Mambalam Sisters
Biography
The Mambalam Sisters, Smt. Vijayalakshmi and Smt. Chitra, are among the most beloved vocal duos of South Indian devotional and classical music. For years, people have been mesmerized by their harmonious singing of Tamil devotional songs, Sanskrit slokas, and classical pieces. They have entranced listeners with their melodious voices and spiritual depth for decades.
Background
From Mambalam, Chennai, they came to be known as “Mambalam Sisters” right at the beginning of their career and since then have become the symbol of soulful bhakti music. Both the sisters studied Carnatic music and possess an overpowering classical base that shines through in every performance and recording.
Growing up in a culturally burgeoning atmosphere, immersed in music and tradition, was the best possible background for their devotional sojourn.
Career Path
The Mambalam Sisters started out with stage shows and devotional album recordings. Their artistry soon won acclaim, particularly for singing in exact harmony and for their profound empathy with the emotional content of bhakti literature.
They have worked with top devotional music production houses and have been part of numerous albums that are played out constantly in temples, homes, and spiritual circles.
Along with their audio recordings, they have presented various live concerts at sabhas, temple festivals, Navaratri concerts, and TV shows, usually centered around deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, and Muruga.
Recommended Albums & Works
- Thiruppavai – Their performance of Andal’s 30 verses is much enjoyed for its clarity, devotion, and emotional connect.
- Lalitha Sahasranamam – An accurate and peaceful recitation that has become a favorite in majority of homes for daily chanting.
- Kanda Sashti Kavasam – Their authoritative rendition of this prayer to Lord Muruga is emotive as well as spiritually uplifting.
- Vishnu Sahasranamam – A classical & consistent mode of chanting that is ideal for meditative listening.
- Several albums with songs of Tamil saints such as Arunagirinathar, Pattinathar and Thevaram hymns.
Their extensive discography also consists of festival songs such as Navaratri, Krishna Janmashtami, Vinayaka Chaturthi, and Rama Navami.
Style & Impact
- Mambalam Sisters are acclaimed for their flawless vocal harmony, and they are among the most admired women duos in devotional songs.
- Their diction is accurate, particularly in Sanskrit & Tamil stanzas so their recordings are perfect for students and devotees alike.
- Their style is characterized by simplicity, devotion, and purity of class, attracting both traditional and new listeners.
Their songs have penetrated deep into the spiritual community, their voices becoming an almost daily presence in homes throughout South India and the Indian diaspora.
Legacy & Influence
For more than three decades, Mambalam Sisters have been stalwarts of devotional music, maintaining tradition & presenting sacred songs to the masses. Their dedication to bhakti and musical perfection has established them as cultural icons in spiritual music.
Whether it is a temple festival a prayerful evening or a classical music concert, their voices still navigate, inspire and ennoble.
