Pudukkottai Narasimha Jayanthi - A Journey to the Heart of Namasankeerthanam

                                                                                                        - Poornima Srikanth

“I will be on leave on Monday. Going to Pudukkottai” I announced to my colleagues, mentally preparing to face the next set of questions. But it came in sooner than I could prepare for it. `What’s the occasion?’ `Where?’ Before I could try to find an equivalent term for `Narasimha Jayanthi’ or `Bhagavathal Aaraadhana’, another colleague made it easy for me. "Wedding?” Came in much handy. Yes of course, wedding! Just that the bride and the groom are Seetha and Rama.

So I shortened my 30 marks essay answer to a 2 marks one word answer, conveniently borrowed from my colleague. “Wedding” I ascertained, and chuckled off.

Attending the Narasimha Jayanthi Uthsavam in Pudukkotai is like an annual recharge. Just the thought of touching that sacred land, getting blessings from all the bhagavathas, savoring on their soulful music…. Though I have never been able to translate this in an attractive way to the mundane world, it means a lot to me!
 

After taking an overnight train to Trichy, we took a bus to Pudukkotai. We reached the lodge, checked in and raced to reach the `Nama Sankeerthana Mandapam’ where the ceremonies happen. Overcoming the `missed-it!’ feeling of not able to attend the Bhagavathaal Aaraadhana, we went in to participate in the Seetha Kalyana Mahotsavam that happened on 26th May 2013. 



One can find Narasimha moorthy worshipped in the form of a Sthambham (pillar, where the Lord took Avathar) only in Pudukottai, and its quite interesting. This can be seen in the above picture on the right.

The mandapam was ravishing with the priceless jewels that the veteran Bhagavathas are. A five year old boy was rendering the Guru Keerthana, and all the bhagavathas participated, by repeating the lines, just like they would do while following a very senior bhagavatha. From my childhood, I have heard from many bhagavathas, that Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar would unfailingly make every single child sing and he used to enjoy listening. A Mahatma does not hold a difference between a learnt and unlearnt... they only see God in everyone. Sri Subburama Bhagavathar, who led the festival, was still practicing his Guru’s teachings by encouraging everyone to sing in the Sanniddhi.

 

Seetha Kalyanam in progress

Left Image - Sri Ramakrishna Bhagavathar, a veteran Harmonium musician and a devout Gopala Krishna Bhagavathar's devotee is smiling at the camera.

When veterans from Pudukkotai school of Namasankeerthanam say they are against the `slot culture’ in Bhajanothsavams, one would never understand how Bahajanothsavams will run otherwise.… until they attend Pudukkotai Narasimha Jayanthi.

“The slot system in bhajanotsavams has slaughtered traditional sampradaya bhajan rendering style” says Subbarama Bhagavathar, but  still beaming a big smile, reconciling to the present day FAST World’s ways and whims.

The conglomeration of all the bhagavathas lead to a collective energy beyond the expression of words. Agreed, there are slight misunderstandings, abrupt pauses in between, slight disagreements on the next song or paddhathi… but all these last for a moment. The next moment, they acknowledge each other’s sanctity and prema bhakthi supersedes everything else. Thus, one is truly able to experience the meanings of the phrase `bhakthaha  sangam cha ananyonyam..........’. We should appreciate that this traditional style  had been in vogue for centuries and it is our present day generation that has degenerated this system into slot system bhajans.

The Seetha kalyanam lasted until 3:00 PM and this was followed by the traditional `anga pradakshinam’. This means that the hosts will do shayana pradakshinam over the plantain leaves in which the Bhagavathas had eaten – Thus showing total surrender to the Bhagavathaals, and hence, Bhagavaan.  It is believed that Lord Lakshmi Narasimha would be present in person in the festival and would occupy one of the Bhagavathas seat.  Anga Pradakshinam is paying homage to Him.  Since none can guess which is the Lord’s seat, anga pradakshinam is done on all the Ucchishtam plantain leaves.

 

It was a sheer ego shattering experience to see great Bhagavathas and their family members as well, participate in the shayana pradakshina over the used plantain leaves. As the tradition is, Sri Narasimha Bhagavathar, the present Sthanikan of the Trust and grand son of Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar, himself would carry these plantain leaves on his head and dispose them respectfully.

