Thiru Narayana Iyengar

Thiru Narayana Iyengar Biography

Thiru Narayana Iyengar was a Sanskrit scholar and writer from Tamil Nadu, who lived during the period, 31 October 1861 - 29 July 1947. Iyengar translated the Sanskrit work "Jaathakachandrika", a text on horoscope study into Tamil. He served as the head of Madurai Tamil Sangam in the early 1900s. Many of his poetry works were published in magazines. A scholar of his times, he contributed over 50 papers on grammar, literature, tarka sastra, astrology, history and religion. Many times his works and efforts have been appreciated and honoured.

Thirumaaligai Appan Narayana Iyengar was born into a Tamil Iyyengar family to Thirumaaligai Appan Iyengar and Shenkamalavalli Ammal on 31 October 1861. He hailed from Ethirkotai near Srivilliputhur. His father was a scholar who taught him Tamil literature and grammar, followed by many scholars of his hometown. Later he moved to Ramanathapuram. He learnt Sankrit literature and grammar from Pandalkudi Venkatachariar, Tarka sastra from Samaacharyar and Vaishnava literature from Sidhadikkaadu Srinivasachariar. He also learnt the Shaiva literature. He followed gurukula system of education while studying under Sadavadhaanam Muthuswamy Iyengar.

He learnt astrology, medicine, Sanskrit and Tamil literature and grammar and was proficient in all these subjects. During his lifetime he has done translation of a few classic works from Sanskrit to Tamil language. Known for association with Paandithurai Thevar, he helped him in publishing the Panoorthirattu, and also served as the head of Madurai Tamil Sangam founded by Thevar. He served as a member of the management since its inception. Some of his works such as Bharathazhwan Vaibhavam and Valmiki were published in Senthamizh monthly magazine. He also served as a member of several committees and organizations, and was quite active in literal world during his lifetime. He passed away just one month before India’s freedom in 1947.

Published: September 08, 2018

Updated: September 08, 2018