This is a daasarapada (devotional song) on Lord Vishnu in various avataaras. It describes how the Lord came so many times to protect his devotees from the evil. And that he has already come.

The composer is Purandara Daasa who is considered the father of Karnatik music. A welathy merachant called Navakoti Narayana (owner of wealth of 9 crores), he gave up all his wealth and devoted his life composing and singing the priase of the Lord.

This daasara pada is composed in Yaman Kalyani or Yammuna Kalyani (65th mealakartha ranga with janya from Kalyani). It is an adatation of Yaman Kalyan of Hindustani sangeeth. It has all the swaras of Kalyani, with shuddha madhyama touched in specific instances that enhances the feeling of peace and tranquility. It is associated with hemantha ritu, the pre-winter season that has pleasant climate with little mist, fog and cool breeze. It promotes bhakti (devotion).

Jeeva swaras are R, G, M, D, N and graha swaras are S, G, P, N.
Anya swara is suddha madhyama.
Prayoga swaras (signatures) are: NDNR, NRNG, DNRG, PMRGR, GMR SNRS.

This song is usually sung in Mandhyama sruthi (taking Ma as lower Shadja) to enhance the lower swaras (and since the song does not usually go beyond shadja).

Tala iAdi (1234 1212) with ardha yedapu (+1/2 beat).

This Karaoke is provided as a means to sing along for people who already know the song and want shruthi, laya and sahitya support. Learning from a guru is recommended.

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