Life Histories Flashcards
Who is Purandaradasar?
Purandaradasar was born in 1484 AD in Phandarpur Karnataka. He was very wealthy but was a miserly money lender with 4 sons and a daughter. This story begins when a Bhramin wanted to perform a Umayaman ceremony but was in desperate need of money. His wife felt pity for his and gave him a nose screw. This kind action made Purandaradasar question his wife, and he set himself to pursue a life in devotion. He later became the chief disciple of Vyasa Raya in 1525 and adopted the name Purandara Vathalli. Purandaradasar composed over 475,000, yet only a few are available today. Some songs are “Sarana Siddhi” and “Instu Papalla.” He also made the foundation of songs like Swarali Varasai and Geethams. Purandaradasar died at the age of 80 in 1564.
Who is Gopalakrishna Bharathi?
Gopalakrishna Bharathi (1811 - 1896) was a Tamil scholar and composer who was born in Naripnam. He learnt musc from various sources and is best known for his opera called “Nandanar Chartam” which tells the story of a Saivite Saint who despite being an outcast gained the recognition of Lord Shive. Bharathis works includes many operas including “Karakkai Ammayar” and many keerthanais. He often praises Lord Nataraja in his works and uses the mundra “Gopalakrishna.” He passed away at the age of 86 in 1896.
Who is Muthuthandavar?
Muthuthandavar (1560-1640) was a pre-tinity composer who was born in Seerkhazi. Initially named Thandavan, he faced family oppostions regarding his interest in music and was kicked out. After a transformative encounter with Lord Parvathi, he was inspired to make songs in Chadabharam starting with the words from his devotees. He composed 60 keerthanais and 25 padams. He laid the foundation for keerthanais and is regarded as the father of keerthanais. His legacy was perserved by his descendant Kuppaya Pillai. Muthuthandavar is a key figure in tamil music and is often regarded as one of the Tamil Moovar.
Who is Thirunavukkarasar?
Thirunavukkarasar, originally named Marunakkaiyar was born in a fertile kingdom called Thiruminappadi. Initially a scholar of Jainism he recieved the name Dharma Senar, before converting to Shaivism where he recieved the name Thirunavukkarasar. His sister Thilakavithiyar prayed for his spirtual awakening, leading him to experience severe stomach pain that the Jains could not fix. Ultimately, he went to the temple and sang his first hyms to Lord Shiva which healed him. Thirunavukkarasars defiance against the Jains, made him a prominent figure in Tamil Shaiva tradition.
