Thyagaraja (1767 – 1847) was born in Thiruvarur, Thanjavur. He was named Thyagaraja or Thyagabramha, after the presiding deity of the temple. Thyagaraja’s maternal grandfather was Kalahastayya, also known as Veena Kalahastayya, as he was a noted Veena player. Thyagaraja learnt the Veena from Kalahastayya at an early age. He was trained in music by Sonti Venkata Ramanayya, a music scholar. Thyagaraja’s pieces are focused on expression, rather than the technicalities of Carnatic Music. His first composition was “Namo Namo Raghavaya” in the Raga (scale), Deshika Thodi, at the age of 13. It was evident in his compositions that Thyagaraja was immersed in his devotion to Lord Rama. He is well known for composing the Pancharatna Kritis (five gems), they are, Jagadananda Karaka in the Raga (scale), Naatai, Dudukugala Nanne in the Raga Gowla, Saadhinchane in the Raga Arabhi, Kanakanaruchira in the Raga Varali and Endaro Mahanubhavulu in the Raga Shree. Tyagaraja died on 6th January 1847, he was buried on the banks of the Kaveri river at Thiruvarur. The Thyagaraja Aradhana is a commemorative festival held every year at Thiruvarur. This is a week-long festival where famous musicians gather at his resting place. On the day of Pushya Bahula Panchami, Hundreds of Carnatic musicians sing the Pancharatna Kritis in unison, with the accompaniment of a large bank of instrumentalists.
