Got a break this weekend and mind started wavering to finalize the place to visit! Facebook invite for the sixth edition of Festival of Sacred music at Thiruvaiyaru flashed in my mind. As Thiruvaiyaru was in my bucket list quite some time, but hesitated coz I am not a music geek. My friend Jayakumar has already reached there, which ensured me that I am not left alone.
Reached Tanjore and cheked hotel Abi’s Inn. Refreshed myself and reached the local bus stand. Took a town bus and reached Thiruvaiyaru. While I was traveling, I noticed the bus passing via five bridges. Later found that they were Vadavar, Vettar, Vennar, Kudamurutti and Cauvery, the five rivers from which Thiruvaiyaru gets its name.Likewise the siva temple here named as “Panchanatheesvarar”
The Maratha paintings on the surrounding walls..
The history of the temple..
Gopura darshinam
The 18th century saint-composer, Sri Thyagaraja, whose life was characterized by the ceaseless and divine music that flowed from him, was a resident of Thiruvaiyaru. His samadhi on the banks of the Cauvery is one of the reasons why people visit the place today.
The remains of the Huzur Mahadi Palace on the banks of the Cauvery.
The three days music festival has been designed with various genre’s of music and also the venue’s.
Day 01: Sufi singer Vidya Shah’s Hindustani Classical vocal on day at courtyard of the old Huzur Mahadi Palace.
The entrance
The Dias
The illuminated Dove Tower behind the dais adds to the beauty of the ambiance.
Vidya Shah
Day 02: Indian Percussion by the Mridhangam legend sri. Umayalpuram k.sivaraman at the Pushya mahal ghat on the banks of river cavery
People relaxing at river cavery
The dias at Pushya mandabam
Umayalpuram K.Sivaraman
Kids performing pooja to Godess cavery
Day 03: Carnatic flute by Shashank Subramanyam near the Amman sannidhi of Panchanatheeshwara temple on day 3 were truly spell bound.
No words can justify the amazing lighting arrangements done by Victor Paulraj, Studio 7! Which is really an unmatched experience.
Thiruvaiyaru is not only renowned for music and also for Andavar halwa kadai.. where one can taste the best Ashoka halwa and also curd rice served hot anytime.
When a novice like me can enjoy every piece of music there then it must be something more than what I can understand. If you get a chance to visit the fest please don’t hesitate for a second to visit. If you didn’t get a chance, do create a chance for the fest. It is not just enjoying music it is more of an experience.
