The Celestial Naagasvaram: Origin, Myths, Reception and the Maestros - Hardcover

Nagasvaram, world's loudest non-brass acoustic instrument, is known as mangala vadyam (auspicious instrument) and raja vadyam (king of all instruments). This popular wind-group musical instrument is well known all over the south Indian states, more specifically in Tamil Nadu. Its origin is associated with the Thiruvarur Temple and its legacy continued all through the Pallavas, Colas, Pandyas, Nayakas and Marathas. It has imprinted its sheen on all the rituals, especially on the temple festivals and marriages.

Geetha Rajagopal took over as the Executive Director of 'Sampradaya' one of the world's richest Carnatic Music Archives that began its operations in 1980 with a grant from Ford Foundation. She has authored two books - Music Rituals in the Temples of South India and Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar : Exploring the Six Facets of The Genius.