What is Kirtan?

harmonium smile       

Noelle and Stephen
Terra Sol Sanctuary, Wilmington, NC, Nov. 30 2019

 

The word Kirtan means “to glorify”, and traditionally the ancient, sacred practice of Bhakti (devotion) Yoga was used as a form of worship by singing the Divine names in a call and response fashion. The leader or Kirtan “wallah” typically plays a harmonium and is often accompanied by a percussionist. Kirtan is simply a musical celebration of our own personal intention, calling upon many different spiritual traditions and many styles of music. No experience or a “singing voice” is necessary. You’ll be invited to listen and enjoy, or sing your heart out as you like! All are welcome to experience this powerful form of sound meditation in your own way.


Kirtan with Narayani (Noelle Whittington)

Hari Bol! – Hari is “The one who takes away or removes illusions” and is the energy of our own divinity , often associated with the archetype Krishna. Bol or Bolo means “speak it, preach it, say it”. So, Haribol is not unlike “Praise the Lord’, in any way you are comfortable with.

Kirtan is a group celebration of a collective intention of peace and love through music. This can be done in any language, and in so many different ways. It can be a powerful experience but does not have to be a religious one. Each person will have their own way of embodying the vibration some of us simply listen while meditating, some do Yoga asana, some sing enthusiastically, and some dance. The word Kirtana means “to praise” and because Kirtan’s roots are in singing the names of the divine, we can celebrate the qualities of the divine aspects of our being. It doesn’t matter what our voices sound like, and everyone can participate in creating the vibrations of our Highest selves in which we are all one. As Kirtan artist and Bhakti Yogi David Newman says, the root of the word Kirtana means “to cut through”, so we can think of it as cutting through what separates us to create one voice.


 

Here are a few of the mantras, songs, and chants that we will explore:

 

Hanuman Chalisa– a 40 verse Sanskrit ode to Hanuman- the archetype who represents devotion to our teachers, loved ones, and ourselves and celebrates our own faith within our strength! Read the story of the Ramayana to learn about Hanuman, Ram and Sita, and their triumph against the demon Ravana, who represents the obstacles of love we have within ourselves.

This translation is from Krishna Das and can be found on his website www.krishnadas.com .

Shree Hanuman Chaleesa

(Invocation)

Bhajelo Ji Hanuman! Bhajelo Ji Hanuman!

Oh Friend! Remember Hanuman!

Shree Guru charana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhari

Baranaun Raghubara bimala jasu jo daayaku phala chaari

Having polished the mirror of my heart with the dust of my Guru’s lotus feet

I sing the pure fame of the best of Raghus, which bestows the four fruits of life.

Budhi heena tanu jaanike sumiraun pawana kumaara

Bala budhi vidyaa dehu mohin harahu kalesa bikaara

I know that this body of mine has no intelligence, so I recall you, Son of the Wind

Grant me strength, wit and wisdom and remove my sorrows and shortcomings.

(Verses)

1. Jaya Hanumaan gyaana guna saagara

Jaya Kapeesha tihun loka ujaagara

Hail to Hanuman, the ocean of wisdom and virtue,

Hail Monkey Lord, illuminater of the three worlds.

2. Raama doota atulita bala dhaamaa

Anjani putra Pawanasuta naamaa

You are Ram’s emissary, and the abode of matchless power

Anjani’s son, named the “Son of the Wind.”

3. Mahaabeera bikrama bajarangee

Kumati niwaara sumati ke sangee

Great hero, you are as mighty as a thunderbolt,

You remove evil thoughts and are the companion of the good.

4. Kanchana barana biraaja subesaa

Kaanana kundala kunchita kesaa

Golden hued and splendidly adorned

With heavy earrings and curly locks.

5. Haata bajra aura dwajaa biraajai

Kaandhe moonja janeu saajai

In your hands shine mace and a banner

And a sacred thread adorns your shoulder.

