How one Rama devotee changed Bengaluru’s cultural life

[V.Balasubramani]

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How one Rama devotee changed Bengaluru’s cultural life

SVN turned his devotion to Rama into his love for Indian classical music and gifted Bengaluru a festival that has become history over the decades.

Though Lord Rama was a Kshatriya born and brought up in North India, he is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hence he is worshipped and revered all over by devout Hindus. Below the Vindhyas, Rama holds an exalted status. The Ramayana mentions several parts of south India. Be it Hampi where the Kishkinda Kanda happened or Rameshwaram where Rama prayed before he left for Lanka, there are many places associated with the story of Rama.

Some of the greatest of Carnatic music composers have been devotees of Rama. Kancherla Gopanna (1620-1680) from current day Telangana became popular as Bhakta Ramadasu. He worshipped Rama enshrined in the temple in Bhadrachalam and wrote a large number of songs in his praise. Later Tyagaraja (1767 -1847) the greatest of the Carnatic Trinity wrote a large part of his compositions in praise of Rama. One wonders how much devotion these people might have had towards Rama for them to write so much. In the 20th century, there have been several people too. This is the story of one such devotee of Rama. SVN of Bengaluru turned his devotion to Rama into his love for Indian classical music and gifted the city of Bengaluru a festival that has become history over the decades!

Read more at: http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/how-one-rama-devotee-changed-bengalurus-cultural-life-41649

 

[vgane]

Loved the pictures! Excellent! Thank you Bala Sir for posting this!!

 

[Rangachari Sampathkumaran]

The devotion on Rama by great musicians like Bhakta Ramadas & Thyagaraja has no measure. It is believed that Saint Thyagaraja had chanted "Rama Nama" for 24 crore times, before he attained Mukthi. There are several episodes in the life of both Ramadas & Thyagaraja, where the Lord has protected them, gave darshan.

The strength of our "Sanatana Dharma" is that music and devotion are inseparable. In the Kali Yuga, "nama sankeertan" is said to be easiest way to attain salvation. Music is the elixir of life and we, Indians in general and South Indians in particular are very fortunate to be blessed with such a divine Music.