By Dr. Rama V. Bennur
Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the trinities of Karnatak music, occupies a special place in the heart of musicians and music lovers. Youngest of the Trinity, he has composed with ‘Guruguha’ as his pen name. Dikshitar’s compositions which spread to nearly 500, display his profoundness in music, Sanskrit, Srividyaandadvaitha philosophy. His Navagraha, Kamalambanavavarana and the 72 melakarthakrithis are unique and display a fine craftsmanship. It is said that it was he, who introduced Samashticharana in the place of two or more charanas. His compositions on different Deities are filled with information about the importance of the temple, puja customs apart from describing the deity. A Vainika and a gayaka himself, Dikshitar has used many Hindustani ragas too in his compositions. His ‘Nottuswaras’ for the little ones are based on western music.
