In case you never knew, Ghana’s music group that toured extensively the world over, OSIBISA, had stint with Hinduism because they believed God is not a respecter of any particular religion.
The song which was recorded and sung by Osibisa, is actually a popular bhajan (Hindu devotional song) that was a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma realized that there were always clashes between Christians and Muslims – hence, he prayed to Lord Ram for peace and harmony between the two religious sects – that prayer, was a song.
These lyrics were taken from original Hindu text “Shri NamaRamayanam” written by Lakshmanacharya. Below is the Original lyrics:
RaghupatiraghavarajaramPatitapaavanasitaramSundarasitaramJanakiramanasitaram Jaya jayaraghavasitaramGandhian——-Lyrics The version that is most common was put to music by Vishnu DigambarPaluskar, and was sung by Gandhi and his followers as they walked during the 241 mile Salt March to Dandi.
The version popularized by Vishnu DigambarPaluskar and the Gandhian movement: Hindi Below is the Transliteration of the song:
Raghupatirāghavrājārām, patitpāvansītārāmsītārām, jai sītārām, bhajtūpyāresītārāmīśvarallāhteronām, sab kosanmati de bhagavān——-Translation: Chief of the house of Raghu, Lord Rama, Uplifters of those who have fallen, Sita and Rama,[note 1] Sita and Rama, Sita and Rama, O beloved, praise Sita and Rama, God and Allah are your names, [note 2] Bless everyone with real wisdom,
Listen to the great Hindu song Osibisa’s rendition – as late Mac Tonhoh, can be heard loud and clear, declaring that “there’s no Christian God or Muslim God. God is one”
Below is Osibisa’s lyrics and meaning.
Allah teronaam, Ishwarteronaam Your name is Allah, your name is Ishwar Sab kosanmatii de, Bhagwan Bless everyone with equanimity, God Maango.NkaasindoornachhuuTe Do not let the sindoor disappear from the part of our hair [Let us not be widowed]
Maa.Nbahano.NkiiaasnaTuuTe Do not shatter the hopes of mothers and sisters Dehabinaa, Daataa… Without a body, Lord… DehabinaabhaTakenapraan Let the soul not wander without a body O saare jag kerakhwaale O keeper of the whole world Nirbalkobaldenewaale The giver of strength to the weak Balwaano.Nko… To the strong…
Balwaano.Nko de degyaan Bestow wisdom to the strong Glossary: Allah: God [Muslim]; Ishwar: God [Hindu]; sanmatii: equanimity, advise; maaNg: the parting line in a woman’s hair; sindoor: red powder worn in a woman’s hair part to signify marriage; maa.N: mother; bahan: sister; aas: hope; TuuTnaa: to break, to shatter; deha: body; Daataa: Lord; bhataknaa: to wander; praan: soul, life; rakhwaalaa: the keeper; nirbal: weak; bal: strength; balwaan: one who is strong, a warrior; denewaalaa: the giver; gyaan: wisdom, knowledge of the lord.