Fri Dec 19 03:45:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Centuries-Old Tradition of Pari Nagaswaram Thrives at Tiruvarur Temple
Tiruvarur, India – December 19, 2025 – The unique tradition of the Pari nagaswaram, a powerful and rare musical instrument, continues to resonate within the walls of the Thyagarajaswamy Temple in Tiruvarur. The instrument, tuned to the demanding madhyama kala sruti, is played exclusively by a family that has held the right for 23 generations.
S. Palaniappan, the current nagaswaram player, learned the instrument from his father and adheres to the ancient traditions. The Pari nagaswaram, unlike the later timiri version, has remained unchanged for centuries and is played during the temple’s evening poojas.
The instrument’s significance extends beyond its unique sound. Legend states that the Pari nagaswaram was one of the 18 instruments that accompanied Thyagarajaswamy’s descent upon earth. Its exclusive use within the temple is a testament to its sacred nature.
The tradition also incorporates elaborate musical rituals during annual festivals. The 10-day Margazhi Thiruvathiri and the 27-day Panguni Uthira Thiruvizha feature specific ragas and rhythmic patterns prescribed for different locations and times.
The article also sheds light on how tradition evolves but sometimes dies. Musicologist P. Sambamoorthy even noted the struggle to record Veerammal’s songs and abhinaya, Pallahi Seva Prabandam because the tradition had ceased many years before.
The article details some inspiration for the popular Tamil novel and movie, Thillana Mohanambal, which was based on real people. It was written by Kothamangalam Subbu. Samikannu, the nagaswaram player in the novel, was actually his great-grandfather Samiappa Nayanakkarar. Kodi Veetu Kuppu, the character who creates trouble in the novel, was actually his grandfather.
The ongoing tradition of the Pari nagaswaram is an important marker of time and a tribute to Tiruvarur’s enduring musical heritage.
First Piper 