Bhajan: Difference between revisions
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A traditional form of musical devotion still popular in India today. A ''bhajan'' is a spiritual song as well as group worship through music and song. Bhajans are customarily performed in a soloist-group format. | A traditional form of musical devotion still popular in India today. A '''bhajan''' is a spiritual song as well as group worship through music and song. Bhajans are customarily performed in a soloist-group format. | ||
For centuries, Hindu devotees have embraced the bhajan as a source of deep spiritual renewal. Today bhajans are performed on holy days, special occasions or with a gathering of relatives, friends and neighbors. An evening of bhajans can last for several hours, often lifting the participants to a state of religious exaltation. A soloist sings a verse and the group repeats it to the accompaniment of percussion and other instruments. Generally the recitation begins slowly and then speeds up. | For centuries, Hindu devotees have embraced the bhajan as a source of deep spiritual renewal. Today bhajans are performed on holy days, special occasions or with a gathering of relatives, friends and neighbors. An evening of bhajans can last for several hours, often lifting the participants to a state of religious exaltation. A soloist sings a verse and the group repeats it to the accompaniment of percussion and other instruments. Generally the recitation begins slowly and then speeds up. | ||
A distinctive element of the bhajan is the repetition of the names of God. According to Hindu tradition, singing and meditating upon the names of a deity evoke his or her power and presence. To the Hindu, the bhajan is also a medium of divine grace, bringing salvation to those who have erred. | A distinctive element of the bhajan is the repetition of the names of God. According to Hindu tradition, singing and meditating upon the names of a deity evoke his or her power and presence. To the Hindu, the bhajan is also a medium of divine grace, bringing salvation to those who have erred. | ||
== See also == | |||
[[Spoken Word]] | |||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
''Shiva: Sacred Chants from the Heart of India'' (audio CD) | ''Shiva: Sacred Chants from the Heart of India'' (audio CD) | ||
Revision as of 14:46, 17 July 2016
A traditional form of musical devotion still popular in India today. A bhajan is a spiritual song as well as group worship through music and song. Bhajans are customarily performed in a soloist-group format.
For centuries, Hindu devotees have embraced the bhajan as a source of deep spiritual renewal. Today bhajans are performed on holy days, special occasions or with a gathering of relatives, friends and neighbors. An evening of bhajans can last for several hours, often lifting the participants to a state of religious exaltation. A soloist sings a verse and the group repeats it to the accompaniment of percussion and other instruments. Generally the recitation begins slowly and then speeds up.
A distinctive element of the bhajan is the repetition of the names of God. According to Hindu tradition, singing and meditating upon the names of a deity evoke his or her power and presence. To the Hindu, the bhajan is also a medium of divine grace, bringing salvation to those who have erred.
See also
Sources
Shiva: Sacred Chants from the Heart of India (audio CD)