Song a day for 87 years spreads piety

Sometime during his formative years, Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya told himself that he would write at least one Sangkeertanam (Devotional Song) a day in praise of Lord Venkateswara, who Hindus consider a Divine form of Lord Vishnu.

By the time he died on February 23, 1503 aged 95, the great composer had completed 32,000 Sangkeertanams, most of which eluogised Sri Venkateswara, Lord of the Seven Hills, located at Tirupathi in the South Indian State of Andhra.

A number of Keertanams offered obeisance to other Vishnu Avatars, including Lord Narasimha, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. He also sung in praise of Lord Hanuman (who some believe was an Avatar of Lord Shiva), a great devotee of Lord Rama.

The works of Sri Annamacharya have helped millions of people worldwide to realise the Power of the prayer and music.

Auckland’s Sangeetha Bharathi Music School deserves credit for commemorating the Birth Anniversary of this great poet, providing an opportunity for its students to present his Sangkeertanams at a public event.

This year, more than 50 students of the School will take to the stage at the ‘Annamayya Padahela,’ due to be held at Mt Roskill Intermediate School Hall, Denbeigh Avenue on May 14 from 530 pm.

Padma Govardhan, Principal and Director of the School was justifiably proud of the performance and dedication of her students.

“This year the concept is ‘Krishna Tatvam’ in Annamayya Sangkeertanams,” she said.

Govardhan Mallela, who is also a Director of the School, said the event will also mark the graduation of the students of the School.