Mysuru/Mysore: Eminent Musicologist ‘Mahamahopadhyaya’ Dr. R. Sathyanarayana passed away in city last night. He was 93 and the end came at 9.45 pm at his residence near Sankethi Hostel at Jayanagar in city. 

Dr. Sathyanarayana leaves behind son R.S. Nandakumar, daughter Rohini Subbarathnam, daughter-in-law Dr. Radhika Nandakumar, grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. He also leaves behind thousands of disciples and lakhs of listeners. 

The last rites will be performed today at 4 pm at Kengal village on Bengaluru Road at ‘Sadhana Dhama.’ It is behind Kanva Reservoir, said family members. 

‘Mahamahopadhyaya’ Dr.  Sathyanarayana, an internationally reputed musicologist and danceologist, belongs to the lineage of Saint composer Sadhguru Thyagaraja. He is a native of Ramanagara and was born on May 9, 1927.

A Ph.D in Chemistry, this teacher, researcher, administrator, orator, writer and mentor has been highly decorated for his exploits spread over many decades. He has published many research papers, books translations etc. His total publications exceed some 20,000 printed pages.  Recognising his contribution to the field of music and dance, Dr. Sathyanarayana was conferred the Padma Shri in 2018 by the Centre. 

Dr.  Sathyanarayana was the recipient of Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Fellow of Sangeet Nataka Akademi, Rajya Sangeet Vidwan Award, musicologist award from Madras Music Academy, Chennai to name a few.

Between 1949 and 1984 he taught Chemistry at the Sarada Vilas College and also taught Karnatak music. 

He has written treatises in Sanskrit language on dance and music. ‘Pundarikamala’, ‘Shruti: The Scalic Foundation’, ‘Suladis and Ugabhogas of Karnataka Music’ and ‘Karnataka Sangeetha Vahini’ are some of his notable works.