Ahe Nila Saila Lyrics
Odia music has a rich cultural heritage, and one of the jewels in its crown is the devotional song “Ahe Nila Saila.” This soul-stirring composition is a tribute to Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odisha. Through its enchanting melodies and profound lyrics, “Ahe Nila Saila” has become an integral part of the religious and cultural tapestry of the region.
Ahe Nila Saila Odia Lyrics
ଆହେ ନୀଳଶଇଳ ପ୍ରବଳ ମତ୍ତବାରଣ,
ମୋ ଆରତ ନଳିନବୀନକୁ କର ଦଳନ ।
ଗଜରାଜ ଚିନ୍ତାକଲା ଥାଇ ଘୋର ଜଳେଣ,
ଚକ୍ରପେଷି ନକ୍ରନାଶି ଉଦ୍ଧାରିଲ ଆପଣ ।
ଘୋରବନେ ମୃଗୁଣୀକି ପଡିଥିଲା କଷଣ,
କେଡେ ବଡ ବିପତ୍ତିରୁ କରିଅଛ ତାରଣ ।
କୁରୁସଭାତଳେ ଶୁଣି ଦ୍ରୌପଦୀର ଜଣାଣ,
କୋଟିବସ୍ତ୍ର ଦେଇ ହେଳେ ଲଜ୍ଜା କଲ ବାରଣ ।
ରାବଣର ଭାଇ ବିଭୀଷଣ ଗଲା ଶରଣ,
ଶରଣ ସମ୍ଭାଳି ତାକୁ ଲଙ୍କେ କଲ ରାଜନ ।
ପ୍ରହଲ୍ଲାଦ ପିତା ସେ ଯେ ବଡ ଦୁଷ୍ଟ ଦାରୁଣ,
ସ୍ତମ୍ଭରୁ ବାହାରି ତାକୁ ବିଦାରିଲ ତକ୍ଷଣ ।
କହେ ସାଲବେଗ ହୀନ ଜାତିରେ ମୁଁ ଯବନ,
ଶ୍ରୀରଙ୍ଗା ଚରଣ ତଳେ କରୁଅଛି ଜଣାଣ ।
Historical and Cultural Significance
The song is deeply rooted in the bhakti (devotional) tradition of Odisha, reflecting the spiritual fervor of the people. The lyrics, composed in the mellifluous Odia language, paint a vivid picture of the devotee’s yearning and love for Lord Jagannath. The reference to “Nila Saila” in the title is a poetic way of describing the blue-hued abode of Lord Jagannath, the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Lyrics and Musical Composition
The verses of “Ahe Nila Saila” are steeped in devotion, expressing a profound connection between the devotee and the divine. The poetry often portrays the devotee’s longing to catch a glimpse of the majestic deity and the ethereal beauty of the temple town of Puri. The composition typically incorporates classical Odissi ragas, lending a timeless and traditional quality to the melody.
The use of traditional musical instruments such as the mardala (a percussion instrument) and the harmonium adds authenticity to the song, creating a divine atmosphere that resonates with the spiritual essence of the lyrics.
Cultural Impact
“Ahe Nila Saila” has transcended its religious origins to become a cultural icon. It is not only an integral part of religious ceremonies and rituals but also finds its place in cultural events, festivals, and celebrations across Odisha. The song has been embraced by artists and performers who recognize its cultural significance and continue to propagate its essence to wider audiences.
Influence on Odia Art and Literature
Beyond music, “Ahe Nila Saila” has inspired various forms of art and literature in Odisha. Paintings, dance performances, and literary works often draw inspiration from the song’s profound themes, further solidifying its influence on the cultural landscape of the region.
In the realm of Odia music, “Ahe Nila Saila” stands as a testament to the enduring power of devotional expression. Its timeless melodies and spiritually charged lyrics continue to resonate with the hearts of millions, making it a cherished part of Odisha’s cultural and religious heritage. As the song continues to be passed down through generations, it remains a symbol of unwavering faith and profound devotion to Lord Jagannath.