"Ek Vanzari Zulan" (also spelled "Ek Vanjari Zulan Zulti Ti")
is one of the oldest and most profoundly meaningful traditional Gujarati Garba songs.It is a metaphorical song describing the spiritual journey of the Goddess Ambemata through the nine steps of a sacred stepwell, where the water level symbolizes the increasing intensity of her divine power and presence as she descends to meet her devotees.
The song is often interpreted as representing the nine nights of Navratri."Vanzari" refers to a female trader/traveler or a devotee, and "Zulan" refers to a gentle swaying motion, often associated with a swing or a dance.showing the progression of the Mother Goddess through the steps:
Meaning of Water Level (Spiritual Growth)
Ek Vanzari Zulan zulti'ti,
A Vanzari (traveler/devotee) was swaying/dancing, (Refrain) The devotee is happily praising the Mother.
Mari Ambemaa naa Zulan zulti'ti.
She was swaying/dancing for our Mother Ambemata.
--- --- ---
Maa-e pahele pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the First Step, Self-realization begins.
Maani paani samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Ankles (Paani)
.
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e beeje pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Second Step, Discipline deepens.
Maanaa ghuthan samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Knees (Ghuthan).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e trije pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Third Step, Control over senses.
Maanaa dheechan samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Thighs (Dheechan).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e chothe pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Fourth Step, Purification of the body.
Maanaa saathal samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Hips/Waist (Saathal).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e paanchme pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Fifth Step, Awakening of lower energy centers.
Maani ked samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Waist (Ked).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e chhathhe pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Sixth Step, The heart center opens.
Maani chhaati samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Chest (Chhaati).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e saatme pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Seventh Step, Speech and mind are purified.
Maanaa galaa samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Neck/Throat (Galaa).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e aathme pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Eighth Step, Wisdom and cosmic vision.
Maanaa kapaal samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Forehead (Kapaal).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
--- --- ---
Maa-e navme pagathiye pag mukyo,
The Mother placed her foot on the Ninth Step, Total union with the divine.
Maanaa maatha samaanaa neer Mori Maat;
The water level reached the Mother's Head (Maatha).
Vanzari zulan zulti'ti.
The Vanzari was swaying/dancing.
Spiritual Significance
The increase in the water level as the Mother descends to each step signifies her progressive immersion in the physical world and the increasing closeness between the devotee and the Goddess.Steps 1 to 9: Traditionally correspond to the nine nights of Navratri.Water Level: Represents the rising tide of the Mother's divine power and grace, eventually reaching the head (the highest point), symbolizing the complete immersion of the devotee in the Mother's boundless grace and the ultimate goal of union with the divine.oooooo
oooooo : oooooo