Vedanayagam Sastriar

Vedanayagam Sastriar 1774 -1864 of Thanjavur, Poet-lyricist, Court poet in the palace of Serfoji II. He was a famous poet and writer with 133 books and over 500 lyrics to his credit.

His life

Born into a Roman Catholic family in Tirunelveli on 7 September 1774, first son of Catechist Devasahayam (previously Arunachalam) and Gnanapoo. He, and his sisters Susaiammal and Bakkiammal lost their mother at a young age.At the age of ten, he is said to have had a vision of the cross of Christ.

Influenced by the teachings of the New Testament, as shown to him by some acquaintances, he sought out Rev C. F. Schwartz , a German missionary and embraced Protestantism at the age of 12.

He had his education under the tutorage of Rev C. F. Schwartz. At the time, the latter had another younger but notable pupil, Prince Serfoji, who became the Raja of Tanjore. Their education was modelled after the gurukulam style where guru and pupils live together.

He then did his theological studies at the Lutheran Seminary in Tranquebar. His professor was Dr. John. Others who influenced him were Dr. Kammerer and Rev. Rottler.

He worked in the villages around Tanjore as a mission school teacher at the age of 19. He taught Literature and Arithmetic, along with other subjects. He then became the Head Master.

He was appointed as the official court poet in the palace of his classmate, King Serfoji. In the early days, his life in the palace was peaceful, the King himself regarding him as an elder brother. But in later years, several powerful individuals in the palace were intolerant towards Christianity. Nevertheless Vedanayagam Sastriar was fearless and outspoken, respecting the faith of others but also firm in his own. The only bajans he would sing till the very end were those of Jesus Christ.

His faith and convictions influenced many. Notable among them was his influence over the much younger N. Samuel of Tranquebar, whose father, the librarian in the Saraswathi Mahal Library, engaged in many an argument with the older court poet about religion before he converted to Christianity.

Titles conferred on him

** "Veda Sironmani Gnana Kavichakravarthy"
** "Gnanadeepa Kavirayar"
** "Veda Sastrigal"
** "Suvisesha kavirayar"

His contribution to literature and poetry

Sastriar introduced Tamil literary traditions to Christian literary works. His songs were based on Thevaram and Tiruppugazh rhymes. He used Thayumannavar’s style in a particular song collection entitled Jebamalai or Garland of prayers.

His songs are sung in Tamil churches to this day. The popularity and timeless quality of the songs may be attributed to their clear and simple message, skillful poetic craftmanship, richness of the Tamil usage, and pleasant and suitable melodies.

He introduced and popularized a number of phrases describing the greatness of God.
** "Saruvesan" All-powerful God
** "Paraparan" One who excels all and is accessible to all
** "Meitevan" Redeeemer
** "Adi Andam illai" One who has no beginning or end
** "Vimalan" One free from impurity
** "Egaatipati" unique Lord
** "Nirai Pooranan " One who is complete

Some of the best-loved of his 500 lyrics
** "Thandanai thudhipome"
** "Amen alleluyah mahathuva thambarabara"
** "Esuvaiye thudhi sei nee maname"
** "Varavenum Enatharasae"

The best-known of the 133 books authored by him
** "Bethlehem kuravanji"
** "Gnanakummi"
** "Jebamalai" A collection of prayer songs
** "Parabaran malai"
** "Gnana eththappattu"
** "Gnana vazhi"
** "Adi anandam"
** "Parama needhi puranam"
** "Sastrkkummi"
** "Suviseda Gnanam"
** "Gnana Andadi" A composition of 100 stanzas as a commentary on the Song of Solomon

He is the foremost among the triumvirate of Tamil Christian poets, the other two being Krishnapillai of Palyamkottai and N. Samuel of Tranquebar.

The United Theological College in Bangalore, preserves some of the original manuscripts of his writings, as part of their collection of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books.

References

** Press release dated 28 September 2006 of Embassy of the United states, New Delhi India
** Ecclesiastical Archives, 1982 Catalogue, United Theological College Bangalore
** The Hindu dated 24 September 2004, Article by Seline Augustine
** George Uglow Pope contra Vedanayagam Sastriar: A Case-study in the Clash of 'new' and 'old' Mission

External links

*www.vedanayagamsastriar.com [http://www.vedanayagamsastriar.com/]
*www.sastriars.org [http://www.sastriars.org/]