Om Namo Venkatesaaya

Venkataadri Samam Sthaanam, Brahmaande Naasthi Kinchanaa Venkatesa Samo Devoh, Na Bhootoh Na Bhavishyathi

Only with the blessings of Sri Venkataachalapathi, our Kuladaivam and Ishtadaivam, I could compile this 2-DVD collection of 1,008 Sankeerthanalu of Sreemaan Thaallapaaka Annamaacharyulu. Till 2002, I had only one pre-recorded cassette of Annamayya Sankeerthanalu (I liked only 4 of the 10). And, I never had any idea about Annamayya. Nor did I know anything about the amazing output of 32,000+ Sankeerthanalu or his other works. After coming to Tirupati, in May 2003, what appealed most to me here were four aspects. One, the rich cultural and religious interludes that it provides to an otherwise staid life in this small religious town. Two, the absolute devotion, commitment and sanctity with which a couple of singers had rendered some of these Sankeerthanalu. Three, these compositions had a number of ancient telugu words (never heard many of them) which made me very inquisitive. And, four, each one of his Sankeerthanalu was very unique in its own way, touching all facets of life. I could not, initially, believe that an individual did really create, compose and sang all of those 32,000+ Sankeerthanalu. These four aspects have kindled and sustained my interest in Annamayyas Sankeerthanalu. In no time, I have decided that I shall collect all of them, if ever possible. Thus, began the journey .., sometime in Q2/2004. The initial 108 took exactly three months. Then I collected 250 (normal pace), moved on to 500 (some difficulty) and to 750 (great difficulty), where I got stuck. A four-month vigorous search yielded just one. And, after 6 to 8 months, I could add only about 20 to my collection, that too with very great difficulty. I knew, I had to stop due to some domestic reasons. I knew, HE wanted me to wait. Finally, after three and a half year later, my tally reached the magic figure of 1,008 on 01.05.2007. This collection is gleaned out of 167 original pre-recorded cassettes/CDs, all purchased by me. From renditions of 58 singers (some of the greatest to some of the least known), from mono to stereo to digital master recordings, I have had all. I even recorded a couple of them from `live performances. Listening to all tracks, converting them to electronic format, comparing to what I already have, selecting the best rendition etc., is truly a rewarding journey to experience these Sankeerthanalu. Three worn out headphones is some proof of the amount of listening I did. The total playtime of these 1,008 Sankeerthanalu shall be about 6,500 minutes. Thats about 5 days of non-stop playing. Before one can have a personalized `short list from this vast collection, I strongly recommend that each of these Sankeerthanalu should be savored at least once, with rapt attention. I have listened to each of them at least 10 times. And, some of them countless number of times. I still listen to my own favourites, almost daily. The distinctiveness of this compilation is that all the 1,008 Sankeerthanalu are `unique. For example, even though many singers sang `Adivo Alladivo, only one rendition amongst those many, finds a place in this compilation. I tried to include the `best rendition of a particular Sankeerthana. There were a number of instances where renditions by well known, popular or great singers have yielded place to some of those `best renditions by little known singers. At times, I had to leave out many singers who rendered only the Pallavi and 1 or 2 Charanaalu in favour of those who had rendered the full length of a Sankeerthana. I have included some useful files, like a list of `singer codes. A four-character-alpha-code is integrated into the file name of each Sankeerthana. I have also included three .pdf files (contribution from Sri Ramachandra Murthy gaaru through www.sistla.org, each containing Telugu script for 500 Sankeerthanalu. I hope you will find these 1,500 scripts very useful in understanding and appreciating these Sankeerthanalu. ..2.

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I wish to clarify that this compilation is done purely for personal satisfaction, and as a personal commitment. It is my own way of paying tribute to the wonderful contribution of that Great Soul, Great Saint, Great Poet, Great Social Reformer, Tholi Telugu Vaaggeyakaara and Pada Kavithaa Pithaamaha. And, above all, Parama Bhaktha of Sri Venkataachalapathi. Even though many friends and relatives were following what I was doing during the last 3 years or so, I am truly grateful to a couple of them for having actually helped me in this solo-effort. Whenever you come across any new Sankeerthana (remember, they are over 5 to 6 hundred years old) which are not in this compilation, I shall be grateful if you could give me the relative source details, so that I can bring them too in to my collection. In addition to these 1,008 Sankeerthanalu, I have also included 1,008 digital photos (and 32 video clips), all taken by me during the last 2 years or so, covering Tirumala Hills and the various attractions thereof and the festivities that took place thereat. These are already available at my photos-site, http://community.webshots.com/user/rameshbabunaraparaju which is dedicated solely for the purpose of spreading, far and wide, the `beauty and grandeur of Tirumala Hills. Anyone can FREELY see, download, copy and distribute any/all these photos/videos. Very regularly, I add more photos/videos. Keep track of them. I am really grateful to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs), their Annamayya Project and their SVDSP (Sri Venkateswara Drusya Sravana Project) who have brought out these sankeerthanalu. I am personally indebted to each of these singers and artists who have made these sankeerthanalu a part of my life. I am really proud to be a Telugu. May I request you to CONTRIBUTE, in your own way, to any of the schemes/projects of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs) ? For all related details, you may please visit their website www.tirumala.org Or, alternatively, you can get in touch with me with your plans. As long as I am in this temple town, I am at HIS/your service in this regard. I am glad that I am able to bring out this collection in 2007, which is declared as `Annamayya Year by TTDs. TTDs have also given a call to all devotees of Sri Venkateswara to spread the Hindu Dharma in the society. This is my small contribution in that direction. I look forward to your opinions, comments at rameshbabu.n@sbi.co.in I pray to Sri Venkataachalapathi to shower his choicest blessings on you all. With best compliments from : RAMESH BABU N `Sri Srinivasa 18-1-10/13, Ramachandra Nagar, K T Road, TIRUPATI - 517507