Pandit Puttaraj Gawayigalu (3 March 1914 – 17 September 2010) was an Indian musician in the Hindustani classical tradition, a scholar who authored more than 80 books in Kannada, Sanskrit and Hindi, a music teacher and a social servant.

He mastered carnatic music under the guidance of Mundarigi Raghavendrachar (belonging to Vishesha Parampara).

[7] Puttaraj Gawai has authored over 80 books on spirituality, religion, history as well as biographies of many 'sharanas' of the Bhakti movement of the 12th century.

Since its inception in 1942, Shree Veereshwar Punyashrama has been feeding and educating the born-blind and the orphans and the poor children free of cost, without discrimination on the basis of caste and creed.

Puttaraj Gavai has given innumerable performances and has been considered one of the pioneering feats of Theatre Movement in the North Karnataka.

Punyashrama has produced thousands of "Kirtanakaras" who are busy delivering Puranas and Pravachanas and Keertanas all over the state.

The Pontiff of Shree Veereshwara Punyashrama, Gadag is viewed by the devotees as a "Walking God on the Earth".

Shree Veereshwara Punyashrama is thoroughly a secular institution and admits students from all sections of society without discrimination on the basis of caste and creed.

Puttaraj Kavi Gavai has been serving out society in different capacities and is a catalyst of social and communal harmony.

[8] he was a great singer Some of his well-known students are: He died 17 September 2010, at Veereshwara Punyashrama, Gadag, Karnataka.

[16] Pt Gawai has been bestowed with many awards for his contributions to music, literature and social service.