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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Purandaradasa, the illustrious bard

 

CHENNAI, APRIL 28. ``I will not pray for anything except that You

stay in the lotus of my heart. Let my head bow at Your feet, let

my eyes ever be engaged in admiring Your charm, let my ears

listen only to those songs which adore You, my nose to smell the

fragrance of the basil leaves used for decoration on You, my

tongue to glorify Your excellences, hands to offer salutations

and to worship You, my feet only to take me on pilgrimages and my

mind ever to meditate on You''. These were the ecstatic

sentiments of a millionaire-turned-minstrel and a ``Haridasa'',

servant of the Lord, in one of his compositions (which are said

to total more than four lakhs). His was a story of sudden

transformation from the state of ignorance and miserliness and of

his attaining realisation of the Supreme due to divine

intervention. He was Purandaradasa (1464-1564 A.D.) whose

``Jayanthi'' was observed on Wednesday.

 

The illustrious bard, known as the ``Father of Karnataka

(classical) music'', had laid the foundation for the future

development of the art and science of our musical system. The

world of music should be grateful to this progenitor and inspirer

of the top-most of the Musical Trinity (Thyagaraja). In another

song, the saint-poet gives the advice to all. ``Having been

gifted with human life, one should keep the name of Hari on the

tongue, be compassionate to all creatures, destroy all sins,

annihilate the six foes (lust, rage, greed, infatuation,

arrogance and jealousy), shun evil company, remember God always,

cultivate forgiveness, seek the guidance of saints, choose the

path of dispassion, remain contented, have faith in the Lord and

maintain balance when praised or abused''. Saints are beyond

caste, creed, colour and country. They are men of God and their

approach is universal. Their lives are examples for all of us in

following the divine path of universal love and service to God

through humanity.

 

Till his 30th year, Srinivasa Naik, as he was known prior to

renunciation, was a very rich jeweller but was so miserly as not

to spare a small amount even for a very noble cause. God in

disguise made him realise the worthlessness of wealth and a

dramatic change took place in his whole attitude, explained Sri

S. R. Raghothamachar in a discourse. After this turning-point, he

was initiated by the great Madhva Acharya - Sri Vyasaraja.

Purandaradasa, as he was thereafter called conveyed his

philosophy through his songs stressing the need for devotion

backed up by the responsibility of one's duty.

 

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