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.”
Mere Gurudev
Deva Premal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tere hee dena hai jo hai. Wahi tujha ko samarapita hai
My Gurudev I offer these flowers of my faith at your feet
Whatever I have, you have given to me, and I dedicate it all to you.
Meraa yaha man, meraa yaha tan, meraa kan kan samarapita hai
I have no love, nor do I know you.
I don't even have the strength to worship you,
But this mind of mine, this body of mine,
Tuma hee ho bhaava men mere, vicharon mein, pukaron mein.
Banaale yantra ab mujhko mere saravatra samarapita hai
The song Mere Gurudev, composed by Deva Premal, is a devotional ode to one's guru or spiritual teacher. The lyrics are highly emotive and convey deep reverence for the guru, expressed through offerings of flowers of faith and self-dedication. The singer addresses their guru, stating that whatever they have been given is due to their guru's grace, and they offer all of it back in homage.
The singer also admits their limitations and imperfections when it comes to their spiritual devotion. They say that they have no love, no strength, and no knowledge of the guru, but despite that, they affirm their dedication by offering their mind, body, and atoms to the guru. The song also speaks of the guru's omnipresence, how they exist in the singer's thoughts and calling. The song seeks to identify the guru in every aspect of the singer's life, internal and external, and to surrender all to their guru, making them the yantra, the instrument of devotion.
Mere Gurudev is a beautiful, soul-stirring song evoking deep feelings of surrender and connection to one's guru or spiritual teacher. It is a song that speaks to the humility and devotion of the singer, acknowledging their shortcomings while affirming their commitment to spiritual practice.
Line by Line Meaning
Mere Gurudev, charanon par sumana shraddha ke arpita hai
Oh my divine teacher, I humbly offer these flowers of faith at your feet.
Tere hee dena hai jo hai. Wahi tujha ko samarapita hai
Whatever I have is yours, as everything I have comes from your grace and guidance.
Meraa yaha man, meraa yaha tan, meraa kan kan samarapita hai
Although my heart and my body may lack devotion, every part of me is dedicated to you.
Tuma hee ho bhaava men mere, vicharon mein, pukaron mein.
You are the only one in my emotions, thoughts and prayers.
Banaale yantra ab mujhko mere saravatra samarapita hai
Now create a machine of me that dedicates myself to you in all my actions and pursuits.
Contributed by Kylie J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.