Madurai :

Poet N S Sundararaman of Dharumai Aadheena mutt has said that the names of many renowned Shiva temples, revered in Thevaram (garland of divine songs praising Lord Shiva), were sanskritised in the past and the same fate should not befall Pannisai (ancient Tamil music and a predecessor of Carnatic music).

He further urged the Tamil Isai Sangam to undertake research in Pannisai. He was speaking at the Tamil Isai Sangam’s silver jubilee anniversary celebrations on Monday. The Sangam honoured its octogenarian trustee S Mohangandhi, also a former income tax officer on the occasion. Mohangandhi was a student of the first batch of Thevaram class and was praised for his untiring efforts to promote it for 25 years.

Since 1992, the Tamil Isai Sangam, functioning at the Raja Muthiah Mandram, has been conducting free music class on Thevaram on its premises and more than 2,000 people have studied there so far.

Sundararaman said that learning of Thirumurai (Shaiva literary works, twelve in number) will help one in many ways. “Thirumurai will uplift humans. It will change the thinking of chicanery and will help one to attain self-realisation. People belonging to Nagarathaar clan have contributed much to spreading Tamil Isai. The Tamil Isai Sangam needs to do research in Pannisai,” Sundararaman said.

Former Income Tax commissioner of Madurai S Sankaralingam who presided over the function said “One who wishes to see progress in life needs to learn Thevaram and read Thirumurai.” Trustee Thu. Meikandaan said “Thevaram music will help better functioning of brain.” Tamil Isai Sangam secretary P R Chockalingam and treasurer R M Somasundaram offered felicitations. V S Janaranjani welcomed the gathering. A G Sankar proposed a vote of thanks. A women’s troupe also sang Thevaram at the function.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Madurai News / TNN / December 26th, 2017