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Bharathiar
was born at Ettayapuram in 1882 to Chinnaswamy Iyer and Lakshmi Ammal.
‘Subramanian’ was the name given to him, but was called affectionately as
Subbiah. His father wanted him to get educated formally. But he was more
inclined to composing verses. He was able to compose poems on the spur of the
moment to the dictates of the elders. He was given the title ‘Bharathi’
(meaning ‘Goddess of Learning’) in recognition of his ability in composing
poems, at the young age of 11. This title stuck to his name till the end.
Bharathi
was married to Chellamma at the age of 14. The following year his father met
with a misfortune and lost all his wealth and subsequently his life too.
Bharathi had lost his mother earlier at the age of 5.