Divine Foundation & Musical Philosophy
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.
Sacred Lineage - Guru-Shishya Parampara
Prathama Guru
Vidushi Smt. Padmasini Narasimhachar - Revered mother and first teacher, embodying 'Matru Devo Bhava'
Veena Maestro
'Kalaimamani' R.K. Suryanarayana - Advanced training in Mysore Bhakshi Subbanna Parampara
Violin Maestro
Vidwan Parur M.S. Gopalakrishna - Transformative guidance in bringing 'jeeva' through gamakas
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
Unique Instrumental Enhancement
Innovative incorporation of resonating sympathetic strings creating harmonious coordination of diverse instrumental sounds
Urdhva Mukha Technique
Pioneered unique upward-facing playing technique, beautifully demonstrated during Veena propitiation to Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam
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.
International Cultural Ambassador
2018 - First Veena player to perform in Venice and Verona, presenting 'NADA VEDA' concept through pure Veena concert
Ancient Instrument Reconstruction
2015 - Reconstructed Pandarika Vitthala Mela Veena from 16th century treatise 'Nartana Nirnaya' at IGNCA National Seminar
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
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
Spiritual & Physical Disciplines
Incorporates Yoga practice for meditative benefits, understanding the profound connection between 'Sharir Shuddhi' (physical purification) and 'Nada Shuddhi' (tonal purification)
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
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Asthana Vidwan
The most revered recognition from one of Hinduism's holiest institutions, establishing formal position within temple music tradition
'Vainika Kesari'
From Gurunanak Seva Trust - Acknowledging lion-like mastery among Veena players
'Vainika Visharada'
By His Holiness Rangapriya Swamiji from Astanga Yogamandira - Recognizing profound scholarship in Veena art
'Pranavashree'
By Sreekantham Nagendra Shastry, Chintalapalli Trust - Honoring spiritual approach to music
'Mahopadhaya'
By Sri Vidya International University - Recognizing role as great teacher in guru tradition
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
Audio Recordings
- "Guru Vandana" - Akshaya Audios
- "Tyagaraja Yoga Vaibhavam" - Lahari Reviews
- "Mannollasini" - Veena Violin Duet with Dr. Jyothsna Srikanth
Television Presence
- Doordarshan - Regular Veena recitals
- Udaya TV - "Dasha Veena Recital" on Vijayadashami
- Shankara TV - "Pancharatna Kritis"
- Sapta Veena Concert - Seven-Veena ensemble
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
Website
YouTube
Wikipedia
Interview
For Concert Bookings, Workshops & Music Education
Experience the divine journey of Saraswati Veena through traditional Gurukula Parampara at Sreerama Centre of Performing Arts