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.”
Vakratunda Mahakaya
Deva Premal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Suryakoti samaprabha
Nirvighnam kuru me deva
Sarvakaaryeshu sarvadaa
Mangalamoorti
Mudakaram
Muktidaya
Kaveesha
Kirti
Kripakaram
Vishwamukha
Yogadhipa
Mahabala
Mundakarama
Nandana
Pramoda
Devadeva
Vinayaka
Omkara
Sarvatman
The lyrics of Deva Premal's song Vakratunda Mahakaya are in Sanskrit and are a prayer addressed to Lord Ganesha, who is a popular Hindu deity known for his wisdom and ability to remove obstacles. The first line, "Vakratunda Mahakaya," translates to "Oh Lord with a curved trunk and a massive body" which is a reference to Ganesha's physical form. The following line, "Suryakoti samaprabha," describes Ganesha's radiance and how it is as bright as a million Suns.
The next line, "Nirvighnam kuru me deva," is a plea to Ganesha to remove any obstacles in the path of the devotee. This line acknowledges that no endeavor can be successful without the blessings of Ganesha. The last line, "Sarvakaaryeshu sarvadaa," is an affirmation that Ganesha is present in every work that is carried out.
The remaining lines in the song are a series of epithets to describe Ganesha's attributes. "Mangalamoorti" refers to Ganesha as the embodiment of auspiciousness. "Mudakaram" means the one who grants happiness. "Muktidaya" signifies the one who grants liberation as a boon. "Kaveesha" denotes the supreme poet. "Kirti" speaks of fame and reputation. "Kripakaram" signifies the compassionate one. "Vishwamukha" signifies someone with a universal perspective. "Yogadhipa" denotes the Lord of Yoga. "Mahabala" means someone with immense strength. "Mundakarama" refers to the one who is the destroyer of obstacles. "Nandana" speaks of the one who brings joy. "Pramoda" signifies the one who is always in a state of bliss. "Devadeva" denotes the Lord of Lords. "Vinayaka" refers to Ganesha's another name. "Omkara" associates Ganesha with the sacred sound OM. Lastly, "Sarvatman" means the Universal Self.
Overall, the lyrics of Vakratunda Mahakaya are a beautiful and powerful prayer that seek blessings and protection from Ganesha.
Line by Line Meaning
Vakratunda mahakaya
Salutations to the supreme Lord Ganesha, who has a curved trunk and a mighty body.
Suryakoti samaprabha
His splendor is like a billion suns.
Nirvighnam kuru me deva
Oh Lord Ganesha, please remove all obstacles from my path.
Sarvakaaryeshu sarvadaa
Forever and always, in all endeavors.
Mangalamoorti
He who embodies all that is auspicious.
Mudakaram
He who grants happiness and joy.
Muktidaya
He who bestows liberation.
Prathameshwara
He who is the first and foremost.
Kaveesha
He who is the Lord of poets and musicians.
Kirti
He who is the embodiment of fame and glory.
Kripakaram
He who is the most merciful and compassionate.
Vishwamukha
He who is the face of the entire universe.
Yogadhipa
He who is the master of yoga and spiritual practices.
Mahabala
He who has immense strength.
Mundakarama
He who wears a garland of flowers.
Nandana
He who brings joy and delight.
Pramoda
He who is the embodiment of happiness and bliss.
Devadeva
He who is the God of all Gods.
Vinayaka
He who is the remover of obstacles.
Omkara
He who is the embodiment of the sacred sound AUM.
Sarvatman
He who is the indwelling spirit in all beings.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Deva Premal, Joby Baker, Manose Singh Newa
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind