Parassala Ponnammal at Vedavyaasa Tapovanam, Tambaram

[Sivaramakrishnan]

His Holiness Kaasi Viswanatha Swamiji of Vedavyasa Tapovanam near Tambaram, Chennai is a great patron of arts who ensures that every New Year is ushered in with serene music at the haloed Sannidhi of Goddess Ambaal - the presiding deity. Many noted musicians have been honoured with the title of 'Vedavyasa Gaanamani' here.

The devotees who assembled at the venue on the morning of the first Sunday of 2011 were fortunate to listen to Smt Parassala Ponnammal in a 2 hour concert of sublime music.

The occasion also marked the visit by the Bombay sisters to the holy place with their revered Guru Sangita Kalanidhi T K Govinda Rao (which was their first duty after receiving the Sangita Kalanidhi title from the Music academy just the previous evening. Parassala Ponnammal was honoured with the TTK award during the same occasion.) P S Narayanaswami was also present. His sishya Kunnakudi Balamuralikrishna - who belongs to Tambaram- was busy assisting in the arrangements for the function

The introductory session was nicely compered by Dr.N S Lakshmi - a dedicated musician- who is in charge of music classes run for the residents of the place as well as for students from nearby areas. She herself rendered an invocation song - a nice and rare composition by T Lakshmana Pillai -the noted Tamil composer of yesteryear Travancore.

Parassala Ponnammal was accompanied by Akkarai Subbalakshmi(V), Thajavur subramaniam(M) and H. Sivaramakrishnan(G). Vocal support was provided by her senior disciple Bhama Krishnan.

The concert started with Maamava Sadaa Varadey(Naatakurinji-Swati Tirunal ) followed by Paripalinchu (Suddha saveri) with brief raga outline and illustrative swaraprastaara.

Two vintage songs which the veteran rendered then - Neemati tsallaka (Aananda bhairavi - Maatrubhutayya) and Jagadeeswari kripai (Mohanam- Ponniah pillai ) made great impact as most were listening to these songs after a long period. The Mohanam kriti with the celebrated Chittaswara & sahitya was the main piece. Subbulakshmi followed on the Violin superbly and the percussion section was excellent in the hands of Thajavur subramaniam and H. Sivaramakrishnan.

Jalajabandhuvumiha(Suruti padam-Swati) and Karpagamey(Madhyamavati-Sivan) brought the concert to a solemn finish.

What impressed one in the concert was Ponnammal Maami's adherance to the fundamentals of carnatic music rendering and an astounding Kaalaprammana (that would challenge the present day 'metronomes' used for maintaining Taala in formal recording sessions!)

TKG, the Sisters and Ponnammal were honoured by the Swamiji. The recepients were beyond words to express their gratitude to the Guruji who has been propagating classical music in a great manner.

A great beginning for a New Year!!

[cienu]

What impressed one in the concert was Ponnammal Maami's adherance to the fundamentals of carnatic music rendering and an astounding Kaalaprammana (that would challenge the present day 'metronomes' used for maintaining Taala in formal recording sessions!)

So nice to hear this. A good & consistent Kaalaprammanam is a critical factor in raising the level of rasikas appreciation of music. Hats off to the Grand old lady

[rajeshnat]

sivaramakrishnan,
May I know where in tambaram is "Vedavyasa Tapovanam"?

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Vedavyaasa Tapovanam is about 3 km from East Tambaram. When you travel in the Tambaram - Velachery main road , take the left cutting at Kamarajapuram and go further interior - about a km. - to reach the place.

(There is an Ahobila Mutt near Selaiyur when you travel from Tambaram and many 'mistake' this for Tapovanam!)