Sri Syama Sastri’s
Swarajathi workshop
by Vidushi Smt Kalpana Kishore
HYBRID (Both online & In person)
Syama Sastri (1762–1827) was one of the illustrious Trinity of Carnatic music, alongside Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar. Born in Tiruvarur, he later became closely associated with the worship of Goddess Kamakshi at Kanchipuram, which deeply influenced his compositions.
Renowned for his mastery over rhythm (laya) and intricate tala structures, Syama Sastri’s works are fewer in number but rich in depth and emotional intensity. His compositions, primarily in Telugu and Sanskrit, are marked by profound devotion, especially towards Goddess Kamakshi, whom he addressed with a deeply personal and pleading tone.
Syama Sastri is particularly celebrated for his exquisite Swarajatis, most notably the renowned “RATNATRAYAM’, which stand as masterpieces of Carnatic music, seamlessly blending rhythmic sophistication with profound emotional expression. His compositions are marked by a rare dignity, inner strength and deep bhakti, continuing to inspire both musicians and rasikas alike.
Highlights
Here students will deal with One SWARAJATHI in the raaga Yadukula Kamboji
Shyama Sastri has judiciously used the lengthy nature of the Yadukula Kamboji Swarajathi showcasing the Dhatu, Janta, exaggerated Jarus, contrasting phrases and patterns covering all 3 octaves, though Yadukula Kamboji is usually handled predominantly in the madhya and mandra sthayis, thus bringing out the Raagabhava in all its grandeur, opening new doors for the melodic approach for Yadukula Kamboji in Manodharma.
Workshop content:
Kaamaakshi Nee Padayugamu
Raaga: Yadukula Kamboji
Tala: Misra Chapu
A deeply expressive piece, rich in bhakti and rhythmic intricacy.
Prerequisite: Students should have learnt at least 10 Varnams and 20 krithis
Details:
Type: HYBRID group workshop
Content : Swarajathi in Raaga Yadukula Kamboji will be taught.
Dates: 29th August 2026
Day: Saturday
Timings: 2 pm to 5 pm IST IST
Duration per session: 3 hrs (with a tea break)
Online platform : Zoom
Inperson: @ Prestige Ozone, Whitefield, Bengaluru
Type of workshop: LIVE & Online for both learners of music and instrumentalists
Age limit: 12 years and above
Minimum number of students : 5
Maximum number of students: 20
Workshop fee: Rs 2000 India Students & Rs 5000 for Students abroad
Note: Parents consent and details mandatory in case of minor