Divine Foundation & Musical Philosophy

"Veena is a spiritual instrument; what and how you play on it matters, as our music scriptures have included chapters on this Saraswati's instrument."

Following the eternal Vedic principle of 'Nada Brahma' (Sound as Divine), Vidwan Prashanth Iyengar approaches the Saraswati Veena not merely as a musical instrument, but as a sacred pathway to the Divine. His artistry embodies the profound understanding that Sangita (music) serves as both an offering to the Divine and a means of spiritual realization.

Prashanth possesses an inherent, innate understanding of music, which he skillfully brings to life through four decades of unwavering dedication to the field of Karnataka Sangita. His approach transcends mere performance, embracing music as 'Aradhana' (worship).

Sacred Triad of Practice

'Shraddha'

Devotion

'Sadhana'

Disciplined Practice

'Samarpana'

Surrender to the Divine

Divine Heritage & Celestial Manifestations

Born into a family of musicians, scholars, and Sanskrit virtuosos associated with the former Mysore Royal Palace, Prashanth's musical awakening at age five represents a clear manifestation of 'Poorva Janma Samskara' (impressions from previous births). His exceptional prowess on the Veena can only be described as that of a natural musical prodigy blessed with 'Saraswati Kripa' (Goddess Saraswati's grace).

The Divine Manifestation

The divine nature of his gift became evident when, at age seven, his mother was shocked to witness him playing 'Endaro Mahanubhavulu' on the Veena even before formal lessons commenced. By age eight, he effortlessly performed intricate compositions of Karnataka Music, establishing his position as a 'Bala Prodigy' (child prodigy) in the truest sense.

"Her gentle twangs not just brought the raga and kritis alive, but the divinity of the mellow instrument reverberated and struck a chord within me... To all of us at home, Veena has remained more interesting than food!"

Sacred Lineage - Guru-Shishya Parampara

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Prathama Guru

Vidushi Smt. Padmasini Narasimhachar - Revered mother and first teacher, embodying 'Matru Devo Bhava'

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Veena Maestro

'Kalaimamani' R.K. Suryanarayana - Advanced training in Mysore Bhakshi Subbanna Parampara

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Violin Maestro

Vidwan Parur M.S. Gopalakrishna - Transformative guidance in bringing 'jeeva' through gamakas

"Never blindly follow a guru but bring forth expressions that are individualistic. Feel the sahitya, understand the bhava even if you have to play the kriti 100 times over."
- Guru R.K. Suryanarayana

Tyagaraja Lineage Connection

Prashanth Iyengar hails from the esteemed lineage of the renowned Saint-Composer Sri Tyagaraja, establishing his position within the most sacred parampara of Karnataka Sangita. This spiritual connection manifests in his deep interpretation of the saint's compositions, including the profound Pancharatna Kritis.

Revolutionary Musical Innovations & Divine Artistry

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Unique Instrumental Enhancement

Innovative incorporation of resonating sympathetic strings creating harmonious coordination of diverse instrumental sounds

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Urdhva Mukha Technique

Pioneered unique upward-facing playing technique, beautifully demonstrated during Veena propitiation to Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam

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Standing Posture Innovation

Only artiste from Karnataka to play Veena in Standing Posture - a distinctive innovation maintaining complete sampradaya adherence

Concert Philosophy

At his concerts, Prashanth precedes each piece with explanations "for audiences to understand the core implications behind the composer's thoughts and musicality," making classical music accessible while maintaining its sacred depth.

Historic Achievements & World Records

🏆 World Record Achievement

April 21, 2010 - 25-Hour Marathon Veena Concert

Created history with his Akhanda Sangita Aradhana at Srirangapatna Temple premises, earning recognition in the Limca Book of Records. This extraordinary feat represented not mere endurance but embodied the ancient practice of continuous devotional music as spiritual discipline.

