Subject: REFERENCES OF TANTRA ASPECTS IN SRI MUTTUSWAMY DIKSHITAR’S DEVI KRUTHIS
Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh delivered a stellar lecture–demonstration on “References of Tantra Aspects in Sri Muttuswamy Dikshitar’s Devi Kritis” at the sixth Music Conference of Malleshwaram Sangeetha Sabha. She highlighted the multidimensional Tantric elements embedded in Dikshitar’s compositions, emphasising his stature as a versatile composer deeply adept in tantra, mantra and yantra traditions. His mastery in these esoteric streams, she noted, is vividly reflected in works like the Kamalamba Navavarana series—where each of the nine kritis is believed to be as potent as performing a physical pooja.
She further elaborated on several rare compositions such as Nabhomani and Renukadevi in Kannada Bangala, demonstrating how Dikshitar encoded philosophical depth, spiritual symbolism, and intricate musical architecture within his kritis. She was ably supported on vocals by her students, Dr. Shivashankari J. and Dr. Ragini Sanath.
