How I Started My Journey of Devotional Singing
In my life, music is more than just a way to express myself—it’s a sacred connection to God. Born into a spiritually oriented family, my day begins with the holy chants of “Hari Naam” and ends with the same. This ritual is more than just a tradition; It’s the base of my existence, Journey a continuous thread that binds me to the divine presence in my life.
Early Inspirations and Devotion:
Since childhood, I’ve been devoted to Paramahansa Paribrajakacharya Srimad Swami Nigamananda Saraswati Dev, whose teachings have profoundly shaped my journey. My earliest memories include my parents’ devotional bhajans, a cherished tradition they lovingly shared with me and my siblings. My father and mother, both accomplished devotional singers, along with my siblings who are well-versed in music and tabla, have been my first teachers. They have nurtured my love for music, especially devotional music, which has always held a special place in my heart.
The Power of Devotional Songs:
While I can sing various types of songs, it is the devotional songs that resonate most deeply with me. These songs are not just melodies but pathways that lead me directly to the divine. Each note and word brings me closer to God, letting me express my devotion in a way beyond ordinary communication. Through these songs, I deeply feel God’s presence and seek to share this profound connection with others.
Support from Family and the Divine Connection:
I am thankful to have the support of my husband and his family in this spiritual journey. My husband, though a neurologist by profession, possesses a deep understanding of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita. His strong love and faith in God, and his encouragement have been invaluable to me. Together, we share a bond that is not only rooted in love but also in our mutual devotion to the divine.
The supportive environment I grew up in, along with my husband and his family, has greatly encouraged my devotion to music. However, the true inspiration behind my singing is my deep love for God. It is this love that made me dedicate my voice, a gift from the divine, to sing bhajans that connect the soul with the supreme being.
A Formal Musical Journey:
My musical journey is also shaped by my formal education in Hindustani classical music, where I have completed my Visharad, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. From the beginning, I have been particularly attracted to the bhajans of Meera Bai and Surdas. Their songs are full of purity love and devotion.
Influences and Inspirations:
Another major inspiration in my devotional music journey is Sri Anup Jalota Ji, a renowned singer whose bhajans have touched countless hearts. I admire his ability to convey deep spiritual messages through music, and I often find myself trying to capture that same essence in my own performances. His influence has been significant in shaping my style, and I hold his music in the highest regard.
I sing bhajans in Odia, Hindi, and Bengali, but my love for Sanskrit shlokas is something special. The ancient language of Sanskrit, with its rich spiritual heritage, adds a divine dimension to the bhajans, making them even more powerful and meaningful. Singing these shlokas brings me great joy because they allow me to connect with the divine on a deeper level.
The Turning Point: COVID-19:
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point in my life. During that challenging time, I found comfort in music. Participating in online bhajan programs offered comfort and reinforced my commitment to dedicating my life to devotional music. The pandemic reminded me of how precious life is and how important it is to stay connected to God, no matter what. It was during this time that I felt a renewed sense of purpose, a calling to use my voice to spread devotion and spiritual awareness.
Inspiring the Younger Generation Through Music:
One of my goals in singing devotional songs is to reach out to today’s young generation. In a world full of distractions, I believe music has the power to bring people back to their spiritual roots. By singing bhajans, I hope to create a bridge that connects the hearts of the younger generation with the timeless wisdom of devotion and spirituality.
Connecting the World with the Divine:
In today’s search for peace and meaning, I believe devotional music can guide people back to God and provide relief. Seeing young people’s growing interest in spirituality, I hope my singing can contribute to this positive trend and inspire others. Through my bhajans, I aim to create an environment where people, especially youth, can feel the divine presence and experience peace.
Keep following for more inspiration on spiritual connection and devotional music….