Preparing the sanctum…
Preparing the sanctum…
A guide to the Sanskrit and Indian classical music terminology used across Bhakti Raga Seva.
Devotion — the path of loving surrender to the divine. In the BRS context, bhakti is expressed through classical music performed as worship in temples.
A devotional song, typically in Hindi or Sanskrit, composed within a classical raga framework. Bhajans form the core repertoire of BRS seva programs.
The deity — the divine recipient of the musical offering. BRS temples are dedicated to deities like Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram.
The oldest surviving form of Hindustani classical music, known for its austere, meditative quality and strict adherence to raga grammar. Considered the purest form of devotional classical music.
A lineage or school of musical training with distinct stylistic characteristics, passed from guru to shishya. Examples include Jaipur-Atrauli, Gwalior, Agra, and Kirana gharanas.
A spiritual or musical teacher. In Indian classical tradition, the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship is sacred and foundational to learning.
The predominant form of Hindustani vocal music, allowing extensive improvisation within the raga framework. Literally means "imagination" in Urdu/Persian.
Congregational devotional singing, often in call-and-response format. Sankirtana specifically refers to group chanting of divine names, as prescribed in the Bhagavatam.
A melodic framework in Indian classical music. Each raga evokes a specific mood (rasa) and is traditionally associated with a time of day or season. BRS artists perform raga-based compositions suited to the temple schedule.
Literally "seeker" or "practitioner." In BRS, a Sadhaka is a trained classical musician who has committed to performing devotional music as seva in partner temples.
Dedicated spiritual practice or discipline. For BRS artists, sadhana encompasses both daily musical practice (riyaaz) and the devotional intent behind the performance.
Selfless service performed without expectation of reward. At BRS, seva means offering one's musical art as worship to the presiding deity of a temple.
The microtonal intervals in Indian music; also refers to the continuous drone provided by the tanpura that forms the harmonic foundation of all classical performance.
The rhythmic cycle or time measure in Indian classical music. Common talas include Teental (16 beats), Jhaptaal (10 beats), and Rupak (7 beats).
A long-necked stringed instrument that provides the continuous drone (shruti) essential to Indian classical performance. Its resonant sound creates the meditative foundation for all BRS seva.