Swamiji and the Bahajan (program on ABC Radio National)

[Guest guest]

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/rhythmdivine/stories/2008/2256873.htm

 

Swamiji and the Bhajan

 

Listen Now - 30052008 |

 

Bhajans are Hindu devotional songs in praise of the

Divine. They began centuries ago as Hindu religious

hymns, sung during puja or worship, and are considered

to be the words of great masters or saints. Over time

they were simplified so that ordinary working people

could understand and relate to them. This is reflected

in the musical style - simple repetitive melodies and

dancing rhythms - and in the easy to follow lyrics

praising God. His Holiness Paramhans Swami

Maheshwarananda, an Indian Yogi born in Rajasthan, has

encouraged the use of bhajans today and in this

special program we'll hear from Swamiji himself

talking about this tradition of devotional singing,

and introducing several Rajasthani bhajans. We'll also

sample the best of modern India, with the new album

from Anoushka Shankar, Breathing Under Water which

blends sitar and electronics.