Once a king invited Tyagaraja to perform in his assembly. Performing in king’s assembly meant name, fame and wealth. But there was one catch. Usually this also meant performer had to sing something in praise of the king, who protected them.But Tyagaraja sang only in praise of Lord Tyagaraja. He refused to go to the king’s assembly. In his song he says – “Is wealth ( nidhi) the source of happiness or is the proximity ( sannidhi) of Rama?” ( Nidhi chala Sukhama ). The king was obviously in awe of the musical wonder. He was disappointed that Tyagaraja would not come. But he wanted to listen to Tyagaraja. If went as a king to Tyagaraja’s house, people may laugh at him. Hence he guised himself as a common man and reached Tyagaraja’s house to listen to his music. Tyagaraja realized that this was the king himself. It is said that at this occasion he sang the song – ” Chakkani raajamargam” . The song starts with the words that when there is a beautiful royal path, why do you traverse through the lanes? The king was humbled.
Tyagaraja humbled the king..
