Tyagaraja

Saint Tyagaraja (17??-1848), a devout devotee of Sree RamaChandra, is one of the principal composers of Carnatic music tradition. Born in a Telugu Brahmin family, Tyagaraja lived in Thiruvayyar[?], near Thanjavur[?], Tamil Nadu. Composed innumerable number of songs (keerthanas) exploring all the possibilities with in the rules of the carnatic music tradition, Tyagaraja is regarded as its corner stone.

To this day, a commemorative music festival called Tyagaraja Aaradhana is held at Thiruvayyar[?] in the months of January to February every year.

Usually, doyens of Carnatic music preside and perform in the festival.