As the whole country celebrated Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, in a grand way, Keralites’ favourite playback singer KS Chithra opened up on her devotion for the popular deity. This Janamashtami was quite special for the singer as she visited the famous Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur to offer prayers.
Chithra says it was Lord Krishna himself who drew her life closer to him. "I have visited and offered prayers at many temples dedicated to Krishna, including the one in Uduppi and in Ambalappuzha. I have always felt incredible love and peace of mind at all these places,” notes the singer.
As if fate would have it, her first recorded song was a devotional song praising Lord Krishna. She was just a 5-year-old girl when she recorded the song ‘Ente Peru Kannannunni’ for All-India Radio.
The song was composed by renowned musician MG Radhakrishnan. It was recorded to be played for a special programme to be aired on the Janmashtami. “I have sung countless songs about Lord Krishna. Most of those songs helped me get closer to the audience. Audience often requests me to sing ‘Oru neramenkilum kaanathe vayyante Guruvayurappa nin divyaroopam’ rendered by Dasettan (KJ Yesudas) during concerts. They would make me sing ‘Guruvayur omana kannanamunnikku’ many times. May be the Lord himself is making me sing that song like chanting prayers,” Chithra notes.
“When I came out after singing ‘Kalabham tharam’, lyricist Gireesh Puthencherry who wrote the song said, ‘The Lord would wish for kalabham (fragrant sandalwood paste) if Chithra promises it. If you have made promises, you should fulfill it.’ It was then that I realised this song, which I sang like any other film song, was quite close to his heart. May be the Lord himself wanted me to sing it. Later I offered the 'kalabhacharthu' ceremony at Guruvayur temple," the vocalist recalls.
Chithra is grateful to the officials at Guruvayur temple for allowing her a convenient spot to pray even when the premises are crowded. “They let me pray by standing beside the pathway leading to the sanctum sanctorum. However, I do not stand there for long as I don't want a barrier to other devotees who have been waiting for hours to see the Lord. So, I leave as soon as I can. But before that I would make sure that I have seen him to my heart’s content,” Chitra added.
The singer reveals that she regularly wears the 'kalabham' dedicated to Lord Krishna. “Before I enter the stage to perform, I close my eyes and try to see Krishna’s idol in my mind. Kannan is a great source of strength for me. It is from him that I draw the strength to overcome any crises in life. He has, in fact, drew me closer by holding my hand. I have often felt that he holds me closer with so much love and care. Each Janmashtami I get closer to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna and the beautiful fragrance of the 'kalabham' that I wear everyday are my strength and courage to survive each obstacle. It is Him whom I see whenever I close my eyes,” says Chitra.
Courtesy: Malayala Manorama
