An ensemble of 75 musicians are slated to perform at the grand 75th birthday celebrations of Yathiraja Jeeyar Swami. Scheduled for August 23, the event titled “Yathiraja Gaana Amruthavarshini” is set to be a homage to the pontiff of Yadugiri Yathiraj Mutt, Jeeyar Swami, an individual deeply revered not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his immense contributions to music.
Reflecting on the forthcoming milestone event, Jeeyar Swami expressed, “My life has been a celebration of music, devotion, Sanskrit, and literature. This month also marks the celebration of Sanskrit Day, so I have requested the musicians to perform compositions in Sanskrit. They have chosen some of my pieces as well as compositions by Shatavadhani Ganesh who has crafted a few works specifically for this occasion, in addition to some of my personal favorites.”
Although Jeeyar Swami is an accomplished violinist and vocalist, he humbly identifies himself as a perpetual student of music. He said, “I continue to be a student of music and am grateful for the associations and influences from litterateurs, poets, spiritual leaders, and scholars, as well as my family’s cultural background which made melody an intrinsic part of my life.”
Jeeyar Swami’s biography, “Sujana Jeevana,” is currently in progress, capturing the journey of his extraordinary life. He reminisces about his chance beginning as a lyricist, remarking, “Soon after a darshan at Tirupathi, I was soaking in the spiritual atmosphere at the temple grounds when a friend asked me to write a few lines. Moved by the ambience, I adapted my signature ankita ‘Sri Charana’ (surrender to the Lord) and wrote my first composition, ‘Sri Venkateshwara’. This was followed by other compositions on varied subjects, mostly devotional and focused on nature, always bearing the same signature.”
Jeeyar Swami takes immense pride in having renowned mridangist and music composer Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma spearheading the musical tribute. “It humbles me that Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma, who has set quite a few of my compositions to music, is helming this show.”
Before assuming his spiritual mantle, Jeeyar Swami, then known as Tiru Swami, was born in Melkote, Karnataka on August 25, 1949. His childhood was steeped in the rich traditions of music and Sanskrit prabhandas, with his home often resonating with the sound of his sister’s violin practice and his father’s discussions on raga nuances and composers.
After advancing his studies in Hindi, Sanskrit, and music, Jeeyar moved to Mysore for his Intermediate studies.
. There, he was captivated by the mesmerizing musical culture nurtured by the Mysore Royals. He recalled, “I enrolled at Ayyanar College of Music for violin classes and had the fortune to witness performances by the best musicians from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra.”
He marveled at the vibrant sabhas brimming with annual festivities, recounting memories of watching Bidaram Krishnappa perform with Mysore Vasudevachar in attendance, or Violin Chowdiah engrossed in the performances of Ariyakudi and the Alathur brothers. “It was a healthy and melodious environment,” he mused.
Following his Intermediate studies, Jeeyar Swami pursued a B.Com at MES College in Malleswaram, Bangalore, graduating in 1969. Throughout his academic and later years, he has been actively involved in spiritual and cultural events across various institutions. He fondly remembers being mentored by renowned vocalist Chintalapalli Ramachandra Rao, who taught him ‘Deva Deva Kalayaamide’ in Mayamalavagowla, a piece that remains dear to his heart.
Despite his inclination towards writing lyrics, Jeeyar Swami shares a sentiment akin to iconic vocalist RK Srikantan, asserting that with the vast repertoire of kritis from saint-composers, composing is something he engages in only when driven by deep internal contemplation.
Discussing his favorite ragas and composers, Jeeyar Swami lists Shankarabharana, Simmendramadhyama, Kamas, Todi, and Kambodhi. He marvels at the beauty of compositions like Dikshitar’s ‘Sri Krishnam Bhaja Manasa’ in Todi, Swati Tirunal’s depiction of the Lord in ‘Rama Rama Guna Seema’ in Simmendra Madhyama, the lyrical charm in Tyagaraja’s Pancha Ratna kritis, and the practical life guidance in Purandaradasa’s ‘Hange Ira Beku Samsaaradalli’.
“Music must be a constant pursuit,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of striving to achieve comfort in the art. Ever the dedicated learner, Jeeyar Swami recently enrolled in an online music workshop on Swati Tirunal compositions conducted by Shankaran Namboodiri.
The grand event, Yathiraja Gaana Amruthavarshini, will take place at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on August 23 from 5 pm, with free entry for all. This celebration promises to be a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Yathiraja Jeeyar Swami, a testament to his enduring love for music and devotion.
