The Celestial Symphony: Ragas as Portals to the Divine

By Smt. Vasini Shyama Charan Jha*

Vedic Origins: Music as Sacred Vibration
In the rich tapestry of Indian spirituality and culture, music has long been revered as a sacred art
form, a direct conduit to the divine realms. Among the myriad melodies and rhythms that adorn this
celestial tradition, the ragas stand out as mystical frameworks that transcend mere notes and scales.
These meticulously crafted compositions are imbued with the power to evoke profound emotions,
states of consciousness, and spiritual experiences that resonate with the very essence of the
cosmos.

The origins of these celestial melodies can be traced back to the ancient Vedic scriptures, where the
reverence for music as a sacred practice permeated the very fabric of existence. In the Sama Veda,
considered the “Book of Songs,” the divine vibrations of mantras and chants were precisely codified,
revealing the intricate interplay between sound, energy, and the ultimate reality.

Invoking the Radiant: The Gayatri Mantra and Raga Bhairavi
One such mantra, the Gayatri Mantra, is a powerful invocation to the life-giving forces of the
universe, personified as the radiant goddess Savitri. This sacred verse, when chanted in harmony
with the melodic patterns of Raga Bhairavi, is believed to unleash a profound spiritual resonance,
opening the doors to deep meditative states and inner illumination.

“Tat savitur varenyam, bhargo devasya dhīmahi, dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt.“
(We meditate on the glory of the radiant divine, may it inspire our minds and intellects.)

The Natya Shastra, a seminal treatise on the performing arts, written by the sage Bharata Muni
around the 2nd century BCE, is considered one of the earliest texts to systematically codify the
principles of ragas. It is here that the concept of raga devatās (raga deities) was first introduced,
laying the foundation for the rich tradition of personifying these celestial melodies as divine beings.

Woven Tapestries: Regional Traditions and Spiritual Influences
Over the centuries, the intricate tapestry of ragas has been woven with threads drawn from various
regional musical traditions and spiritual practices, resulting in a rich diversity of melodic and
rhythmic expressions. From the mystical chants of the Bauls of Bengal to the devotional poetry of
the Bhakti movement, each strand has contributed to the vibrant hues and textures of this cosmic
symphony.

Summoning the Rains: The Legend of Raga Malhar
One such vibrant hue is the legendary Raga Malhar, a majestic and intense raga associated with the
monsoon season. It is said that the mere rendition of this raga has the power to summon the life-
giving rains, quenching the thirst of the parched earth and ushering in a season of renewal and
abundance.

In the annals of Indian mythology, the origins of Raga Malhar are steeped in celestial lore. According
to one captivating tale, the raga was born from the tears of the divine nymph Malhari, whose
celestial dance symbolized the rejuvenating power of the monsoon rains. Her passionate
movements, coupled with the enchanting melodies of the raga, were said to possess the ability to
dissolve even the most stubborn clouds, unleashing their life-giving bounty upon the land.

Malhar Utsav: Celebrating the Cosmic Dance
This mythological narrative is celebrated in the annual Malhar Utsav, a vibrant festival held in the
western Indian state of Rajasthan. During this event, classical musicians gather to perform the
majestic strains of Raga Malhar, invoking the blessings of the divine nymph and the arrival of the
monsoon rains. The festival culminates in a grand spectacle, where artists, dancers, and devotees
unite in a captivating celebration of nature’s resplendent cycles and the celestial melodies that
harmonize with them.

The Queen of Ragas: Raga Bairavi and the Goddess Saraswati
Another celebrated raga that has become a beacon of divine inspiration is Raga Bhairavī, often
hailed as the “Queen of Ragas.” This sublime and powerful raga is closely associated with the
goddess Saraswati, the patron deity of music, learning, and the arts.

In the sacred verses of the Saraswati Upanishad, a profound connection is drawn between the divine
goddess and the celestial melodies of Raga Bhairavī:

“Sarvasya vāgdevī Bhairavī tāmoditā,
Tāmeva pari-pūjya praviśanti kavīśvarāḥ.”
(Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of speech, is revered as Raga Bhairavī. By worshipping
her through this raga, the great poets and sages attain enlightenment.)

This ancient text highlights the belief that by immersing oneself in the spiritual depths of Raga
Bhairavī, one can connect with the divine essence of goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge,
wisdom, and creative expression.

Bridging Traditions: Ravi Shankar and the “Chants of India”
In contemporary times, the spiritual significance of ragas has continued to inspire artists and
musicians across the globe, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with the universal
longing for divine connection. One such luminary is the legendary sitar virtuoso, Ravi Shankar, whose
life’s work has been a testament to the transformative power of Indian classical music.
During his illustrious career, Ravi Shankar has not only mesmerized audiences with his mastery of
ragas but has also served as a bridge between ancient traditions and modern expressions. In his
iconic album “Chants of India,” he collaborated with the revered spiritual leader, Maharishi Mahesh
Yogi, to create a captivating synthesis of ragas, mantras, and meditative soundscapes.
This groundbreaking work showcased the profound synergy between the celestial melodies of ragas
and the sacred vibrational frequencies of mantras, creating a potent sonic landscape for spiritual
exploration and inner transformation.

In the liner notes of the album, Ravi Shankar eloquently expresses the profound connection between
music and spiritualityL
“In the Indian tradition, music has always been considered a means of attaining a higher state of
consciousness, a way of transcending the limitations of the physical world and connecting with the
divine.”

Artistic Expressions: Frescoes of Gwalior Fort
Beyond the realm of music, the tradition of raga personification has also found expression in various
artistic mediums, further amplifying the spiritual resonance of these celestial melodies. Across India,
one can witness captivating murals, sculptures, and installations that bring the raga deities to life,
capturing their essence and symbolism in vivid colors and forms.

One such artistic marvel can be found in the ancient city of Gwalior, where the imposing Gwalior
Fort stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian art and culture. Within its hallowed
walls, a series of exquisite frescoes adorn the Baradari, a stunning pavilion that once served as a
gathering place for music and dance performances.

These intricate frescoes depict the celestial forms of various raga deities, each one a masterful
fusion of symbolism and artistic expression. The fearsome yet benevolent Raga Bhairav is portrayed
as a fierce warrior, adorned in a tiger skin and wielding a trident, while the graceful Raga Todi is
depicted as a celestial damsel, adorned with flowers and radiating a gentle, loving aura.
These visual representations not only celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian mythology but also serve
as powerful reminders of the profound spiritual dimensions embodied by these celestial melodies.

Echoes of Eternity: The Enduring Wisdom of Kabir
As we navigate the ever-changing landscapes of music and culture, the tradition of raga
personification stands as a timeless testament to the profound reverence and spiritual significance
accorded to the art form in the Indian subcontinent. These divine embodiments, imbued with
mythology, symbolism, and transformative power, have transcended the boundaries of mere sound,
becoming vessels of emotion, conduits of divine connection, and enduring sources of artistic
inspiration.

In the words of the revered saint-poet Kabir, whose verses have echoed through the ages:
“Rāga nāda kinhi jāne, hari kā rāga sadā anūpa,
Rāga sadā mana vāsī, yāhi mile hari hari rūpa.”
(Who can truly comprehend the divine melody? The raga of the Lord is ever-exquisite. When the
raga dwells within the heart, one attains the divine form of the Lord.)

May these celestial melodies continue to guide us towards the realization of our inner divinity, and
may we forever remain enthralled by the profound tapestry of ragas, where music becomes the
voice of the divine, resonating through the ages with timeless wisdom and boundless beauty.

 *Smt. Vasini Shyama Charan Jha, is an India based famous Maithili folk music artist & Indian culture expert.