Bhajan
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A bhajan or kirtan is a Hindu devotional song, often of ancient origin. Great importance is attributed to the singing of bhajans with Bhakti, i.e. loving devotion. "Rasanam Lakshanam Bhajanam" means the act by which we feel more closer to our inner self or God, is a bhajan. Acts which are done for the God is called bhajan.
Kirtans are deeply rooted in Vedic tradition. Bhajans are often simple songs in lyrical language expressing emotions of love for the Divine, whether for a single God/Goddess, or any number of divinities. Many bhajans feature several names and aspects of the chosen deity, especially in the case of Hindu sahasranamas, which list a divinity's 1008 names.
Traditionally, the music has been Indian classical music, which is based on ragas and tala (rhythmic beat patterns) played on the Veena (or Been), Sarangi Venu (flute), Mridanga(or Tabla) (traditional Indian instruments). The Sikh Scripture contains 31 ragas and 17 talas which form the basis for kirtan music compositions.
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[edit] History and Origin
The groundwork for the bhajans was laid in the hymns found in Sama Veda, the third Veda in the Hindu scriptures. They are distinguished from the Sanskrit shlokas by virtue of their easy, lilting flow, their colloquial renderings and their profound appeal to the masses. Bhajans are sung in a group of devotees, with a designated lead singer. Anecdotes, episodes from the lives of Gods, preachings of saints and descriptions of gods' glories have been the subject of bhajans. The Dhrupad style is a famous form of bhajan. Another well-known form of the bhajan is the kirtan, or, song in the Haridas tradition.
[edit] Types of Bhajans
A look into the past reveals that bhajans as a genre have come a long way; weaving a home for themselves into the core of human hearts. Traditions of bhajan — singing, such as Nirguni, Gorakhanathi, Vallabhapanthi, Ashtachhap and Madhura-bhakti, have been formed over the ages. Each sect has their own sets of bhajans and methods of singing.
The traditional form of bhajan in south india is known as Sampradya Bhajans. In the past few decades, this has seen a lot of upswing in popularity thanks mainly to Swami Haridhos Giri[citation needed].
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[edit] Great Exponents
The medieval age saw devotees like Tulsidas, Surdas, Mirabai, Narottama Dasa (founder of Garan-hati style), Kabir and others composing bhajans. In the modern times, composers like Pt. V. D. Paluskar and Pt. V. N. Bhatkhande have tried to mingle Raga Sangeet or Indian classical music - which had been an exclusive domain of the elite - with bhajans, thereby democratizing the Raga tradition. Chanting of bhajans and kirtan continues to be a favorite mode of worship in the Bhakti tradition of Hinduism, a tradition often regarded as far more accessible to the average person. This popularity is also reflected in the emphasis of many different gurus on chanting.
The bhajan form has also been used in Sufi qawwali, especially by Aziz Mian .
[edit] Modern Forms
While most Hindus devoutly sing bhajan in its more traditional form, there are smaller groups that experiment with incorporation of non-Indian instruments like the guitar and interspersing Western themes like jazz.
[edit] Mixture of Modern and traditional forms
Bhajan in a traditional form popularised by the name "Sringeri Bhajans" and "Jyothirbhajan" since 50 years by Sri.R.V.Krishnabhat in Bangalore besides his teacher profession. Bhajans with the flavour of classical ragas and touch of tala perfection is the speciality of Sringeri bhajans. It also has mix of modern bhajans, kirtans and traditional bhajans. Jyothirbhajan is the most important part of it which has gained popularity besides the usual bhajans.
[edit] Usage in Surat Shabd Yoga
In Surat Shabd Yoga, the spiritual exercises (sadhanas) include repetition, particularly silent repetition of a mantra given at initiation), and bhajan (listening to the inner sounds of the or the Shabd Master).
[edit] See also
- Vaishnav jan to, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
- Filmi Devotional songs
- Classic Bhajans by Kabir, Mirabai, Surdas and Tulsidas (14-17th century)
- Krishna Das, popular American singer of Hindu bhajans
[edit] External links
[edit] Hindu Tradition
- Popular Gujarati Bhajans
- Art of West Bengal music
- Banglapedia: Kirtan
- Daily Hukamnama (Mukhwaak)
- Devotional Mantras
- Bhajanothsava Namasankeerthana and Bhagavatha Sammelanam Programmes
- Several non-copyrighted Rama, Krishna, Sai bhajans and Vedas downloadable
[edit] Sikh Tradition
[edit] General
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