Devotion through music
S. RAMACHANDRA IYER
|
`Sri Valli Kalyana Mahotsavam' will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on September 4.
|
SPIRITUAL TEACHER: A.S. Raghavan
A music programme called Sri Valli Kalyana Mahotsavam will be held at Sree Panduranga Bhajana Mandapam, Ayodhya Nagar, Sreevaraham, in the capital city on September 4. It will give devotees of Lord Muruga an opportunity to sing the compositions of Saint Arunagirinathar, which describes the celestial wedding of Lord Muruga and Sree Valli. The lyrics of the saint have been set to music by A.S. Raghavan, founder-president of Thiruppugazh Anbargal.
Collection of hymns
Thiruppugazh, a collection of hymns in praise of Lord Muruga, was composed by Saint Arunagirinathar who lived in Thiruvannamalai, in the 15th century. It is believed that the Thiruppugazh hymns were composed by him after a suicide attempt that was prompted by poverty and illness.
The songs contain the essence of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Agamas and the Puranas. Rich in musical content and phraseology, the intricate chandams (rhythmic pattern) of Thiruppugazh are captivating.
The Thiruppugazh movement was given an impetus by A.S. Raghavan in 1958 in New Delhi. He has evolved a standardised teaching method for Saint Arunagirinathar's works through music. Regular weekly classes are held by dedicated teachers and Thiruppugazh bhajans are conducted on festive occasion like Skanda Shasti, Vaikasi Visakam, Aadi Kirthikai and so on.
Padi Vizha
An important event is the `Padi Vizha' conducted by the Thiruppugazh Anbargal. As part of the ritual, devotees climb the steps of a Muruga Temple rendering a Thirupugazh song at each step to promote universal love and peace.
Thiruppugazh Anbargal has also brought out several publications and conducts lectures and seminars on the works of Saint Arunagirinathar. .
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
