Newly built house of Saint Thyagaraja to be opened

The newly constructed house of saint composer Sri Thyagaraja, part of the music trinity, on Thirumanjana Veedhi at Tiruvaiyaru near here will be inaugurated during the annual aradhana of the saint on January 21, said G.K. Vasan, Union Minister for Shipping; and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Thyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha on Thursday.

He visited the new house being constructed in the place of the old one.

He later told presspersons that 90 per cent of the work has been completed and the rest would be completed before the aradhana.

“Devotees and music lovers who come for the aradhana can visit the house and perform meditation. They can also hear the kritis of Thyagaraja broadcast in the house,” Mr. Vasan said.

The house in which the saint lived was purchased by the Sabha from its owner and maintained. But the house became so dilapidated that the Sabha decided to demolish it and construct it newly.

Thus it has been made a memorial to perpetuate the memory of the great saint. The house was rebuilt at a cost of Rs.25 lakh, Mr. Vasan said.

“It is said that Lord Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman gave darshan to Sri Thyagaraja at the house,” Mr. Vasan added.

An arch constructed at a cost of Rs.2.5 lakh at the entrance of Thirumanjana Veedhi will also be declared open during the aradhana.

G. Rangaswamy Moopanar, president of the Sabha, accompanied Mr. Vasan during his visit.