One also has to remember that these bhagavathas and their family members who are doing anga pradakshinam are on no food that day, and will have their first food of the day only after they dispose the plantain leaves and take a dip in the pond. After this, the bhajan hall has to be cleaned and they wait until the floor has dried up! All this boils down to the fact that their first food for the day is by dinner time! You may not believe, generally all the family members of Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of conducting the Utsavam, do not have pucca meals for the seven days (Presently the Utsavam is for 7 days, earlier it used to be for 10 days).  They mostly have snacks, fruits etc, and generally refrain from rice meals.

A six year old Hamsini (Ravi bhagavathar’s grand daughter) sat with me for lunch. Lunch being really really late, especially for a six year old little girl, she was very hungry. But while the food was served, she told “I am feeling hungry, and want to eat the curd rice (already served). But you know? We should start only after they give Jalam to all bhagavathas and say Hari Om and `Start’. Can you believe they actually say `Start’ in English?” she chuckles. “You are a little girl Hamsini, its ok if you start eating now” I told. But even that 6 year old jewel did abide by the principle. She did control her hunger until they said `Start’to her. :)

 

They have been doing Anga Pradakshina on Bhagavatha Aaradhana day as well! Won’t they be too tired by the end of the day that they will just want to hit the bed, one wonders. Well, no. By Saturday night, Pavvalimbu started and all the bhagavathas assembled again for rendering Pavvalimbu keerthanas.
What started by 9:00PM then went on until 7:30 AM the next day morning… pretty early, according to many present there!

Left - Bhagavathas doing abhinaya for Vasantha Kelikai Pavalimbu
 

Vasantha Kelikkai and Pavvalimbu are traditionally sung after Kalyana Mahotsavam. Vasantha Kelikai is a set of six songs elaborating the scene of Vasantha Rithu and the conversations between Radha and her sakhi ( the Guru).  Pavvalimpu  is a set of 24 songs and describes the playful times where Lord Venkatesha and Alamelu Manga enjoy each other’s company. Pavvalimbu  culminates with Shayanothsava and then the Prabhodanam when the Lord and Ambal are woken up and when Bhakthas get an opportunity to have darshan of the Celestial couple.  At this time, Lord Venkateshwara SEARCHES for his devotees who have been witness to the Utsavam and Bless them all.

 

It was a wonder to see the dolkist Sri. Venkatesa Bhagavathar single handedly play the dolki the whole night and continue energetically the next day morning. 

 

Pavvalimbu session for the night started with Devatha Dhyanam. Sri Subburama bhagavathar
ensured that all Bhagavathas sung at least one song. “It is my duty that I should deny no one’s wish to sing in this sannidhaanam”. He was, in fact, least bothered about the fact that delaying Devatha Dhyanam would lead to delay in Pavvalimbu, and would eventually bite into the next day’s programs. He would listen in rapt attention to each Bhagavathar, big or small, long or short. A truly amazing role model for us!Singing the Pavvalimbu songs in all its grace were Sri Sundar bhagavathar, Sri Ramanujam bhagavathar Trivandrum Sankar bhagavathar sang along with a host of bhagavathars from all parts of the country and abroad. This year the absence of Chennai Nataraja Bhagavathar due to  ill health was conspicuous. Abhinayam was done by Chennai KK Kalyanarama bhagavathar and his accomplice.

The session ended by 7:30 AM on Sunday morning and we thought all of them would just want to take some rest. We were again wrong!

`Hari Narayana Hari Narayana’ started Subburama Bhagavathar, in the same reverence and zest, as if it was the first song of the day! They had Guru Pooja. Sri Narasimha bhagavathar performed Guru Paaduka Pooja of Sri Subburama Bhagavathar and ( ). The activity was conducted outdoors, and in that mud, Sri Narasimha bhagavathar and ( ) performed shayana pradakshina with utmost devotion.
 

Another noteworthy aspect was the devotion and the elaborate manner in which Pooja was performed for each session, along with Veda ghosham and dhoop-deepa-niveddya upachaaras.

Sri Ramdas Bhagavathar from Thiruvananthapuram had been suggesting that we visit a place called `Swarna Kaadu’, situated 15 km away from Pudukottai. “This was the birthplace of Sri Gopalakrishna Swamigal, and He had spent his initial years there. They still have a small shrine, and the same Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated there as well”, he said. Seizing the opportunity, we rented a vehicle and left for Swarnakaadu in the morning, after refreshing ourselves.

The serene roads, less populated country sides, the rickety roads and countryside farms makes one wonder if we were traveling down the time machine. No wonder, time factor always takes a backseat in Pudukkotai Bhanajotsavams! 

