A Drop from an Ocean
- VIKASH ACHUTARAMAIAH
- May 23, 2025
- 3 min read
A Humble Tribute to Guru Sri P. Palaniappan on His Remembrance Day – May 24
Dhyaanamoolam Gurur Moorthihi
Poojamoolam Guroh Padam
Mantramoolam Guror Vaakyam
Moksha Moolam Guru Krupa
Meaning:
The Guru's form is the best to meditate upon;
the Guru's feet are the best for worship;
the Guru's word is the mantra;
the Guru's Grace is the root of liberation.
The legacy of a Guru is not merely in the art they impart, but in the depth of emotion, the uniqueness of vision, and the enduring inspiration they leave behind.
On this sacred day of remembrance—May 24—we bow our heads in reverence to our beloved Guru:
‘Semmak Kural Semmal’, ‘Kalaiperarasar’, ‘Natya Arasar’, Nattuvanar Guru Sri P. Palaniappan — a towering figure in Indian classical music and dance.
He was not just a teacher, but a masterful architect of artform.
“Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai” – A Legacy Reimagined
The timeless composition by Mahakavi Bharathiyar, Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai, holds a cherished place in the world of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. It was originally set as a Raagamalika(Sindhubhairavi, Kamas, Shanmukhapriya, Maand) in Kanda Eka Talam by music director R. Sudarsanam and immortalized in the voice of Smt. D. K. Pattammal.
Our Master’s reinterpreted this piece—retaining its essence, but transforming its feel—by shifting it to Tisra Eka Talam. The change, subtle yet profound, gave the song a fresh fluidity and intricate lilt.
The Genius of Original Composition
Not content with reinterpretation alone, Guruji composed his own complete version of the song—set in Adhi Talam, featuring brisk jathis between the charanams and expressing each line with new emotional depth through a careful choice of raagas:
• Theeradha Vilaiyatu Pillai – Shankarabharanam
• Thinna Pazham Kondu – Shankarabharanam
• Azhagulla Malar Kondu Vanden – Sahana
• Pinnalai Pinnindru Izhuppan – Atana
• Pullanguzhal Kondu Varuvan – Shanmukhapriya
This was more than a musical composition—it was an emotional architecture, a journey of sound through the heart of poetry.
The Master’s Ensemble
What elevated this creation to a masterpiece was the ensemble of exceptional musicians, carefully chosen by Master to match his vision:
• Guru Sri P. Palaniappan – Singing in F# shruthi, while performing nattuvangam (not reciting, but singing jathis in shruthi)
• Mridangam – Kadayanallur Narayanan, who matched every jathi and footwork with seamless rhythm
• Tabla – Thirumal, whose signature gumki uplifted every lyric
• Violin – C.V. Krishnaswamy Iyer, who shadowed the song with gentle elegance
• Harmonium – Kanniah Naidu, offering rich chords and subtle lead support
• Flute – Rajamani, with a short but soothing 2-avarthana alapana in Shanmukhapriya
• Special Effects – M.S. Mani, adding nuanced cymbals, crying effects, and Dumuki flourishes
Each of them contributed not just sound, but soul.
Spotlight on Sahana – “Azhagulla Malar Kondu Vanden”
One of the most arresting choices was setting the line “Azhagulla Malar Kondu Vanden” in Sahana—a rakti raaga known for its empathy and gentle yearning.
Why Sahana?
Because this raaga breathes emotion. It pleads, it longs, it embraces. In contrast, the original Kamas version is charming, but Sahana… it feels.
Masters selection here was not just musical—it was spiritual.
A Visionary in Music and Dance
Can there be any doubt?
Guru P. Palaniappan was more than a singer, musician teacher, choreographer, and composer—he was a genius, a visionary, and a poet of movement and sound. He saw choreography in melodies, heard stories in jathis, and felt divinity in raaga.
He left us not just memories, but a method, a legacy, a path to follow.
In Eternal Gratitude
As his disciples, we remain eternally grateful—for every swara, every akshara, every adavu he shared with us. His voice still echoes in our practice halls, his choreographies still live in our steps, and his bhava still touches our hearts.
On this sacred day, we remember, we honor, and we continue the journey he began.
Om Shri Gurubhyo Namah
🙏🙏🙏
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