TRISHAKTHI

 1) HAMIRKALYANI THILLANA, 2) MANIKKA VEENAI ENDHUM, 3) CHANDRAKAUNS THILLANA 

KvanathKAANCHIdhaamaa.....

                                                                                                                                                                              

My meditation of the 7th sloka of Soundarya Lahari 10 years ago was a revelation! The “Kanchi” vibration of the first verse (Kvanathkaancheedhaama) in the sloka manifested itself and led me to Kanchipuram, to Kamakshi. Sloka 7 of Soundarya Lahari-“KVANATHKANCHEEDHAAMAA KARIKALABHAKUMBHASTHANANATHAA  PARIKSHEENAAMADHYE PARINATHASHARASCHANDRAVADANAADHANURBAANAAN PAASHAAM SHRUNUMAPI  DADHAANAA KARATHALAIHI PURASTHAADAASTHAAN NAHA PURAMATHITHURAAHO PURUSHEEKAA!” Seated with my Veena and speaker/amp in the cramped, limited area in Gayathri Mandapam I directly faced Goddess Kamakshi. While drinking in the beauty of Her dancing eyes in the glow of the bright oil lamps surrounding Her I lost myself in the overflowing emotions that poured out of my Veena. Seated in darkness  I was not visible to the long queue of ardent devotees lined up below the Mandapam. I was drenched in sweat as I performed in the hot summer afternoon but I was oblivious to the discomfort. Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of devotees puzzled and searching for the source of Veena Naadham. That brought a smile to my lips.... while Her eyes continued to dance in the dazzling lights. 

I Can’t Tell You Why- Eagles

                                 SHREEJA 

SARASWATI VEENA-20

 

Size of Veenas differs from one another. Either the kudam is bigger or smaller than the other, or the Veena 'dandi' is lengthier or wider than the other. It's not necessary to record particulars of the size of Veena with a measuring tape. 

A Veena has to be tested by using and trying out different gauges of strings. It's wrong to state that all Veenas must use same gauges for saarani and panchamam strings.

The gauge is determined by testing it's 'jeeva' or 'kaarvai' (sustenance and resounding naadham or resonance when the string is played upon). The sound should not be clipped, but sustained and continuous (like in the case of tambura).

In my experience the same gauge measures differently, going by the brands and music showrooms. It's important to try out different gauges to arrive at the point of honeyed sweetness only a Veena is capable of yielding.

ABOVE APPLICABLE TO ACOUSTIC VEENAS ONLY