I Can Never Be Tired Of Singing Lord’s Bhajans, Says Arabinda Muduli

I Can Never Be Tired Of Singing Lord’s Bhajans, Says Arabinda Muduli

In conversation with MCL, the bhajan maestro talks about His love for Lord Jagannath and how he would continue devoting his life to the Lord

Bhajan maestro Arabinda Muduli knows little else in life than his love and devotion for Lord Jagannath. Probably next only to the legendary bhajan singer of Odisha, Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bala, Muduli has carved a name for himself singing bhajans of Jagannath for more than 35 years now. Muduli believes he was born to dedicate his life singing praises of the Lord.

In an interview with My City Links, the singer reveals how he fell in love with the Lord of the Universe. Excerpts.

Is it true that your greed for ‘Chuda Ghasha’ transformed into love for Lord Jagannath?

Indeed, it is very interesting. My father, who was a ‘rasa’ singer, used to sing rasa along with playing Pakhawaja (Indian barrel-shaped, two-headed drum) at the Jagannath temple in our village, Khanati in Khurdha. I would accompany him to the temple just to eat ‘chuda ghasa’ (an Odia delicacy made from pounded beaten rice and other ingredients). While relishing ‘chuda ghasa’, I would listen to my father singing bhajans of the Lord. I believe I was blessed by Lord Jagannath for which I have ended up singing His bhajans. It has been 35 years now, and I continue to dedicate my life to singing His praises.Your first guru is a Muslim. Did you ever have any reservations about caste and religion?

Lord Krishna has said, “sarva–dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja”, in which He asks men to abandon all varieties of religion and surrender unto Him. He shall deliver them from all sinful reactions. So, according to Lord Jagannath, the entire universe is His creation and he loves all His children equally. Though my first guru Meer Mukram Ali is a Muslim, he is a dedicated devotee of Lord Jagannath and a brilliant bhajan singer. It is clear in my opinion that there is no difference among human beings and all are equal before the Lord.

How were you introduced to Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bala’s songs and how was your experience working with him?

I didn’t have a radio at my home then. So, I had gone to one of my friend’s house where while listening to Akashvani, I was introduced to the mesmerising voice of Bhikari Bala through a song playing on it. That was for the first time I heard him on the radio singing “Prana mitani tu bare chahanre”. I was so attracted to the devotion in the voice that I memorised the entire song at once. Much later, I met him in Cuttack, and my happiness knew no bounds when he accepted me as his student.

How did you receive the title ‘Swararabinda’?

Since, I am a servant of Lord Jagannath, a Delhi-Odisha Journalist Association honoured me with the title ‘Swararabinda’. I have also been bestowed with another title ‘Swara Shree-kshetra’ by the Gajapati Maharaj of Puri.Your song ‘Suna Sudhijane’ was based on social issues like dowry and other atrocities against women. What is your take on these issues?

We should be aware of the importance of human life. I have tried to spread awareness about the evils in the society and specially the ones that are meted out against women.

I have a daughter and I was strongly convinced that I will not send her to a house where they would accept her with dowry. Instead, I have got her married and have given her gifts as per my wish. Today, she is happy and lives with her in – laws family.

Tell us about your experience of performing abroad in countries like Singapore, Dubai and Kuwait.

I recently performed in Singapore before an audience of more than 2500 people. All of them were Odias. Touched with emotion and devotion, I could see them crying as I sang. Seeing their involvement with my songs, I was even more excited and gave my best to the performance. It felt like I was performing somewhere in Odisha. I could relate this feeling to a saying by Utkala Mani Gopabandhu: Thae muhin jahin nikhila Utkale, bhabai achi mu Nila Chakra tale.

There was a time when Odia album industry was at its peak and then went into oblivion for a long time. With the advent of You Tube, it is slowly reviving. Do you  think bhajan albums will be back in good business?

People will love bhajans till their love and belief in Lord Jagannath exists. Till then, Arabinda Muduli will also be there. I can assure you that bhajans will be there forever. Starting from the year 1979 until now, you have come a long way in being recognised as the maestro of Lord Jagannath’s bhajans. Have you ever got tired of singing bhajans?

For me, life is to be lived in devotion to Lord Jagannath. That is the only true and divine way of leading a life. In fact, there is no other job I can do except singing His bhajans. I believe I was born to do this and I enjoy doing it. I am deeply in love with my Lord and can never get tired of singing His bhajans till the end of my life.