Surrounded by music from birth and formally trained on piano in his native state of Washington, today Shimshai performs effortlessly on guitar, sitar, flute, and a variety of woodwinds. He plays many of the instruments on his self-composed and self-produced albums, ‘I sense your Presence’ (2001), ‘Toward the One’ (2003/2006), and ‘Live on Maui’ (2003/2006) all which have been highly revered by the worldwide spiritual community. His collaboration with fellow artist Tina Malia, ‘Jaya Bhagavan’ (2004), has also been met with tremendous success, being signed to the independent record label Spirit Voyage in 2005, and his most recent release, ‘Deliverance’ (2006), showcases his abilities as a solo performer. He continues to offer his talents to various studio projects, including current collaborations with traditional healers and several undertakings with indigenous communities throughout south and Latin America.
Whether playing at large festivals, yoga studios, or spiritual retreats, Shimshai’s live performances throughout the Hawaiian Islands, Europe, Australia, Mexico and The Americas have helped to create a devoted and ever-growing global fan base. His unique blend of reggae, jazz, kirtan, and folk, infused with a worldbeat influence, provides a diverse palette of musical expression and attracts a wide range of listeners. Performing solo or with his group, The Natural MystiquEnsemble, which features percussion, guitar accompaniment, and harmony vocals, Shimshai’s energy always provides a sacred, intimate, heart-opening space for all who are present. Along the way, Shimshai has had the honor of opening for and sharing the stage with such luminaries as Michael Franti, David Grisman, Mickey Hart, Jai Uttal, Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, Bhagavan Das, Dezarie & members of midnite, jah levi, Hamsa Lila, Sasha Butterfly, and many other gifted musicians and visionaries.
Hara Mahadeva
Shimshai Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva
shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva
shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
brahma vishnu surarchithaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
brahma vishnu surarchithaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
uma ganesha sharavana sevita
om namo namo nama shivaya
uma ganesha sharavana sevita
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
brahma vishnu surarchithaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
brahma vishnu surarchithaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
uma ganesha sharavana sevita
om namo namo nama shivaya
uma ganesha sharavana sevita
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva
shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
om namo namo nama shivaya
The lyrics to Shimshai's song Hara Mahadeva are a devotional chant to the Hindu god Shiva. The repeated phrases "hara hara hara hara mahadeva" and "shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva" are mantras or repetitions of sacred words believed to have powerful spiritual effects. Hara and Shiva are both names for the god, while Mahadeva translates to "great god." The word "om" is also used, which is considered by many to be the sound of the universe and a powerful tool for meditation.
The later verses of the song invoke other Hindu deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, Uma, and Ganesha, indicating a recognition of the interconnectedness of different gods and their roles in the greater cosmic order. The phrase "surarchithaya" means "worshiped by the gods," further emphasizing Shiva's status as a powerful and divine figure.
Overall, the lyrics of Hara Mahadeva express devotion and reverence for Shiva and the other Hindu deities, using the repetition of sacred names and phrases to create a meditative and uplifting atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
hara hara hara hara mahadeva
Praising and calling out to the great god Mahadeva with the repeated chanting of 'hara'
shiva shiva shiva shiva sada shiva
Continuously worshipping and acknowledging the eternal and omnipresent nature of Lord Shiva
om hara hara hara hara mahadeva
Invoking the divine presence of Mahadeva through the spiritually powerful mantra of 'om'
om namo namo nama shivaya
Reverently bowing and paying homage to Lord Shiva through the recitation of his holy name
brahma vishnu surarchithaya
Acknowledging and honoring the great trinity of gods - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
uma ganesha sharavana sevita
Praising and venerating the beloved and powerful deities - Uma (Parvati), Ganesha and Sharavana (Kartikeya)
Contributed by Alice J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.