Shyamala Navaratnamalaश्यामला नवरत्नमाला
Devoted to Matangi (Shyamala Devi)
Source: Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar / traditional Tantric compilation
Transliteration
shyame shambari matangi, madhumattalase shubhe matangakanyake matah, shyamale vinadharini
Meaning (English)
O dark-hued Shambari, O Matangi, intoxicated with the honey-wine of bliss, ever auspicious, daughter of Sage Matanga, O Mother Shyamala bearing the divine veena. The nine-jewel garland of stotras hails the consort of Matanga as the goddess of speech and sound: she who is praised by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who delights the rasika hearts of poets and musicians, who bestows kavitva-shakti and pratibha upon her sincere devotees, and who is the inner sound that pervades every raga and sruti of the sapta-svara.
Benefits (Phal)
Bestows mastery in music, dance, poetry, theatre and every fine art; awakens pratibha-shakti, the spontaneous creative genius that lets the artist transcend technique; perfect for students of Carnatic and Hindustani music, dancers, public speakers, debaters and writers; sharpens memory and grants overpowering eloquence in court, exam and assembly; particularly recommended for those preparing for vidya-arambha, arangetram, debut concerts or competitive examinations requiring verbal mastery.
When to Chant
Fridays at sunrise, Matangi Jayanti, Vasant Panchami, before any musical performance, examination or important speech; also chanted by Carnatic musicians as part of their pre-concert sadhana.
How to Chant
Sit facing east before an image of Shyamala or a tanpura, light a green-shaded lamp, offer jasmine garland and tambula. Tune the voice to madhyama or pancama. Recite all nine verses in slow alapana style, savouring the meaning. Conclude with one round of the Matangi beeja Aim and salutations to Sage Matanga.
Book a pandit for Shyamala Navaratnamala jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.