In a remarkable cultural crossover, a 13th-century Marathi prayer for universal brotherhood has found a place in former US President Barack Obama's annual list of favorite songs for 2025. The song, a modern rendition of the devotional 'Pasayadan', sits alongside tracks from international pop and hip-hop giants like Lady Gaga, Blackpink, and Kendrick Lamar.
The Ancient Prayer's Modern Journey
Originally composed by Sant Dnyaneshwar in the late 13th century, 'Pasayadan' is traditionally sung at the conclusion of the 'wari', the annual Varkari pilgrimage to Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Unlike many devotional songs focused on personal salvation, this 'abhang' casts a wide net, praying for the well-being of all living beings. Obama shared his curated playlist on social media platform X on December 18, bringing global attention to this profound piece.
The version that caught Obama's ear is a contemplative interpretation by vocalist Ganavya, who was born in New York and raised in Tamil Nadu. Her rendition blends jazz, ambient sounds, and South Asian classical traditions. It features on her 2025 album 'Nilam', which was co-produced by Nils Frahm at Berlin's Funkhaus studio.
A Message That Transcends Time
Cultural and literary experts highlight the timeless relevance of the prayer's lyrics. The abhang's early lines plead for cruelty to dissolve and wisdom to grow: 'Je khalanchi vyankati sando, taya satkarmi rati vadho'. Its most enduring wish is for all beings to be bound in friendship: 'Bhootan paraspere pado, maitra jivanche'. Another verse calls for the darkness of suffering and ignorance to be dispelled, so the world may be illuminated by ethical light.
Marathi scholar Dr. Aparna Bedekar, who holds a doctorate in 'sant sahitya', describes 'Pasayadan' as the philosophical culmination of the Dnyaneshwari, the foundational text of the Bhagwat tradition. She notes that through this prayer, the Varkari pilgrimage embraced people across 18 different communities, dissolving barriers of caste, sect, and social hierarchy. Figures like Gora Kumbhar (a potter), Sena Nhavi (a barber), Savata Mali (a gardener), and even Kanho Patra, a courtesan, found spiritual upliftment within its fold.
From Local Pilgrimage to Global Playlist
Authored in the spoken Marathi of the common people, abhangs historically traveled through memory, footfall, and voice rather than just texts. Author Satish Joglekar describes 'Pasayadan' as a prayer that transcends 'dharma, creed, and time'. He believes its message surpasses even the Upanishadic concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) because it actively urges individuals to become a refuge for others.
This message finds deep resonance in today's world of conflict and strife. Prasad Kambli, director of the musical play 'Sangeet Dev Bababhali', states that the prayer is about universal brotherhood, which Sant Dnyaneshwar saw as the crux of the Bhagavad Gita. What was articulated eight centuries ago is being heard again in a new form.
In modern times, the prayer entered wider public consciousness through Hridaynath Mangeshkar's iconic composition, which carried it from pilgrimage routes into homes and concerts. Now, Ganavya's contemporary version, with a music video directed by Vali Chandrasekaran featuring dancer David Adrian Freeland Jr., propels it into the global spotlight.
Obama's annual list, a tradition started during his White House years, also featured other Indian highlights like author Kiran Desai's 'The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny' and Anita Desai's 'Rosarita', books that echo similar themes of human connection and caring for others.
