(Photo: Amirthavarshini and Lydian Nadhaswaram stand on either side of a statue of Thiruvalluvar.)
For more than 2,000 years, the Thirukkural has stood as one of the crown jewels of Tamil literature—a concise yet profound spiritual guide composed of 1,330 couplets, each offering deep insight into virtue, ethical living, love, and the art of creating a harmonious society. Written by the sage-poet Thiruvalluvar, the Thirukkural is revered not only in Tamil Nadu but around the world for its clarity, universality, and serene moral force. Its teachings transcend religious boundaries, making it a perennial source of inspiration for seekers of all backgrounds.
Among those deeply shaped by its wisdom was Sri Swami Satchidananda, whose own Tamil heritage created a natural resonance with the text. He often quoted from the Thirukkural in his talks, highlighting its ability to express lofty truths in just a few simple lines. For him, the kurals were not merely poetry—they were practical instructions for living a life of compassion, clarity, and integrity.
Their emphasis on nonviolence, service, self-restraint, and truthfulness aligned seamlessly with the core principles of Integral Yoga. The text remained a thread of continuity running from his youth in Tamil Nadu to his teaching mission across the globe. [Read more about the inspiration Swami Satchidananda drew from the Thirukkural here]
Today, this ancient treasure is finding new life through an ambitious and heart-opening musical project led by two remarkable young artists: Lydian Nadhaswaram and Amirthavarshini. Siblings and prodigies in their own right, they have transformed their studio into a vibrant creative space where centuries-old wisdom meets contemporary musical imagination. Surrounded by instruments, recording equipment, and tireless enthusiasm, they are composing a melody for every one of the 1,330 kurals—together forming a musical anthology titled The Thirukkural 1330: Kuralisaikkaaviyam.
Their goal is nothing less than to bring Thiruvalluvar’s teachings to the entire world. As Lydian explains, the kurals carry a universal message, and the duo wanted to ensure that even those with no knowledge of Tamil could feel their beauty. Each of the 1,330 video renderings will include:
• the original couplet in Tamil,
• its meaning in Tamil, and
• a clear, simplified English interpretation crafted by their uncle, writer Vishwas Gaitonde, whose bicultural understanding allows him to preserve the essence without resorting to literal translation.
The musical journey has also become a global collaborative movement. In September 2023, soon after Lydian turned 18, the siblings released an open invitation on YouTube seeking 1,000 singers from around the world. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary: over 270,000 people wrote to participate, representing every age group and countless countries. Each entry was unique, heartfelt, and offered a glimpse of how far the Thirukkural has already traveled in the hearts of humanity. After personally reviewing each submission—with special attention not only to musical skill but to authentic Tamil pronunciation—the duo selected approximately 1,000 voices to join this once-in-a-lifetime project. Listen to the verses here.
In many ways, this musical renaissance echoes the very spirit of the Thirukkural and the values Sri Swami Satchidananda championed throughout his life: universality, inclusivity, and the transformative power of timeless wisdom. Through melody, language, and global participation, this project is renewing a sacred text that has guided generations—and inviting the world to rediscover its gentle brilliance.
As students of Yoga, we recognize that truth is living, dynamic, and endlessly adaptable. When ancient teachings are re-imagined with sincerity and devotion, they continue their journey across hearts and cultures. The Thirukkural, like the light Swami Satchidananda carried across oceans, reminds us that the essence of spiritual life is simple: cultivate virtue, serve others, and let love guide every action.
In celebrating this new global musical offering, we also honor the lineage of wisdom that shaped our founder—and continues to illuminate our collective path.
