SRIVIDYA VEENA (2) KUNDALINI YOGA (SARASWATI VEENA-22)

 

                             (1977-HANUMAKONDA, ANDHRAPRADESH) PUJYASRI SADGURU SIVANANDA MURTHY IN HIS POOJA AND WITH HIS FAMILY. The photographs were taken when I was invited to perform in Warangal. Concert was organised by  the devotees of Pujyasri Sadguru Sivananda Murthy in the year 1977.

Most of the content about Veena and the instrument's spiritual benefits in this blog was given by Pujyasri Sadguru Sivananda Murthy in 1998, during one of my many visits to His ashram in Bheemli, Andhrapradesh.

1996, BHEEMLI, AP-

After His morning pooja Pujyasri Sadguru Sivananda Murthy sat down to talk. Excerpts regarding Veena-

CONVERSATION IN TELUGU-

"Wear an abdomen belt." His face had the serious look of someone who was imparting the most precious secret.

My eyes opened wide, "Abdomen belt in concerts?" I could well imagine the discomfort of performing for 2 and a half to 3 hours, with an abdomen belt around my waist. 

He watched the confusion and doubt on my face. He said vehemently, "But you can't waste precious 3 hours!"

I didn't answer as I tried to figure out how it would feel to play Veena with an abdomen belt. I looked at him uncertainly.

His voice was serious, "How many concerts do you have in a month?"

"Hmmmm...minimum 10, sometimes 15 to 20."

"All for 3 hours?"

"Not less than 2 hours."

" Just look at how much time you are losing!"

I nodded in agreement.

His voice was firm, "Every minute of Veena playing is precious. You need to apply your Veena playing to your kundalini. While you are immersed in playing you will not be able to maintain posture. You will naturally stoop." He paused to look at me. I nodded.

He continued, "To keep the base of spine erect you need to wear the abdomen belt. Your mooladhara to Swadhishtana to Manipura chakras will be held in alignment and erect by the belt."

I said hesitantly, "I am only worried if it will be too tight. If it's like that I may not be able to give my best because of the discomfort...." my voice trailed off.

"Start by playing Veena with the belt at home."

Looking at Him decisively I nodded in agreement. "I will, I will buy one immediately."

His face relaxed into a gentle smile.

"Good. Any other doubts?"

I smiled hesitantly as I shook my head negatively, unable to express my fears of managing the heaviness of silk saree on an abdomen belt. As though reading my mind He smiled gently and said, "It's a matter of getting used. Try to wear something comfortable on stage and nothing too heavy so that the abdomen belt won't be an added weight."

My eyes opened wide in surprise. Finding my voice I said in reverence, "I will surely do as per your instructions. Please bless me!" (TO BE CONTINUED....)

RAANIKA NEE KOSAM SAKHI.........

1969- In Vijaya Garden studios, during the recording of super hit song 'Raanika nee kosam sakhi...' with Ghantasala Uncle. Music direction by my father, Sri.G.Aswathama for the telugu movie, "MAYANI MAMATHA".

My most beloved mother, My Guru- Smt. Kamala Aswathama

 

A RARE VIDEO CLIPPING OF HER PERFORMANCE IN  HYDERABAD , TELANGANA....

SRI GURU GITA-9

SHIRDI SAIBABA

81) GURUMADHYE SDHITHAM VISHWAM VISHWAMADHYE SDHITHO GURUHU

GURU RVISHWAM NA CHAANYOSTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe is within the Spiritual Master and the Spiritual Master is within the Universe. The Universe and the Spiritual Master are one and the same. I prostrate to such a Guru.

82) BHAVAARANYA PRAVISHTASYA DINGMOHA BHRAANTHA CHEYTHASAHA

YENA SANDARSHITHA PANDHAAHA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- When one enters the horrific forest of life and when one's mind is in a turmoil not knowing where to go, it is the Spiritual Master who takes charge and leads on the correct path to safety and enlightenment. I prostrate to such a Guru.