The road to Swarna Kaadu, Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar's birth place

We reached Bhagavathar’s place for residence in Swarna Kaadu. The old house, with its legacy and heritage has been retained as such, as much as Swami’ Sampradhaya.

The guardian of the place, Sri Ramamurthy Bhagavathar gave his unexpected guests a very warm welcome.

We were amazed by the humble attitude and the way they receive guests. They led us to the shrine area, where the vigrahams were kept. They had a small shrine comprising of Srirama, Lakshmana, Seetha and Hanuman, and Narasimha Moorthy. May be this is the only place on earth where you can find Lord Narasimha in between Rama and Lakshmana. The shrine was also home to around 50 saligramams.

Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar's place of upbringing 

Ramdas mama quickly started a small bhajan session, and my appa Sri Ramachandra Bhagavathar continued. Such was the divine vibration of the place that this bhajan, with just the seven of us, one jaalara and no instruments at all… would remain as one of the most enchanting and enthralling bhajan sessions of my life! We sang for just 15 minutes, but I simply cannot find a simile to explain how the happiness feels like. God Bless Ramadas mama who was instrumental to give us darshan of Swarnakadu and its deity.

We returned to Pudukkotai, with our hearts filled with a feeling of a divine content! On our way back, Ramdas mama and Ramakrishnan mama (Thiruvananthapuram) narrated their childhood experiences with Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar. “He would always keep with him some vibhoothi and give it to people who come to him with any sorts of sorrow. And I have known cases where it has cured!” he recollected, in a trance of Bhakthi. “But my personal experience is the biggest testimony” he recollected, with moist eyes. “We were a very middle class family, and we did not even have a decent roof top. Water used to leak in and we used to keep big pots here and there inside the house when it rained. All my father wished was to have a decently concreted hall, so that we could host bhagavathas at home. When Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar came to our house once, he said that things will be alright by the time he came the next time. And it became true!”

Left - Pooja shrine in Swarna Kaadu

Ramakrishnan mama explained that no words of a true Bhagavathar can go as a lie, because Bhagavan is indebted to fulfill his bhaktha’s words.  

 

We reached Pudukkotai by noon, to find that Unchavrithi was still going (not surprised, this time) :)All the bhagavathas were sitting around Sri Narasimha Bhagavathar, who was in Unchavrithi kolam. His stoic figure, frugal life style, tranquil face and beard… everything reminded one of Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar. For a person like me, who has not had the fortune of seeing that Mahatma, it did look like Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar himself!

After a simple yet sumptuous lunch, we packed our bags to hit Trichy station. Of course, we did not forget to bottle in the famous `panneer soda’, so characteristic of Pudukottai.
 

We went back, fully charged and thrilled. We walked into the same home, same offices and to lead the same way we used to lead our lives. .. But life felt a lot lighter, and if there was still one more wish laying heavy upon us, it was the desire to do nitya nama sankeerthanam!

True to the core, it is this strength of Nama sankeerthanam which keeps us agile in all walks of our life , be it personal, official, public or private. We are nearing the centenary year of Narasimha Jayanthi Utsavam in Pudukottai.  There was only one year gap when Gopalakrishna Bhagavathar lost his wife.
 

"So how did the wedding go?" asked my colleague on my return. "Celestial", I replied, winking at the statue of Hanuman on my table top.

Brahmasri Suryanarayana Bhagavathar Inaugurates the Series on Geeta Govindam in Sampradaya Bhajana Vidyalayam

3^rdFebruary 2013 was a memorable day for all students in Sampradaya Bhajana Vidyalayam. It was this auspicious day that Brahmasri Suryanarayana Bhagavathar, affectionately known as Suri mama, set the prelude to Geeta Govindam or Ashtapathy.

Instead of starting straight away with the first Ashtapathy, mama gave a profoundly researched lecture on the genesis of this maha kaavyam, therefore enlightening the students on the theoretical aspect of the work.

Following this, Suri mama taught the students the Dhyana shlokas in Geeta Govindam, and the first Ashtapathy, along with an outline on the connotation.

Indeed, the students are really fortunate to get their Astapathy classes started by a veteran exponent like Suri mama, who is very particular about rendering Bhajan with Shruti, Bhakti, correct pronunciation and Bhava.

The rest of the classes will be taken by Tripunithura PS Ramachandra Bhagavathar.

