The Music and Musical Instruments of Southern India and the Deccan c5.35

c5.35

Of the fiery power attributed to the râga Dîpaka there are many legends. One states that long ago the sacred lamps in the shrine of some temple in Mysore, said to have been lighted ages ago by some Divine agency, had been extinguished through the carelessness of the ministering priest, who neglected to supply them with fresh oil. The soothsayers foretold some great disaster to the surrounding country should they be rekindled by mortal hands. A famous musician, hearing of this, offered his services to the authorities, and, at the request of the Râjah, hastened to the temple. Sitting down in the “S’ri-Kovil” —the most holy place of all—before the shrine, he played this râga, while the priest made solemn supplication that success might attend his efforts. Presently the darkness of the shrine was broken—for a moment a faint glimmering was apparent, and the lamps became mysteriously lighted. Thus confidence was restored to the country round and dire calamities averted.