The Father of Carnatic music, Purandara Dasa, was a composer and singer who lived in the 15th century. He is widely recognized for his contributions to Indian classical music.Purandara Dasa’s compositions are still famous and widely performed today. In this article, we will take a closer look at his life and work and explore the impact that he has had on Indian classical music.
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Biography
The Father of Carnatic music, Purandara Dasa, was born into a Kannada Deshastha Madhva Brahmin family in 1484. His father was a diamond merchant. His hometown is Purandaraghatta, in Karnataka, or Purandaragad, which is close to Pune, but the latter is a mistake in history. In 2018, the Government of Karnataka set up a five-person committee to determine where Purandara Dasa was born. The committee’s report said that Tirthahalli was the most likely place. Now we know that Purandharadasa was born in Araga, which is now Thirthahalli, Karnataka, India, during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Tirumala’s Venkateswara Temple’s patron deity renamed him Srinivasa Nayaka. He became proficient in sacred music, Kannada, and Sanskrit through education. He married Saraswati Bai, a young woman regarded as religious, when he was 16 years old. Purandara Dasa was a highly religious man. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna and spent much of his time engaging in bhakti (devotional) activities. Purandara Dasa had a great spiritual awakening on a visit to the temple of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan, India. It prompted him to dedicate his life to music and bhakti. He also had a spiritual awakening after a series of events involving his wife’s nose ring and went on to live a life of poverty and mendicancy. Thyagaraja, a well-known Indian Carnatic composer, inspired him to write a number of devotional songs. Purandara Dasa died in 1565.
Purandara Dasa’s Compositions: Significance And Their Influence
Composer and musician Purandara Dasa developed a systematic approach to teaching Carnatic music. As a foundation for music education, he developed the raga Mayamalavagowla. He developed a set of graded courses, such as swaravalis, janti swaras, alankaras, Lakshana geetas, prabandhas, ugabhogas, daatu varase, Geeta, sooladis and kritis. In addition, he wrote numerous lakshya and Lakshana geetas during his lifetime. His sooladis are in high regard as musical masterpieces.
Scholars credit Purandara Dasa with standardising varna mettus.There are an estimated 475,000 of his compositions. Purandaropanishat is the title of his original song collection.Carnatic music experts refer to him as the Sangeeta Pitamaha. His songs are still popular today, thanks to his lovely lyrics and basic melodies. He also composed various treatises on musical theory, which have had an enormous influence on the performance of Carnatic music. Purandara Dasa’s contribution to Carnatic music is truly immense, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
Most Popular Songs And Compositions By Father Of Carnatic Music
Some of the most popular songs and compositions by the Father of Carnatic music, Purandara Dasa, include “Bhavageethe”, “Dasara Padagalu”, “Purandara Dasa Pada”, “Sarasu Bahu Durge”, and “Vande Matharam”. According to legend, Purandara Dasa wrote his well-known hymn, “Aadisidaleshoda jagadoddharana,” in the raga Kapi at the Aprameyaswamy temple at Doddamallur, Channapattana taluk, Karnataka, in honour of the infant Sri Krishna. He is claimed to have stayed at a modest mandapa outside the temple, where he is said to have gone through the community. Purandara Dasa composed the famous devotional song, “Enna Thavam Seydanai,” while he was on his deathbed. Many Carnatic musicians sing this song even today.
Purandara Dasa’s work continues to be hugely popular and influential in India and abroad. These songs are still regularly performed at Carnatic music concerts and are loved by audiences worldwide. Purandara Dasa’s work continues to be hugely popular and influential, and his legacy remains integral to Carnatic music today.
Both professional and amateur musicians sing his compositions, and his works are included in the repertoire of Carnatic music concerts. In addition, his life and work are studied by scholars and students of Carnatic music. Purandara Dasa is also revered as a saint by many Hindus, and his compositions are used in religious ceremonies and rituals.
Purandara Dasa’s work continues to be an essential part of Carnatic music and Hindu religious traditions. His life and work provide valuable insights into India’s history, culture, and religion. Purandara Dasa is an important figure in the history of Carnatic music, and many people enjoy his compositions still today.Thank you for reading! I hope this article has been informative and interesting.
Conclusion
Carnatic music has a long and storied history, with many legendary composers and performers. The Father of Carnatic music, Purandara Dasa, is one of the most influential figures in this history, and his compositions are still famous and widely performed today. If you have interest in learning more about Carnatic music or want to become a pro at playing this style of music, join Music Master Carnatic class taught by experts in the field. You can develop your skills and knowledge to become an accomplished musician with proper instruction.