83) THAAPATHRAYAAGNITHAPTHAANAA MASHAANTHA PRAANINAAM MUDHEY

GURU REYVA PARAA GANGAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The souls of human beings are scorched by the three fires namely-'Adhyathmikam' (suffering caused by own self), 'adibhautikam' (suffering caused by the outside situations/people), 'adideivikam' (suffering caused by powers beyond our ken/paranormal). The Spiritual Master flows as the great Ganges to cool the burnt souls of human beings and grant them supreme bliss. I prostrate to such a Guru. ('Adi' means relating to).

84) AGNYAANEY NAAHINAA GRASTHAAHA PRAANINA STHAAN CHIKITHSAKAHA

VIDYAASWAROOPO BHAGAVAAN THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Humans suffer the stings of horrific serpents of  ignorance. Only the Spiritual Master is capable of healing. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master, who is the epitome of Supreme Knowledge.

85) HEYTHAVEY JAGATHAA MEYVA SAMSAARAARNAVASEYTHAVEY

PRABHAVEY SARVAVIDYAANAAM SHAMBHAVEY GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is the Creator of all the worlds, the 'Sethu' (bridge) of life which is full of complexities, the Lord of all the knowledgeable subjects and the One who grants abundance and prosperity to all living beings. I prostrate to such a Guru.

86) DHYAANAMOOLAM GURORMOORTHIHI POOJAAMOOLAM GUROHPADAM

MANTHRAMOOLAM GURORVAAKYAM MUKTHIMOOLAM GUROHKRUPAA.

Meaning- The Form of the Spiritual Master is the essence of meditation, the Feet of the Spiritual Master is the core of worship (pooja), the Words of the Spiritual Master are the sacred verses (mantra), the Grace of the Spiritual Master is the path to liberation.

87) SAPTHA SAAGARA PARYANTHA THEERDHASNAANAPHALAM THU YATH

GUROHO PAADODABINDO SHCHA SAHASRAAMSHENA THATHPHALAM.

Meaning- All the holy rivers that have flown across the seven great oceans are equal to the one thousandth of a drop of water that covers the Feet of the Spiritual Master.

88) SHIVEY RUSHTEY GURU STHRAATHAA GURAU RUSHTEYNA KASHCHANA

LABDHVAA KULAGURUM SAMYAGGURU MEYVA SAMAASHRAYETH.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master rescues us from the anger of Lord Shiva, but none has the power to rescue when the Spiritual Master is enraged. That is why it is essential to first of all approach the Master of one's sect ('Kula Guru'). Only after that one must surrender oneself to the Spiritual Master of Supreme Knowledge ('Gnyaana Guru').

89) MADHULUBDHO YADHAA BHRUNGAHA PUSHPAA THPUSHPAANTHARAM VRAJETH

GNYAANALUBDHA STHADHAA SISHYO GURO RGURVANTHARAM VRAJETH.

Meaning- The bee which desires honey flies from one flower to another flower. Similarly one who desires Supreme Knowledge should leave the material Master to reach the Spiritual Master who is the epitome of Knowledge.

90) VANDEY GURUPADA DVANDVAM VAANGMANOTHEETHA GOCHARAM

SHWETHA RAKTHA PRABHAABHINNAM SHIVASHAKTHYAATHMAKAM PARAM.

Meaning- The Supreme Feet of the Spiritual Master are beyond the comprehension of human mind and beyond the expression of human words. They represent the joint forms of Shiva and Shakthi glowing brilliantly in white and red colors. 

RADHASHTAMI (14th September, 2021)

THE BEAUTY OF DIVINE LOVE IN HER FACE AND VOICE……

SRIVIDYA VEENA- (1) KUNDALINI YOGA (SARASWATI VEENA-21)

VEENA VENKATARAMANADAS

Many years ago Veena was held vertically by yesteryear practitioners in order to keep the spine erect (the above is the only  photo I managed to find. Veena Vidushi Tata Bhanumathi's (Puducherry) father late Sri.Tata Somayazulu used to hold the Veena vertically, I have had the fortune of witnessing this personally).