6. Shankara suwana Kesaree nandana

Teja prataapa mahaa jaga bandana

You are Shiva’s son and Kesari’s joy

And your glory is revered throughout the world.

7. Bidyaawaana gunee ati chaatura

Raama kaaja karibe ko aatura

You are the wisest of the wise, virtuous and clever

And ever intent on doing Ram’s work.

8. Prabhu charitra sunibe ko rasiyaa

Raama Lakhana Seetaa mana basiyaa

You delight in hearing of the Lord’s deeds,

Ram, Sita and Lakshman dwell in your heart.

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

May the Lord as light, strength, and virtue that lives in my heart be victorious over all (internal and external) obstacles and difficulty. -translation from Ashley Wynn- www.thegratefulyogi.com

9. Sookshma roopa dhari Siyahin dikhaawaa

Bikata roopa dhari Lankaa jaraawaa

Assuming a tiny form you appeared to Sita

And in an awesome form you burned Lanka.

10. Bheema roopa dhari asura sanghaare

Raamachandra ke kaaja sanvaare

Taking a dreadful form you slaughtered the demons

And completed Lord Ram’s mission.

11. Laaya sajeevana Lakhana jiyaaye

Shree Raghubeera harashi ura laaye

Bringing the magic herb you revived Lakshman

And Ram embraced you with delight.

12. Raghupati keenhee bahuta baraaee

Tuma mama priya Bharatahi sama bhaaee

The Lord of the Raghus praised you greatly:

“Brother, you are dear to me as Bharat!”

13. Sahasa badana tumharo jasa gaawai

Asa kahi Shreepati kanta lagaawai

“May the thousand-mouthed serpent sing your fame!”

So saying, Lakshmi’s Lord drew you to Himself.

14. Sanakaadika Brahmaadi muneesaa

Naarada Saarada sahita Aheesaa

Sanak and the sages, Brahma, gods and the great saints,

Narada, Saraswati and the King of serpents,

15. Yama Kubera digapaala jahaante

Kabi kobida kahi sake kahaante

Yama, Kubera and the guardians of the four quarters,

poets and scholars – none can express your glory.

16. Tuma upakaara Sugreevahin keenhaa

Raama milaaya raaja pada deenhaa

You did great service for Sugriva,

Presenting him to Ram, you gave him the kingship.

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

17. Tumharo mantra Bibheeshana maanaa

Lankeshwara bhaye saba jaga jaanaa

Vibhishana heeded your counsel

And became the Lord of Lanka, as the whole world knows.

18. Yuga sahasra yojana para bhaanu

Leelyo taahi madhura phala jaanu

Though the sun is thousands of miles away,

You swallowed it, thinking it to be a sweet fruit.

19. Prabhu mudrikaa meli mukha maaheen

Jaladhi laanghi gaye acharaja naaheen

Holding the Lord’s ring in your mouth

It’s no surprise that you leapt over the ocean.

20. Durgama kaaja jagata ke jete

Sugama anugraha tumhare tete

Every difficult task in this world

Becomes easy by your grace.

21. Raama duaare tuma rakhawaare

Hota na aagyaa binu paisaare

You are the guardian at Ram’s door,

No one enters without your leave.

22. Saba sukha lahai tumhaaree sharanaa

Tuma rakshaka kaahu ko daranaa

Those who take refuge in you find all happiness

and those who you protect know no fear.

23. Aapana teja samhaaro aapai

Teenon loka haanka ten kaanpai

You alone can withstand your own splendor,

The three worlds tremble at your roar.

24. Bhoota pisaacha nikata nahin aawai

Mahaabeera jaba naama sunaawai

Ghosts and goblins cannot come near,

Great Hero, when your name is uttered.

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

25. Naasai roga hare saba peeraa

Japata nirantara Hanumata beeraa

All disease and pain is eradicated,

Brave Hanuman, by constant repetition of your name.

