Tyagaraja, the saint composer was born inl
Tiruvaiyar in Tamilllaclu, on 4th may 1767. He lived most
of his life in Tiruvaiyar till his death on 6th Janudry 1847.
Right from childhood he devoted himself
to the worship of Lord Rama singing songs extolling his favourite
deity.
He had a daughter, through whom he had a
grandson, who died progeniless. Thus we do nut. have any descendants
of saint Tyagaraja. His wife predeceased him.
Daily Tyagaraja would walk the streets of
his native town singing songs and seeking alms (known as Unchavritli).
Tyagaraja has composed about 800 songs, most of them in his
mother tongue Telugu dnd a few in Sanskrit.
The only travel he undertook ill his life
was a short pilgrimage from Tirupati to Srirangam.
Tyagaraja shied away from material possessions
and refused to sing in praise of the King. He was determined
to remain poor and independent.
Tyagaraja lived his own philosophy that
God realisation was best achieved through Niidopasana (music
with devotiun). His songs are surfeit with an intimate devotion
for Rama, though they fully reveal his deep understanding
of the tenets of the Vedas and Upanishads.
The music of his compositions overpowers
the lyrical content, but there is no mistaking the spiritual
effect of his songs on the listener.
Purandharadasa was the grandfather of Camatic
music. Tyagaraja is one of its Trinity, the other two being
Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri.
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