Temple and Sport

108 Divya Desam-Araiyar Sevai

Saving a rare art- Araiyar Sevai


It looks like the renowned Araiyar Sevai, a visual song and dance enactment of the ‘Paasurams’** that has been performed at the Vaishnava Divya Desams*+ for over 1000 years, is seeing a slow death. A ritual which was once performed at all the Divya Desams today exists in only three temples in Tamil Nadu- Srirangam, Srivilliputhur and Alwar Thirunagari(near Tirunelveli).

Araiyars (King of Music) are descendents of Nathamunigal, who is believed to have introduced the Araiyar Sevai. It is believed that Lord Ranganatha himself gave the Araiyars the right to perform the unique musical chanting at the temples and presented them with the cone-like red cap, two cymbals, the sacred garland (which they wear around their neck when they perform).

Araiyars have been bestowed the special right to start as well as end the Paasurams (Divya Prabhandham) in Vaishnavite temples through their special song and dance sequence.

The Araiyars first recite the Paasuram, they then explain its inner meaning and finally perform the Abhinaya, a unique art/dance performance with their hands and legs explaining the Paasurams with special musical effect.

The Araiyar Sevai requires a deep knowledge and understanding of the Paasurams. It is not an easy art, as can be seen from the fact that it takes nearly 20 years to learn and perfect the ‘Abhinaya’.

One of the special ‘Araiyar Sevai’ occasions that is of particular significance is during Vaikunta Ekadesi(the winter month of Margazhi)- The Paghal Pathu(10 days) and the Raa Pathu(10 days, when one is treated to a real spectacle with the Araiyars enacting the ‘Story of Andal’ growing into a young beautiful girl through the Abhinaya.

Will Araiyar Sevai become a thing of the past?

Of real worry is the fact that only a handful of Araiyars are keeping this most difficult art going. Their plight, especially the Araiyars at Srivilliputhur is difficult to digest for a true Vaishnavite. With no salaries, the Araiyars there are finding the going tough, making it difficult for them to even provide basic education to their children.

Says Bala Mukunda Araiyar of Srivilliputhur, who is one of the few Araiyars still practicing this difficult art, “It has been a great honour for the Araiyars to be performing the ‘Abhinaya’. I learnt from my father for over 18 years and have tried my best to keep it going and pass on my knowledge to the next generation. It will be a pity if this 1000 year old art dies because of lack of support.”

Awards have been bestowed on artists in various fields but the Araiyars have sadly been left out of this, despite delighting devotees with their unique recital of the Divya Prabhandam. One feels it is time that they were given the recognition that has been due to them for years.

Call for Help

One of the popular depiction of the Paasurams, the art of enacting the divya prabandham could be lost to the world, at least in Srivilliputhur, if immediate action is not taken. While music and dance artistes have been recognized through various art associations, even the basic financial needs of these artistes(the Araiyars), who have put their heart and soul in this devotional performance, have been ignored.

The Araiyars are looking for a face lift to the art and also a source of income that would help them keep this unique art going for future generations to enjoy.

Only time will tell if the devotees, charitable institutions, private companies as well as the Government will come together in reviving the Araiyar Sevai across the Divya Desams. It is something too precious to lose and one hopes that it is not yet late to bring the Araiyars back to their glory days. Otherwise Divya Prabhandhams and Thiru Pallandu recitals in this unique art form will be a thing of the past, soon.

The Araiyars at Srivilliputhur can be reached on 94438 67345 or email prabhuopr@gmail.com for more details.

Contributions can be sent to :

Bala Mukunda Araiyar
35 Periya Perumal West Mada Street Srivilliputhur 626 125(TN, India)


+* Azhvaars /Divya Desams – There were 12 Azhvaars including Andaal. They were saint poets and ardent devotees of Maha Vishnu. These saint poets composed verses in Tamil and revitalized the religious spirit sparking off a renewal of devotional worship, referred to as the Bhakti movement. These Azhvaars visited temples and sung praises in the name of Vishnu. Such temples have come to be known as Divya Desams and are 108 in total.

**Paasurams - the 4000 divine verses( Naalayira Divya Prabandham) of the Azhvaars


This story featured in the Sunday Express in January 2006

Labels: Temple Divya Desam

posted by PRabhu S @ 12:53 pm