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International Cultural Ambassador

2018 - First Veena player to perform in Venice and Verona, presenting 'NADA VEDA' concept through pure Veena concert

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Ancient Instrument Reconstruction

2015 - Reconstructed Pandarika Vitthala Mela Veena from 16th century treatise 'Nartana Nirnaya' at IGNCA National Seminar

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Conference Innovation

Since 2014 - Conceptualized "Veena Tattva Prakashika" - first exclusive conference in Karnataka Music history dedicated to Saraswati Veena

Government Recognition

1997 - Performed before former Chief Minister of Karnataka, J.H. Patel, at Vidhana Soudha during Kannada Rajyothsava celebrations, highlighting his status as a prominent cultural ambassador for the state.

Educational Excellence & Holistic Learning

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Academic Achievements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy
  • Diploma in Computer Engineering
  • Third Rank in Vidwath Examination (Equivalent to Master's in Music)
  • First Prize at Madras Music Academy
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Spiritual & Physical Disciplines

Incorporates Yoga practice for meditative benefits, understanding the profound connection between 'Sharir Shuddhi' (physical purification) and 'Nada Shuddhi' (tonal purification)

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Government Innovation

As head of music department in Directorate of Textbooks, Government of Karnataka, introduced integrated system combining Sangita, Natya, and Yoga

Compositional Genius - Complete Kriti Ratna Treasury

🎼 Historic Achievement

First composer from Karnataka and second in India (after Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna) to compose Varnams in all 72 Melakartha Ragas, achieving this as the youngest composer to accomplish this monumental 'Ragamala Srishti' (creation of raga garland).

Foundational Exercises

  • 72 Sarales - Basic exercises for raga and swara proficiency
  • Dhatu Janti Gamaka Alankaras - Melodic patterns with intricate ornamentations

Structured Compositions

  • 24 Swarajathis - Melodic compositions with intricate rhythmic patterns
  • 108 Varnams - Including historic 72 Melakartha Varnams plus sapta-tala varnas

Devotional Works

  • 100 Keertanas - Devotional songs expressing divine praise
  • 10 Devaranamas - Compositions dedicated to the divine
  • 20 Kritis - Classical compositions in traditional format
  • 5 Tillanas - Rhythmic compositions showcasing 'Laya Gnana'

Revolutionary Scholarly Publications

📚 "The Science of Playing Veena"

First Edition, January 2024 | ISBN: 25830|ISBN|2023|A

Historic First Achievement

Prashanth Iyengar is the first in the history of Carnatic Music to publish this groundbreaking research work - "An Exploration of the Biological and Spiritual Aspects of the Human Body and Mind, Examining Their Connection with the Practice and Art of Playing the Veena."

Anatomical Analysis

Human body correlation to Veena playing mechanics, upper limb joints, kinematics, and comparative studies

Physiological Functions

Neuro-muscular systems, motor functions, proprioception, muscle memory, and auditory processes

Spiritual Dimensions

Introducing "Veena Nada Yoga" as new discipline, covering therapeutic applications and "Veena Naada Chakra Meditation"

Traditional Literary Work

'Varna Lakshana Ranjani' - Featuring 72 Melakartha Varnams and 72 Lakshana Geethes in Kannada, English, and Hindi, with the extraordinary distinction of being meticulously hand-written by his revered mother Padmasini Narasimhachar.

Sacred Honors & Spiritual Recognition

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Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Asthana Vidwan

The most revered recognition from one of Hinduism's holiest institutions, establishing formal position within temple music tradition

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'Vainika Kesari'

From Gurunanak Seva Trust - Acknowledging lion-like mastery among Veena players

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'Vainika Visharada'

By His Holiness Rangapriya Swamiji from Astanga Yogamandira - Recognizing profound scholarship in Veena art

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'Pranavashree'

By Sreekantham Nagendra Shastry, Chintalapalli Trust - Honoring spiritual approach to music

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'Mahopadhaya'

By Sri Vidya International University - Recognizing role as great teacher in guru tradition

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Swaramedha Sangeeta Ratna

By Swaramedha International Music Academy® - Honoring as gem of music

High-Level Recognition

Honored by His Excellency the Governor of Karnataka State Sri H.R. Bharadhwaj, Dr. Sathyanarayana, and Supreme Court Justice Sri Venkatachalaiah, demonstrating recognition at the highest levels of society.

