GURUJI BRAHMASRI
DR. MADUGULA NAGAPHANI SARMA
THE TORCHBEARER OF AVADHANAM
Brahmasri Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma was born to a family of Vedic scholars and poets in the village of Kadavakolanu near Tadipadtri in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. Right from a tender age, Dr. Sarma was inclined towards Vedic literature, poetry and music.
Under the tutelage of his father, he quickly gained mastery in Vedic philosophy, Puranas, Itihasaas and spiritual wisdom. Ignited by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Dr. Sarma rigorously picked up the art of Avadhanam. By the age of 14, Dr. Sarma had performed his first Avadhanam, making him the youngest Avadhani in the country.
Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma, in modern times is singularly credited to have revived and revolutionized this rare art of Avadhanam in both Telugu and Sanskrit languages. Dr.Sarma has performed an extraordinary feat of Dwisahasravadhanam, answering questions of 2116 pruchakas (questioners) in an event spanning 37 days. He is the first and only Dwisahasravadani to perform in both Telugu and Sanskrit languages.
Education
- Doctorate (Ph.D) in Sanskrit from Rastriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati.
- M.A. in Sanskrit from University of Mysore, Karnataka.
- Proficiency in Oriental Learning from Andhra university, Waltair
- Sahitya Shiromani from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi.
Professional Roles
- Chairman, Official Language Commission (Cabinet Rank), Government of United Andhra Pradesh, 1999-2002.
- Additional Secretary, Dharma Prachara Samiti, Tirumala Tirupat Research Scholar – Critical edition project of Srimad Bhagavatam, Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, Tirumala, A.P.hi Devasthanam, Tirumala, A.P.
- Research Scholar – Critical edition project of Srimad Bhagavatam, Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, Tirumala, A.P.
- Chairman and Managing Trustee – Avadhana Saraswathi Peetham, Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Chairman and Managing Trustee – Institute of Scientific Research on Vedas, Hyderabad, Telangana
Reviving the Art of Avadhanam
Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma, in modern times is singularly credited to have revived and revolutionized this rare art of Avadhanam in both Telugu and Sanskrit languages. Dr.Sarma has performed an extraordinary feat of Dwisahasravadhanam, answering questions of 2116 pruchakas (questioners) in an event spanning 37 days. He is the first and only Dwisahasravadani to perform in both Telugu and Sanskrit languages. Blessed with mastery of his cognitive capabilities, Dr. Sarma uses a delectable mix of literature, music, wit and humour to create exquisite shlokas, poetry and songs in his melodious voice. He is credited to be highly creative with his presentation by bringing a lot of novelty to each of his Avadhanams. Apart from the 8 aspects of Avadhanam which are Dattapadi, Samasyaa Pooranam, Varnana, Aasuvu, Nishiddhakshari, Aprastuta Prasangam, Anuvaadam, Dr. Sarma was the first to introduce new aspects like Mee Prasnaku Naa Paata, Swarapadi (Music), Nrityapadi (Dance) and Chitrapadi (Drawing), highlighting the inter-relationship among language, literature, arts and culture.
Over the years, Dr. Nagaphani Sarma’s Avadhanams have stood a class apart and have attracted the praise of prominent celebrities, leaders in public life and general masses alike. They were spellbound by his extraordinary memory, presence of mind and wit coupled with his unique melodious voice. Many famous personalities like Shri P.V. Narasihma Rao, Shri A.B. Vajpayee, Shri. Shankar Dayal Sharma, Shri. N. T. Rama Rao, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu, Shri. Mohan Bhagwat, M.Bala Muralikrishnan, to name a few, have been spellbound by his poetry and pravachanams. Dr. Sarma has performed across various cities in India and was also invited to other countries like the USA, Australia, Singapore, Bahrain, UK, Germany and France, where he had performed avadhanams receiving thunderous applause everywhere.