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Born into a Roman Catholic family in Tirunelveli on 7 September 1774, first son of
Catechist Devasahayam (previously Arunachalam) and Gnanapoo. He and his sisters
Susaiammal and Bakkiammal lost their mother at a young age. At the age of ten, he is said to
have had a vision of the cross of Christ.

Influenced by the teachings of the New Testament, as shown to him by some

acquaintances, he sought out Rev C. F. Schwartz , a German missionary and embraced
Protestantism at the age of 12.

He had his education under the tutorage of Rev C. F. Schwartz. At the time, the latter had
another younger but notable pupil, Prince Serfoji, who became the Raja of Tanjore. Their
education was modeled after the gurukulam style where guru and pupils live together.

He then did his theological studies at the Lutheran Seminary in Tranquebar. His professor
was Dr. John. Others who influenced him were Dr. Kammerer and Rev. Rottler.

He worked in the villages around Tanjore as a mission school teacher at the age of 19. He
taught Literature and Arithmetic, along with other subjects. He then became the Head Master.

He was appointed as the official court poet in the palace of his classmate, King Serfoji. In
the early days, his life in the palace was peaceful, the King himself regarding him as an elder
brother. But in later years, several powerful individuals in the palace were intolerant towards
Christianity. Nevertheless Vedanayagam Sastriar was fearless and outspoken, respecting the faith
of others but also firm in his own. The only bajans he would sing till the very end were those of
Jesus Christ.

His faith and convictions influenced many. Notable among them was his influence over
the much younger N. Samuel of Tranquebar, whose father, the librarian in the Saraswathi Mahal
Library, engaged in many an argument with the older court poet about religion before he
converted to Christianity.
@ @
 
 
Veda Sironmani Gnana Kavichakravarthy
Gnanadeepa Kavirayar
Veda Sastrigal
Suvisesha kavirayar

    

Sastriar introduced Tamil literary traditions to Christian literary works. His songs were
based on Thevaram and Tiruppugazh rhymes. He used Thayumannavar¶s style in a particular
song collection entitled Jebamalai or Garland of prayers.

His songs are sung in Tamil churches to this day. The popularity and timeless quality of
the songs may be attributed to their clear and simple message, skillful poetic craftmanship,
richness of the Tamil usage, and pleasant and suitable melodies.

He introduced and popularized a number of phrases describing the greatness of God.

V
  All-powerful God



 One who excels all and is accessible to all

  Redeeemer

 

, One who has no beginning or end

   One free from impurity
 
 
unique Lord




 , One who is complete

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The best-known of the 133 books authored by him

  
 

  

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A collection of prayer songs


 

     
   


   

 

 
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A composition of 100 stanzas as a commentary on the Song of
Solomon
He is the foremost among the triumvirate of Tamil Christian poets, the other two being
Krishnapillai of Palyamkottai and N. Samuel of Tranquebar.

The United Theological College in Bangalore preserves some of the original manuscripts
of his writings, as part of their collection of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books
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&@ ' The songs of Poet-Lyricist Vedanayagam Sastriar form an
inalienable part of Christian worship in South India. The richness of the Tamil
language and the religious fervour of the songs instantly evoke zeal in the worship.
The reverence in the songs is further augmented by their pleasing melodies. One is
tempted to go back in time to trace the life and history of Vedanayagam Sastriar to
appreciate the circumstances and events that shaped him to be a prolific and poetic
crusader for the Triune God.

$(  @ %' Vedanayagam Sastriar was born on the 7th of September,
1774, the first son of Mr. Devasahayam, a native of Tirunelveli. He lost his mother
at a young age. At the age of ten, he had a clear vision of the Cross and Christ, an
event which was to influence his entire life. In 1785, a German Missionary, Rev.
Swartz visited Tirunelveli. He took Vednayagam with him to Tanjore. At that time
Prince Serfoji was also studying under Rev. Swartz. Vedanayagam went on to
study Theology at the Lutheran Seminary in Tharangambadi, now known as
Tranquebar.

After completing his studies, Vedanayagam worked in the villages around

Tanjore. He worked as a teacher in a missionary school for a short time. He began
to write Christian lyrics and literature. He wrote 133 books and his most famous
work is µBethlehem Kuravanji¶. His well known songs include µThandanai
Thudhipome¶, µAmen Alleluyah, Mahathuva Thambarabara¶ and µEsuvaiye Thudhi
sei nee Maname.¶

A turning point in his life came when his former classmate, Prince Serfoji
became king of Tanjore and appointed Vedanayagam as the official court poet.
Vedanayagam was conferred various titles such as µGnanadeepa Kavirayar¶, Veda
Sastrigal and µSuvisesha Kavirayar¶ which established him the King of Evangelical
Poets.

Sastriar¶s songs were based on Thevaram (hymns of Saivaite Saints) and

Tiruppugazh rhymes. Some songs in Thayumannavar¶s style are found in his song
collection called the µJebamalai¶ which means µGarland of Prayers¶. His
compositions glorify the Triune God and are characterized by high literary quality.
He continued to glorify God and he spread the Gospel as far as Ceylon in spite of
personal tragedies and setbacks. His songs are still being sung in Tamil churches
and are peerless in their richness and?melody ??