Kannayya Bhagavathar

Kannayya Bhagavatar was a direct disciple of the greatest composer in karnatic music, saint Tyagaraja. When exactly be came to Trivandrum is not known but presumably it was Vadivelu who was instrumental in bringing him to Trivandrum. Vadivelu used to sing before the Maharaja not only the majestic songs of his master Dikshitar, but also the sparkling pieces of Tyagaraja to whom he was greatly devoted. The interest thus roused in Swathi Thirunal in the compositions of Tyagaraja resulted in the entertainment in royal service of Kannayya Bhagavathar.