A brief synopsys of the lecture demo by Suri mama is given below -

On Jayadeva

The great poet Sri Jayadeva was born to Sri Bhojadeva and Radha Devi in Kindhubilvam, which is now known as Kandhati in West Bengal. Jayadeva’s spouse Padmavathy was a devout wife, a dancer and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. Her presence and contribution during the creation of the kaavyam is suggested in some instances in the Geeta Govindam.

The biographic details of Jayadeva is also revealed in the song `Padmavathy Ramanam’commonly rendered in Purvikalyani ragam. History indicates that he was born in the second half of the 12^th century, and was one of the five poets (known as Pancha Ratna Kavis) in the court of King Lakshmana Sena.

Importance of Geeta Govindam

Though sanctified as Geeta Govindam (meaning song on Govindam), it is commonly known as Ashtapathy for the reason that the songs have 8 stanzas each (though bearing a few exceptions). Ashtapadi 1 has 11 stanzas and Ashtapadi 10 has 5 stanzas making out the average as 8 again.

Just like the success of a book can be deciphered by the publishing history details, the number of similar ashtapathis that have emerged in the recent times on Shiva, Rama etc can help one understand the popularity of Geeta Govindam. Moreover this seems to be the most ardently commented Kavya. It is understood that in Sanskrit alone, there are about 85 Vyakhyanas to Geetha govindam.

Though originating from the Orissa region, the Ashtapathy has been included in diverse forms in other forms or music and dance, like the Sopana Sangeetham in Kerala and kathak adaptations. Even in Siva temples of Kerala, Geetha Govindam is rendered during the puja time. It also occupies a supreme position in Sampradhaya Bhajana, the very reason why such a session was included in the academy!

The plot

On a surfacial level, Ashtapathy may be interpreted as a romantic tale of love, separation, and union between Radha and Krishna. The sakhi of Radha also plays an important role in uniting the duo. Comprising of 24 songs in 12 cantos, Geeta Govindam is mostly a conversation between the sakhi, Krishna, Radha, or monologues.

The work is extremely rich in its literature value, with beautiful rhymes, similes and metaphors in chaste Sanskrit. For the mundane ears, the stanzas may also sound rich in erotic content. But Suri mama explained that one will be able to relish Geeta Govindam in the full spirit only if we realize that the love epic is nothing but the union of the Jeevatma into the Paramatma (Krishna), aided by the Sakhi (Guru), and thus, is the only permanent Shringara bhava that can ever exist. Sur mama draws out simili between Ashtapadi and a sweet coated medicine. You sometimes make children take sour medicine by enticing them with sugar or jiggery. The erotic sringara bhavam has only the role of the outer sweet coating. We will be benefited only if we enjoy the hard core inner meaning.

 

Vinaya Chandra Menon Bhagavathar Graces Sampradhaya Bhajan Vidyalayam

On Sunday, the 27^thJanuary, as notified earlier, we had a special class by a Guest Faculty. The faculty was none other than the famous VinayChandra Bhagavathar from Bangaluru. He is so much interested and concerned as a well wisher in the progress of SBV’s activities and has been closely monitoring the growth of our Vidyalaya. In fact he had offered to come down on Sunday, as he had other reasons to be in town. He could have easily gone back after his main itinery. But instead chose to spend some time in our Vidyalaya and then taken the trouble of returning by bus to Bangaluru.
The Vidyalaya is much indebted to Vinay bhagavathar on his kind gesture and for the great support he has been rendering us. We prostrate before him. Many namaskarams to him and also praying for his good health so that he will be able to continue the good work on spreading Naama Sankeerthanam.

Sunday’s class by Vinay chandra bhagavathar was scintillating. He was thoroughly impressed by the response from the students and their passion for sampradaya bhajan. Vinay bhagavathar really did a marvellous deliberation on various aspects of Sampradaya Bhajana, the essence, importance accrued uses of nama sankeerthanam. His speech has been recorded by us and shortly we will be hosting the same on our site.

Vinay bhagavathar chose two Keerthanas for the class. The first one was a sloka followed by a Krithi in Hamir Kalyani – Darsan Do Shirdi Sai Baba – Adi thala and then an Abhang Shirdi Maajhey Pandara pura.

Since it was Thai Pusam day, Vinay did a short introduction on the importance of Thai Poosam. Since Lord Muruga took Velayudham on that day Vinay told the importance of worshipping the Vel on Thai pusam day. Then handled a sloka followed by Thiru Pugazh – Isai iyal –Suddha Dhanyasi – Adi thala.Then namavali Vel Vel Vel …
The class concluded at 7 PM.

