Anghiras Mahadevan

Born into a home surrounded by music and rhythm, Anghiras Mahadevan was naturally drawn to the world of bhajan and percussion from a young age. Accompanying his father to bhajana gatherings in Bangalore, he began his musical journey under Vidwan Shanmugam Venkatesh ,  learning bhajanai singing. During these early years, captivated by the beats of the dolki and the atmosphere of devotion, his love for rhythm quietly took root.

At the age of four, Anghiras began learning mridangam at Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha under Vidwan Shri S. V. Balakrishna and Vidwan Shri Vinay Nagarajan, who patiently shaped his early training and helped him build a strong rhythmic foundation. He continues his advanced training today in the pudukottai bani under the revered
Vidwan Neyveli B Venkatesh.

Anghiras’s performing career began almost as soon as he could hold the instrument. His earliest appearances were in Montessori school programmes, followed by active participation in temple and community bhajanai circles across Bangalore. By nine, he began accompanying bhajan troupes, and soon after, took part in Laya ensembles at Indiranagar Sangeetha Sabha. Around this time, he also participated in Ragasudha, his school’s Carnatic music series at National Public School, Indiranagar, gaining early experience in structured concert settings.

Since then, Anghiras has had the blessing of performing at several temples, baithaks, and festivals across South India, including appearances in Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore, Palakkad, Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam, Trichy, Nagayanallur ( 100th year patabhishekam ) , Udayalur, and Guruvayur (Chembai Sangeetholsavam). He has been fortunate to accompany several accomplished artists, including Kalaimamani Tiger Subramaniam Bhagavathar. He has also played for vocal, violin, flute, and saxophone concerts, and occasionally explores fusion collaborations—performing with his school band.  He also got an opportunity to record for the prestigious All India Radio station at bangalore.

Among his recognitions, Anghiras was awarded Second Place in the Madras Music Academy’s Annual Mridangam Competition, and has also received the Rotary Award, Mohan Dev Alva Award, Shrivani Award, and Distinction in the State Mridangam Examination. He placed Third in VIVUM Fusion (The International School Bangalore) as a soloist, which encouraged him to explore diverse expressions of rhythm. At National Public School, Indiranagar, Anghiras contributed to the school’s cultural activities as Music Association Facilitator (Music Badge) and as Event Head for interschool music events, working closely with peers to promote student-led music initiatives.

Beyond performing, he teaches mridangam, sharing what he has learned from his gurus with humility and dedication. He also helps manage Unatti’s Instagram page, curating music-related content. In 2025, he presented a lecture-demonstration at "The Bangalore Room", where he combined performance with rhythmic analysis and discussion—an experience that deepened his understanding of sharing and communication through music.

Deeply grateful for the blessings of his gurus , family , friends & well wishers, Anghiras Mahadevan continues to grow as a young mridangam artist in the Pudukottai bani. With strong roots in the bhajan tradition, constant guidance from his teachers, and openness to new ideas, he looks forward to his Chennai debut in 2025, carrying forward his journey with devotion, sincerity, and joy.