Devotional fervour marked the singing of Annamayya Sankeertanams on the 513rd death anniversary of the saint-lyricist here on Monday.
Followers of Annamayya converged at the idol of the saint-composer at the Santhapeta Saibaba temple and sang select songs from over 36,000 kritis composed by the saint in praise of Lord Venkateswara.
The devotees, led by I. Muralikrishna, president of Sri Tallapakka Annamacharya Sangeetha Sahitya Samskritika Seva Samiti, also chanted the Govindanamam on the occasion.
Earlier, Endowments Assistant Commissioner V. Srinivasa Reddy said Carnatic music concerts were being organised in major endowment temples on Saturdays in keeping with his announcement made last year. He promised all help to organisations to perpetuate the memory of Annamayya.
The samiti will organise “Chaitanya yatra” in villages to kindle interest of GenX on the easy-to-learn compositions of Annamayya, Mr. Muralikrishna said.
Prakasam district Rachayutula Sangam secretary Ponnuri Venkata Srivasulu highlighted the contributions of Annamayya to the Telugu culture.
Rich tributes paid
Tirupati Staff Reporter adds: The 513th death anniversary of ‘Saint Poet’ Tallapaka Annamacharya was observed in a befitting manner by the management of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Rich tributes poured in during the anniversary celebrations in Tirupati, Tirumala and also at Tallapaka in Kadapa district.
The auspicious ‘Metlotsavam’ (festival of steps) was performed in the temple city by 1,000 bhajan troupes, who trekked from Alipiri Padala Mandapam to Tirumala. Speaking on the occasion, TTD Trust Board Chairman Chadalawada Krishnamurthy remarked that the great poet has dedicated his entire life in service of Lord, with his literary works and mellifluous ‘keertans’.
“He not only sanctified his life but also became immortal with his impeccable ‘keertans,” he added.
Later, Dinamu Dwadasi and Annamacharya Sankeertans were performed in Annamacharya Kalamandiram. Tirupati JEO Pola Bhaskar, All Projects Deputy EO Sharada, Dasa Sahitya Project Chief Anandateerthacharya, Editor-in-Chief Samudrala Lakshmanaiah, Telugu Vangamaya Project Special Officer Medasani Mohan and others were present.
Procession
At Tallapaka, the home town of saint poet in Kadapa district, a procession was taken out in the morning followed by rendering of ‘keertans’.
Later in the evening, Harikathas and Annamaiah keertanas were rendered at the 108-foot statue of Annamacharya.
A total of 1,000 bhajan troupes
take part in ‘Metlotsavam’