26. Sankata ten Hanumaana churaawai

Mana krama bachana dhyaana jo laawai

Hanuman releases from affliction

those who remember him in thought word and deed.

27. Saba para Raama tapaswee raajaa

Tina ke kaaja sakala tuma saajaa

Ram, the ascetic, reigns over all,

but you carry out all his work.

28. Aura manorata jo koee laawai

Soee amita jeewana phala paawai

One who comes to you with any yearning

obtains the abundance of the Four Fruits of Life.

29. Chaaron juga parataapa tumhaaraa

Hai parasidha jagata ujiyaaraa

Your splendor fills the four ages

your glory is renowned throughout the world.

30. Saadhu santa ke tuma rakhawaare

Asura nikandana Raama dulaare

You are the guardian of saints and sages,

the destroyer of demons and the darling of Ram.

31. Ashta siddhi nau nidhi ke daataa

Asa bara deena Jaanakee Maataa

You grant the eight powers and the nine treasures

by the boon you received from Mother Janaki.

32. Raama rasaayana toomhare paasaa

Sadaa raho Raghupati ke daasaa

You hold the elixir of Ram’s name

and remain eternally his servant.

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

33. Tumhare bhajana Raama ko paawai

Janama janama ke dukha bisaraawai

Singing your praise, one finds Ram

and escapes the sorrows of countless lives.

34. Anta kaala Raghubara pura jaaee

Jahaan janama Hari bhakta kahaaee

At death one goes to Ram’s own city

or is born on the earth as God’s devotee.

35. Aura devataa chitta na dharaaee

Hanumata se-ee sarva sukha karaee

Give no thought to any other deity,

worshipping Hanuman, one gains all delight.

36. Sankata katai mite saba peeraa

Jo sumire Hanumata bala beeraa

All affliction ceases and all pain is removed

by remembering the mighty hero, Hanuman.

37. Jai jai jai Hanumaana Gosaaee

Kripaa karahu gurudeva kee naaee

Victory, Victory, Victory to Lord Hanuman!

Bestow your grace on me, as my Guru!

38. Jo sata baara paata kara koee

Chootahi bandi mahaa sukha hoee

Whoever recites this a hundred times

is released from bondage and gains bliss.

39. Jo yaha parai Hanumaana chaleesaa

Hoya siddhi saakhee Gaureesaa

One who reads this Hanuman Chaleesa

gains success, as Gauri’s Lord (Shiva) is witness.

40. Tulasee Daasa sadaa Hari cheraa

Keejai naata hridaya mahan deraa

Says Tulsi Das, who always remains Hari’s servant:

“Lord, make your home in my heart.”

Pawanatanaya sankata harana mangala moorati roopa

Raama Lakhana Seetaa sahita hridaya basahu sura bhoopa

Son of the Wind, destroyer of sorrow, embodiment of blessing,

Live in my heart, King of Gods, together with Ram, Lakshman and Sita.

Jaya Bhajrangbali Maharaja Ki Jai!
Victory to the strong one, our great king!

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Sita Ram Sita Ram Sita Ram Sita Ram

Sita Ram Sita Ram Jai Jai Sita Ram

May the Lord as light, strength, and virtue (as masculine- Ram, and feminine- Sita) that lives in my heart be victorious over all (internal and external) obstacles and difficulty. -translation from Ashley Wynn- www.thegratefulyogi.com

—————————————————–

Sita Ram by Jai Uttal

Sita Ram Sita Ram Sita Ram Jaya Sita Ram (x2)

Sita Ram Sita Ram Sita Ram Jaya Sita Ram (x2)


 

Saraswati- by Krishna Das

Om Aim Saraswatiyei Namaha Om (x2)

Om Aim Saraswati

Saraswati

Saraswati

Namaha Om

Om and salutations to Saraswati- the bestower of wisdom, intelligence, knowledge and creative artistic energy.


