Ettayapuram Akhandam - Guidelines
Namaskarams!!
To mark the birthday of Muddusvami Dikshitar, Guruguhaamrta conducts a day long homage at the Holy samadhi of Dikhitar at Ettayapuram
The upcoming annual homage to Dikshitar at Ettayapuram is on March 14th, 2025 from 8 am to 8 pm.
Q: What is this homage?
A: The homage is a day-long tribute to Muddusvami Dikshitar’s kīrtanams, held annually at his
Samadhi in Ettayapuram. It typically takes place in March, coinciding with Dikshitar’s birth
month, and runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with continuous musical offerings throughout the day.
Q: Where is this held?
A: It is held in Ettayapuram, a town in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu. The venue is right next
to the Ettayapuram bus stand. Look for the Nāda Jyoti Muddusvami Dikshitar Mani
Mandapam on Google Maps (a link will be provided on the page).
Q: How do I reach Ettayapuram?
A: Ettayapuram is a little over an hour’s drive from Madurai. The closest railway station is
Kovilpatti, where most trains stop. Popular trains from Chennai include the Nellai Express, Pearl
City Express, among others.
Q: Where do I stay when I visit Ettayapuram for the homage?
A: For the day-long homage organized by Guruguhaamrta, there will be temporary
accommodation in Kovilpatti to freshen up. Those looking for overnight stay can book rooms at
hotels in Kovilpatti. Options (at the time of writing) include Hotel Ananda, Hotel Reva Plaza,
Hotel Ango Plaza, and others.
Q: What are the logistics for the event?
A: On the day of the homage, participants—both singers and listeners—should plan to arrive at
Kovilpatti. Buses from Kovilpatti to Ettayapuram will be organized by the Guruguhaamrta Trust.
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided at Ettayapuram for all attendees. The same buses
will drop everyone back to Kovilpatti in the evening. The event typically concludes around 7
p.m., and return to Kovilpatti is by around 8 p.m.
Q: How do I participate in this as a Performer?
A: To participate, you need to register. Please register using the link provided in the end of the page.
Q: I am not a performer, but would like to take part in the Akhandam as a listener. Can I register ?
A: Yes, you can take part in the Akhandam as a listener, please register using the form link provided
below as a listener.
Q: Can I participate in this Akhandam as a group offering Kirtanams with my group together ?
A: Yes, if you want to participate as a Group provided there are three or more artists in the group.
Group rendition can be for a maximum duration of 20 minutes, Please send an email to guruguhaamrta@gmail.com
with your details on how many members and which Kirtanams you want to offer. We will book the slots on your behalf
and keep you informed.
Q: How many kīrtanams can I render as part of the homage?
A: The homage is open to anyone who registers as a performer. Each participant typically gets
to render two Dikshitar kīrtanams, within a total duration of 10 minutes.
Q: Are there any restrictions on which kīrtanams can be rendered?
A: You may render any Dikshitar kīrtanam that is listed in the Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini. A
list of compositions from the Pradarśini will be provided, and repetitions will be avoided.
Q: Is the homage open to both vocalists and instrumentalists?
A: Yes. Both vocal musicians and instrumentalists are warmly welcome to participate.
Q: What about pakkavādyams (co-artists)?
A: A common set of co-artists will be organized by the Trust. Because of this, there may be
restrictions on the śruti (pitch) of renditions. Typically, male musicians are requested to sing at
C, female musicians at G, and instrumentalists at D♯. Suitable exceptions can be made on
request.
Q: How can I support this homage?
A: This homage, like all Guruguhaamrta events, is entirely crowdsourced. We welcome
everyone to support it. Please visit https://www.dikshitar.org/contact-us to learn how you can contribute
financially (Indian Rupees only).