An ensemble of 75 musicians is set to dazzle the audience at the 75th birthday celebrations of Yathiraja Jeeyar Swami. Scheduled for August 23, the grand event, aptly named Yathiraja Gaana Amruthavarshini, is a tribute to the illustrious pontiff of Yadugiri Yathiraj Mutt, Jeeyar, who is also renowned for his contributions to music.
Speaking about the much-anticipated event, Jeeyar reflected, “My life has been a celebration of music, devotion, Sanskrit, and literature. This month, as we also observe Sanskrit Day, I requested the musicians to include compositions in Sanskrit. They have graciously selected some of my creations, alongside works by the distinguished Shatavadhani Ganesh, who has penned a few for this special occasion. Additionally, some of my personal favorites will be performed.”
Although Jeeyar himself is an accomplished violinist and vocalist, he stated, “I see myself as a perpetual student of music, always learning and growing. I owe a debt of gratitude to the litterateurs, poets, spiritual leaders, and scholars, as well as my richly cultured familial environment, which ingrained a love for melody in me.”
Jeeyar, whose biography titled “Sujana Jeevana” is currently being penned, shared the serendipitous journey of becoming a lyricist. “Once, after a divine darshan at Tirupathi, I was enveloped by the spiritual ambiance of the temple grounds. A friend requested me to jot down a few lines, and inspired by the sacred surroundings, I wrote my first composition, ‘Sri Venkateshwara,’ using my signature ankita ‘Sri Charana’ (surrender to the Lord). Several compositions followed, all bearing the devotional essence and celebrating nature.”
Jeeyar expressed his humility over having ace mridangist and famed music composer Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma helm the musical program. “It is an honor that someone of his caliber, who has composed music for several of my works, is leading this event,” he said.
Born on August 25, 1949, in Melkote, Karnataka, Jeeyar, originally known as Tiru Swami, spent his childhood immersed in music and Sanskrit prabhandas. His sister was a violin student, and his home resonated with songs from the radio, accompanied by insightful discussions about ragas and composers with his father.
“After completing advanced studies in Hindi, Sanskrit, and music, I moved to Mysore for my Intermediate education. The musical culture fostered by the Mysore Royals deeply influenced me.
. I enrolled at the Ayyanar College of Music for violin classes and had the incredible chance to witness performances from the greatest musicians of yesteryear from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh,” Jeeyar reminisced.
Describing the magical musical climate of the time, he added, “It was enchanting to see sabhas (musical assemblies) buzzing with special events, and to witness luminaries like Bidaram Krishnappa perform with Mysore Vasudevachar in attendance. Or seeing Violin Chowdiah attentively listening to performances by Ariyakudi and the Alathur brothers—it was a vibrant and melodious era.”
Jeeyar furthered his education with a B.Com degree from MES College in Malleswaram, Bangalore. Post his graduation in 1969, he has been an active participant in spiritual and cultural events through various institutions. “Coming to Bangalore was a transformative experience. One of the greatest things that happened to me was being mentored by the illustrious vocalist Chintalapalli Ramachandra Rao. He taught me ‘Deva Deva Kalayaamide’ in Mayamalavagowla, which remains one of my all-time favorites,” Jeeyar recounted.
Not one for performing, Jeeyar dedicated himself to instituting music academies that encouraged performances. He has been associated with esteemed organizations such as Adarsha, ISKCON Krishna Kalakshetra, and Ramanuja Kalakshetra, and continues his work in promoting music as the pontiff of Yathiraja Mutt.
Despite his affinity for writing lyrics, Jeeyar shares a sentiment similar to that of the iconic vocalist RK Srikantan, believing that the extensive collection of kritis from saint-composers makes composing a pursuit driven by deep internal contemplation.
Discussing his favorite ragas and composers, Jeeyar conveyed, “Shankarabharana, Simmendramadhyama, Kamas, Todi, and Kambodhi are among my favorites. It is impossible not to be moved by Dikshitar’s ‘Sri Krishnam Bhaja Manasa’ in Todi, or Swati Tirunal’s ‘Rama Rama Guna Seema’ in Simmendra Madhyama, and the lyrical beauty of Tyagaraja’s Pancha Ratna kritis, or the wisdom in Pitamaha Purandara Dasa’s ‘Hange Ira Beku Samsaaradalli,’ which offers true guidance on living.”
“Music has always been a lifelong pursuit for me, and one should constantly engage with it to find comfort in its embrace,” said Jeeyar, who recently took part in an online music workshop on Swati Tirunal compositions conducted by Shankaran Namboodiri.
Yathiraja Gaana Amruthavarshini will be held at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on August 23 from 5 pm. Entry is free for all attendees, promising an evening filled with musical excellence and cultural celebration.