 

Jai Ganesha- (tune by Narayani)

Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Jai Ganesha Ganapatayei

Om Gam Ganapatayei Namaha

Salutations and victory to the Remover of Obstacles. Gam is Ganesh’s seed sound (Bija mantra) and can be used to clear the path for a successful endeavor.

————————————————–

Om Gam Ganapati (tune by Narayani)

Om Gam Ganapatayei Namaha (x2)

Om Gam Ganapatayei Namaha (x2)

Om Gam Ganapatayei Namaha Om Gam Ganapatayei Namaha (x2)


 

Maha Mantra (tune by Narayani)

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare (x2)

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare (x2)

The word Hara/Hare is a form of addressing the energy of the Lord. Both Krishna and Rama are forms of directly addressing the divine aspects within ourselves, and they mean “the highest pleasure.” Hara is the supreme pleasure potency of the Lord. This potency, addressed as Hare, helps us in reaching the Supreme Lord. The three words- Hare, Krishna, and Rama—are the transcendental seeds of the maha-mantra, and the chanting is the spiritual call for the Lord and His internal energy, Hara, for giving protection. (translation from www.harekrishnajapa.com)


 

Sri Krishna Govinda Hare Murare Hey Nata Narayana Vasudeva (x2)

Hey Nata Narayana Vasudeva (x2)

Hey Nata Narayana Vasudeva (x2)

Sri or Shree – great, shining
Krishna – Krishna, the bestower of love, affection, playfulness- the “all attractive one”
Govind – protector of all sentient beings
Hare Murare – giving liberation
He Naath – O Lord
Narayan – another name of God
Vasudeva – the indweller of the heart, also the name of Krishna’s father
Hare Krishna – blossoming energy of Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu
Hare Rama – opening energy of Rama, another incarnation of Vishnu
(translation from www.wahmusic.com)
—————————————————————-

Govinda Jaya (by Jai Uttal)

Govinda Jaya Jaya Gopala Jaya Jaya (x2)
Radha Rama Hari Govinda Jaya Jaya (x2)

“Krishna’s names have amazing meanings. Govinda, lovely cowherd boy, Govinda the Lord of senses. Gopala, lovely divine child Gopala, the nourisher of the senses. Jaya’ mean victory- victory over everything that’s been holding us back from being totally filled with the bhava, the divine state of God intoxication. In the end we really only need to know a few words in this life. Choose carefully! Govinda, Radha Ramana Hari, Gopal!” (translation from http://jaiuttal.com/queenofhearts/ )


 

Dark Goddess (by Narayani)

[Earth My Body, Water My Blood, Air My Breath, and Fire My Spirit ] repeat
[Oh Great Spirit, Earth Sun Sky and Sea, You are All Around Us, And You Are Inside of Me] repeat
[Mother I Feel You Under My Feet Mother I Hear Your Heartbeat
Heya Heya Heya Heya Heya Heya Ho, Heya Heya Heya Heya Heya Ho] repeat

This tune is a mashup of Native American Earth prayers and Goddess Chants.


Mother Ocean (by Narayani)

Wade in the Water, Wade in the Waters Children, Wade in the Water
God’s Gonna Trouble the Water (x2)
Mother Ocean, Mother Ocean, Mother Ocean, The Ocean Refuses no River (x2)
Before I Be a Slave I’ll Be Buried in my Grave, Before I be a Slave, I’ll be Buried in my Grave (x2)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, the Ocean Refuses no River (x2)

This is a mashup of some African American and Christian Spirituals that celebrate liberation and freedom from slavery (externally and internally), and devotion to mother Earth and Ocean (Gaia Ma).


