Papanasam Kunjumani Bhagavatar

[chitravina ravikiran]

A committed practitioner of both Carnatic and devotional music, Shri Kunjumani Bhagavatar who attained immortality less than a week ago, was an authority of Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi's compositions.

I have mentioned him in posts such as:

http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... ni#p200012

Shri Kunjumani Bhagavatar was a nephew of Brahmashri Papanasam Sivan and disciple of Shri Needamangalam Krishnamurthy Bhagavatar. He was an excellent singer, traces of which could be seen even in recordings I made when he was past 80. Despite inconsistent health, he was generous to share his vast knowledge of OVK's compositions and I was lucky to record close to 40 songs in authentic versions through him, some of which I have endeavoured to present in my concerts. In fact, numerous popular performers have benefited from his generosity over decades. He also shared several incidents related to NKB and OVK over the years including their interactions with H H Kanchi Paramacharya and numerous others including Mysore Vasudevachar & GNB and organisations such as The Music Academy. Though highly confident of his vidwat and capabilities, he was never one to seek publicity or acclaim.

OVK was still only one facet of him. He was noted name in Bhajana Sampradaya circles and used to conduct Radha Kalyanam regularly. A true upasaka in his own way...

[mahavishnu]

Sincere condolences.

Sri Ravikiran: Thank you for posting this message here. I have known Sri Kunjumani Bhagavatar for his contributions in the bhajana sampradayam tradition; in fact a large number of Papanasam Sivan's extended family members were quite involved in this margam (Sri Ramani bhagavathar for e.g).

Although, I have heard about his contributions re: OVK from your earlier post, I did not make the connection that it was the same person till just now.

[rshankar]

Sincere condolences!

[Lakshman]

So sorry to hear about his passing. My condolences.

[Ponbhairavi]

sincere condolences
How many unsung heroes in the CM ocean !
It is befitting that you have brought it out.

[thanjavooran]

My sincere condolences!

Thanjavooran
09 01 2013

[VK RAMAN]

condolences. SAMPRADAYA bhajan lost a legend.