Shadkala Govinda Marar

Govinda Marar (Malayalam:ഗോവിന്ദ മാരാര്‍)(1798 - 1843), more famously known as Shadkala Govinda Marar was a Carnatic Musician from Kerala, India. He was a contemporary of Saint Tyāgarāja and Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. He was also adept in playing musical instruments like Chenda,Edakka and Thimila. His expertise in singing in six degrees of speed earned him the title "Shat Kaala".

Early life

Govinda Marar was born in 1798 in Ramamangalam village in Kerala.His parents belonged to community of " Marars " who performed the traditional singing in the temples of Kerala. He took to singing from a very early age. He received his musical lessons from Haripad Ramaswamy Bhagavathar [ [http://www.kerala.gov.in/music/music6.pdf Kerala Gov-Music] ] .

He is said to have used a Tamburu having seven strings. [ [http://www.kerala.gov.in/music/music6.pdf Kerala Gov-Music] ] At the age of 21, he left his home to begin a life of wandering. He is believed to have sung in many important temples all over Kerala. [ [http://www.swathithirunal.in/personalities/SHADKALA.HTM Shadkala] ]

wati Thirunal's Court Musician

Meeting with SaintTyāgarāja

Death

After leading the life of a wandering for a long time, he reached the temple of Panduranga in Pandharpur,Maharashtra. He was revered as "Paramahamsa Govinda Das". The temple records note that he attained "Samadhi" in 1843.

References

External links

* [http://www.kerala.gov.in/music/music6.pdf Kerala Gov-Music]
* [http://www.swathithirunal.in/personalities/SHADKALA.HTM Shadkala Govinda Marar]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/24/stories/2006102406790200.htm 14th Shadkala Govinda Marar Music Festical]
* [http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/music.htm Kerala-Gov]