KOCHI: Fr Justin Panakal (91), renowned Carmelite priest, composer and biblical scholar who played a pivotal role in shaping Christian devotional music in Kerala, passed away on Maundy Thursday.
A member of the Discalced Carmelite (OCD) congregation, Fr Panakal leaves behind a rich legacy of spiritually resonant music that transcended denominational boundaries. He rose to prominence during the cassette era of the 1980s, when his compositions, marked by lyrical depth and classical finesse, found widespread acceptance among listeners.
He is best known for the iconic Christmas devotional “Paithalam Yeshuve,” immortalised in the voice of K J Yesudas and widely regarded as one of the most beloved Christian songs in Malayalam. The song continues to be an integral part of Christmas celebrations across Kerala and beyond.
Fr Panakal composed around 28 devotional songs, many of which were recorded at Tharangini Studio, Thiruvananthapuram. His noted works include “En Jeevithamaam Ee Marakkombil…,” set in Sindhu Bhairavi raga, “Manju Pozhiyunna Maamaram…,” and “Navyamaya Oru Kalpana…”. Other enduring compositions such as “Karthavam Yeshuve Marthya Vimochaka…,” “Nayaka Jeevadayaka…,” “Yeshuvente Prananathan…,” and “Snehaswaroopa Thava Darshanam…” continue to be sung in churches.
He also composed all songs in devotional albums like Thalirmalyam, Snehapravaham and Snehadhara, with Thalirmalyam being among Tharangini’s earliest Christian music collections.
Beyond music, he was a respected Bible scholar and author, known for his contributions to theology and spiritual literature.
The funeral will be held on April 6 (Monday) evening at Manjummel Carmelite Ashram.