Aisi Lagi Lagan English Translation
Aisi lagi lagan loosely translates to English as; "such an attachment occurred". It is a Hindi Bhajan song about a lady known as Mira (also written as Meera, and Mirabai, and Mira Bai) who had such a strong connection with God, after seeing the light, that she gives up all material desires in search for him and eventually attains him. Anup Jalota sings the best version of this song when he gave a special live performance at ISKCON temple. A double LP set known as Bhajan Sandhya immortalises his amazing voice and singing talent at this event.
This song with full lyrics is set in classical chords, to convey an 18th centaury setting during which time the bhakti movement was spreading. The lyrics also convey some of the main principles and teachings of God Lord Krishna. In chapter 18, text 65, the Lord says the following.
man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaisyasi satyam te
pratijane priyo 'si me
In this passage, God says that to become his devotee, you must always think of him, and offer homage. He never forgets such people because they are dear to him. Therefore the lyrics of Aisi lagi lagan begins with the idea that if your eyes always see the Lord, your head always bows to the feet of the Lord, your mouth always utters the name of the Lord, your hands always pray to the Lord, then such a person who sacrifices their whole life in love of the Lord is never forgotten in this world.
The lyrics also mention some of the main events in Mira’s life. It mentions the time when her in-laws were trying to kill her, but every attempt failed because the Lord intervenes just in time. One such time was when her bother-in-law (Rana) gave her poison to drink, but the Lord turns it into ambrosia (amruth) that instead gives everlasting life.
If you are new to this genre of music, then you might find all the different names of Krishna confusing because Mira refers to him as "premi preetham" which approximates to beloved husband. The lyrics also refer to Lord Krishna as Govind Gopal, Shyam, Prabhu, Bhagavan, Hari, and Mohan, which all approximates as the Lord God.
An accurate English translation is difficult for this song as some of the words are unique. Jogan is usually a woman who gives up all material needs and desires in favour of a simple life like that of a nun, and therefore the closest translation could be holy-woman.
Range mohan ke rang, is a difficult concept to translate. The idea to paint oneself in the colours of the Lord by talking and speaking about him all the time is parallel to becoming like god by trying to understand him.
Here are translations of some of the other words.
- Lagan is a type of attachment to do with affection.
- Magan describes someone who is immersed, absorbed or engrossed.
- Toke approximates to interrupt.
Lyrics English Translation
Hain ankh woh, jo shyam ka, darshan kiya kare
If the eyes are that, which always sees the Lord
Hain shish, jo prabhu charan me, vandan kiya kare
If the head is that which bows to the feet of the Lord in prayer
Bekaar woh mukh hai, jo rahe vyarth baathon me
Useless mouth is that, which wastes time in worthless talk
Mukh woh hai jo, hari naam ka, sumiran kiya kare
(but) If the mouth is that, which always prays the Lord’s name
Heera moti se nahi shobha hai hath ki,
Hands are not for adorning with diamonds and pearls,
hai hath, jo bhagavan ka poojan kiya kare,
(but) If hands are always praying to the Lord,
(Then...)
Mar kar bhi, amar naam hai, us jeev ka jag me
Even after death, the name of that soul lives forever in this world
prabhu prem me, balidaan jo, jeevan kiya kare
if they sacrifice their whole life loving the Lord
Aisi lagi lagan...
Such an attachment occurred...
Aisi lagi lagan, Mira ho gaye magan,
Such was the attachment, (that) Mira became engrossed,
woh toh gali-gali hari-gun gane lagi.
she sang from street-to-street praising the Lord.
Mahaalo mei pali, banake jogan chali,
Grew up in a palace, (but) left to become a holy-woman,
Mira-rani diwani kahane lagi.
(everyone) said that Queen Mira has (become) quite mad.
Koi roke nahin, koi toke nahin,
No one could stop her, no one could interrupt her,
Mira govind gopaal gane lagi.
Mira kept singing to the Lord.
Baithe santon ke sang, range mohan ke rang,
She sat in the group of sages, painting (herself) in the Lord’s image,
Mira premi preetham ko manane lagi.
Mira continued persuading (her) beloved husband (Lord Krishna).
Rana ne vish diya, mano amruth piya
Rana gave her poison, (but) (she) considered it ambrosia
Mira sagar ma saritha samane lagi
Mira joined into the Lord’s Ocean like a river
Dukh lakho sahe, mukh se govind kahe,
(She) endures millions of sufferings, (but only ever) utters the name of the Lord
Mira govind gopaal gane lagi
Mira continued singing to the Lord