Chembai - 100 Agraharams Project

Agraharam 77 in the 100 Agraharams Project

Chembai

I copy a well written piece in the Kerala Tourism website:

"Kottayi, a quaint village on the outskirts of Palakkad, Kerala, is renowned as the birthplace of the legendary Carnatic music maestro, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. This village, often referred to simply as Chembai, holds a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Though it has been over four decades since the maestro's passing, his legacy continues to thrive in Kottayi.

Chembai, born to Anantha Bhagavathar and Parvati Ammal in 1896 on Janmashtami day, was known for his powerful voice and majestic singing style. His first public performance was in 1904, at the tender age of nine. Over his illustrious career, he received numerous titles and honors, and was celebrated for his encouragement of upcoming musicians and his ability to spot new talent.

Chembai was instrumental in popularizing several compositions, including "Rakshamam" and "Pavana Guru," and was described by the music critic Aeolus as "the musician who has meant the most to Carnatic Music in the first fifty years of the 20th century." His prominent disciples include Chembai Narayana Bhagavathar, Mangu Thampuran, Guruvayur Ponnammal, T. V. Gopalakrishnan, V. V. Subramaniam, P. Leela, Jayan and Vijayan, K. J. Yesudas, and Babu Parameswaran. He also mentored many young accompanists, such as Palghat Mani Iyer, Lalgudi Jayaraman, M. S. Gopalakrishnan, T. N. Krishnan, Palani Subramaniam Pillai, and L. Subramaniam.

In honor of his legacy, Kottayi hosts the annual Chembai Parthasarathy Ekadasi Music Festival in February/March. This festival, held in memory of Chembai, attracts renowned singers who perform music concerts, drawing thousands of music lovers from across the state and beyond. Since his death in 1974, memorial music festivals have been held annually, with the most notable being the Chembai Sangeetholsavam."

Radhe Krishna!

Warm regards,
Sriram (Hari)
Trustee, Rama Bhagavatar Charitable Trust
+91 9840773410

100 Agraharams Project
*Itihasapurana Project*11 May 2025