Gurumurti Sastri was a composer of Carnatic music who lived during the 18th century in the village of Kayatar in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
Family His family name was Paidala. He learnt music from Venkatasubbayya. He was well-versed in both Sangitha and Sahitya. He was felicitated Madras.
Geetams Gurumurti Sastri composed many Geetams, or short songs illustrating Janaka (means parent, also known as Melakarta) and Janya ragas. He composed around 1000 gitas which earned him the name ' Veyi Gitala Gurumurti Sastri' . He was famous for his technical knowledge of the science of Ragas. His mudra (signature) was Gurumurthi.
The Geetams he composed in Sanskrit were lost to time. Here are a few that sustained the test of time:
Kamsaasura-Lakshana Geetham in Sahana Janaki Ramanathe in Neelambari Rere Sri Ramachandra in Arabhi Arabhi Raga Lakshanam Vachmi-Lakshana Geetam in Arabhi Mandhara Dhare in Kamboji Pahi Sri Ramachandra in Ananda Bhairavi Meenakshi Jaya Kamakshi in Shree Gana Vidya Durandhara in Nattai (extolling the greatness of his Guru Sonti Venkatasubbayya)
Here are some Kritis of his:
Neerajanayana in Dhanyasi Sadapathim in Mohanam Sphurathuthe Charana in Devagandhari
References
M. V. Ramana, Pre-trinity composers of Tamil Nadu - Carnatica.net Carnatica.net