Book on Annamacharya Sankeerthanas released

The 513th vardhanti of Tallapaka Annamacharya was observed by Andhra Arts Academy in association with Sri Krishna Swara Raga Sravanthi at Ghantasala Music College in the city on Monday. On the occasion, a book titled ‘Sri Ramanjaneya Ramaneeyam’, penned by writer and commentator Venkat Garikipati was released. Veteran musician Kalaprapoorna Balantrapu Rajaneekantha Rao released the book.

Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist Turlapati Kutumba Rao admiring the lyrical prowess of Annamacharya said that his poems are a treasure in the Telugu history. “About 32000 versus in praise of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala were rendered by Annmacharya, whose sankeerthanalu now are famous all over the globe. I congratulate the writer's attempt to simplify the versus for common people's understanding,” he said.

Writer Venkat was appreciated by the guests for his persistent efforts in popularising the lyrics of Annamacharya. He has compiled a voluminous 506 rare Sankeerthanas in a book titled ‘Annamayya Sankeerthana Ratnakaramu’ besides coming up with commentary and meanings of the tough phrases used by Annamayya in books called ‘Annamayya Sankeerthana Sudhakaramu’ and ‘Annamayya Sankeerthana Sanjeevani’. Musician Pemmaraju Surya Rao, noted stage artist Garikipati Kalidasu were among others who spoke on the occasion.