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The gush of the wind, water dripping on the windshield, and a sip of tea, all give us a meditative aura that relaxes our body and lets us sit back on our chairs. In sync with this feeling of calmness, the classical Hindi tradition contains a set of Swaras (pakad) that heals us mentally. A Raga is a set of Swaras sung/played in a particular manner with creativity and improvisations.
Raga is usually said to be played at a particular time of the day. Why? You may ask… That is because we change ourselves according to the specific period of the day. Not singing according to the said time is known to change the course of nature and that of the singer. Ragas are known to have immense power.
Tansen, one of the nine gems at Akbar’s court was once asked to sing raag Deepak (known to lit the hall on fire). With the fear of the hall actually lighting on fire, Tansen taught raag Miya Malhaar to his daughter. Raag Malhaar is known to bring rain. On the next day, Tansen increased the temperature of the hall and lit all the diyas during his performance followed by his daughter singing raag Miya Malhaar and bringing clouds and rain.
The One That Heals
One such healing raga is VRINDAVANI SARANG/ BRINDABANI SARANG
This raga is known to amplify wisdom and positivity in the singer and in the one listening. Brindabani Sarang is a Kafi Thaat raga. It was created by Swami Haridas. The associated mythology being that he brought Lord Krishna to Earth by singing this raga who took the form of an idol which can still be seen in Mathura. It is known that this raag has the capability to cure depression and negative emotions in the person.
Raag Kalyan, the Thaat raag is known to convey the mood of springtime, Shringar (Romance). It can express both – separation as well as the union of two lovers.
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When Goddess Parvati Used Music…
Raag Hindolam (carnatic) or Raag Malkauns (hindustani) is known to cure various diseases like indigestion, stomach pain, and treat low blood pressure. It has a symmetric aroh (ascending set) and avroh (descending set) which gives the feeling of tranquility and evenness to the listener. Listening to this raag in the morning benefits us immensely. It is advisable to listen in low volume.
The history of this raag is probably going to give you goosebumps.
It is believed to have been created by goddess Parvati to calm lord Shiva, when he was outraged and refused to calm down after Tandav in rage of Sati’s sacrifice.
The Diverse Raga Hindolam
Having only five Swaras, yet a creative chalan, this raag is very complex. It is said that raag Malkauns should not be sung or played in a playful/nonserious manner considering that this raag requires a lot of care and energy.
As said by George Howlett, It is said that Parvati first sang the raga as she wandered in the mountains, naming it Mal-Kaushik (‘he who wears serpents like garlands’) after a prominent depiction of Shiva. The music soothed his mind, succeeding where all else had failed. Soon after the couple became husband and wife. Shiva took mercy on his vanquished foes, resurrecting those who had been slain and even reinstating the king to his throne (although he replaced his severed head with that of a goat). This raag has a mournful yet stable mood, as if finding a purpose whilst meditating on some great loss.
In conclusion, music has the ability to transfer the singer’s emotions and state of being to the audience. Ragas are very powerful. So if the singer is sad, the whole hall will be filled with sadness, mourning birds, and falling leaves. But if the singer is happy, the birds would chirp, and the animals would be joyous. Just like Pandit Nikhil Banerjee’s sitar opening an austere realm of contemplation every time you give it a listen.
About the author: Kavya Shrotriya, a 17-year-old Indian classical vocal Visharad, harbors a profound aspiration to establish a career in surgery. Demonstrating inherent leadership qualities, she has proven her mettle by spearheading as the Vanguard of ‘Service Before Self’ at Delhi Public School R.K Puram for the academic year 2022-23. Apart from her musical talents, she also possesses a keen interest in biology and medical sciences.
