The Echo of the Cosmos

Music is the echo of the Cosmos. The rhythm of heart-beats, of electrons and leptons revolving around the nucleus, of planets revolving around the Sun, are nothing but the Music of the Spheres, as Pythagoras described.

- Bhavesh Parekh

THE BLOSSOMING OF THE BUD

A boy was born in a small town near Thanjavur. From Thyagaraja’s first days, his mother would sing the bhajans of Sant Purandaradasa. His father would lecture on the Ramayana, and the poetry of the epic left a mark on the boy. The future Sant evolved into the leading light of Karnatak Music.

THE LIFE OF SURRENDER

Thyagaraja’s musical genius was recognized early. However, he preferred a unique lifestyle. He would rise early, and greet the new day in sublime melody. He would then go out singing. Passers who appreciated the magic of his songs would gift him simple foods. Thyagaraja would then return home and share this meagre food with his wife and daughter. It was the Lord’s decision to feed him. He never worried about tomorrow. The Lord would give him what he and his family needed.

The King of Thanjavur heard about this enormously gifted singer. He sent his officials with gifts of jewellery to invite the Sant to his court. Sant Thyagaraja politely declined the gifts and the invitation.

‘Is happiness in jewels and wealth? Is it not in being in the presence of Lord Rama?’ - Sant Thyagaraja

THE DIVINE FAMILY