Annamayya

Annamayya, also known as Venkatasubbayya or Kumara Annamayya, was a 15th‑century Telugu saint‑composer revered for his devotion to Lord Venkateshwara. He was born in 1441 in the village of Nagirevula, near Tirupati in present‑day Andhra Pradesh. From a young age he showed a deep spiritual inclination and was moved by the worship of the deity residing in the Tirumala temple. He became ill and began composing hymns in praise of Venkateshwara, which were set to music and gained popularity among devotees.

Over his lifetime Annamayya produced more than 7,000 Sanskrit and Telugu compositions that expanded the genre of devotional music in South India. His works are sung in the classical style known as Sankirtana and are performed in temple festivals across the country. He used lyrical verses coupled with simple melodies that made the hymns accessible to ordinary folk. Annamayya’s compositions are notable for their spiritual depth and musical innovation, and he is credited with bridging the gap between devotional intensity and scholarly musicality.

Annamayya died in 1495, but his legacy endures. The Tirumala Veere Krishna Devaraya Temple hosts an annual music festival dedicated to his compositions. Statues and schools bear his name, and his hymns continue to be an integral part of Telugu devotional culture. His contributions are studied in music conservatories and are considered foundational to the Telugu classical and folk traditions.