Did the Pancharatna Mallari inspire Tyagaraja to compose Pancharatna kritis?

The story behind the creation of Panchratna kritis

It’s idyllic at the temple in Thiruchottruthurai, on the southern banks of the Cauvery. The streets are deserted. Except for two women  making garlands for the presiding deity Othavaneswarar, and Manoharan, the priest of the one of the Sapthasthana temples, there is no other presence, belying the temple’s place in Saivite tradition and music. 

For, it was during one of the Sapathasthana festivals, when deities from seven temples would be carried in palanquins, was Saint Tyagaraja treated to the Pancharatna Mallaris by the nagaswaram players of Thiruchottruthurai, who had come to play at Tiruvaiyaru. The incident has been recorded by scholar and author Swaminathya Athreyan in his short story collection, Tyagaraja Anubhavangal, explaining the circumstances that led to the creation of a particular kriti.

Thiruchottruthurai finds a reference in the story about the kriti Manusolini Marmamulu in raga Varamu.

According to the story, after his dinner, Tyagaraja joined his disciples who sang Dolotasava kritis  and offered milk to Rama. Then, he sang Uyyalaa in Neelambari and Padaikatheera in Reetigowla before concluding the day’s poojas. It was then that they heard the sound of crackers. 

“Anna, nagaswaram players from Thirucottruthurai are going to play the Pancharatna Mallari. They are very good at it. Shall we go?” asked Ramarayan, one of Tyagaraja’s disciples. The saint looked at Sundara Bhagavathar and Krishna Bhagavathar. “Shall we go?”

They crossed Thirumanjana street and merged into the crowd. When they reached Sannidhi street, an aarti with lamps was being offered to Lord Panchanatheeswarar and his consort Dharmasamvarthani, who were seated on a platform made of palmyra fronds. 

The Mallari began in Nattai. There were four nagaswarams — two each set in mandrasthayee and tharasthayee. Six thavils accompanied them in perfect synchrony. They’ve probably practised well. There is not a single wrong note.