Sri Thyagaraja was a renowned Carnatic music composer and singer. He was a prodigy, gifted with a melodious voice. Thyagaraja was born to Sri Rama Brahma, on 4th may 1767, in Tiruvaiyaru in
Thanjavur District,
Tamil Nadu. He became a disciple of Sonti Venkataramaiah and gained profound knowledge in
Telugu, Sanskrit, Jyotisha (Astronomy), Ganita (Mathematics) and
Mantra Sastras. Being a devotee of
Ram, right from his childhood, he wrote many songs regarding Ram. From his teenage onwards, he started composing songs, and dedicated his whole life in writing countless songs about Ram,
Lord Venkateshwara and
Lord Ganesh. His krithis (songs) are direct, simple and inspiring, full of wisdom and permeated by a spirit of total surrender to the Almighty. He was also inordinately able to elaborate and expand the 150937ragas for hours.
Thyagaraja Music Festival held at Thiruvaiyaru, in honour of the profound singer is attended by Carnatic musicians, as well as lovers and patrons of music, from all over India.
