S.Swaminathan, the South Indian veena master, is originally from the holy city of Thiruvaiyaru, home to the mythical temple of “Dakshina Kailasam”, where also a music festival dedicated to the holy Carnatic composer Thyagaraja is held every year.

The long neck lute veena is the instrument of gods played by Lord Shiva, the Goddess Saraswati, and created by Narada, a recurring character in Hindu mythology, where he appears both as the archetypal wise “Rishi” and as the messenger and companion of the gods.

He is often depicted flying through the air with a Vînâ in hand, singing songs to the glory of Vishnu, of whom he is an avatar.