SRIVIDYA VEENA (KUNDALINI YOGA)-

I always wondered if it was only me who observed that Goddess Saraswati did not place the 'sorakkai' (left side dome of Veena) on the left thigh!

Further, there is no authentic text that demands any particular posture for Veena playing. The recent practice of holding the Veena horizontally across the left thigh has many disadvantages in the areas of health and spiritual benefits. In my personal and professional experience I have realized that an erect spine plays the foremost role in Veena playing.

Saraswati Veena made of pure jackwood is ideal for kundalini activation. The posture plays an equally important part as the sruthi  and laya suddham (perfection in tune as well as rhythm). If you ask me, posture is the primary most important factor. 

Veena practice for professional reasons maybe set aside as the focus on posture can disturb intellectual planning unless the player has mastered the erect-spine-posture.

 To start with at least half an hour should be allotted for kundalini practice on an authentic Saraswati Veena made of jackwood. Contact mikes, whether they are contact mikes for acoustic Veenas or electric Veenas (where magnetic strings are used and the wood grains are shunned) are not be used during this practice session. Mikes are to be avoided in order to gauge the enhancement of the 'naadham' (resonance). 'Naadham' is the measuring scale of the rising life-force energy which is sponged off by the wood grains of the Veena's jackwood and reflected as 'naadham' or resonance of the Veena.

If the practitioner is young, energetic, hale and healthy the practice of posture becomes easy and demands slight variations only. Placing the Veena's left side dome (Sorakkai) on the left thigh requires the player to stoop over the Veena dandi (especially in the case of a tall or broad-shouldered player). Instead of placing the sorakkai on the left thigh the player should find something (like a pile of cushions, thick cloth material, small stool covered by cloth etc.) to be able to raise the Veena to the required height on the left side in order to avoid stooping over the Veena. At the same it is necessary to balance the height of the right side dome ('kudam') in order to achieve the correct inclination. The right side is not to be raised to the level of the left side, but only to the extent where the player is able to play the Veena with his/her shoulders pushed back, chin raised and most importantly with his/her spine erect. (TO BE CONTINUED.....)

CONCERT IN MYLAPORE SAIBABA TEMPLE IN LATE 60s.

LATE 60s, after my concert in Mylapore Saibaba temple- spiritual stalwarts and siddhas from Shirdi attended the concert. I am seated on the floor.

 

SRI GURU GITA-8

SWAYAM PRAKASHA AVADOOTHA SWAMIGAL, SENDAMANGALAM 

71)YASYA GNYAATHAM MATHAM THASYA MATHAM YASYA NA VEDA SAHA

ANANYABHAAVABHAAVEYNA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Whatever the Spiritual Master knows is the religion of every human being.Whatever is unknown to the Spiritual Master is not a religion (there is nothing/no matter which is beyond the comprehension of the omnipresent Spiritual Master, such a thing is considered nonexistent and therefore disregarded). I prostrate to the Spiritual Master who possesses such an abundance of knowledge.

72) YASMAI KAARANAROOPAAYA KAARYAROOPEYNA BHAATHI YATH

KAARYA KAARANA ROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- He is the personification of reason/purpose. But He shines as a personification of action. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master who is an epitome of purpose and action.

73) NAANAA ROOPA MIDAM VISHWAM NA KEYNAAPYASTHI BHINNATHAA

KAARYA KAARANA ROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The universe in all its complexities is not different or apart from the Spiritual Master (Guru). I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master who is an epitome of purpose and action.

