Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari: History, Meaning, Composer, and Significance of Odisha's Most Beloved Prayer

Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari: The Timeless Prayer That Inspires Every Generation in Odisha

Among all Odia prayer songs, Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari (ଆହେ ଦୟାମୟ ବିଶ୍ୱ ବିହାରୀ) occupies a unique place in the hearts of millions of people. For decades, this beautiful prayer has echoed through classrooms, schools, temples, and homes across Odisha. Its simple language, universal message, and deep spiritual values have made it one of the most beloved devotional compositions in Odia literature.

Written by the renowned educator and children's author Ramakrushna Nanda, the prayer teaches kindness, truthfulness, courage, compassion, and selfless service. More than just a hymn, it is a guide for leading a meaningful and moral life. The prayer became especially famous because it was reportedly one of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite devotional songs, regularly sung during prayer meetings at the Sabarmati Ashram.

Today, even after many decades, Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari continues to inspire students, teachers, and devotees, making it an unforgettable part of Odisha's cultural and spiritual heritage.

Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari Lyrics

ଆହେ ଦୟାମୟ ବିଶ୍ୱ ବିହାରି

Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari

ଘେନ ଦୟାବହି ମୋର ଗୁହାରି

Ghena Dayabahi Mora Guhari ।1।

ଜଳ ସ୍ଥଳ ବନ ଗିରି ଆକାଶ

Jala Stala Bana Giri Aakasa

ତୁମ୍ଭ ଲୀଳା ସବୁଠାରେ ପ୍ରକାଶ

Tumbha Leela Sabuthare Prakasa ।2।

ତୁମେ ଶୁଭ ବୁଦ୍ଧି ପରା ଶିଖାଅ

Tume Subha Buddhi Para Sikha-A

ତୁମେ ଭଲ ବାଟ ପରା ଦେଖାଅ

Tume Bhala Bata Para Dekha-A ।3।

ମୋର କାମକୁ କରାଅ ସରସ

Mora Kamaku Kara-A Sarasa

ମୋର ମୁଖେ ଦିଅ ଚିର ହରସ

Mora Mukhe Dia Chira Harasa ।4।

ତୁମ ଚରଣ ରେ ମୋର ଭକତି

Tuma Charanare Mora Bhakati

ଦିଅ ବିପଦେ ସାହଶ ଶକତି

Dia Bipade Sahasa Sakati ।5।

କୁଟ  କପଟ ସ୍ୱଭାବ ଯାହାର

Kuta Kapata Swabhaba Jahara

ତାଙ୍କୁ ଦୂରୁ ମୁଁ  କରଇ ଜୁହାର 

Tanku Duru Mu Karai Juhara ।6।

ମତେ ନ ମିଶାଅ ତାଙ୍କ ସାଥିରେ

Mate Na Misa-A Tanka Sathire

ସଦା ରଖ ସାଧୁଜନ କତିରେ

Sada Rakha Sadhujana Katire ।7।

ଦୟା ବିନୟ ହେଉ ମୋ ଭୂଷଣ

Daya Binaya Heu Mo Bhusana

କାହା ମନେ ନ ଦିଏଁ ମୁଁ କଷଣ

Kaha Mane Na Dien Mu Kasana ।8।

ଦୁଃଖୀ ଅରକ୍ଷୀ ତ ସେବା କାରଣେ

Dukhi Arakshi Ta Seba Karane

ବଳ ଦିଅ ମୋର କର ଚରଣେ

Bala Dia Mora Kara Charane ।9।

ସତ କହିବାକୁ କିଆଁ ଡରିବି

Sata Kahibaku Kian Daribi

ସତ କହି ପଛେ ମଲେ ମରିବି

Sata Kahi Pachhe Male Maribi ।10।

ମତେ ଏତିକି ଶିଖାଅ ସ୍ୱାଇଁ ହେ

Mate Etiki Sikha-A Swain He

ମୋର ଧନ ଜନ ଲୋଡ଼ା ନାହିଁ ହେ

Mora Dhana Jana Loda Nahin He ।11।

ତୁମେ ସବୁଠାରୁ ବଡ ଠାକୁର

Tume Sabtharu Bada Thakura

ସଦା ରହିବି ମୁଁ ତୁମ ପାଦରେ

Sada Rahibi Mun Tuma Padare ।12।

Ahe Daya Maya Biswa Bihari Video

Song : Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari

Album : Parthana

Album No. : WM-2602

Lyrics : Ramakrushna Nanda

Singer : Kumar Bapi

What Is Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari?

Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari is a devotional prayer written in the Odia language. It is addressed to the Almighty, whom the poet lovingly calls "Dayamaya Biswa Bihari", meaning "The Merciful Lord Who Dwells Throughout the Universe."

Unlike prayers that focus on asking for wealth or worldly success, this hymn requests something far more valuable-wisdom, honesty, courage, humility, compassion, and the strength to serve others.

The prayer consists of nine meaningful stanzas, each expressing a noble human value that remains relevant even in today's world.

