V. Srinivasa Renga Chariar

🪔 About

V. Srinivasa Renga Chariar, a leading exponent of the ancient Tamil Hindu performing art form Araiyar Sevai, was born in Srivilliputhur, India, in 1930. A descendant of Melaiyagath Alvar, he was initiated into this specialized art of presenting sacred verses at the tender age of seven by his father, Araiyar Vadapatrasayee. Araiyar Sevai involves the ritual singing and enactment of the hymns of the Divya Prabandham, the canon of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Throughout his career, V. Srinivasa Renga Chariar performed Araiyar Sevai in numerous Vaishnavite shrines, including the temple of Andal at Srivilliputhur, Nambi in Thirukkurungudi, Badrinath Temple, and Alwarthirunagari Temple. He dedicated his life to the preservation and performance of this hereditary art form until his passing in 2014. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2013).