This mantra s really beautiful and we sing it very often, so you find on this page a number of different interpretations we did at our meditation centre. But first the text!
Amma amma taye
Akhila deshvari niye
Anna purnesh vari taye ooooooooooo
Adi pa-ara-sakti niye
We have sung this mantra and sing still really frequently at Quinta Quixote. Here some versions we created, among which a meditative female one:
This is a bhajan for the Mother energy – it means:
O Mother, Mother, dear Divine Mother, Goddess of the Universe, Giver of food to all creatures, Thou art the Primal Supreme Power
The total bhajan is longer and its meaning is:
O Mother, Mother, dear Divine Mother, Goddess of the Universe, Giver of food to all creatures, You are the Primal Supreme Power. Everything in the world happens because of Your Divine Play. Protect me Mother, O Mother, protect me…without conceiving in the womb, You have given birth to millions and millions of beings.
O Sister of Lord Vishnu Who rides the bird Garuda, O Beautiful One, from birth itself I am singing Your glories. You are the Perfect One, Primordial Cause, the Destroyer. You are my life’s Goal, O Mother. Ignore me not, O Goddess of the World. You are the Goddess Lalita, Ruler of the World. O Mother, if You throw me into troubles again and again, who else is there to protect me? O Mother with the enchanting eyes, You are the Omnipresent Witness of all.
The bhajan “Amma Amma Taye” is a deeply devotional song that has been cherished in spiritual and cultural traditions for its heartfelt yearning for the Divine Mother. Its roots lie in the ancient Indian tradition of bhakti (devotion), which emphasizes love, surrender, and personal connection with the divine. This bhajan invokes the Divine Mother, referred to as “Amma” (Mother) and “Taye” (a term for mother in some South Indian languages), appealing to her boundless compassion and nurturing presence.
The Context of Bhakti and the Divine Mother
Bhajans like “Amma Amma Taye” belong to the larger body of Indian spiritual music, which aims to transcend the barriers of language and culture by evoking universal emotions of love, devotion, and surrender. The Divine Mother has been a central figure in many Indian spiritual traditions, celebrated as the source of creation, sustainer of life, and destroyer of ignorance. She is worshipped in various forms, such as Durga, Kali, Saraswati, and Lakshmi in Hinduism, embodying qualities like strength, wisdom, compassion, and abundance.
The title “Amma Amma Taye” reflects an intimate, personal connection with the Divine Mother, as “Amma” and “Taye” are affectionate terms used by children for their mothers in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and other South Indian languages. This intimacy highlights the bhakti approach of seeing the Divine not as a distant, abstract force but as a loving, ever-present mother figure.
Thematic Essence of “Amma Amma Taye”
This bhajan typically expresses themes of surrender, seeking refuge, and yearning for the Divine Mother’s grace. The repeated invocation of “Amma” conveys the deep emotional bond and reliance on the Divine Mother, much like a child calling out to their parent for comfort and protection.
The lyrics often emphasize:
Surrender: Recognizing the limitations of human effort and seeking the Divine Mother’s guidance.
Refuge: Turning to the Divine Mother as the ultimate sanctuary in times of sorrow or confusion.
Grace and Compassion: Celebrating the unconditional love and compassion of the Divine Mother, who embraces all beings without judgment.
Cultural and Musical Influence
The bhajan likely draws inspiration from the rich tradition of South Indian devotional music, including the works of Tamil Alvars, Kannada Haridasas, and other bhakti poets who composed deeply emotive songs in praise of the Divine. The rhythmic and melodic structure of “Amma Amma Taye” is designed to evoke a meditative state, encouraging the listener or singer to immerse themselves in the spirit of devotion.
Usage in Spiritual Practices
“Amma Amma Taye” is often sung during satsangs (spiritual gatherings), temple rituals, and personal meditation practices. The repetitive and simple phrasing allows participants to lose themselves in the divine name, creating a sense of unity and transcendence. In many cases, this bhajan is accompanied by traditional instruments like the harmonium, mridangam, and kartals, enhancing its spiritual ambiance.
Modern Relevance
In contemporary times, bhajans like “Amma Amma Taye” continue to hold relevance as they offer solace and a sense of connection to the divine in an increasingly complex and fast-paced world. They bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern spiritual seekers, reminding us of the timeless nature of love, surrender, and devotion.
Legacy and Evolution
Though the specific origins of “Amma Amma Taye” are not definitively documented, it is clear that the bhajan resonates with the collective cultural memory of devotion to the Divine Mother. Passed down through oral tradition and communal singing, it reflects the universal human desire for nurturing, protection, and spiritual guidance.
The beauty of “Amma Amma Taye” lies in its simplicity and depth. Whether sung in solitude or as part of a larger gathering, it continues to serve as a medium for connecting with the sacred, embodying the essence of bhakti as a heartfelt, personal path to the divine.
As you can see from the video’s we often sing this mantra together at our meditation centre Quinta Quixote!
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