Amid the hustle and bustle of life in our ever-changing world, Instant Moksha – Mantras by Sarves Thiru is a transformative album that provides a restful oasis for listeners, offering a sense of calm in the face of chaos around us. Her rich, dulcet tones and her unique take on mantra music feels like a breath of fresh air. It is Sarves Thiru’s debut album. She released her first single in July 2022.
Mantras are an intrinsic part of traditional yoga and meditation practices. There has been scientific research which reveals that mantra meditation can improve one’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Listening to mantra music can alleviate stress and provide a chance for us to simply sit with ourselves and cultivate inner peace.
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Sarves took the plunge to share mantra music with the world after experiencing first-hand the positive impact it had in her own life, and her debut album is a dazzling reflection of her mission to share peace, healing and joy through music.
From showing off her Carnatic music background in the soulful Asatoma, to uplifting listeners with an upbeat, jazzy rendition of the powerful Guru Brahma mantra – Sarves’ debut album showcases the London-based musician’s versatility and highlights her ability to transcend genres with ease. Her distinct style makes her music stand out, reinforcing the positive feedback from listeners that her music is soothing for the soul.
An in-depth breakdown of Instant Moksha – Mantras:
The album begins with Victory: Vakratunda, an ode to Lord Ganesha who is said to be the remover of obstacles. Backed by an acoustic instrumental and traditional flute, Sarves fervently seeks Lord Ganesha’s blessings by chanting the mantra of victory – Vakratunda Mahakaya / Suryakoti Samaprabha / Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva / Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada which translates to “Lord with the curved trunk and huge body, whose brilliance is equivalent to billions of Suns / May you remove all obstacles on my path / And bless all my endeavours with victory and success.” Lord Ganesha is known as the Lord of Beginnings and is often worshipped first in the temples or before one embarks on a new venture, so it is only fitting that Sarves begins her debut album by honouring him.
The song is followed by Day and night: Sri Ram in which Sarves sings in English and Sanskrit about Lord Ram’s endless influence. Lord Ram is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu who is well-known from the Ramayana epic. The mantra Sri Ram Jeya Ram Jeya Jeya Ram which she sings roughly translates to “Victory to Lord Ram.” Lord Ram symbolises a virtuous being, and chanting the mantra will bestow purity and transformation.
In Shiva: Om Tryambakam, Sarves sings a mantra that is chanted widely by people around the world for healing and protection. The mantra Om Tryambakam Yajamahe / Sughandhim Pushti Vardhanam / Urvarukam Iva Bhandanan / Mryithyor Mukshiya Mam Amrutaat translates to “We worship Lord Shiva, the three-eyed one / The master of all senses and the sustainer of all growth / May he release us from the bondage of death, just as ripe cucumber is released from its stalk / May he (not deprive us of immortality) grant us with immortality.”
The fourth song of her album is Guru’s Greatness: Guru Brahma, Sarves’ debut single which introduced her into the New Age music scene. In this upbeat unique rendition of the Guru Brahma mantra, Sarves sings Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu / Guru Devo Maheswara / Guru Sakshat ParaBrahma / Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha which means “The guru is Brahma, the guru is Vishnu / The guru is Maheshwara (Siva) / The guru is the limitless Brahman / Salutations to that revered guru.” After emerging into the music scene with this single, Sarves received love from meditation lovers, yogis and music enthusiasts around the world and was recently awarded as Winner of the Best World Music Single for this song by One World Music Radio.
This is followed by Bhakti: Om Namo Narayanaya. In Bhakti, which translates to faith or devotion to the supreme, Sarves sings two popular mantras as a tribute to Vishnu. The first mantra, Om Namo Narayanaya translates to “I bow to Lord Narayanaya (Vishnu)” while the second is the Maha-mantra (the great mantra), which pays salutations to Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, who are both reincarnations of Lord Vishnu – Hare Krishna, Hari Krishna / Krisna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama / Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Harmony: Lokah Samastah was released a few months after Sarves’ debut single. This second single slots into the sixth place in the album, slowing the pace down for a peaceful English and Sanskrit combination to spread the message of peace, harmony and unity and bring awareness to one’s place in this turbulent world we live in. The song is imbued with a devotional spirit as Sarves chants Lokah Samastah Sukinu Bhavantu, a heartfelt and deeply meaningful mantra which translates to “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.” This single was awarded second place for Best Vocal Single by One World Music Radio.
The journey of Instant Moksha – Mantras wraps up with the soulful Transcend: Asatoma in which she sings Asatoma Sadgamaya / Tamasoma Jyotir Gamaya / Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya / Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. Reflective of the title, this mantra is used to transcend from delusion to truth, darkness to light, mortality to liberation and peace, and the mantra translates to “Lead me from the unreal to the real / Lead me from the darkness to light / Lead me from death to immortality / May there be peace, may there be peace, may there be peace.” Sarves’ Carnatic experience shines bright in this single, and has the power to transcend listeners to another dimension.
For more information and music samples, visit sarvesthiru.com.
A press release by the artist.