THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eminent Malayalam poet, vedic scholar and academician Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri died here Thursday. He was 81. He died at his house in Thycaud in the capital city. He was resting at home following old age ailments.

Born in Thiruvalla, a place in Pathanamthitta, Namboothiri's works are known for their blend of tradition and modernity. He was married to Savithri Antharjanam of Mattathu Vedirama Illam and is blessed with two daughters Athithi and Aparna.

Namboodthiri has managed to carve a niche for himself in the literary field. An academician, Namboodiri had taught literature in various colleges in Kerala for long and has a strong base of trusted disciples always around him. Meantime, his deep knowledge in Malayalam and Sanskrit should be noted.

He gave many collections of poems to Malayalees like Ujjayiniyile Raappakalukal, Charulatha, Bhoomigeethangal, Pranayageethangal etc. A recipient of several literary honours including the Kendra Sahitya Akademi, Kerala Sahity Akademi, Vallathol Literary Award, Vayalar Rama Varma Literary award.

He was conferred with Padma Shri in 2014. He will be cremated at Shanthikavadam tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm.