as if I'd heard it all before, in another life."
Among the numerous letters of appreciation she has received since the release of her albums, many describe how her music has been used to accompany and enhance the sacred passages of birth and death. In fact, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the world famous author of On Death And Dying, requested that Miten and Deva bring their music to accompany her passing. "We have played for many people," says Deva, "but to play personally for Elizabeth was something I will never forget.”
Illumina
Deva Premal Lyrics
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Ó, grandioso sol, sol central
Ilumina, ilumina, ilumina, ilumina
Ó, grandiosa lua no céu
Ó, grandiosa lua no céu
Ilumina, ilumina, ilumina, ilumina
Ó, grandiosa estrela no céu
Ó, grandiosa estrela no céu
Ó, grandiosa rainha da floresta
Ó, grandiosa rainha da floresta
Ilumina, ilumina, ilumina, ilumina
Author: Guilherme Henrique Mendonça da Silva
The above verses are from the song "Illumina" by Deva Premal, which is a devotional chant. The song is a tribute to different celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, stars, and the forest queen. The repetition of the phrase "Ilumina" means "Illuminate" in Portuguese, calling upon these celestial bodies to enlighten us and help us see our true essence.
The first two lines of the song are dedicated to the grandiose sun, which is the center of our solar system and the primary source of energy for life on earth. The sun is often considered a symbol of consciousness and enlightenment in many spiritual traditions.
The following two lines acknowledge the grandiose moon, which represents emotions, intuition, and feminine energy. The moon reflects the light of the sun and is associated with cycles, rhythms, and transformation.
The next set of lines pay tribute to the grandiose stars in the sky, which have been a source of wonder and inspiration for humans for thousands of years. The stars are often seen as a symbol of guidance and navigation, as well as infinite possibilities.
Finally, the song honors the grandiose queen of the forest, which could represent the divine feminine energy in nature. The forest queen is a symbol of growth, vitality, and inner strength.
Overall, "Illumina" is a song that celebrates the beauty and power of nature, and calls upon us to be open to the wisdom and guidance that can be found in the cosmos.
Line by Line Meaning
Ó, grandioso sol, sol central
Oh, magnificent sun, central sun
Ilumina, ilumina, ilumina, ilumina
Illuminate, illuminate, illuminate, illuminate
Ó, grandiosa lua no céu
Oh, majestic moon in the sky
Ó, grandiosa estrela no céu
Oh, glorious star in the sky
Ó, grandiosa rainha da floresta
Oh, mighty queen of the forest
Writer(s): guilherme henrique mendonca da silva
Contributed by Jack D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.