- published: 13 Jan 2016
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HIDDEN ERROR: Usage of "spouse" is not recognizedHIDDEN ERROR: Usage of "parents" is not recognized
Purandara Dāsa (Kannada: ಪುರಂದರ ದಾಸ) (1484–1564) is a prominent composer of Dasa sahithya, a poetic form of the Madhwa philosophy. He is widely referred to as the Pitamaha (lit, "father" or the "grandfather") of Carnatic Music in honour of his significant contribution to Carnatic music. He formulated the basic lessons of teaching Carnatic music by structuring graded exercises known as Swaravalis and Alankaras, and at the same time, he introduced the Raga Mayamalavagowla as the first scale to be learnt by beginners in the field. He also composed Gitas (simple songs) for novice students.
Purandara Dasa addressed social issues in addition to worship in his compositions, a practice emulated by his younger contemporary, Kanakadasa. Purandara Dasa's Carnatic music compositions are mostly in Kannada; some are in Sanskrit. He signed his compositions with the ankita (pen name), "Purandara Vittala" (Vittala is one of the incarnations of the Hindu god, Vishnu).
Vishaka Hari is a prominent Carnatic music vocalist and established exponent of Harikatha, otherwise known as a story teller of Kathakalakshepam.
Vishaka Hari learnt Carnatic music under the legendary Carnatic violinist, Padma Vibhushan Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman, while her spiritual guru and father-in-law is Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal(Sri Sri Anna). She learnt the art of Harikatha by her husband, Sri Hariji, himself an experienced Harikatha exponent who delivers discourses in Tamil, English and Hindi. Vishaka Hari has performed in several sabhas during the Chennai Music Season since 2006.
On occasions, Vishaka Hari also performs with her husband, Sri Hari (paranur mahatma Krishna Premi anna's son), who uses his English literary background to supplement her kathakalakshepam performances. Her brother, Saketharaman, also a disciple of Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman, is one of the leading carnatic musicians in India. An "A" Grade artist of All India Radio, she has also given discourses and concerts abroad. She has also received many prizes and awards for her contributions to the Harikatha and Carnatic music field.