• An engrossing Atharva Conversation between V Sriram and Pranav K Vasishta on Atharva Forum YouTube channel.

'Vidyasundari' 'Ganakaḷavisarada' Bengaḷuru Nagaratnamma (3.11.1878 CE - 19.05.1952 CE), daughter of Puttalakshmi of Mysore, belonging to the Devadasi parampara, owing to vicissitudes of time was never consecrated to any deity of any temple. She was an accomplished Carnatic vocalist, Sanskrit scholar, educated in multiple languages, writer, editor of works including Radhika Santwanam of Muddu Palani, fought for the protection of the parampara that she belonged to through her role as the first President of the Association of the Devadasis of Madras Presidency.

She is remembered today for her stellar role in the offering she made by constructing an Ashrama and a temple on the Samadhi of one of the Trinity of Carnatic Music, Saint Tyagaraja at Thiruvaiyaru and for the expansion of Tyagaraja Aradhana owing to her intervention that included the Aradhana by Devadasi-s and other women in gratitude towards the learning that they received from the parampara of Tyagaraja.Swami   That she sought and found her Swami in Saint Tyagaraja is what completed the mission of her life.

This Atharva Conversation covers the historical perspective on Devadasi Paddhati, the life and times of Bangalore Nagaratnamma and the state of Devadasis. The historical group dynamics and evolution of Tyagaraja Aradhana has been discussed by the two speakers; especially the part where Bangalore Nagaratnamma fights for women's rights to sing during Aradhana, and her successful resistance with a solution provided finally by her only. A must watch for those who are interested in classical music and curious about Devadasis' contribution. 

A very engrossing Atharva Conversation between V Sriram and Pranav K Vasishta G V; the link for the same is appended below. You can subscribe to the Atharva Forum YouTube channel for more such engaging content.

Click here to hear the Atharva conversation (1 hour, 24 minutes)  on The Devadasi Who Sought and Found Her Swami

To buy V Sriram book

Also read

1. About Thyagraja

2. Album Thyagraja Mandir, Tiruvarur

3. Four elements of Carnatic Music  

4. To read a paper on the Devadasi system