In the heart of Thanjavur, down the narrow Varagappa Iyer Lane, a beautiful story of devotion and family legacy unfolds every day. Here, in a house named after the legendary saint-composer Thyagaraja, seven generations of one remarkable family have dedicated themselves to preserving and worshipping the very idols that once belonged to the musical genius himself.

S. Thiyagaran welcomes a steady stream of devotees into his home, where the sacred idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Anjaneya stand as they did centuries ago. These aren't just any idols—they were personally worshipped by Thyagaraja, who composed hundreds of devotional songs in praise of Lord Rama. The arrangement is particularly touching: Sita sits on Rama's lap while Bharata holds an umbrella and Shatrughna waves a fly-whisk, with Lakshmana and Anjaneya standing in prayer before them.

The idols' journey to this family is itself a testament to faith and devotion. When Thyagaraja's brother once threw them into the Cauvery River, hoping to redirect the composer's attention toward worldly responsibilities, Thyagaraja's heartbreak inspired the poignant composition "Nenendu Vetakudura." But the story has a joyful ending—legend tells us that Thyagaraja miraculously recovered the idols while bathing in the river, celebrating their return with the triumphant song "Raara Maayinti Dhaaka."

After Thyagaraja's passing in 1847, the idols came into the care of his daughter's son, Thiyagarajan, and eventually found their permanent home with Thiyagarajan's wife Guruvammal's family on Varagappa Iyer Street. This loving guardianship has continued unbroken through the generations.

Today, while the main memorial in Thiruvaiyaru hosts the 179th aradhana with five days of concerts and musical tributes, this family home holds its own parallel celebration. "We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to devotees who visit our house during this period," Thiyagaran shares warmly, embodying the spirit of selfless service that Thyagaraja himself exemplified.

The family's commitment extends beyond the annual aradhana. They conduct prayers every full-moon day and during Rama Navami, ensuring that the idols receive continuous devotion. Photographs of Chandrasekara Josier and Subramania Josier, earlier guardians of this sacred trust, still hang near the idols, silently witnessing the family's unwavering dedication.

This heartwarming tradition beautifully illustrates how spiritual legacies transcend time when nurtured with love and respect. The family has chosen to keep the tradition intimate—photography isn't permitted, following the advice of the late Sankaracharya Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi—preserving the sacred atmosphere of genuine worship.

As devotees queue up at this modest home, they're not just witnessing history; they're experiencing the living continuation of one of India's greatest musical and spiritual traditions, kept alive by seven generations of extraordinary dedication and love.