Guest guest Posted April 27, 2001 Report Share Posted April 27, 2001 ============================================================= This article is emailed to you by Ram Chandran ( rchandran ) ============================================================= 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. Copyrights: 2001 The Hindu & indiaserver.com, Inc. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the consent of The Hindu & indiaserver.com, Inc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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