Kottayi, a quaint village on the outskirts of Palakkad, Kerala, is renowned as the birthplace of the legendary Carnatic music maestro, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. This village, often referred to simply as Chembai, holds a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Though it has been over four decades since the maestro's passing, his legacy continues to thrive in Kottayi.

Chembai, born to Anantha Bhagavathar and Parvati Ammal in 1896 on Janmashtami day, was known for his powerful voice and majestic singing style. His first public performance was in 1904, at the tender age of nine. Over his illustrious career, he received numerous titles and honors, and was celebrated for his encouragement of upcoming musicians and his ability to spot new talent.

Chembai was instrumental in popularizing several compositions, including "Rakshamam" and "Pavana Guru," and was described by the music critic Aeolus as "the musician who has meant the most to Carnatic Music in the first fifty years of the 20th century." His prominent disciples include Chembai Narayana Bhagavathar, Mangu Thampuran, Guruvayur Ponnammal, T. V. Gopalakrishnan, V. V. Subramaniam, P. Leela, Jayan and Vijayan, K. J. Yesudas, and Babu Parameswaran. He also mentored many young accompanists, such as Palghat Mani Iyer, Lalgudi Jayaraman, M. S. Gopalakrishnan, T. N. Krishnan, Palani Subramaniam Pillai, and L. Subramaniam.

In honor of his legacy, Kottayi hosts the annual Chembai Parthasarathy Ekadasi Music Festival in February/March. This festival, held in memory of Chembai, attracts renowned singers who perform music concerts, drawing thousands of music lovers from across the state and beyond. Since his death in 1974, memorial music festivals have been held annually, with the most notable being the Chembai Sangeetholsavam.

The state government has recognized Kottayi's cultural significance by initiating measures to preserve and enhance its heritage. Plans include constructing a massive cultural complex to host various events, including the annual music festival, and establishing a crafts enclave for local artifacts. This recognition ensures that Chembai's legacy continues to inspire future generations, while also promoting Kottayi as a cultural and tourist destination.

Kottayi is also home to many traditional Tamil Brahmin homes, well-maintained and seemingly caught in a time warp, adding to the village's charm. The government’s initiatives also aim to achieve self-sufficiency in farm production, improve garbage disposal, and provide employment-oriented education, ensuring sustainable development for the community.