𝑫𝑬𝑽𝑶𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑳 𝑺𝑶𝑵𝑮

“WHERE THERE IS DEVOTIONAL MUSIC, GOD IS ALWAYS AT HAND WITH HIS GRACIOUS PRESENCE”

A devotional song is a hymn which accompanies religious observances and rituals. Traditionally devotional music has been a part of Hindu music, Jewish music, Buddhist music, Sufi music, Islamic music and Christian music . Each major religion has its own tradition with devotional hymns.

Music is a medium often used to communicate with God. It transcends space and time. It is free of religion, caste, nationality, and even language. It resonates with the inner self of a person, reflecting the purpose and deeper meaning of life. While music is a form of expression, spirituality is born from a space of personal experience, and the environment. It brings clarity to thought and gives an opportunity for personal reflection. Old age is just right to contemplate about the bygone years and the deeds. Old age is a time to seek a passage to the Supreme Being. At an age where nothing comes as a surprise, but everything is consequential, the mind keenly looks for peace.  Devotional songs have long been used to direct mind and soul towards a safe harbor. It is for the same reason that we are encouraged to hear songs that encourage us during yoga lessons or morning prayers.

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. It results in the enhanced and elevated mood, especially when listened to during mornings. It also fosters relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and increases self-esteem. In Alzheimer patients, devotional music can increase communication skills, and stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory. It significantly helps in keeping a check on anger. Those who listen to devotional music have reported better sleep, increased the ability to concentrate, increased awareness, and lessened the need for medications.

In India, devotion is a way of life. It can vary in medium, intensity, and genre, but there is no way around it. Whatever definition of spirituality one holds, the nature of music is a path one treads on. It is an integral part of human life, and more so when the mind needs most strength to carry on into the sunset.    

Devotion or bhakti is intrinsically always present in music. From the yester years, music has forever been an expression of ultimate devotion. Ranging from bandishes, thumris, bhajans to general colloquial music, music represents devotion – a symbolism of surrender to the supreme Lord.

In classical music, the musical notes, alaaps and lyrics are all devotional. Various ragas sung at specific times, signify a deep meditation and penance. The permutations and combinations of the musical notes for the different ragas rise the mental level of the performer as well as the audience to a high spiritual platform. In this way, a musical performance creates a devotional environment.