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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.