Who Wrote Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari?

The prayer was composed by Ramakrushna Nanda (1906–1994), one of Odisha's greatest educators, children's writers, and literary figures.

Born on 15 February 1906 in Bairoi, Odisha, Ramakrushna Nanda devoted his life to education and literature. He believed that books should not only educate children but also build their moral character. Throughout his career, he wrote numerous textbooks, poems, stories, and educational works that influenced generations of students.

His famous textbook Sahitya Sopana introduced Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari to schoolchildren, and over time the prayer became an essential part of morning assemblies in schools throughout Odisha. His outstanding contribution to Odia literature later earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India.

The History Behind the Prayer

The prayer first appeared in Sahitya Sopana, an Odia textbook written by Ramakrushna Nanda. Because the language was simple and the message was universal, teachers quickly adopted it as a daily school prayer.

During India's freedom movement, the hymn gained even greater recognition. Historical accounts state that Mahatma Gandhi admired the prayer and included it among the devotional songs sung during prayer meetings at Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi appreciated prayers that promoted truth, humility, equality, and service to humanity, values that perfectly matched the message of this composition.

As a result, the prayer became known not only in Odisha but also among followers of Gandhian ideals.

Meaning of the Prayer

Although the prayer is short, every stanza carries a profound spiritual lesson.

God Is Present Everywhere

The opening verses acknowledge God's presence throughout creation—in rivers, forests, mountains, land, sky, and every corner of the universe.

The poet reminds us that God's greatness is visible in nature itself.

This teaches children to respect the environment and recognize the divine presence in all living beings.

Pray for Wisdom, Not Wealth

Instead of asking for riches, the poet requests:

• Good thoughts
• Right understanding
• Guidance toward the correct path

This reflects the belief that wisdom is the greatest blessing a person can receive.

Do Good Work Cheerfully

The prayer asks God to make every task meaningful and to fill life with joy.

It encourages people to perform their duties sincerely without complaining.

This simple message teaches discipline, responsibility, and dedication.

Courage During Difficult Times

Life is filled with challenges.

The poet asks God for courage whenever difficulties arise rather than asking for an easy life.

This teaches resilience, confidence, and faith during adversity.

Serve the Poor and Helpless

One of the most inspiring verses asks for the strength to serve:

• The poor
• The weak
• The helpless
• Those without protection

Rather than seeking personal comfort, the prayer encourages selfless service to humanity.

This reflects one of the highest ideals found in Indian philosophy—that serving people is equal to serving God.

Speak the Truth Fearlessly

Perhaps the most memorable lines of the hymn declare:

Even if telling the truth brings suffering, one should never be afraid to speak it.

This powerful message closely resembles Mahatma Gandhi's lifelong commitment to Satya (Truth).

It teaches moral courage and honesty, qualities that remain important in every generation.

Freedom from Material Desires

In the concluding stanza, the poet asks God not for money, fame, or possessions.

