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
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
