Otherwise Divya Prabhandhams and Thiru Pallandu recitals in this unique art form will be a thing of the past, soon. It is something too precious to lose and one hopes that it is not yet late to bring the Araiyars back to their glory days. Only time will tell if the devotees, charitable institutions, private companies as well as the Government will come together in reviving the Araiyar Sevai across the Divya Desams. The Araiyars are looking for a face lift to the art and also a source of income that would help them keep this unique art going for future generations to enjoy. While music and dance artistes have been recognized through various art associations, even the basic financial needs of these artistes(the Araiyars), who have put their heart and soul in this devotional performance, have been ignored. One of the popular depiction of the Paasurams, the art of enacting the divya prabandham could be lost to the world, at least in Srivilliputhur, if immediate action is not taken. One feels it is time that they were given the recognition that has been due to them for years. It will be a pity if this 1000 year old art dies because of lack of support.”Īwards have been bestowed on artists in various fields but the Araiyars have sadly been left out of this, despite delighting devotees with their unique recital of the Divya Prabhandam. I learnt from my father for over 18 years and have tried my best to keep it going and pass on my knowledge to the next generation. Says Bala Mukunda Araiyar of Srivilliputhur, who is one of the few Araiyars still practicing this difficult art, “It has been a great honour for the Araiyars to be performing the ‘Abhinaya’. With no salaries, the Araiyars there are finding the going tough, making it difficult for them to even provide basic education to their children. Their plight, especially the Araiyars at Srivilliputhur is difficult to digest for a true Vaishnavite. Of real worry is the fact that only a handful of Araiyars are keeping this most difficult art going. Will Araiyar Sevai become a thing of the past? One of the special ‘Araiyar Sevai’ occasions that is of particular significance is during Vaikunta Ekadesi(the winter month of Margazhi)- The Paghal Pathu(10 days) and the Raa Pathu(10 days, when one is treated to a real spectacle with the Araiyars enacting the ‘Story of Andal’ growing into a young beautiful girl through the Abhinaya. It is not an easy art, as can be seen from the fact that it takes nearly 20 years to learn and perfect the ‘Abhinaya’. The Araiyar Sevai requires a deep knowledge and understanding of the Paasurams. The Araiyars first recite the Paasuram, they then explain its inner meaning and finally perform the Abhinaya, a unique art/dance performance with their hands and legs explaining the Paasurams with special musical effect. It is believed that Lord Ranganatha himself gave the Araiyars the right to perform the unique musical chanting at the temples and presented them with the cone-like red cap, two cymbals, the sacred garland (which they wear around their neck when they perform).Īraiyars have been bestowed the special right to start as well as end the Paasurams (Divya Prabhandham) in Vaishnavite temples through their special song and dance sequence. A ritual which was once performed at all the Divya Desams today exists in only three temples in Tamil Nadu- Srirangam, Srivilliputhur and Alwar Thirunagari(near Tirunelveli).Īraiyars (King of Music) are descendents of Nathamunigal, who is believed to have introduced the Araiyar Sevai.
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Kottai Muneeswaran Temple, Sri Veerabhadra Temple.
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Sankagiri Fort, Punishment places - a Heritage Vis.Sri Yathothakari Perumal Temple, Thiruvekka, Kanch.Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple – Ashtabuyakaram Te.Sri Azhagiya Singa Perumal Temple – Thiruvelukkai.Sri Vilakkoli Perumal ( Sri Deepa Prakasar ).Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Vishnu Kanchi, Kan.
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