“Where there is devotional music, God is always at hands with his gracious presence.” – Johann Sebastian Bach

What is a devotional song?

A devotional song is a hymn that accompanies religious observances and rituals. Traditionally devotional music has been a part of Hindu music, Jewish music, Buddhist music, Islamic music, and Christian music. Each major religion has its tradition of devotional hymns. Be it Bhajan, Aarti, Kirtan, Gurbani, Choir, or Sufiyana Kalaam, all are different forms of devotional music.

It is a musical rendition in praise of God. All these forms have a calming effect on our charged souls and work as great leveller  and healers in today’s stressed times. Though we have become technologically advanced, we must walk back to spirituality to lead a peaceful, contented, and happy life.

India is the birthplace of many religions and its Devotional Music is inspired by so many cultures, on one side we have Mira Bai, Kabir, Ras Khan, Sant Tukaram, on the other side we have Sant Ramdas, Bulleshah, and Guru Nanak. Devotional music has been an integral part of Sanatani Culture. Our mornings begin with musical prayers and end with evening aarti. This way we see that devotional music is an important aspect of our lives.

Devotional songs help one find compassion, generosity, and harmony. In addition to this, listening to devotional songs is shown to have added benefits on the mental health of a person. Listening to devotional music regularly gives out positive vibes, and contributes to a happier outlook on life.

Devotional singing, known as bhajans or kirtan, can help to quiet the mind so that the heart can open to the divine, allowing us to taste the blissful reality that is our true nature. It is a participatory spiritual practice in which everyone is encouraged to sing and express their inner joy.

“Devotional singing induces in you a desire for experiencing the truth, to glimpse the beauty that is God, and to taste the bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to dive into himself and be genuinely his real Self.” – Sathya Sai Baba

Health Benefits of Music

• It’s heart-healthy. Research has shown that blood flows more easily when music is played.
• It elevates mood.
• It reduces stress.
• It relieves symptoms of depression.
• It stimulates memories.
• It manages pain.
• It eases pain.
• It helps people eat less.

I had a very off-and-on relationship with devotional music. As a child, I used to accompany my grandmother to her friend’s place in the evening, a few days a week. It was not by choice but out of compulsion as Amma needed help climbing stairs. Though I always had an ear for music, devotional singing hardly inspired me. I used to wait when the bhajan sandhya will get over and I will get tasty prasadam.

Time passed, and we got busy with studies and careers, and devotional music left our musical space. We headed towards the golden period of Bollywood music – Retro music which became a mainstay of my generation and still is.

Many more years passed like this, and one day I got an invite from my dear friend, Navita Agarwal (Ardent Mata Bhakt and devotional Singer) to attend Mata-ki-Chowki at her place. It was a life–altering experience for me. Mata-ki-Bhente returned to my life. I enjoyed listening and singing a great deal and since it has stayed on…and of course, mine and Navita’s bonding over Mata-ki-Chowkis and Bhente!

…Some 12 years ago I heard famous Astrologer Kamini Khanna ji (Actor Govinda’s Didi) on 92.7 FM – Big FM – hosting a program named Saher with Kamini Khanna.

That day and this day, my hand automatically goes to the radio at 5:59 AM and I spend that one hour amidst devotional music each day. Now I know many chalisas, bhajans, kirtan, shabads, bhente… and not. It is the most enriching hour of my day!

Even though devotional music is fed in various ways, many spiritual individuals would likely identify music as a significant catalyst for cultivating religion, inviting reflection, and as a vehicle for transporting them into a place of mystery, beauty, and grace.

It is believed that music is made first of all to the Lord and only secondarily to each other. Music should communicate and express a sense of awe and wonder in the presence of God; it should lead our thoughts toward God rather than toward ourselves. Over a period of time, I developed a liking for Sufi Sangeet and what a serene experience it became!

Devotional songs help one find compassion, generosity, and harmony. In addition to this, listening to devotional songs is shown to have added benefits on the mental health of a person. Listening to devotional music regularly gives out positive vibes, and contributes to a happier outlook on life.

Make your day full of happy vibes by starting and ending your day with your daily dose of devotional music, indeed it helps to make you HappyHo.