Born at Cheranmahadevi in 1920, to the revered and pious couple Sri Samudrala Rama Subramania Sastrigal and Smt Parentalu Ammal, Sri Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar has walked this earth for over 90 years (as in 2010) with Bhagavan Naama on his lips. He was a mere 10 year old when he was initiated into music by Kalloor Sri Pudarjuna Bhagavathar. Besides, he learnt the nuances of Harikatha Kalakshepam. By 13, he was quite at home giving Harikatha discourses on Dhuva Charitram, Rukmini Kalyanam, Nandanar Charitram et al.

In another couple of years, he mastered Sanskrit, Grantham and Telugu from his beloved father. By his 15^th year, he was adept at performing Divyanamam and Dolothsavam Bhajans. He showed his organised capability by conducting Sri Rama Navami Uthsavam at Cheranmahadevi consecutively for several years. In 1974, at Nellai Sangeetha Sabha, he held the office of the Secretary, ‘All India Bhagavatha Sammelanam’. He was conferred the title of ‘Bhagavatha Sironmani’ during the Sammelan.

He was a great devotee of Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathaswamy. Inspired by the latter’s life, he too involved himself in Naama Sankeerthanam in the mould of his Guru ‘Appa’ Sri Gopalakrishna Bhagavathaswamy. He was the recipient of many awards in recognition of his contribution towards Vedic and Bhajan activities at Music Academy, Chennai and Madurai. He performed with élan at many places Radha Kalayana Seetha Kalyanam, Rukmini Kalyanam, for years together. He encouraged many pupils in the field of Bhajan singing. Thanks to his unflagging enthusiasm, his own sons and grand children have been guided to follow spiritual lives with Bhagavan Naama on their lips.