Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar was a Carnatic music vocalist from the state of Kerala. Renowned by his town name Chembai or simply as Bhagavatar, he was born to Anantha Bhagavatar and Parvati Ammal in the year 1895. Chembai was documented for his powerful voice and majestic style of vocalising. His first public performance was in the year 1904, when he was nine years old. He was a recipient of several awards and honors.
Chembai was renowned for his support of upcoming musicians and furthermore for his proficiency to select new talent. The music detractor Aeolus recounts him as "the musician who has meant the most to Carnatic melodies in the first fifty years of the 20th years" Some of his famous disciples include Yesudas. Numerous memorial music festivals are held in his honor every year since his death in the year 1974, the most important being the every year commemorated Chembai Sangeetholsavam.
Date And Venue
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar music festival in Thiruvanthapuram is during September month of every year.
Several music festivals are held in commemoration of the great music maestro, of which the ones held at Chembai, his birthplace in February - March called Chembai Ekadashi music festival and the Chembai Sangeetholsavam held at the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna temple is during the month of November are the most notable.
History
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar was born on September 1, 1896 to a family of Carnatic instrumentalists. He lived in a period which was considered as the golden era of Carnatic melodies. Chembai s mighty yet melodious voice could enthrall assembly of his times. An ardent devotee of Sree Krishna he attributed all his success to Guruvayoorappan. He was the recipient of numerous honors and recognition s. Gaana Gandharva (1940), Sangeeta Natak Akademi accolade (1958), Sangita Kalanidhi name (1951), Padmabhushan from President of India (1973), Sangita Samrat name called on him by Swami Sivanandaw were some of the prestigious respects. He passed away on October 16th 1974, at the age of 78 years, of a cardiac arrest just after giving a concert at a temple in Ottappalam.Contact Address
Sri Chembai Memorial Trust, Ayodhya Nagar, Sreevaraham, Thiruvananthapuram – 695009
How To Reach
AirThe nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport located at Valiyathura, which is 6 kms from the town. Indian Airlines has direct connections to Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. Jet Air has daily air travel to Mumbai and Chennai.
Railways
Thiruvananthapuram is an important railway terminus on the southwestern coast. The major railway station is the central station located at Thampanoor.
Road
Thampanoor is the main bus station in Thiruvananthapuram. State and national highways connects Thiruvananthapuram to all the major Indian cities.