Prayer to St. Francis (Tune inspired by Mary Glackmeyer)

Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness light, light!
Oh divine master grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it’s in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born to eternal life, Amen
Amen, Amen
This prayer is the exemplification of Seva (selfless service) to me and is so inspiring.
—————————————————————–

Amazing Grace/Hare Krishna (by Narayani)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a soul like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see (x2)
T’was grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved! How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. (x2)
Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come! And grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. (x2)
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, there’s no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun (x2)
[Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare, Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Ram Ram, Hare, Hare! (x2)] repeat

I put these 2 songs together with inspiration from many other artists who have done the same, to honor the manifestation of the divine in many different names and teachers. Jesus, Krishna, Ram- Christianity, Hinduism, we are all one in LOVE.
“A mantra is mystical energy encased in a sound structure and each mantra contains within its vibrations a certain power. But of all mantras, the maha-mantra (the Hare Krishna mantra) has been prescribed as the easiest and surest way for attaining God Realization in this present age.”— George Harrison (1943-2001), in his autobiography :’I, me and Mine’ ( from http://www.meditationiseasy.com/ )


Chandi Ma ( by Narayani)

Jayanti Mangala Kali
Bhadra Kali Kapalini
Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri
Swaha Svadha Namo’stuTe (x2)
O victorious Kali, ever auspicious and bearing the skulls of egoism, You are all-beneficient. Supportress of Shiva, You are unmoved by either pleasure or pain. You preside over offerings sustaining ancestors and celestials. Salutations to Thee, Mother Durga. (translation from Shankaracharya Swami, ‘Sacred Hymns’)

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi
Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi (x2)
Reveal Yourself. Grant us spiritual victory and true success. Remove ill feeling from our hearts. (translation from Shankaracharya Swami, ‘Sacred Hymns’ )

You’re safe and loved, you are enough. Sing out from your heart!
The vibrations speak- love, joy, and peace, Hari Om Tat Sat (x2)
May this (the energy of pure consciousness, our true nature/ God, Love) be so.

Hari Om, Hari Om, Hari Om Tat Sat
Hari Om, Hari Om, Hari Om Tat Sat (x2)
May this (the energy of pure consciousness, our true nature/ God, Love) be so.


Jaya Bhagavan (Tune by Tina Malia and Jai Uttal, learned from Mary Glackmeyer)

Jaya Bhagavan, Jaya Bhagavan, Jaya Bhagavan, Jaya Bhagavan (x2)
Jaya Bhagavan, Jaya Bhagavan, Jaya Bhagavan, Jaya Bhagavan (x2)
As translated by Bill Mahony, “ Victory to Love as paramaprema- the highest and deepest spiritual love as our own collective true nature, and to the active participation in giving and receiving love.

—————————————————————–
Om Namah Shivaya

[Jaya Gauri Shankara Bom Bom Hare Hare (x2)
Hare Hare, Hare Hare, Bom Bom, Omkara (x2)] repeat
Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaya (x2)
Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaya (x2)
Namah Shivaya, Namah Shivaya (echo and repeat x2)

The mantra’s mystical or more esoteric meaning is multi-leveled and quite complex. Om Namah Shivaya is a panchaskara mantra, meaning it’s made up of five syllables or literally the five holy letters (na – mah – shi – vaa – ya). It is preceded by Om or Aum, which is said to be the sacred primordial sound. The five holy vowels are the seed sounds of the five elements of creation—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—and as one chants it, one is working through the process of creation in reverse, hence perhaps the mantra’s reputed power of destroying manifestations of sin and imperfections. Another interesting interpretation is that these five syllables represent aspects of a person within the different dimensions, beginning and culminating in “Om,” the sacred primordial sound that is a symbol of the eternal divine. (translation from www.spiritualsun.com )


Kundalini Farewell Blessing (by Snatam Kaur)

May the longtime sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide your way on, guide your way on (x2) repeat
Sat Nam (x2) repeat
Sat Nam means, “truth is my name, truth is my identity”.


