Introduction
Saint Thyagaraja (1767–1847) was born in Thiruvaiyaaru, Thanjavur District to a pious Telugu Brahmin couple, he is also popularly called as Thyagabrahmam, and he had got married with a pious lady and also had one girl child.
Thyagaraja has become an expert in music at an early age, and he considered music as his food sleep and as everything for him.
He was expert in singing classical music spiritual songs, and he was a great devotee of Lord Srirama. He has recited the Sri Rama Mantra for several lakhs of times, and due to that, he has got the divine vision of Lord Rama himself!
Still now, every year, Carnatic musicians from all parts of Tamil Nadu used to gather in Thiruvaiyaru, and they would sing several bhakti sons, which were once sung by Sri Thyagaraja.
Thyagaraja, had lead a simple life, and he didn’t enjoy any comforts in the world, but dedicated his entire attention on composing spiritual songs.
Though it is believed that Sri Thyagaraja had composed several thousands of songs, yet, at present only about 730 songs are presently available. He used to daily worship the Rama idol at his home, and he has done it till his last breath.
He has learnt the songs composed by Bhadrachala Ramadasa and Purandaradasa from his mother. He taught music to many people, and they have also become great scholars. A temple also known as Brindavan is built at the place where Saint Thyagaraja had attained Jeeva Samadhi.
The temple-Brindavan is situated on the northern banks of river Cauvery, and his idol is also installed at the place where he attained Jeeva Samadhi. The saint appears with a charming face, and he can be seen holding the palm leaves manuscripts containing his bhakti songs.
The deities of Maharshi Valmiki, Narada and Thumburu, are also present in the temple.
We can also witness a wonderful statue of Smt. Nagarathinammal, who was a staunch devotee of Sri Thyagaraja and a great lover of his Divine songs sung in praise on Lord Rama.
“OM SRI TIRUVAIYARU THYAGARAJA SWAMIGALE NAMAHA”
Sent By
R.Harishankar
