Sangeetha Ratnam K. P. Govinda Pisharodi Bhagavathar

Paloor Madham (Thekke Pisharath) K. P. Govinda Pisharodi Bhagavathar was a distinguished disciple of the legendary Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.

Born to Karunakara Pisharodi and Irinjalakuda Krishna Pisharath Narayani Pisharasyar, he was a prodigy in Carnatic music. From the age of sixteen, he took up music teaching as his profession.

In his early career, apart from performing in concerts, he served as a music teacher for many prominent Brahmin families in Malabar. His teaching engagements included renowned households such as Poomulli Mana, Nariri Mana, Nilambur Kovilakam, Ottur Mana, and Maratt Mana at Karuvarakund, in addition to teaching in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, and Kottakkal.

Govinda Pisharodi was one of Chembai’s most eminent disciples. On one occasion, during a function where Padma Vibhushan Dr. K. J. Yesudas was being honoured with a ponnada by Guru Chembai, the master blessed Pisharodi, saying, “Sharodi can live his entire life through music.” Staying true to that blessing, he dedicated his life entirely to music until his very end.

For nearly five decades, he regularly performed Carnatic vocal music at the Thrissur and Kozhikode All India Radio stations. He was also a member of the Kottakkal PSV Natyasangham and occasionally acted in Kathakali plays.

Over the years, he trained numerous disciples, among them the noted musician, singer, and actor Shri Krishnachandran, and the sister of the renowned playback singer Jayachandran. Many students received his guidance at his residence in Pulamanthole.

His concerts featured a rich repertoire of about 500 compositions, all memorized, learned directly from his guru, and never written down—a priceless treasure lost to time.

In recognition of his contributions, he was honoured in his hometown and the places where he lived. On April 5–6, 1986, during the Swathi Thirunal Music Festival organized by the Sangeethakala Poshini Sabha, Irinjalakuda, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Chairman T. R. Sukumaran Nair conferred upon him the title Sangeetha Ratnam. He was also felicitated at Pulamanthole High School by the local community and received honours from the Kottakkal PSV Natyasangham.

Family:

• Wife: Paloor Thekke Pisharath Madhavi Pisharasyar
• Children: (Late) Madhusoodanan, Hemalatha, Geetha, Jayachandran
• Sons/Daughters-in-law: Shantha, Chandrasekharan, Narayanan, Kavitha

K. P. Govinda Pisharodi Bhagavathar passed away in July 1995 at the age of 82.