வேதநாயகம்
சாஸ்திரியார்
(1774-1864)
The songs of Poet-Lyricist Vedanayagam Sastriar form an inalienable part of Christian worship in South India and among Tamil Christian congragations in the diaspora. The richness of the Tamil language and the religious fervor of the songs instantly evoke zeal in worship. The reverence in the songs is further augmented by pleasing melodies. One is tempted to go back in time to trace the life and history of Vedanayagam Sastriar to appreciate the circumstances and events that shaped him to be a prolific and poetic crusader for the Triune God.
History
Vedanayagam Sastriar was born on the 7th of September, 1774, the first son of Mr. Devasahayam, a native of Tirunelveli. He lost his mother at a young age. At the age of about ten, he had a clear vision of the Cross, an event which was to influence his entire life. In 1785, a German Missionary, namely Rev. Christian Frederick Schwartz visited Tirunelveli. He took Vedanayagam with him to Tanjore. At that time, Prince Serfoji of the Maratha royal lineage was also studying under Schwartz. Vedanayagam went on to study Theology at the Lutheran Seminary in Tharangambadi, now known as Tranquebar.
After completing his studies, Vedanayagam worked in the villages around Tanjore. He worked as a teacher in a missionary school for a short time. He began to write Christian lyrics and literature. He wrote 133 books and his most famous work is ‘Bethlehem Kuravanji’.
A turning point in his life came when his former classmate, Prince Serfoji became king of Tanjore and appointed Vedanayagam as the official court poet. Vedanayagam was conferred various titles such as ‘Gnanadeepa Kavirayar’, Veda Sastrigal, and ‘Suvisesha Kavirayar’ which established him as the king of evangelical poets.
Sastriar’s songs were styled on Tamil worship songs of the past. His song collection called the ‘Jebamalai’ which means ‘Garland of Prayers’ is popular. His compositions glorify the Triune God and are characterized by high literary quality.
Present Generation of Sastriars
The Sastriar title was conferred on Durairaj at the C.S.I Missionary Chapel, Vepery, on 15th December 1956.
with the full cooperation and permission of the Chennai Diocese and the Bishop,
Durairaj’s father-in-law Mr. Manuel Pillai was a pastor of the I.E.L.C Lutheran Church. Susila and Durairaj have four children: Esther Georgina, Jeyaseelan Jebaraj , Sarah Angelina and Clement Immanuel.
When Durairaj Vedanayagam Sastriar was conferred the title of Sastriar, the congregation of the Christ Church, Vannarapettai, gave him a headgear in remembrance of the title which he wears sometimes to commence his Kalatchebam.
Durairaj has traveled widely - both nationally and internationationally - on ministerial work. Past 85 now and beset with infirmities, he keeps a low profile.