I am Thine (by Jai Jagdeesh)

I am thine, in mine, myself, Wahe Guru
Humee Hum, Tumee Tum
Wahe Guru
Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Jio
Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Jio (x2)
Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Guru, Wahe Jio (x2)
Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam Ji, Wahe Guru Wahe Guru Wahe Guru Ji (x2)

I am Thine, in Mine Myself. Wahe Guru: Ecstacy of Inner Wisdom. (translation from www.SpiritVoyage.com )


Om Namo Gurudev Namo (by Snatam Kaur)

Om Namo Gurudev Namo (x2)
Gurudev Gurudev Namo Gurudev Gurudev Namo (x2)
Govinda Jaya Jaya, Gopala Jaya Jaya, Radha Ramana Hari, Govinda Jaya Jaya (x2)

Ong Namo -I bow to the subtle divine wisdom Guru Dev Namo – I bow to the divine teacher within. (translation from www.spiritvoyage.com )


Shiva Shambo/ Abode of Love by Narayani

[ Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambho
Oh Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambho
Oh Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambho
Love will find a way ] : Chorus

Take me to the end of this phase
Walk me through the fire of your grace
Merge in the dance, Tandava ananda
Nataraja chidananda roopam

Chorus x 2

Take me to the end of this phase
Walk me through the fire of your grace
No fear, no ego, I bow at your feet
Namah Shivaya Shivo’ham Om Sri

Chorus x 2

Destroyer of sorrow, unchanging bliss
Eternal knowing, pure consciousness
Your name is my shelter; I sing and I’m home
Om Namah Shivaya, we’re never alone

Chorus x 2

Maha Deva, Maha Dev
Guru Devo Maheshwara
Maha Deva, Maha Dev
Om Namah Shivaya

Chorus x 2

[ Love will find, Love will find
Love will find a Way
Love will find, Love will find
Love will find a way ]: repeat

Hara Hara Hara Maha Dev x3
Om Namah Shivaya!

This song was inspired by the Nirvanashatkam by Adi Shankaracharya, which reminds us that we will ultimately find our true nature as pure being/truth, consciousness, and bliss.


Radhe Govinda (inspired by Samadhi and Krishna Das)

 

[ Radhe Radhe Govinda
Govinda Radhe
Radhe Radhe Govinda
Govinda Radhe ] Repeat

[Radhe Radhe Radhe Shyam
Govinda Radhe Jai Sri Radhe, Radhe!] Repeat

 

[Govinda Radhe Radhe Shyam
Gopala Radhe Radhe] Repeat

Krishna, Govinda, Gopala, Radha, these are the names of love, affection, and playfulness. May we take shelter in Divine Love.


 

Kirtan with Perry Smith and Amah Devi, 2017, McKay Healing Arts, Wilmington, NC
Kirtan at Hillsborough Yoga Co, 2017, feat: Courtney Long, Keegan White, and Vikram Verma
Vikram Verma Photography
Floyd Yoga Jam 2016- photo by Rebecca Elsen
Vikram Verma Photography
IMG_2905
Floyd Yoga Jam 2015- Girish, Narada Wise, Narayani, and Ian Boccio
IMG_2790
Floyd Yoga Jam 2015: Girish, Narada Wise, Narayani, and Ian Boccio

 

IMG_2544
Kunga Kirtan feat Loren Gulak, Kristin Cooper Gulak, Narayani and Stephen Bellm, Wilmington Yoga Center 2015
SB_CL_GratitudeHotYoga2
Kirtan at Gratitude Hot Yoga Center feat Courtney Long, Narayani, and Stephen Bellm
11741128_977271688992206_2661378392513023148_o
Tabla Maestro Stephen Bellm at McKay Healing Arts, 2015. Photo by John Bellm Photography
IMG_2691
Kirtan with Ishwin Dembla at Republic of Yoga, Cary, NC. 2016

 

 

bakery105_june17_2015 (2)
My very first Kirtan with Stephen Bellm, 2015- Bakery 105, Wilmington, NC.
ChipHedenburg_Noelle
RIP Chip Hedenburg <3 Duck, NC 2015.