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The Saint Composer :
If one were to speak of devotional music and Lord Rama, the next
immediate thing to strike one’s mind would be Bhakta Ramdas. Bhakta
Ramdas was yet another great saint composer of Andhra Pradesh who has left behind a
valuable musical legacy comprising of several keertanas eulogising Rama.
Belonging to the 17th century,
Ramdas was a staunch devotee of Lord Rama ever since his childhood. He used music as the
medium for his ardent devotion of the Lord and composed several keertanas in Telugu, with
two being in Sanskrit, using words that are simple, emotive and touching.
 His renderings have a touch of intense devotion and refreshing
fervour and his keertanas are candid. They can be seen to highlight the profound
deity-devotee relationship. With a rich passion and liveliness, his compositions range
from those sung to invoke the benediction of God and to elicit favours from God to that
which are harshly accusative. Yes, the ardent devotee even goes to the
extent of scolding Lord Rama for not answering his prayers as can be seen
in "Adarana leni " in Kambhoji raga where he says –
"Ennaga Sabari yengili Bhakshanamu chesinatti vyabhichari neevu,
Ninnu nammaga raadu!
Ninnu daiva managa raadu!
Nijamu na mata devuda!"
Ramdas’ compositions are more of a reflection of deeply felt bittersweet agonies and
ecstasies of a devotee in distress. His music is aptly described as "Mood
Music" as it is sure to touch the sensitive chord in the listener with
clear, unadorned and easily understood expressions. His sheer transparency of the soul
compels attention of many towards his songs.
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