The song, Hiranmayim Lakshmim by Mutthuswami Deekshithar is a lovely composition. It was composed in the Lalitha Raagam and Rupaka Thalam. The life and times of Mutthuswami Deekshithar continue to enthrall everyone and not just the lovers of music. Deekshithar chose music to thither him to the divine and did not want ephemeral things to disturb him. He led the life of a householder and therefore had a need to fulfill his duties as a householder. Life went on, but the great composer had to face financial challenges. But he left it to the lord almighty, for he had fully agreed that one should never seek wealth in return for devotion.

Deekshithar and his wife reared their family. One day, the wedding expenses of his daughter began to stare at the devout couple. Another lady living nearby spoke about the method that Deekshithar could adopt in order to get money for his daughter’s wedding. She suggested that Deekshithar could seek the help of the ruler of the land. Deekshithar’s wife shared the details of this conversation with him and the outcome was the song, ‘Hiranmayim Lakshmim Sadhaam Bhajaami.’

Deekshithar had decided to seek the guidance of Goddess Lakshmi more than anything else. He had understood that the grace of God was just enough to be happy. He also understood that this realization would ensure that God will take care of the devotees. Hence, he sang in front of her instead of composing a song which would talk about the virtues of the king. Deekshithar understood that acts of hypocrisy would only help one attain short-term results. One has to be true and honest in order to succeed and be content.

The song begins with the word Hiranmayim. Hiranmayim means one who is made of gold. Lakshmi is considered to be noble and therefore Deekshithar has compared her or added the adjective of gold-like to her name. He had fully understood the purport of life and had used music to attain his goal. Music was his train, and it took him to his destination. There are several routes to reach the same place and these routes can be nomenclature as karma marga(path of duty), jnana marga(path of wisdom), and bhakti marga(path of devotion)

Deekshithar used all these marga-s in a composite manner by taking music as the medium. The Hiranmayim Lakshmim is but a representation of the noble methods used by devout composers like Mutthuswami Deekshithar.

The song is fantabulous, and its meaning is akin to nectar. Bharatheeya Samskriti teaches us to seek the goals of life through the right kind of indulgence. The world and its facets are engineered by Indian philosophy to result in contentment and bliss. The story of Deekshithar and the miracle that took place after him composing this song is lesson enough for us to consider his path. The wisdom and devotion of Deekshithar ensured that he was blessed with money for his daughter’s family, but also the wealth of devotion.

Mr. Rajesh Govindarajulu is one of the founding members of the Verandah Club Pvt. Ltd. He is a leading columnist, historian, jeweler, entrepreneur, and a heritage enthusiast who is earnestly working to revive the past in the light of the present. Experiential learning about the history of Coimbatore is his main course of interest and he is also a panel member of many colleges in the city.