This stunning Kriti, written and composed by Saint Tyagaraja (1767-1847) is performed here by Aruna Sairam accompanied by Momin Khan, Patri Satish Kumar, Surdarshan Chana, Giridhar Udupa, and Gurdain Rayatt.

Allow yourself to take a journey with this unique piece; feel the spiritual uplift within your soul as you listen to this reminder of devotion and let peace and internal clarity wash over you. This composition is considered to be Saint Tyajaraja’s most comprehensive piece- its specific mention of the human mind addresses listeners directly, serving as a profound philosophical metaphor and a delicate reminder to devote oneself to God- this special performance truly encapsulates the heart and soul of the composition.

TRANSLATION:

*Chakkani Raaja Maargamul undaga*
When there is a pretty royal highway

*Sandhula Dooraneelee Oo Manasa!*
Why travek in narrow streets, Oh mind!

*Chikkani Paalu Mee gada undaga*
When you have thick, sweet nectar available

*Cheeyanu Gangasagara Mele*
Firmly say no to unrefined liquor.

*Kantiki Sundara Taramagu Roopame*
When the eyes feast of his beautiful form

*Mukkanti Nota Chelage Naamame*
When Lord Shiva repeats his name

*Tyagaraajintane Nelakonnaadi Deivamee*
The supreme path of devotion is open

*Yituvanti Sri Saketa Ramuni Bhaktiyane*
Why travel the narrow path.

About the Project  

Performance Date: 6 April 2025  
Venue: Barbican Centre, London  
This project explored how Guru Nanak’s timeless message of equality, compassion and spiritual awakening continues to resonate. Music was central to his mission—he travelled with Bhai Mardana, a Muslim rababi, using song to share spiritual wisdom beyond caste and creed. Darbar honoured this tradition by bringing musicians of diverse faiths onto one stage, spreading unity and peace.  

 

Credits: - 

Musicians 

Aruna Sairam (carnatic vocals) 
Zeeshan Ali (sufi vocals) 
Bhai Anantvir Singh (kirtania) 
Amrita Kaur (kirtania) 
Momin Khan (sarangi) 
Patri Satish Kumar (mridangam) 
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam) 
Surdarshan Chana  (tabla & jori) 
Gurdain Rayatt (tabla) 
Beibei Wang (da ga drum) 

 

Darbar Team:  

Sandeep Virdee OBE (Artistic Director) 
Simrat Lall (Darbar Festival Manager) 
María Guardiola (Festivals and Events Manager) 
Depesh Patel (Events Manager) 
Jamie Craven (Head of Design) 
Rahul Ravindran (Creative Video Editor) 
Sana Ejaz (Marketing Executive) 
Zahabiya Patharia (Marketing Executive) 
Christoph Bracher (Head of Sound) 

 

Filming Crew 

Pritpal Sagoo (Digital Consultant) 
Gurwinder  Soor (Content Creator and Platform Manager) 
Tom Grancia (Technical Production) 
Carl Owen (Camera Operator) 
Chris Connel (Camera Operator) 
Anup Parmar (Camera Operator) 
Nick Morchang (Camera Operator) 

 

Technical Team 

Phil Jones (Front of House Sound) 
John Duckett (Sound Monitors) 
Mark Gardner (Lighting Designer)