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Music has the power to drive away the impurities of the mind and the soul. It provides calmness, peace, and happiness which is not easy to find. It is also a medium to express oneself when a normal conversation is not enough.
Carnatic music is arguably the highest form of Indian Classical music. In this form of music, very few instruments are used. The power of vocalization is everything when it comes to Carnatic music. It is one of the top music genres in South India.
When it comes to Carnatic music, no one can ignore the importance and contribution of Saint Thyagaraja. He is the reason behind the overflowing success of Indian Classical Music in South India.
Thyagaraja was the greatest saint composer of Carnatic music, and this festival is named after him. Thiruvaiyaru in Tamil Nadu is his birthplace, and this is where he attained samadhi. Carnatic musicians from all over the globe attend the festival to pay homage to the great Saint.
Thiruvaiyaru festival is a music celebration where Carnatic music gets recognition, and homage as well. The Keertanas of Saint Thyagaraja are performed by devoted singers who worship their Guru.
Thiruvaiyaru is a town in Tamil Nadu, 312 km away from the city of Chennai. It is located on the banks of the Kaveri River. The name Thiruvaiyaru means five rivers. These rivers are Arisilaaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamurutti and Kaveri.
This place is mainly famous for hosting the music festival which attracts plenty of visitors. Most people know the name of this town as the birthplace of Saint Thyagaraja. There are several temples in Thiruvaiyaru as well. Thiruvaiyaru temple history is something to look forward to when visitors visit this town. Thiruvaiyaru Aiyarappar Temple is another popular place, famous for rituals and prayers.
Thiruvaiyaru Aiyarappar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the famous temples in Thiruvaiyaru. This 15-acre temple includes five prakarams and a 7-tiered Rajagopuram. Devotees cannot circumambulate around the deity of Lord Shiva as it is forbidden.
There is an interesting characteristic in Thiruvaiyaru Aiyarappar Temple. If any devotee shouts the name of Aiyarappar from a certain spot in Thiruvaiyaru Aiyarappar Temple, it tends to echo seven times. This Thiruvaiyaru Sivan temple has everything a Lord Shiva devotee can hope for.
Saint Thyagaraja Temple is located on the northern shore of the Kaveri River. The Thiruvaiyaru festival is celebrated here each year. The musicians sing Kirtan, and the Saints compositions together by sitting on the two stages.
Devotees believe that Saint Thyagaraja himself comes to listen to the music sung by his disciples. There is a bodhi tree as well where the Saint sought penance.
The Thiruvaiyaru festival goes by the name of Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraja Music Festival. This festival is regarded as one of the biggest music festivals in India. It is a five-day-long music festival, dedicated to Saint Thyagaraja who was the greatest saint composer of Carnatic music.
Thiruvaiyaru is one of the popular festivals of Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated every year in Thiruvaiyaru in Tamil Nadu, close to Thanjavur. The festival is held in the Telugu month of Poush, the 5th day of Krishna Paksha. Some rituals are also performed other than concerts.
The Thiruvaiyaru festival concludes with the performance of Pancharatna Kritis. Music lovers from all over the country, and the world, explore Tamil Nadu tourism to witness this unique celebration.
As far as the history of South India is concerned, Thyagaraja was the greatest music composer ever. He created what people today know as Carnatic music. He was born in 1767, in a Telugu Brahmin family at Thiruvaiyaru.
At the age of 13, he composed his first song in Sanskrit. Sanskrit, Telugu, and other subjects were among his knowledge zones. He was considered a vastly talented music composer from the very beginning. Spirituality along with melodious tones was the main specialty of his compositions.
He was devoted to worshipping and composing songs on the characters of the Ramayana. He also sang many exceptional songs. Because of his contribution, people know him as the father of Carnatic music. He didnt live long after he took Sannyasa.
The disciples of Saint Thyagaraja arranged the very first Thiruvaiyaru music festival back in 1908. Before that, there were only ritualistic pujas in this place. Pujas are still performed today by Sadguru Sri Tyagabrahma Aradhana Kainkarya Trust.
The trinity of Carnatic music, Muthuswamy Dikshidhar, Shyama Sashtri, and Thyagaraja contributed a lot when it comes to Carnatic music. They composed a lot of unforgettable melodies which have made Carnatic music so regarded. These three are remembered during this festival.
The Thiruvaiyaru festival falls in January or February each year. Carnatic musicians from all around the globe gather here. They perform to give a tribute to their respective and beloved Saint Thyagaraja. Not only the performers, but thousands of Indian Classical Music lovers also call this place holy.
They sing the Pancharatna Kritis on the day of Pushya Bahula Panchami. This is when the Saint left his mortal body in 1847. This place is the Aradhana arena for the devotees of Carnatic music.
Aradhana means to pray for something good and holy. During the time of the festival, this place becomes a stage of unity as well.
Doordarshan National Channel broadcast the live telecast of the chorus recital of Pancharatna Keerthanas. The main goal of the festival is to preserve the traditional music of India.
Acharya Thyagaraja was able to bring a social evolution. He was able to unite society through the incredible power of music. This is something that every music lover needs to celebrate once in a while.
Tamil Nadu celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, including Pongal Festival Thaipusam Festival, Karthigai Deepam, Natyanjali Dance Festival, Chitri Rai Festival, etc.
