Learn Carnatic Flute | Muthuswamy Deekshitar Krithis - Vol 1

Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775–1835), one of the Trinity of Carnatic music, along with Tyagaraja and Shyama Sastri, has left an indelible mark on the classical music tradition of India. His contributions are not only in the number and diversity of his compositions but also in their profound musical and spiritual depth. Here's a more detailed look at his life and work:

Early Life and Education:

• Born on March 14, 1775, in a noble family at Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, Dikshitar was exposed to music from an early age.
• His father, Subbarama Iyer, was a renowned scholar of Sanskrit and a devotee of Lord Shiva.
• Dikshitar was initially trained in music by his elder brother Balaswami Dikshitar and later under the tutelage of Vadivelan, a court musician in Thanjavur.

Musical Achievements:

• He was proficient in playing both the veena and the violin, which influenced his compositions with unique gamakas (melodic ornaments).
• His repertoire includes around 500 compositions, most of which are in Sanskrit. These compositions are a blend of ragas, talas, and sahitya, showcasing his mastery over the trinity of art—sangita (music), sahitya (lyrics), and natya (dance).
• He composed kritis in all 72 melakartha ragas, following his own melakarta scheme called Asampurna Melakarta.
• His works are characterized by intricate compositions that combine the spiritual depth of Advaita philosophy with devotion to various deities.

Philosphical and Spiritual Contributions:

• Dikshitar's compositions often reflect his understanding of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy enunciated by Adi Shankaracharya.
• He composed many kritis in praise of various deities associated with the temples he visited across India, thus preserving and popularizing the cultural and religious heritage of these shrines.
• His compositions in rare ragas have helped in maintaining the purity and diversity of Carnatic music.

Legacy:

• Dikshitar passed away on October 21, 1835, at Ettayapuram, near Tiruvarur. He had no offspring, but his legacy lives on through his musical compositions.
• A samadhi was built in his memory at Ettayapuram, which is visited by musicians and devotees alike.
• His kritis are an integral part of any Carnatic music concert and continue to inspire musicians around the world.
• The Kamalamba Navavarna kritis, composed for each of the eight Sanskrit declensions (vakyadi) are a testament to his linguistic prowess.

Notable Compositions:

• "Vatapi Ganapatim" is one of his most famous compositions, a tribute to Lord Ganesha.
• "Raga Suddhasankirna Asa Desa Priya" and "Sarasate Sangite Natade Kautuke" are among his other well-known kritis that showcase his talent in composing in various ragas.
• The "Balagopala" and "Ganapatim Shankara" are devotional pieces reflecting his reverence for Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha, respectively.

Dikshitar's work is a cornerstone of the Carnatic music tradition, and his compositions continue to be celebrated for their musical excellence and spiritual significance. His legacy not only enriches the history of Indian classical music but also serves as a bridge between the arts, philosophy, and devotion.