Muthuswami Dikshitar was born in a family of intellectuals, well versed in Sastra. His father gave him a full course in music in Purandaradasar's pattern. Dikshitar had a mastery over veena. He was blessed by Lord Muruga of Thiruthani & he composed his first kriti - Sri Nadhathi Guruguho there. He spent five years at Benares & was well versed in the North Indian form of music.

His compositions are known for their originality of the structure. He had deep reverence for classical tradition. He has composed in all the 72 melakartha ragas. He is considered the architect of raga forms. Some of his famous compositions are the Kamalamba Navavarnam, Navagraha kriti, Chaturdasa Ragamalika. He has composed songs in sanskrit & also set songs to western tunes. His compositions are a combination of rich diction, melody & laya in majestic flow. His mudra was Guruguha.