 

Lecture demo class by Sri Shankar Bhagavathar (Trivandrum) in Sampradhaya Bhajana Vidyalayam on 4th Nov 2012

The Lecture Demo class by Shankar Bhagavathar went on very well and was handled with ease and value addition.  A lot of practical aspects on bhajan rendering was demonstrated and all the participants appreciated the nuances of singing Thodaya mangalam and Dhyana Slokas.  Bhagavathar also explained the meanings of the Sahithya and dwelled more on Telugu scripts as it is his mother tongue.

Sri Shankar Bhagavathar from Trivandrum giving a lecture demo on Thodaya Mangalam

A few points on the discussion is furnished below:-

1.       Life style and contributions of Pudukottai Gopalakrishna Bhagavatha swamy.  He stayed confined to his asramam in Pudukottai till age of 60.  Then moved out to all places in India.

2.       Hari narayana is usually rendered in Mayamalava gowla raga as it is so apt and it sets the ambience for the bhajan.

3.       One should learn sampradaya bhajan for enjoying the same.  It  is an anushtana rather than simple learning.  You should not learn it for giving a programme or to become a bhagavathar of repute.  All such things will follow, if one deserves it.

4.       Why Pundareekam is sung – to set our attention and sruthi right.

5.       Trinity in sampradaya bhajan.

6.       Mooshika vahana and Mandaara mooley are additions done by Gopalakrishna bhagavathar.  No need to sing Jaya Jaya after mooshika vahana. He has made such additions at various stages in the Sampradaya.  But he has never deleted anything in his paddhathi which was set up by Marudanallur Sath Guru Swamy.

7.       The Charanam  -- Parama Pada Govinda Madhava coming in between in Sharanu Sharanu -- is an addition in sanskrit and probably added by  some other bhagavathar.

8.       In Yennagala prahlada bhakthulu charanam, `yelamitho mimu koluva kippudu' as well as `koluva vachiri' – are OK.  The praacheena form is `vachiri'.

9.       Gimmics trend that has swept modern bhajan – is very unfortunate.  First understand the Sahithyam and sing in simple style. Nuances will follow with orginality, when you sing with bhakthi.  Never learn initially with intricate and complicated sangathees.

10.   Most important is Sahithya, then Sruthi and then laya.  You cannot afford to move away from Sruthi.

11.   There can be Music in bhajan, but bhajan should not go after Music.  More important is the involvement, bhakthi and surrender to the Lord.

12.   In Murahara Nagadhara, last charanam `Naada priya the' and `Radha priya the' are correct.

13.   In last charanam of `Madhava bhavathu the'…. Vijaya gopala pala is correct.  Not `bala'. Otherwise sing as Vijaya gopala they mangalam.

The lecture class started at 3.30 PM and concluded by 5.10 pm.  Shankar bhagavathar had to rush to catch the  5.30 Venad express from TPRA.  We are extremely thankful to him for having graced the occasion and contributed to the value addition.  Our pranams to him.  The class was attended by about 30 students of the Vidyalayam. 

First Class by Subbarama Bhagavathar - Key Points

- Harinarayana  to be sung in Maya malava gowla.

- What is Thodaya mangalam?  - Thodaya means   "invocation"

- 5 songs - jaya janakiRamana by Bhadrachdala Ramadas, in Sanskrit,  sung in Gambheera naatai..

               - Saranu Saranu  and  Murahara nagadhara  by Annanmayya

               - Devesa  and Madhava Bhavathuthe.. by  VijayaGoplaa Swami

Talk By Sridhar Gopalakrishnan on Sampradaya Bhajana Vidyalayam's Inaugural Day

About Sridhar Gopalakrishnan

Sridhar Gopalakrishnan is working as a S/w Development Manager, HP India, Bangalore. Sridhar holds a B Tech degree from NIT Calicut, and is pursuing e-MBA from IIM Calicut.

Sridhar is an avid listener of great spiritual speakers, and is deeply involved in Sampradhaya Bhajana. He also takes special interest in understanding our Dharma Shastras.

Here are some of the pearls of wisdom shared by Sridhar on the day of Sampradaya Bhajana Vidyalayam's inaugural day.
__________________________________________________________

SBV's  mission  would be to impart the sampradaya legacy. What is the need to explain Sampradaya, and why should we follow it? And how?

Though the Rishees  and great Bhaagavthas (who have experienced divinity)  have clearly laid out a sampradaya and tradition, our minds are not yet equipped to understand and experience  the same.   Hence we need to quench our mind with some reasoning  (along with the faith or belief in it) behind most of the practices that we do.

