Tiruvaiyaru — Tyagaraja Aradhana and the Carnatic Trinity

trade_routes:

• "Tamil Nadu Paadal Petra Sthalams corridor" connected_events:
  • event: "Ancient Tamil Sangam period" significance: "One of the earliest temple sites in Tamil Nadu" trade_routes:
• "Ancient Tamil Nadu temple trade corridor" vahana: "Garuda (eagle mount)" sacred_colours:
• white (Shiva)
• saffron
• ash grey connected_events:
  • event: "Ancient Tamil Sangam period" significance: "One of the earliest temple sites in Tamil Nadu" associated_kings:
• "Ancient Tamil kingdoms" sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• jasmine connected_events:
  • event: "Ancient Tamil Sangam period" significance: "One of the earliest temple sites in Tamil Nadu" associated_kings:
• "Ancient Tamil kingdoms" trade_routes:
• "Ancient Tamil Nadu temple trade corridor" sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• champaka sacred_trees:
• peepal
• bilva (bael)
• tulasi sacred_animals:
• Nandi (sacred bull)
• peacock
• elephant sacred_colours:
• saffron
• white
• gold vahana: "Garuda (eagle mount)" primary_scriptures:
  • title: "Nālāyira Divya Prabandham" type: "stotra" festival_dates:
• "Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar)"
• "Diwali (Oct–Nov)" trade_routes:
• "Ancient South Indian temple trade corridor"

The Carnatic Trinity and Tiruvaiyaru

Tiruvaiyaru is sacred to the Carnatic music tradition because it is the birthplace and final resting place of Tyagaraja, one of the trinity of Carnatic music (along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastri).

Tyagaraja's Life (1767-1847)

Tyagaraja was born in Thiruvaiyaru to a Tamil Brahmin family. From childhood, he showed extraordinary devotion to Rama and musical talent. He refused court patronage to maintain his independence and spent his life composing, teaching, and performing at this very temple.

His 24 saved compositions (including 4 Pancharatnas) are considered masterpieces of Hindu devotional music.

Famous Kritis of Tyagaraja

The Pancharatna Kritis (5 Gem Kritis) are the most famous:

1. "Jagadananda Karaka" (Behag)
2. "Swami Nah" (Kambhoji)
3. "Sadhinchane" (Kalyani)
4. "Himamsu" (Todi)
5. "Kolumu" (Sankarabharanam)

Music Festival at Tiruvaiyaru

The Tyagaraja Aradhana is held every January during the Tamil month of Thai, coinciding with Pongal. The highlight is the Pancharatna kritis performed in chorus by thousands of musicians. The festival has been held since 1850 and is one of the world's largest music gatherings.