Significance of Kirtana
Kirtana, significant in both Jainism and Vaishnavism, encompasses various aspects of devotional singing and chanting. In Jainism, it denotes praise and fame, while in Vaishnavism, Kirtana refers specifically to devotional songs that express devotion to God. This practice includes congregational chanting, glorifying the divine, and elevating spiritual consciousness. Kirtana serves as a vital aspect of worship, engaging practitioners through the singing of holy names, thereby deepening their connection to the divine and enhancing spiritual devotion, particularly in the context of Kali-yuga.
Synonyms: Bhajan, Devotional song, Hymn, Chant
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Kirtana'
Kirtana in Hinduism encompasses various forms of devotional singing and chanting, primarily dedicated to Krishna, serving as essential spiritual practices that foster communal worship, express divine glorification, and facilitate spiritual transformation among devotees.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A devotional singing or chanting meant to praise the Supreme Lord, which the unqualified brahmacari was deemed unworthy to hear.[1] (2) A form of devotional singing that involves chanting the names and qualities of God, often performed in a group setting.[2] (3) A sacred musical chant or congregational singing that inspired the servant's ecstatic reaction.[3] (4) A devotional practice involving singing and chanting, often performed in a state of ecstasy.[4] (5) A devotional song or chant performed in honor of the Lord.[5]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Chanting of the holy names or devotional songs performed by devotees, which brought joy to Shrila Gurudeva even during his illness.[6] (2) Devotional songs that express devotion and surrender to God.[7] (3) The singing of devotional hymns, which Trivikrama Maharaja taught to his disciples as part of his preaching.[8] (4) Chanting or singing the holy names and glories of God as a form of worship and spiritual practice.[9] (5) The chanting of Krishna's names and glories, another essential component of bhakti.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The chanting or glorification of Krishna’s names, pastimes, and attributes, considered an essential limb of devotion.[11] (2) The process of congregational chanting of the names and glories of God, especially Krishna, as a form of devotion.[12] (3) The act of singing the glories of God, which serves as a vital measure in devotional practice for deepening one's connection to the divine.[13] (4) A devotional practice involving singing the glories of God, integral to Gaudiya Vaishnava traditions.[14] (5) The chanting of the holy names of God, an essential practice in bhajana.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The devotional practice of chanting the names of the Lord, which can evoke a specific rasa in the practitioner.[16] (2) Chanting; another form of devotional service that involves the vocal expression of divine names and pastimes.[17] (3) Chanting or singing the names and glories of God[18] (4) loud recitation; emphasizes the vocal expression of devotion through the chanting of names.[19] (5) A form of devotional singing or chanting that highlights the glory of the divine, performed by Shri Narada Muni.[20]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Congregational chanting or singing as a form of worship that expresses devotion to the Divine.[21] (2) The chanting of the names of God, especially associated with Sri Chaitanyadeva, seen as an effective spiritual practice for attaining God's mercy and engagement.[22] (3) The communal chanting of the Name of Krishna, seen as a practice established by Sri Chaitanya and emphasized by Thakur Haridas.[23] (4) The practice of congregational chanting as a form of worship, emphasized in the teachings of Sri Chaitanya.[24]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The singing of sacred hymns in glorification of the Lord, a fundamental practice among devotees in their service.[25] (2) The devotional singing and glorification of Lord Hari, an important aspect of devotional practice among the Vaishnavas.[26] (3) The congregational chanting of the holy names of God, which is emphasized in the text as a central practice for devotion.[27]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The practice of chanting or singing praises of the Supreme Lord, considered a significant aspect of devotion in Naimisharanya.[28]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The clear expression and glorification of Shiva's exploits, attributes, forms, and names, often performed through recitation and singing.[29] (2) Glorifying, one of the rites exercised alongside listening.[30]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The communal chanting or singing of the names and exploits of God as a pivotal act of devotion emphasized in the Bhagavata Purana.[31] (2) The singing of hymns and glorifying the name of God, typically conducted with musical instruments as part of the celebrations following the Bhagavata recitation.[32]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Glorification of the Lord that concludes each discourse, essential for enhancing the devotion of listeners.[33]
Jain concept of 'Kirtana'
In Jainism, Kirtana signifies both praise or a panegyric, highlighting qualities of reverence, and fame, emphasizing recognition. It embodies the celebration of virtues and the acknowledgment of exemplary individuals or teachings within the faith.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) (कीर्तन), signifies fame.[34] (2) A noun denoting praise or panegyric.[35]
The concept of Kirtana in local and regional sources
Kirtana encompasses devotional singing in Indian classical music, influenced Yaksha Gana, and features saints' compositions. It celebrates divine love, exemplified by Sankardev's and Narayanacharya's contributions, highlighting its central role in Hindu worship.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A type of devotional song or lyrical composition, often dedicated to God, which was prominent in the works of Tallapaka poets.[36] (2) Devotional songs composed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal that reflect his spiritual devotion, primarily dedicated to his family deity Sri Padmanabha.[37] (3) Devotional songs composed by Narayanacharya, amounting to about 5,000, reflecting his engagement with music and spirituality.[38] (4) A musical form often present in Indian classical music that has influenced the song structure and themes within Yaksha Gana.[39] (5) Devotional songs composed in the Hindu tradition, attributed to saints and used in religious practices.[40]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A form of devotional singing in which followers express their love for divinity, specifically in relation to the good deeds of Hari.[41]