During the Golden Jubilee of Peetarohanam (ascension
to the pontifical seat) of His Holiness Pujyasri Jayendra
Sarawati Swamiji to the venerated Kanchi Kamakoti
Peetam in 2003-2004, a National Eminence Award in
Fine Arts was set up by the devotees of the Mutt. The
event is conducted as part of the Annual Sri Kanchi
Mahaswami Festival.
Kamakoti Peetam has been in the forefront of
promotion of Fine Arts in the country. The several
Acharyas who have adorned this Peetam have themselves
been great connoisseurs of Fine Arts.
The 69th Acharya Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji
renovated the Homes of the Trinity of Music in
Thiruvarur in Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu and set up
the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Carnataka Sangeetha
Seva Trust to perform the Jayanti Celebrations of Saint
Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastry.
In addition to honouring artistes as Asthana
Vidwans of the Mutt, the Acharyas of the Peetam have
given primacy to the development of Indian music
amongst the youth of this country. This award is a
continuation of the efforts of the Kamakoti Peetam to
promote excellence in Fine Arts. The award carries a
Cash Prize of Rs. 1 lakh, a Bronze Lamp, a Citation and
blessings from the Sankaracharyas.
Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal attained Videha
Mukti on 28.02.2018. For 63 long years, he adorned the
Peetam with distinction and guided it with visionary
leadership.
This year the Award was conferred on Shri. Kasim
and Shri. S. Babu, grandsons of the legendary Sheikh
Chinna Maulana on 18.12.2022.