Remembering Vedanayagam Sastriar, the prodigious poet of Thanjavur

The 250th birth anniversary of Vedanayagam Sastriar, a pioneer of Tamil Christian music and social reform

This week promises to reprise the literary genius of Vedanayagam Sastriar, whose 250th birth anniversary is being observed on September 6 and 7 at Thanjavur. Known for his oeuvre of Tamil Christian evangelical songs and compositions, Sastriar’s works form the bedrock of early Protestant worship in southern India.

With H.A. Krishnapillai of Palyamkottai, and N. Samuel of Tranquebar, Sastriar forms the great triumvirate of Tamil Christian worship.

“We don’t want his legacy to be forgotten. Many in newer generations of his progeny, only know his name and nothing about his works. This probably is the last chance for us to rectify this. Vedanayagam Sastriar was a man of great learning and a social reformer too,” says Judah Vincent, a fifth generation descendant through his youngest son Elia Devasigamony Sastriar.

Vincent, a retired engineer based in Chennai, is coordinating the commemorative event, and says that more could be done to preserve and popularise the Sastriar canon.

“Out of over 130 books, only some went into print. I have digitised four of Vedanayagam’s important works — Jebamalai , Gnana Pada Keerthanai , Perinba Kaathal and Kadaisi Nyayatheerpu . His magnum opus is Jebamalai (Garland of Prayer), in composition for more than 40 years, in the 1800s. Gnana Pada Kirtanaigal, with over 400 songs, and the allegorical play Bethlehem Kuravanji , are some of his enduring works,” says Vincent, who has also produced a two-part online documentary on his ancestor.

Sastriar’s well-known hymns include ‘Amen Alleluyah, Mahathuva Thambarabara’ and ‘Esuvaiye Thudhi sei nee Maname.’

The official website www.sastriar.org gives a wealth of information about the life and times of the poet-lyricist. Born on September 7, 1774 to Devasahayam, a resident of Tirunelveli, Vedanayagam had a clear vision of the Cross at the age of 10, an event which was to influence his entire life. Lutheran missionary evangelist Rev. Christian Frederick Schwartz, who was tutor to Prince Serfoji, took the young boy under his wing, and brought him to Thanjavur.