Instead, he prays only for wisdom and moral strength.

This beautiful ending reminds readers that true happiness comes from good character rather than material wealth.

Why Is the Prayer So Popular in Odisha?

Several reasons explain why Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari has remained popular for nearly a century.

Simple Language

The words are easy enough for children to understand while still carrying deep philosophical meaning.

Universal Values

The prayer does not focus on rituals or religious divisions.

Instead, it promotes values accepted by everyone:

• Truth
• Kindness
• Compassion
• Honesty
• Courage
• Humility
• Service

Educational Importance

Because it teaches moral education naturally, schools across Odisha adopted it as a daily morning prayer.

Many Odias remember beginning their school day by singing this hymn together.

Spiritual Beauty

Its calm rhythm and heartfelt words create a peaceful atmosphere that encourages reflection and gratitude.

Connection with Mahatma Gandhi

One of the most remarkable aspects of this prayer is its association with Mahatma Gandhi.

Historical sources report that Gandhi greatly admired the hymn and included it among the devotional songs sung during prayer meetings at the Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi believed that education should shape character through truth, simplicity, and service, values that are reflected throughout Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari.

This association significantly increased the prayer's popularity and cemented its place in India's devotional tradition.

Literary Style

Ramakrushna Nanda deliberately wrote the prayer in clear and accessible Odia.

Unlike complex classical poetry, the hymn uses:

• Simple vocabulary
• Smooth rhythm
• Easy-to-remember lines
• Positive moral lessons

These qualities make it suitable for both children and adults.

Its poetic simplicity is one of the main reasons it has survived across generations.

Cultural Importance

Today, Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari is more than a school prayer.

It represents Odisha's educational, literary, and spiritual traditions.

The prayer continues to be sung in:

• Schools
• Cultural programs
• Religious gatherings
• National celebrations
• Educational institutions
• Community events

For many Odias, hearing the opening line instantly brings back memories of school mornings, teachers, childhood, and the values they were taught.

It remains one of the finest examples of how literature can shape society through moral education.

Legacy

Nearly a century after it was written, Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari continues to inspire people of all ages.

Its timeless message reminds us that the greatest wealth is not money but character. It teaches that honesty is stronger than fear, compassion is greater than selfishness, and service to others is the highest form of worship.

The prayer also reflects the extraordinary vision of Ramakrushna Nanda, whose contribution to Odia literature extends far beyond children's textbooks. Through this single composition, he created a spiritual masterpiece that continues to guide generations toward truth, kindness, and humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who wrote Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari?

The prayer was written by Ramakrushna Nanda (1906-1994), a renowned Odia educator, children's author, and recipient of the Padma Shri.

What is the meaning of Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari?

The title means "O Merciful Lord, the One Who Dwells Throughout the Universe." It is a humble prayer seeking wisdom, courage, truthfulness, compassion, and selfless service.

Why is the prayer famous?

It became widely known because of its simple language, moral teachings, inclusion in the textbook Sahitya Sopana, and its reported association with Mahatma Gandhi's prayer meetings at Sabarmati Ashram.

Is Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari still sung today?

Yes. It is still sung in many schools, educational institutions, and cultural events throughout Odisha.

What is the main message of the prayer?

The prayer teaches people to seek wisdom instead of wealth, speak the truth without fear, help the poor and helpless, remain humble, and dedicate their lives to goodness and service.

Conclusion

Ahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari is one of the greatest devotional prayers in Odia literature. Written by Ramakrushna Nanda, it beautifully combines spirituality with practical moral values that remain relevant in every age. Its association with Mahatma Gandhi, its place in school education, and its enduring message of truth, compassion, courage, and selfless service have made it a treasured part of Odisha's cultural identity.

Even today, when its verses are sung in schools and homes, they continue to remind people that the true purpose of life is not the pursuit of wealth or fame, but the cultivation of wisdom, honesty, kindness, and unwavering faith.