Vedanayagam SastriarBorn 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 modeled 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. One who has no beginning or end Vimalan Egaatipati One free from impurity unique Lord Nirai Pooranan. The popularity and timeless quality of the songs may be attributed to their clear and simple message. He used Thayumannavar¶s style in a particular song collection entitled Jebamalai or Garland of prayers. He introduced and popularized a number of phrases describing the greatness of God. 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 . Saruvesan Paraparan Meitevan All-powerful God One who excels all and is accessible to all Redeeemer Adi Andam illai. skillful poetic craftmanship. and pleasant and suitable melodies.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. richness of the Tamil usage. His songs are sung in Tamil churches to this day. His songs were based on Thevaram and Tiruppugazh rhymes. Samuel of Tranquebar. the other two being Krishnapillai of Palyamkottai and N.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. as part of their collection of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books . The United Theological College in Bangalore preserves some of the original manuscripts of his writings. the first son of Mr. a German Missionary. an event which was to influence his entire life. Mahathuva Thambarabara¶ and µEsuvaiye Thudhi sei nee Maname. Some songs in Thayumannavar¶s style are found in his song collection called the µJebamalai¶ which means µGarland of Prayers¶. In 1785. Prince Serfoji became king of Tanjore and appointed Vedanayagam as the official court poet. Veda Sastrigal and µSuvisesha Kavirayar¶ which established him the King of Evangelical Poets. A BRIEF HISTORY: . He lost his mother at a young age.The songs of Poet-Lyricist Vedanayagam Sastriar form an inalienable part of Christian worship in South India. 1774. He began to write Christian lyrics and literature. µAmen Alleluyah. At the age of ten. The richness of the Tamil language and the religious fervour of the songs instantly evoke zeal in the worship. he had a clear vision of the Cross and Christ.THE LEGACY OF SASTRIAR Written By: Mrs. a native of Tirunelveli. Devasahayam. now known as Tranquebar. He worked as a teacher in a missionary school for a short time. His .Vedanayagam Sastriar was born on the 7th of September. After completing his studies. He took Vednayagam with him to Tanjore.¶ A turning point in his life came when his former classmate. Shanthi Selvaraj Member of Sastriar Educational and Charitable Trust INTRODUCTION:. The reverence in the songs is further augmented by their pleasing melodies. Swartz visited Tirunelveli. His well known songs include µThandanai Thudhipome¶. Vedanayagam went on to study Theology at the Lutheran Seminary in Tharangambadi. One is tempted to go back in time to trace the life and history of Vedanayagam Sastriar to appreciate the circumstances and events that shaped him to be a prolific and poetic crusader for the Triune God. Swartz. Vedanayagam worked in the villages around Tanjore. At that time Prince Serfoji was also studying under Rev. Sastriar¶s songs were based on Thevaram (hymns of Saivaite Saints) and Tiruppugazh rhymes. Vedanayagam was conferred various titles such as µGnanadeepa Kavirayar¶. He wrote 133 books and his most famous work is µBethlehem Kuravanji¶. Rev. compositions glorify the Triune God and are characterized by high literary quality. His songs are still being sung in Tamil churches and are peerless in their richness and melody. . He continued to glorify God and he spread the Gospel as far as Ceylon in spite of personal tragedies and setbacks.