Tirupathi Thiruthala Mahimai – T.S.Balakrishna Sastrigal 2ACD

Description

This album treats you to the pleasures of Harikatha (a traditional and composite art of story-telling that is aided by literary verses, music and drama) by Brahmasri T S Balakrishna Sastrigal, the legendary Harikatha exponent.

Recorded live, it takes the listeners on a pilgrimage to Tirupathi, the abode of Lord Venkatesa tracing the significance of the haloed precincts with vivid descriptions of the wedding of the Lord.

It is an experience not to be missed by the spiritually inclined and also the aficionados of ancient art forms.

On Brahmasri T S Balakrishna Sastrigal (1919-2003) :
Born in Thiruvidaimaruthur, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, he began performing at the age of 23 and held sway over Harikatha Kalakshebam for over 6 decades. A former senior executive of State Bank of India, his very name was synonymous with this traditional art of story-telling.

With an amazing and unmatched command over the Vedas, Puranas, Sastras, classical music and a score of languages, he held the audience spell-bound with his flair, fervour, felicity of expression and a resonant voice.

Among the countless titles and honors that were conferred on him, the title “Harikatha Rathnakara” bestowed on him by both the Paramachariyals of Kamakoti and Sringeri simultaneously at Asthika Samaj, Chennai in the year 1966 stands out. Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Delhi honored him in 1993. Music Academy, Chennai conferred on him the Sangeetha Kala Acharya Award in 1997. Tamil Nadu Government bestowed on him the Kalaimaamani title in 1972.