74) GNYAANA SHAKTHI SAMAAROODHA THATHVAMAALAA VIBHOOSHINEY

BHUKTHI MUKTHI PRADAATHREY CHA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master who is decorated by the garland of knowledge grants material fulfillment and liberation to His devotees. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

75) ANEYKA JANMA SAMPRAAPTHA KARMABANDHAVIDAAHINEY

GNYAANAANALA PRABHAAVEYNA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The karmic tendencies of many birth cycles become one's inherent qualities. The karmic tendencies are burnt to ashes by the knowledge of the Spiritual Master. I prostrate to such a Guru.

76) SOSHANAM BHAVASINDHO SHCHA DEEPANAM KSHARASAMPADAAM

GUROHO PAADODAKAM YASYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master's 'paadodakam' (nectar from His Feet) has the power to drain the ocean of 'samsara' (material world) and to enhance material prosperity which is diminishing. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master whose Feet exude nectar.

77) NA GURO RADHIKAM THATHVAM NA GURO RADHIKAM THAPAHA

NA GURO RADHIKAM GNYAANAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- There is no power greater than the Spiritual Master, there is no penance greater than the Spiritual Master and there is no knowledge superior to the Spiritual Master (Guru).I worship such a Guru.

78) MANNAADHAHA SHREE JAGANNAADHO MADGURUHU SHREE JAGATGURUHU

MAMAATHMAA SARVABHOOTHAATHMAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Shree Jagannatha is my Lord, the Universal Spiritual Master (Jagatguru) is my Guru, all the living entities are my soul. I prostrate to the Spiritual Master who gives me such knowledge.

79) GURU RAADI RANAADISHCHA GURUHU PARAMADAIVATHAM

GURUMANTHRASAMONAASTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Spiritual Master is the personification of the origin. Yet He is ageless and has no beginning. 'Guru mantra' (prayers to the Spirtual Master) is unparalleled. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

80) EKA EVA PARO BANDHU RVISHAMEY SAMUPASTHITHEY

GURU SSAKALA DHARMAATHMAA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- During life's worst calamities, the Spiritual Master is the only relative who comes to the rescue. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

GOLDEN MEMORY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh17-hv7VsU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AcTG3KAE58

BRAHMA KADIGINA PAADAMU (VEENA AND VIOLA) (YouTube link above)

Ragam-Mukhari, Adi thalam and composed by Annamacharya. 

The rendition of Brahmakadigina Paadamu was picturized in the great temples, Sri Kamakshi and Sri Varadarajaswamy temples of Kanchipuram for a musical series produced by Sri. Govind Nallappa and telecast by Doordarshan in the 80s.

A unique combination of Veena and Viola with the viola played by none other than the legendary late Dr. Balamuralikrishna! His mastery over the instrument was amazing! The audio was recorded in Sangeetha Studio (Sri.Guruvayur Dorai- mridangam). Our action was filmed as we played our instruments according to the recorded audio version. The video was shot in bits in Sri Kamakshi as well as in Sri Varadarajaswamy temple, Kanchipuram.

Many devotees and vedic brahmins gathered around us to watch the film shoot. Dr. Balamuralikrishna's casual banter and jokes put me at ease as I felt painfully shy and self-conscious during the filming.

The temple prasadam (of pulihara-tamarind rice, chakkara pongal-jaggery rice and vadas) was served as lunch in the thick foliage of mango and various other trees in the backyard of Sri Varadarajaswamy Temple. 

The 2-day shoot in the holy and pure atmosphere of these majestic temples will forever stay in my memory!

SRI GURU GITA-7

BHAGAVAN NITYANANDA

Bhagavan Nityananda (1897-1961), one of the most revered Siddha Gurus and a janma Siddha-He lived all His life in divine consciousness. 

61)  STHAAVARAM JANGAMAM VYAAPTHAM YATHKINCHI THSACHARAACHARAM

THVAM PADAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- This entire creation is filled with moving and nonmoving beings. All this represents 'You' (thvam). The Great Personage who makes one realise that 'You' (thvam) is none other than the Spiritual Master (Guru).

