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Nandanar Charithram is
a gift of Gopalakrishna Bharathi to the world of Carnatic Music, who was
immortalized through this beautiful Tamil musical opera. The story of Nandanar
is a very moving one comprising of only 37 verses in the Periya Puranam
of Sekkizhar. Nandanar was a Harijan by birth who ultimately through his
steadfast Bhakthi found a place in the temples of South India as one of
the 63 Nayanmars Devotees of Lord Shiva. Periya Puranam narrates his visit
to Tiruppungur, where at the command of the Deity the Nandi which was hiding
the shrine moved to one side and allowed Nandanar to have a Darshan of the
Lingam from outside the temple. Nandanar finally goes to Chidambaram where
he gets salvation after a fire ordeal by the Dikshithars. Gopalakrishna
Bharathi craftily introduces other characters like the Vediyar, Periya Kizhavan
etc to build up a superb drama, Bhakthi being the dominant Rasa.
The Nandanar Charithram has been popularized by many Harikatha exponents
on account of its immense emotional appeal with the audience. Listening
to this Harikatha on Nandanar by Sri T.S. Balakrishna Sastrigal is thrilling
and poignant, along with the melodious music of Gopalakrishna Bharathi's
compositions in his inimitable voice.
A True Treasure to be heard, enlivened and preserved.
On Brahmasri T S Balakrishna Sastrigal (1919-2003)
Born in Thiruvidaimaruthur, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, he began performing
at the age of 23 and held sway over Harikatha Kalakshebam for over 6 decades.
A former senior executive of State Bank of India, his very name was synonymous
with this traditional art of story-telling.
With an amazing and unmatched command over the Vedas, Puranas, Sastras,
classical music and a score of languages, he held the audience spell-bound
with his flair, fervour, felicity of expression and a resonant voice. Among
the countless titles and honors that were conferred on him, the title Harikatha
Rathnakara bestowed on him by both the Paramachariyals of Kamakoti and
Sringeri peetams simultaneously at Asthika Samaj, Chennai in the year 1966
stands out. Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Delhi honored him in1993. Music Academy,
Chennai conferred on him the Sangeetha Kala Acharya Award in 1997.Tamil
Nadu Government bestowed on him the Kalaimaamani title in 1972.
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