We are aware that its catholicity of outlook has been the hallmark for the Sanatana Dharma of Hinduism during its long history. This endowed it with enough resilience to adapt itself to the need of the hour. Though the practical aspects of Vedic religion and culture have undergone changes over the centuries, the essential core of its tradition - its innate spirituality - has remained intact because of its universality. The path of devotion remains popular even though the scriptures recommend several methods for gaining spiritual knowledge.
Sravanam, which is listening to the exposition of the scriptures, is considered as best form of bhakthi in Nava Vidha Bhakthi. Harikatha, an ancient form of storytelling, is considered the best form of spreading the bhakthi movement. It is a combination of music and spiritual lectures with thought provoking messages and morals. This art form was first introduced in Tamil Nadu in the 17th century when Maratha rulers brought Maratha kirthanas to Thanjavur and encouraged them to spread this art form.
It was Thanjavur Krishna Bhagavathar, considered to be the father of the Harikatha Parampara in Tamil Nadu, who was responsible for giving it a proper format, encouraging compositions in various languages. The fact that three eminent Harikatha exponents of yesteryear, such as Muthiah Bhagavathar, Chidambara Bhagavathar and Embar Vijayaragavachariar, were conferred the title of Sangeetha Kalanidhi by the Music Academy, bears testimony to the pre-eminence of this art form.
In olden days, in temples and places of worship, this traditional art flourished. However, it is now disappearing due to the lack of encouragement. In the beginning of the 20th century, several sabhas, though few in number, encouraged this art, but today, only a few of the many sabhas support Harikatha. Today, there are not many exponents capable of performing the art. The leading light, T.S .Balakrishna Sastrigal, is no more. Only a few notable stalwarts like Kalyanapuram Aravamudhachariar, Thanjavur Kamalamurthy and a few others have been presenting the Harikatha with a telling effect.
(The writer is a well known music critic who has won awards both in India and abroad for propagation of classical arts and music)