62) CHINMAYA VYAAPITHAM SARVAM THRAILOKYAM SACHARAACHARAM

ASITHVAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- You are 'that' (asi) which pervades the entire Universe consisting of moving and nonmoving beings. I prostrate to the Lord Spiritual Master who grants me the vision of 'that' (asi).

63) NIMISHAA NNIMISHAARDHAA DVAA YADVAAKYAA DVAI VIMUCHYATHEY

SVAATHMAANAM SHIVA MAALOKYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- By the sheer command of the Spiritual Master, one obtains vision (Darshan) of one's soul in the form of Lord Paramashiva just within the time of batting one's eyelids, or in just half the time of batting eyelids. I prostrate to such a 'Guru'.

64) CHAITHANYAM SHAASHVATHAM SHAANTHAM VYOMAATHEETHAM NIRANJANAM

NAADABINDUKALAATHEETHAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The One who is an epitome of cosmic consciousness (intelligence), permanence, tranquility, the One who is more limitless than the sky, the One who is absolutely untouched, the One who is an authority over 'nada' (sound- the first cosmic vibration)), 'bindu' (dot- Parashakthi) and 'kala' (consciousness)..my salutations to such a Spiritual Master.

65) NIRGUNAM NIRMALAM SHAANTHAM JANGAMAM STHIRA MEYVA CHA

VYAAPTHAM YENA JAGA THSARVAM THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- One who is untouched by senses, the One who is calm, tranquil, the One who does not waver and is determined and unmoved, such a Spiritual Master is the God who pervades this entire Universe. My salutations to Him.

66) SA PITHAA SA CHA MEY MAATHAA SA BANDHU SSA CHA DEYVATHAA

SAMSAARAMOHANAASHAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Only He is the Father, only He is the Mother, only He is the relative, only He is God. I worship such a Spiritual Master in order to get rid of my desire for this material world.

67) YATHSATHVEYNA JAGA THSATHTHVAM YATHPRAKAASHEYNA BHAATHI THATH

YADAANANDEYNA NANDANTHI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe is due to the existence of the Spiritual Master, the entire Universe is filled with light due to His radiance, the entire Universe is filled with joy due to His blissful form. I offer my felicitations to such a Spiritual Master.

68) YASMIN STHITHA MIDAM SARVAM BHAATHI YADBHAAVAROOPATHAHA

YATHPREETHYAA PRIYAM PUTHRAADI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- The entire Universe seems aglow because it is contained within the radiance of the Spiritual Master. Love and affection for one's children and kith and kin originate from one's love and devotion towards the Spiritual Master. My salutations to such a Guru.

69) YE NEYDAM DARSHITHAM THATHVAM CHITTHA CHAITHYAADIKAM THADHAA

JAAGRATHSVAPNASUSHUPTHYAADI THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- Mind (perception), its conceptions, wakeful (jagrat), dream (svapna) and deep sleep (sushupti) states are activated by the grace of the Spiritual Master. I salute such a Guru.

70) YASYA GNYAANA MIDAM VISHVAM NA DRUSHYAM BHINNABHEYDATHAHA

SADAIKAROOPAROOPAAYA THASMAI SHREE GURAVEY NAMAHA.

Meaning- This entire Universe is a form of His knowledge. As one views the Universe as complex and varied,  the uniqueness of the Spiritual Master stands out in one's vision. He has only one form at all times. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

SRI GURU GITA-6

 

SARPAROOPA SHAYANA DATTATREYA IN THE FORM OF A SNAKE   ( Varadavelli, TELANGANA). Here Lord Guru Dattatreya is worshipped for the appeasement of the shadowy planet Rahu in one's horoscope (for Rahu-related transit/Dasa/Bhukthi)

51)KARMANAA MANASAA VAACHAA SARVADAA RAADHAYE DGURUM

DEERGHA DANDAM NAMASKRUTHYA NIRLAJJO GURUSANNIDHAU.

