THE FOLLOWING ESSAY is an English adaptation of Sri D.V. Gundappa’s Kannada profile of Sri Vina Sambayya, a renowned Vina exponent who flourished in the Mysore kingdom under the patronage of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. It is the ninth chapter entitled Mysoreina Moovaru Vainikaru appearing in volume entitled Kalopasakaru, part of the Jnapaka Chitrashale series. Translation by Sandeep Balakrishna.
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VINA SAMBAYYA was not only an accomplished exponent of the Vina, but was austere and orthodox in his conduct. He was also learned in Jyothisha and Ayurveda. The Mysore Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III reposed great trust and respect in him. He often consulted him regarding his personal matters and sought his advice. Therefore, it was but natural that some music Vidwans in Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s court felt jealous of him.
Sambayya would perform a Vina concert every Friday in the large hall in the Amba Vilas palace[i]. On a certain Friday, Sambayya’s fingers worked pure magic on the instrument. The Maharaja was thoroughly pleased and gifted him with an expensive shawl and bracelet with his own hands.
After the concert ended and the assembly had dispersed, the Maharaja turned to three or four of his courtiers and said, “Sambayya was indeed possessed by divinity today; he played marvellously! It’s been years since I’ve heard this sort of music.”
One of the courtiers said, “True, Sambayya is indeed talented; except that he needs to quit one habit.”
“What’s that?”
“He doesn’t know the etiquette of assembly! He twirls his moustache in the presence of His Highness.”
When Sambayya strummed the strings of the Vina, his hand would remain occupied but for that fractional interval of the Vareku, or reverberation. In that interval of freedom, his hand automatically touched his moustache. The moustache was lush and imposing. Touching it constantly was the consequence of an age-old habit. It had no meaning whatsoever. Other Vidwans interpreted it to mean arrogance.
The Maharaja beamed a negligent smile and said, “It’s some habit. One shouldn’t notice it.” Thus, the efforts of these petty-minded Vidwans went in vain.
About a month or two later, in yet another Friday concert, Sambayya’s music touched another peak. As usual, the jubilant Maharaja showered profuse praise on him. This time, another Vidwan adopted a different tactic. He said:
“Your Highness, the devotion and piety of Sambayya is renowned. His mind is filled with a desire for a very long time.”
The Maharaja said: “What is it?”
“For many years, he’s been wanting to perform a Yaga in the honour of the Devi. He is a steadfast devotee of Devi Chamundeshwari.”
“Why not? That’s not difficult. We shall supply all the necessary resources and conveniences. We shall inform the Motikhana, the treasury. You consult the astrologer, fix an auspicious Lagna[ii] and tell Sambayya to get ready.”
From then on, things proceeded according to the Maharaja’s words. The Lagna was fixed. A decorated canopy and a Mantapa was erected in front of Sambayya’s house. As part of the programme, on the evening before the actual Yaga, a procession made its way to Sambayya’s house. Vedic Pandits performed the initatory rites. The Ritwiks chanted the appropriate Vedic hymns. Sambayya and his wife were immersed in joy.
On the morning of the actual Yaga, both Sambayya and his wife partook in the sacred ritual whereby they were anointed with oil. Married Brahmin women had arrived in significant numbers. After he had finished his auspicious bath, he underwent the elaborate shaving procedure, which was part of the Deeksha process, which in turn qualified him to perform the Yaga.
After shaving, he went to the bathroom to have bath. All the servants who were present earlier in the morning had disappeared. He called out. No response. He came out to the hall. It was deserted. Heaps of rice and grains and partially chopped vegetables lay unattended. There was nobody in the kitchen. The orchestra that had accompanied the procession earlier was now missing.
Apart from Sambayya’s family, there was no sign of anyone. The canopy and the Mantap were empty.
Sambayya was astonished. He could fathom nothing. There was nobody around to tell him what had happened. Presently, he spotted an acquaintance walking on the street. He called out to him, explained the situation and asked him what had happened. The person replied:
“Whatever work had to be done has been done, Swami. That’s why everybody has gone.”
Sambayya: “What’s that work?”
He: “The work of getting your moustache shaved off.”
Sambayya erupted with fury. He was short-tempered by nature. And now this had happened. The next moment, he hoisted his Vina on his shoulders and took a copper pot in his hand. He told his wife to get him some clothes for temporary use. Then he walked all the way to Srirangapattana. He decided to have his bath and lunch there.
By then, news of this incident had reached the Maharaja’s ears. He was filled with great remorse at this roguery accomplished by petty-minded Vidwans. He decided to bring Sambayya back at any cost and dispatched a few of his trusted courtiers to Srirangapattana.
When they pleaded with him to return, this is what Sambayya told them:
“From now onwards, this Samba will play his Vina to please only that Samba (Lord Shiva). This Samba will not bow down before any human. I have great regard for the Maharaja. But his court is not endowed with the dignity befitting his noble stature.
“I’m leaving for Tirupati. I will stay for three months in the Court of the Lord there and offer him the seva[iii] of my music every day. After that, I’ll go to Srikalahasti. Those who really wish to listen to this Vina should come to the sanctum of the Lord there.”
THIS IS TYPICALLY the fate of a majority of people who embark on public service in our country.
If someone says that they want to build a temple, everybody responds, “How great of you! Wonderful!”
Or those who say that they want to build a school, the public response is, “Yes, yes, this is a great necessity.”
They pat the back of such persons and offer words of encouragement. When the fool who is thus encouraged believes all this and takes initiative, they push him forward while they themselves remain safely behind. When the endeavour fails, they remark, “didn’t we tell you earlier that this was a mad attempt?”
They laugh among themselves at this fool and proudly congratulate themselves for their own brilliance.
[i] Amba Vilas Palace is today’s Mysore Palace.
[ii] Lagna also means Muhurtam or a specific time on a specific date typically fixed for auspicious occasions like marriage or festivals or pujas.
[iii] Seva variously means “service,” “worship,” and “offering.”
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