Let's look at few examples  and try to  think and understand the reasoning behind why we do them..

·         Ganesha dhyaanam -  When we start any new learning, the lord's posture reminds us to  LISTEN (big ears) a lot and thereby attain an ELEVATED(  elevated and big masthakams)  level of knowledge about the subject, EQUIP OUR MIND to understand simple as well as  detailed intricate things (like the trunk),  SEE ONLY what;'s needed and do MANANAM or reflection of what we have learnt (small eyes)  and TALK LESS , LISTEN MORE small mouth

·         Shuklam Bharadaram -  We strike 5 times on our forehead to invokve or alert the nerves  to be ready for learning. Its inner sense is to equip our mind to be pure, not distracted, ready to execute, reflect, and pleasant expression of thoughts and thereby not having any obstructions and attain peace  in  our venture. In short  EQUIP OUR MIND TO INVOKE PEACE in ANY ACTION that we set for for its successful completion.

·         Gayathri Japam or purpose of Japam - is to  take away our mind from the various thoughts that we go through every day  and deeply think and realize that god is WITHIN  US . Thereby we attain better knowledge. Because Knowledge is power. So let's devote some time  every day for this  reassurance and  realization.

·          Why we chant NAMAM - There are many reasons. A couple of them are -  As depicted in Bhagavatham, the creation of  pancha bhootha started with space->Air->Agni->Water->Earth. The sound is the property of Space which is the closest to the supreme being. As we can see , we need the chanting to invoke god in all other forms of Pancha bhoothas. So Chanting has highest significance. This is also reflected in the Shravanam Keerthanam Vishnum.. sloka.

·         Another reason  to chant NAMAM is - All namam of God means well being and good qualities that we should have . Eg: RAAMA - most beautiful where we should ideally be submerged with (thats why this namam  leads to Moksham) , KRISHNA - who takes away the sins, SHIVAM - Auspicious,  or mangalam.   When we chant them, we automatically develop these qualities. Our thoughts->actions->habit-> character .. Also there are asthu devahas in space who keep blessing what we wish and say, may it happen. So when we chant good things, that automatically happens to us. 

·         Why we need NAAMA SANKEERTHANAM -   Plain chanting of namam  is very difficult due to worldly distractions. So we use music as an undercurrent to  bring in the focus. And it should just be used for that. So singing with focus on the saahithyam and Bhaavam is the most differentiating  act of Naama Sankeerthanam as opposed to other forms of music which are for joyous listening. An analogy could be drawn from the presence of shruthi   for a music rendition. It is needed just  to align the pitch. Similarly musical element is used to only to  have focus in the naamam  that is being chanted..

Inaugural Function of Sampradaya Bhajana Vidyalayam

Sampradaya Bajana Vidyalayam, the institution exclusively for learning more about Sampradaya Bhajana was inaugurated at Tripunithura on Vijaya Dashami day 24th October, 2012.  

From left to right - Sri M.S Ranganathan, Sri N R Parameswaran, Bhrama Sri P Subbarama Bhagavathar, Dr. P.S Raman, Sri P.S Ramachandran

The Bhadra Deepam was lighted up in token of formal inauguration by Bhrama Sri P Subbarama Bhagavathar from Delhi.  

Bhrama Sri P Subbarama Bhagavathar lighting the Bhadra Deepam; flanked by Sri R.Gopalakrishnan on his right, and Sri Devan on his left hand side.

The meeting was attended by a huge number of well wishers and eminent personalities including Shri PS Raman, State Vice President, KBS, Shri NR Parameswaran, State Joint Secretary, KBS, Shri MS Ranganathan, Sri Sridhar Gopalakrishnan, etc.

The dignitaries lighting the lamp

Around 115 people from in and around Cochin attended this function.

Sri. Subbarama Bhagavathar marked the beginning of the class by initiating the participants in singing the Thodaya Mangalam. He gave a brief explanation on the collection of songs in Thodaya Mangalam, the structure of Raagas, Taalam, and the Bhaava with which it should be sung. He also gave special emphasis to the correct pronunciation of various words, and some commonly committed mistakes.

Sri Subbarama Bhagavathar taking the first class, on Thodaya Mangalam

The institution offers classes on sampradaya Bhajana on week ends apart from Lecture demonstrations by famous Bhagavathas, seminars, quiz programmes etc.  For further details please contact Mr. PS Ramachandran 09495001008 / 0484 2779339.