Educational Mission - Vidya Dana Parampara

Sreerama Centre of Performing Arts Leadership

As Managing Trustee and Director of the Sreerama Centre of Performing Arts (established 1972 by his mother), Prashanth has nurtured musical talent for over fifty years. The institution operates on 'Gurukula Parampara' principles with specific focus on promoting the divine Saraswati Veena.

Teaching Methodology
  • • Shruti Shuddhi (tonal purity)
  • • Raga Bhava (emotional essence)
  • • Sahitya Bodha (textual understanding)
  • • Manodharma Sangita (creative improvisation)
  • • Spiritual Significance
Organizational Leadership
  • • Managing Trustee - Veenaganalaya
  • • Vice-President - Sree Karanji Sree Rama Seva Samithi
  • • Founder Trustee - Karnataka Classical Music Confederation

Media Publications & Cultural Propagation

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Audio Recordings

  • "Guru Vandana" - Akshaya Audios
  • "Tyagaraja Yoga Vaibhavam" - Lahari Reviews
  • "Mannollasini" - Veena Violin Duet with Dr. Jyothsna Srikanth
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Television Presence

  • Doordarshan - Regular Veena recitals
  • Udaya TV - "Dasha Veena Recital" on Vijayadashami
  • Shankara TV - "Pancharatna Kritis"
  • Sapta Veena Concert - Seven-Veena ensemble
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Digital Presence

YouTube Channel: "Veena Upasaka" - Dedicated to spreading divine sounds of Saraswati Veena globally

Website: www.theveena.com

Critical Acclaim & Press Recognition

The Hindu - "The food of life" by Ranjani Govind

"Prashanth Iyengar takes the cause of the Veena firmly forward. He is not only a musician but also a composer... Prashanth is curious to learn, just as he believes in the importance of sharing knowledge through lec-dems, workshops, music appreciation courses at his Sree Rama Centre of Performing Arts."

The Hindu - "Deft evocativeness" by Madhavi Ramkumar

"A Veena concert by Prashanth Iyengar was a picture of purity and clarity... The fairly exhaustive raga elaboration was suffused with raga bhava and heavy classicism, drawing from extensive reservoirs of manodharma founded on impressive control and expertise."

Performance Innovation

Critics noted his revolutionary request to switch off auditorium lights during alapana and thana "in an effort to emphasize the higher purpose of music that transcends mere performance," accompanied by introductory chanting of 'Om'.

The Hindu, Thiruvananthapuram - "Paeans to Tyagaraja" (2014)

"Prashanth Iyengar charmed as much with his Veena music as with his traditional attire complete with a 'namam'... He dexterously presented the tanam in quick sancharas... As the decibels rose, the bustle of swaras offered many a thrilling variation."

Notable Performance Repertoire & Signature Presentations

Classic Compositions

  • Bhairavi Ata Tala Varna "Viriboni" - Heavily gamaka-imbued two-speed renditions
  • Tyagaraja Pancharatna "Jagadaananda Kaaraka" - Contains ashtothara shathanaamaavali of Lord Rama
  • "Endaro Mahanubhavulu" - His childhood prodigy piece
  • Thodi Raga Thana Pallavi - Extended elaborate presentations

Muthuswami Deekshithar Compositions

  • "Sri Maha Ganapathiravathu Mam"
  • "Anandamrithakarshini"
  • Amrithavarshini alapana with intricate sancharas

Innovation Presentations

  • 72 Melakartha Varna presentations - Historic compositional achievement
  • Sapta Veena ensembles - Seven Veena coordinated performances
  • Ragamalika presentations - Innovative approaches maintaining sampradaya

Regular Accompanists

Regular collaboration with accomplished artists including B.C. Manjunath (mridanga), Ranganatha Chakravarthy (ghata), Balakrishna Kamath (mridangam), and Mangad Pramod (ghatam), receiving exemplary percussion support.

Connect with the Divine Music

Address

No 174, 7th Main, 3rd Cross
Nagendra Block, Bank Colony
Bangalore - 560050

Phone

08026421053
9743644530
9964726938

YouTube

@VeenaUpasaka

Wikipedia

Wikipedia Profile

Interview

Video Interview

For Concert Bookings, Workshops & Music Education

Experience the divine journey of Saraswati Veena through traditional Gurukula Parampara at Sreerama Centre of Performing Arts