VEENA, the name itself creates the feeling of rich melodious musical effect, bliss or Ananda in the hearts and minds of listeners. It is said to be the supreme (Sarvabhouma)among the bests of the three varieties of musical instruments, viz., Stringed (Veena),Wind(Venu-flute) & Percussion(Mridangam) even earlier than the Vedic period. It is now facing several attacks from many sides, like modern easily playable instruments(keyboards), gadgets & facilities, amplifying systems, cassettes, compact discs, computers etc, (which decrease the original rich tonal qualities) & also the social attitudes (i.e., people’s demand of highly exciting loud fusion music, modern dances, filmy music or dance programmes, variety entertainments, musical nights etc., even at the spiritual centers, like temples!).

However, VEENA still retains its supremacy of traditional classical music instruments, perhaps due to its scientific attractive structure, spiritual sanctity, abundance of rich harmonics, gamakas, continuity of sound, very closeness to human voice (vocal music) etc. This perfect instrument incorporates all the three basic components of music, i.e., SHRUTHI, LAYA & RAGA. Even now it is also considered as the best and most suitable, accompaniment for classical vocal music concerts and Bharathanatyam programmes, specially in Tamilnadu, Kerala etc.

STRUCTURE:

Developments & Innovations have changed the size, shape and structure from the ancient types, single stringed MAHATHI of Narada, BRIHATHI of Vishwavasu, KALAVATHI of Thumbura, VALLAKI, MANIKYA VEENA of Shankaracharya’s references, KACHCHAPI of Saraswathi, MAYURI Veena of Kalidasa, to SHATHATHANTHRI etc. The present type is the innovation of 24 frets & 7 strings of Govinda Dixithar (1614 of Thanjavur). This is to fecilitate to play infinite varieties of Ragas & specially the 72 melakartha ragas or more. Hence it is known as GAYATHRI VEENA, SAPTHANAADI VEENA or SARVA RAAGAMELA VEENA.

Since various forms of deities have been established at various positions, it is also known as SARVADEVAMAYA & SARVAMANGALA Veena. Recent electrical detachabl;e version has, one support containing shruthi box, another support (instead of wooden hemisphere) containing an amplifier system connected to a pickup microphone, and the 24 frets are fitted with nuts & bolts, to brass rails on the “dandi”,  for easier mela adjustments and maintenance as the wax requires frequent replacements, by experts at a very high cost. This is more convenient for the artist to monitor the volume of sound during veena recital. This can be directly connected to the amplifier system without inconvenient microphones.