Meaning- A devotee, at all times, has to dedicate himeself to the Spiritual Master in mind, speech and action. The devotee should prostrate fully (full-bodied prostration) without any inhibitions.

52) SHAREERA MINDRIYAM PRAANA MARDHA SVAJANA BAANDHAVAAN

AATHMARAADAADIKAM SARVAM SADGURUBHYO NIVEYDAYETH.

Meaning- The devotee has to offer one's body, sensory organs, life, wealth, kith and kin, relatives, spouse towards the service of the Spiritual Master.

53) GURU REKO JAGATHSARVAM BRAHMAVISHNU SHIVAATHMAKAM

GUROHO PARATHARAM NAASTHI THASMAA THSAMPOOJAYE DGURUM.

Meaning- The entire Universe is represented by the Spiritual Master (Guru). Guru is the joint form of  Lords Brahma-Vishnu- Shiva. There is no greater power than the Spiritual Master. Therefore one must worship the Spiritual Master with dedication and devotion.

54) SARVASHRUTHI SHIRORATHNA VIRAAJITHA PADAAMBUJAM

VEDAANTHAARDHA PRAVAKTHAARAM THASMAA THSAMPOOJAYE DGURUM.

Meaning- One should recognize the Spiritual Master as One who is an epitome of the lotus-like verses of gems called Upanishads. Guru has to be recognized as the Spiritual Master who expounds and preaches the doctrines of the great Vedic philosophy.

55) YASYA SMARANA MAATHRENA GNYAANA MUTHPADYATHE SVAYAM

SA EVA SARVASAMPATTHI THASMAA THSAMPOOJAYE DGURUM.

Meaning- The mere thought of the Spiritual Master invokes knowledge most naturally. Guru represents prosperity and abundance, therefore He should be celebrated perfectly.

56) KRIMIKOTIBHI RAAVISHTAM DURGANDHA MALAMOOTHRAKAM

SLESHMARAKTHATHVACHAAMAAMSAI RNADDHAM CHAITHA DVARAANANEY.

Meaning- O Auspicious One! O Parvathi! This body is the residence of crores of worms. It is filled with stench-filled bodily excretions like urine and faeces. It is a bag of mucus, blood, skin, flesh and such derogatory matter (it is important to understand this fact in order to dedicate oneself to the Spiritual Master).

57) SAMSAARA VRUKSHA MAAROODHAAHA PATHANTHI NARAKAARNAVEY

YASTHAA NUDDHARATHEY SARVAAM STHASMAI SHREE GURAVEYNAMAHA.

Meaning- All those who have climbed up the tree of materialism (samsara) have all fallen down into the ocean of hell. Salute to the great Spiritual Master who rescues the fallen ones.

58) GURU RBRAHMA GURU RVISHNU RGURU RDEVO MAHESHWARAHA

GURU SSAAKSHAA THPARABRAHMA THASMAI SHREE GURAVE NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is Lord Brahma, He is Lord Vishnu, and He is the God Maheshwara. Guru is Supreme Power. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

59) AGNYAANATHIMIRAANDHASYA GNYAANAANJANA SHALAAKAYA

CHAKSHU RUNMEELITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVE NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master opens the eyes of a devotee (blinded by ignorance) with the stick of collyrium called knowledge. I prostrate to such a Spiritual Master.

60) AKHANDAMANDALAAKAARAM VYAAPTHAM  YENA CHARAACHARAM

THATHPADAM DARSHITHAM YENA THASMAI SHREE GURAVE NAMAHA.

Meaning- The Spiritual Master is Omnipresent, pervading the entire Universe which is filled with all living entities (moving and nonmoving). I prostrate to Him such a Spiritual Master who grants the vision (Darshan) of 'thath' (the Supreme Spirit).