Upanyasam

Purandara dasar

Saint Purandara Dasa, often referred to as the "Father of Carnatic Music," was a prominent composer and saint in the Bhakti movement of South India during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Purandara Dasa was born as Srinivasa Nayaka in 1484 in Purandaragada, Karnataka. He belonged to a wealthy merchant family and was involved in his family's business before dedicating his life to spirituality and music.

His life underwent a significant transformation when he experienced a divine realization that led him to renounce his wealth and material possessions. He became a follower of the Haridasa tradition, which emphasizes devotion to Lord Krishna through music and poetry.

Purandara Dasa's compositions predominantly express his devotion to Lord Krishna. His works are filled with bhakti (devotion), moral teachings, and philosophical insights, making them timeless and revered.

Purandara Dasa is credited with systematizing the teaching of Carnatic music. He composed thousands of keertanas (devotional songs) and introduced the Mayamalavagowla raga as the fundamental scale for music instruction. He also developed the sapta tala system, which is the basis for rhythmic patterns in Carnatic music.

His compositions, known as Purandara Dasara Keerthanegalu, cover various aspects of life and spirituality. They are known for their simple language, profound meaning, and melodic beauty. Many of his songs are in Kannada, but he also composed in Sanskrit.

Purandara Dasa's influence on Carnatic music is immense. His pedagogical methods and compositions form the foundation of Carnatic music teaching. He is regarded as one of the greatest composers in Indian classical music and is honoured annually at the Purandara Dasa Aradhana festival accross various parts of india.

His songs often convey messages of humility, devotion, righteousness, and the transient nature of worldly life. Through his music, he emphasized the importance of surrendering to God and leading a life of piety and compassion.

Saint Purandara Dasa's life and works remain a beacon of devotion, musical excellence, and philosophical wisdom, influencing generations of musicians and devotees in the Indian classical music tradition. Hear the Purandara dasar upanyasam by MKB.