Nidhi chAla Sukhama? Does wealth comfort you ?

Nidhi chAla sukhama is the Kalyani Raga krithi composed by Thyagaraja Swamy.

In my opinion Thyagaraja Swamy would have chosen this Raga because , Kalyani when sung with devotion can eliminate fear . Here Thyagaraja swamy had a fear of getting carried away by worldly pleasures because he wanted to stay as a selfless devotee of Sri Rama forever. Either ways Kalyani suits the best for emotional nature of this krithi.

This krithi is a conversation between Thyagaraja Swamy and his mind. There are a set of questions which he asks to his mind to know about his self better. It is essential to note the tone in which the part ‘Nijamuga paluku manasa’ is sung in the Pallavi, the words are given a kind of pressure to get a firm answer. He asks his mind if a lot of wealth gives him peace or Rama’s service gives him more pleasure.

In the anupallavi he talks about the things which please the tongue. He asks “ oh mind , does curd, butter and milk taste better or does meditation and chanting the holy names of Lord Raama taste better! Tell me honestly.” One more important thing to notice is as soon as the anupallavi is over the Pallavi closing lines are sung (I.e, after anupallavi , nijamuga paluku Manasa is connected and not Nidhi Chaala) this is done because it not only enhances the beauty but also adds a lot of meaning.

In the charanam part Thyagaraja Swamy asks his self if taking bath in the holy waters of Ganga more blissful or bath in a filthy well. The holy Ganga is compared to self control and the filth is compared to the unwanted desires of life. In the conclusion part of the charanam Thyagaraja Swamy leads to the main concept of the krithi. The main reason for this krithi to be composed is the invitation which Swamy had received from the thanjavur Asthana of Sharaboji Maharaja, in which the desire of the king to make Thyagaraja Swamy sing in his court was mentioned. Along with this message , loads of wealth was sent too. So, he pleases his good conscience to utter the truth if egoistic praises of people pleases him or singing in praise of Raama.

After composing this masterpiece Thyagaraja Swamy firmly says no to materialistic wealth and opts to reject the kings offer. This is the summary of this krithi.

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