Born in 1921 in Chidambaram, Shri Deekshithar studied music, philosophy, Sanskrit and Tamil with several eminent teachers. A prolific composer in Sanskrit and Tamil, he has some two thousand Kritis and Kirtanas to his credit sung and recorded by noted Carnatic musicians. He is himself a distinguished exponent of Kathakalakshepam discourses which are regularly broadcast on the radio. Shri Deekshithar has received several titles and honours over the years from temples and arts organizations alike. For his contribution as a composer, he received in 1973 the title of Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu. For his eminence in the field of music and his contribution to its enrichment, Shri Chidambaram V. V. Swarna Venkatesa Deekshithar is elected Fellow of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.