Cheyyur Chengalvaraya Sastri

Cheyyur Chengalvaraya Sastri (1810–1900) was a renowned Carnatic music composer from Tamil Nadu, India. Born in 1810 as Marpeddi in Perumpedu village, he was proficient in Sanskrit, Telugu, Bharatanatyam, and music. He composed numerous devotional pieces known as kritis, padams, and yakshaganams in Sanskrit, Telugu, and Tamil, with themes centered around Hindu deities.

Upon invitation from Periya Kalappa, a Jamindar of Cheyyur, Sastri moved there and became associated with the Goddess Muktamba Devi of Cheyyur. He dedicated his life to her temple, even declining an offer from the King of Berhampur to reside in his palace. Sastri composed over 1000 kritis, many of which were impromptu. Notable themes included Goddess Kamakshi (360 compositions), Goddess Meenakshi (240 compositions), and Lord Venkateshwara (over 100 compositions). His works also included *Muddukumara Satakam*, a Yakshaganam titled *"Sundareshwara Vilasam"*, and a padya prabandham titled *"Charuleela Vilasam"* in Telugu. He used his name "chengalvaraya" as his mudra (signature) in compositions.

His compositions, including well-known ragas like todi, madhyamAvati, and kalyāṇi, reflect his deep spiritual devotion and artistic mastery.