Deva Premal (born 2 April 1970 in Nürnberg, Germany, as Jolantha Fries) is … Read Full Bio ↴Deva Premal (born 2 April 1970 in Nürnberg, Germany, as Jolantha Fries) is a singer known for introducing Sanskrit mantras into the mainstream. Her meditative, spiritual music—composed and produced with Prabhu Music—puts ancient Tibetan and Sanskrit mantras into contemporary settings.
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 ↴

Vakratunda mahakaya
Suryakoti samaprabha
Nirvighnam kuru me deva
Sarvakaaryeshu sarvadaa

Mangalamoorti
Mudakaram
Muktidaya

Prathameshwara

Kaveesha
Kirti
Kripakaram
Vishwamukha
Yogadhipa

Mahabala
Mundakarama
Nandana
Pramoda

Devadeva
Vinayaka

Omkara
Sarvatman

Overall Meaning

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.