Listen to different versions of Vande Mataram here

BANGALORE, INDIA: ''Sujalam Suphalam Malayajasitalam Sasya Syamalam Mataram, Vande Mataram'' are the beautiful words of our national song, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1882. 

It is a hymn to Goddess Durga, who also symbolizes India. The song played a vital role in the Indian Independence movement and still continues to spread patriotism among Indians.

Over the years, there have been different versions of Vande Mataram. Let us take a look at five versions of the national song.

The original version

The original version of the song, is simple without any background music, sung by a group of singers. However, that doesn't take away from the beauty of the song. To listen to the original version of Vande Mataram, click here. 

The version in Hindi film Anand Math

Hemen Gupta directed a historical-patriotic film Anand Math, based on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel Anandmath, in 1952. Hemant Kumar was the music director of the song Vande Mataram in this film and it was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. To listen to this song, click here. 

Lata Mangeshkar's modern version of Vande Mataram

A slightly modern version of the song mentioned above was released around 2006, in what seems to be a bid to cater to the needs of the youth of India. However, the sanctity and beauty of the song was maintained and yet managed to become hugely popular among young Indians. To listen to the song, click here. 

A R Rahman's Revival of Vande Mataram

Around 1997, music director AR Rahman revived Vande Mataram in his album 'Vande Mataram'. The three minute song establishes a very serene and composed atmosphere, and was widely appreciated by viewers. To listen to this version, click here. 

Maa Tujhe Salaam by AR Rahman 

Probably one of the most popular songs ever composed would be 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' by AR Rahman. According to reports, the largest selling Indian non-film album till date is 'Vande Mataram'. The song has been highly successful in inducing patriotic feelings and unity among Indians.

The four minute video on YouTube has received close to 1.5 million views so far and over 5,000 likes. The album was released on the Golden Jubilee anniversary of India's Independence. Rahman, while dedicating the song to the future generations of India, said that he wished that the album inspires youth to grow up with wealth of human values and ethics that India is made of.

To listen to the Maa Tujhe Salaam, click here.