Few musicians have left such a profound imprint on the soul of Carnatic music as Palghat Anantharama Bhagavatar. Born in 1867 in the culturally rich town of Palakkad, Kerala, and having left the mortal world in 1919, his life was a melodious journey rooted in deep tradition, relentless perseverance, and spiritual devotion. An exponent of immense calibre, he emerged as one of the brightest stars in the Carnatic music galaxy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Early Life and Formative Years
Anantharama Bhagavatar was born in Thondikulam Agraharam, a Brahmin settlement in Palakkad, as the second son of Krishna Sastrigal, a revered Sanskrit scholar. From a tender age, young Anantharaman was drawn to music like a moth to a flame. However, despite the limited resources in his native place, his thirst for musical excellence pushed him beyond the boundaries of his hometown.
Spurred by ambition, he travelled to Trivandrum, where fortune smiled upon him. He came under the tutelage of Nurani Mahadeva Bhagavathar, son of Nurani Parameswara Bhagavathar, the Asthana Vidwan of the Travancore court. For seven years, he underwent rigorous training, absorbing the nuances of raga and tala with unwavering focus.
Pilgrimage to Greatness: Tiruvaiyaru & Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer
Having completed his training in Trivandrum, Anantharama Bhagavatar aspired to learn from none other than Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer, a colossus of Carnatic music. He ventured to Tiruvaiyaru in the Tanjore district, the cradle of Carnatic tradition. Unfortunately, Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer was not inclined to take disciples. Yet, fate had other plans.
With support from his relative, Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, the then Diwan of Mysore, Anantharama cleverly stayed on in Tiruvaiyaru in the guise of a “Mantrika from Malabar“. This clever subterfuge granted him access to concerts and intimate musical gatherings. Thus, though he was not a formal disciple, he became a spiritual apprentice, absorbing the master’s music by sheer devotion and proximity.
The Gayaka Shikhamani of South India
From this humble and determined beginning, Anantharama Bhagavatar rose to prominence, becoming a revered figure throughout southern India. For over 22 years, he reigned as a musical monarch, captivating audiences across the princely courts of Mysore, Travancore, and Cochin. These royal patrons vied for his presence, recognising in him a divine gift.
With a powerful, emotive voice and an individualistic style that paid homage to tradition while expressing personal flair, Bhagavatar brought the sacredness of music alive. He was aptly titled “Gayaka Shikhamani” — the crest jewel of vocalists.
Devotion Beyond Performance
Bhagavatar’s life was as much about devotion as it was about music. An ardent devotee of Lord Shri Ramachandra and Lord Shiva, he transformed his concerts into acts of worship. Every year, he celebrated Sri Ramanavami with grandeur and reverence, reflecting his bhakti (devotion) not just in his music but in his way of life.
Legacy: A Flame That Still Burns
Like many luminous geniuses, Anantharama Bhagavatar’s life was brief but brilliant. He passed away on 27 July 1919, at the age of 52. Yet, his impact far outlasted his years. In the hearts of music lovers from Palakkad to Madras, from Mysore to Thiruvananthapuram, his name evokes deep respect and pride.
Today, his legacy is carried forward by his grandson, also named Sri Anantharama Bhagavatar, a distinguished Carnatic musician based in Mumbai and the Asthana Vidwan of Sringeri Mutt. The musical flame burns on, as resonant as ever.
Palakkad: The Cradle of Music
Palakkad, which became synonymous with Carnatic music, owes much of its early musical glory to this singular maestro. His legacy inspired generations of musicians from the region and transformed the town into a fertile ground for classical art forms.
Palghat Anantharama Bhagavatar’s journey is more than a biography; it is a musical epic. His life exemplifies the power of persistence, the sanctity of devotion, and the eternal nature of true art. He remains a glowing chapter in the history of Carnatic music, a reminder that with devotion and dedication, one voice can echo across time.
Let music lovers, students, and scholars remember and revere this Gayanachudamani whose silken voice and soulful renditions brought the divine closer to earth.
See more:
- Palghat Parameswara Bhagavathar । Indian music composer and musician
- Omkar Prasad Nayyar । Indian film music composer, singer and musician
