Kirtanam is that form of Bhakti wherein the devotee chants and sings praises in the name of the guru or the deity, immersing themselves in the divine names and glories. Such chanting and singing the name of the Lord breaks the shackles that tie people to worldly inhibitions and sufferings. This form of Bhakti transcends mere recitation, becoming a vibrant celebration of the divine, where the devotee's soul dances in unison with the cosmic rhythm. Kirtanam is more than just singing; it is a spiritual journey that dissolves the shackles of worldly attachments and alleviates the sufferings of the heart.
In the practice of Kirtanam, the Bhakta's connection to the egoistic mind is severed. The act of singing and dancing in the name of the Lord becomes a conduit for divine ecstasy, where the devotee experiences an inner joy that surpasses all worldly pleasures. This joy is not external; it is a deep, resonant bliss that springs from the core of the Bhakta’s heart. Kirtanam purifies the mind, cleansing it of pent-up tensions and emotions, allowing the Bhakta to experience true spiritual freedom.
As the Bhakta immerse themselves in the practice of Kirtanam, they become so absorbed in their love for the Lord that they lose themselves in the divine dance of devotion. This form of Bhakti brings the devotee closer to the Lord, gradually diminishing the ego and awakening a deeper sense of unity with the divine. God, in turn, recognizes this pure, unwavering devotion, especially when it is offered without ulterior motives, straight from the heart. Such single-pointed devotion is akin to meditation, where the Bhakta realizes the presence of God within themselves.
Kirtanam is not just a solitary practice; it is a collective celebration of divine love. Bhaktas often gather together, inviting others to join in the joyous singing and chanting of the Lord’s name. This communal form of devotion is particularly powerful in the current age, Kali Yuga, where the practice of Kirtanam is considered the most effective means of spiritual elevation. As the ego is dissolved and the heart purified, the Bhakta is set firmly on the path to salvation.
Maharishi Sukadeva is a shining example of a Kirtanam Bhakta. His recitation of the Srimad-Bhagavatam to Maharaj Parikshit was not just a narrative but an ecstatic outpouring of divine love. In the Bhagavata Mahatmya, it is described how the Devas descended from heaven to participate in Sri Sukadeva's Kirtana, with Narada playing the veena, Indra the mridanga, and even Lord Shiva joining in the divine dance. Such was the power of Sri Sukadeva’s devotion that Lord Vishnu Himself graced the gathering with His presence.
Narada Muni, another exemplary figure in Kirtanam Bhakti, traverses the universe with his veena, singing “Narayana Narayana” with unwavering focus. His single-minded devotion marks him as the guru of gurus, inspiring countless sages and devotees throughout Vedic history. The veena, gifted to him by Lord Krishna, is considered non-different from the Lord Himself, symbolizing Narada’s intimate connection with the divine. Through his Kirtanam, Narada carries the Lord’s presence with him, offering spiritual blessings to all who seek his guidance.
Even those who have strayed from the path of righteousness find redemption through Kirtanam. The simple act of singing the Lord’s praises can soften the hardest of hearts, transforming them with the warmth of divine love. Kirtanam Bhakti, with its combination of music and dance, envelops the Bhakta in a spiritual sense of joy, dissolving sensual desires and redirecting the heart’s affections towards the Lord.
The medieval Bhakti movement played a pivotal role in revitalizing Hindu spirituality, with many Vaishnava saints and poets dedicating themselves to spreading the practice of Kirtanam. These spiritual luminaries recognized that in each Yuga, different forms of devotion are emphasized: meditation in Satya Yuga, yagna in Treta Yuga, worship in Dwapara Yuga, and Naam Japa in Kali Yuga. In our current age, chanting the Lord’s name is the most accessible and effective means of drawing closer to the divine.
The power of invoking the Lord’s name is illustrated in countless stories from the scriptures. In the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama gave him the strength to leap across the ocean to Lanka. Valmiki, despite initially mispronouncing Lord Rama’s name, attained salvation through his devotion. Dhruva Maharaj, guided by Narada Muni, achieved moksha by chanting Lord Krishna’s name. These examples underscore the transformative power of Japa and Kirtanam, which cleanse the devotee of all misdeeds and worldly desires.
“harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam
kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā”
“In this age of Kali, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.”
Kirtanam Bhakti is a celebration of the divine that transcends all barriers, inviting every soul to join in the joyous chorus of devotion. It is the song of the heart, the dance of the soul, and the most potent path to divine union in this age. Through Kirtanam, the Bhakta not only sings the Lord’s praises but also awakens to the divine presence within, walking the sacred path to liberation with every note, every step, and every beat of the heart.
Narada Muni singing the name of the Lord
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