Venkataramana Bhagavathar

Preserver of the Tyagaraja Legacy

Venkataramana Bhagavathar was born on 18 February 1781 at Ayyampet in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, as the fifth son of Kuppiah Nannusamy Bhagavathar. He emerged as a distinguished composer of Carnatic music and a musician of great eminence.

He was one of the most illustrious disciples of Tyagaraja of Tiruvaiyaru—revered as the cradle of Carnatic music in the Thanjavur region.

Association with Saint Tyagaraja

After his marriage, Venkataramana Bhagavathar moved to Walajapet in the then North Arcot district of the Madras Presidency. Two months prior to his passing, Saint Tyagaraja entrusted him with the idol of Sri Rama that he worshipped, along with bundles of palm-leaf manuscripts containing his kritis (compositions) and other sacred articles.

These invaluable palm-leaf manuscripts and scriptural copies later came to be known as the “Walajapet Collections.” They have since attracted scholars, researchers, and musicians, serving as a primary source for the authentic study of Tyagaraja’s works.

Literary and Musical Contributions

Venkataramana Bhagavathar himself composed hundreds of kritis on palm leaves. His literary works include:

• Dhyana Sloka
• Adiguru Stotra Panchakam
• Tyagaraja Mangalashtakam
• Sri Tyagarajashtakam (traditionally rendered at the conclusion of concerts during Tyagaraja music festivals)

He also rendered Nowka Charitam, originally written in Telugu by Tyagaraja, into Sanskrit—thus widening its accessibility and literary reach.

Guru and Scholar

Beyond his brilliance as a composer and musician, Venkataramana Bhagavathar was a revered preceptor. His disciples formed what became popularly known as the “Walajapet Chain of Disciples,” ensuring the continued propagation of Tyagaraja’s musical heritage.

He possessed profound knowledge of Sanskrit and Telugu, reflected in the depth and classical richness of his compositions. His kritis emphasize bhakti (devotion), the glory of Rama Nama, and Vedantic philosophy. Stylistically, his works harmoniously blend the traditions of the Carnatic musical Trinity—Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri—achieving both classical rigor and spiritual intensity.

Legacy

Venkataramana Bhagavathar passed away on 15 December 1874 at the age of 93. His lifelong dedication to preserving the authentic manuscripts of Tyagaraja and his own significant contributions to Carnatic music stand as enduring testimony to his service to India’s rich musical tradition.

In recognition of his invaluable contribution to Carnatic music and cultural heritage, India Post has issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Venkataramana Bhagavathar.