Date:14/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/14/stories/2008041453800400.htm

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Andhra Pradesh

They play on for Lord Rama

D. Chandra Bhaskar Rao

S. K. Hussain and Sheik Maulana have been serving the Lord playing the Nadaswaram at the Bhadradri temple for years

– Photo: G.N. Rao

Keeping up the tradition: S. K. Hussain and Sheik Maulana, the Nadaswaram players at the Bhadradri temple.

BHADRACHALAM: The Nadaswaram is an important appendage of the daily rituals at the Bhadradri temple.

The Vaishnavite shrine has two musicians of eminence who shouldered the task of continuing the tradition. S. K. Hussain and Sheik Maulana are known for playing resounding notes on the instrument that create vibrant ambience for every occasion.

More so with the rituals of annual events particularly the Sri Rama Navami . The daily services unfold with Aradhana and chanting of Vedic hymns. Rituals performed by the priests will have the accompaniment of the Nadaswaram. Appropriate ragas are rendered each time by the duo invoking the gods and capturing the hearts of devotees. They are in the service of Lord Rama all the year round. But they never do neglect the customs of their own faith. They take part in all the principal Muslim festivals and attend special congregational prayers in mosques.

S. K. Hussain has been playing the Nadaswaram at Bharadri, the abode of Lord Rama for the past 25 years. Due to retire next year, this will be the silver jubilee Sri Rama Navami for him. Sheik Maulana has been doing so for the past eight years.

Both are proficient in playing Annamayya keertans and Bhakta Ramdas keertans. Hussain calls the instrument as a combination of both music and divinity. It cannot be identified with any single faith or religion. Before joining the temple service he had performed in the presence of many dignitaries including former Chief Minister M. Channa Reddy.

He moved to Bhadrachalam from his native village Regulagadda in Guntur district some time in 1982 as the then executive officer of the temple, Krishnamurthy offered him the job impressed by his performance at a private function. After all it is a temple with a unique tradition of enjoying the patronage of the Muslim rulers.