Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis

by Swami Sivananda

I

In Maharashtra the devotees start their Kirtan with singing Jaya Jaya Rama Krishna Hari, Jaya Jaya Rama Krishna Hari. ‘Jaya Jaya Rama Krishna Hari’ is the Mantra which Sri Tukaram received from Lord Krishna in his dream. Further this Mantra is an abbreviated form of the Maha Mantra Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

II

In Alandi near Pune where there is the Samadhi of the reputed Yogi Sri Jnana Dev, people sing throughout the twentyfour hours,’Jnana Dev Tukaram’.

III

Another favourite Kirtan of the Maharashtra devotees is Jaya Jaya Vittoba Rukmai, Jaya Jaya Vittoba Rukmai. Vittoba or Vittala is another Name for Lord Sri Krishna. Rukmini is the Mother of the Universe. Rukmini is the consort of Lord Sri Krishna.

IV

Another beautiful Kirtan is the combined names of the important saints of Maharashtra:

Thars: Sunaja

Nivrittinath, Jnana Dev, Sopan, Muktabai,

Ekanath, Nama Dev, Tukaram.

Nivrittinath is the elder brother of Jnana Dev, the author of Jnaneshwari Gita. Sopan is another brother of Jnanadev, whose Samadhi is in Satara. Muktabai is the sister of Jnanadev. The three brothers are regarded as the incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and Muktabai as the incarnation of Maya. Mysterious is the birth of great souls. Mysterious is their end also.

The Spiritual Heritage of Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis

Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis represent a sacred musical tradition that combines devotion, philosophy, and storytelling into a powerful spiritual practice. Rooted in the Bhakti movement, these devotional chants have inspired generations of seekers to cultivate faith, humility, and love for God. Saints and spiritual teachers have long used kirtan as a simple yet profound method to awaken divine consciousness in the hearts of devotees. Through meaningful verses, rhythmic melodies, and heartfelt singing, Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis continue to preserve India’s rich spiritual heritage while guiding aspirants toward inner peace.

The practice of Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis is much more than a musical performance. Every hymn carries timeless teachings from the scriptures, encouraging listeners to develop purity of mind, self-discipline, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Swami Sivananda emphasized that chanting the Divine Name is one of the easiest and most effective spiritual disciplines in the present age. Devotional singing purifies the heart, removes negative tendencies, and fills the mind with divine vibrations that support meditation and self-realization.

Many of the compositions found in Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis draw inspiration from the lives and teachings of great saints such as Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, and Sant Eknath. Their devotional poetry expresses complete surrender to God and reminds every seeker that sincere love for the Divine is greater than worldly achievements. These sacred compositions continue to inspire spiritual aspirants across India and remain relevant in every generation.

Regular participation in Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis creates an atmosphere of harmony and spiritual upliftment. The collective chanting of God’s names unites people beyond differences of language, status, or background. As the mind becomes absorbed in divine remembrance, worries gradually diminish and the heart experiences joy, contentment, and devotion. This simple practice encourages a balanced spiritual life by combining prayer, wisdom, and selfless love.

At Devotional India, readers can discover many sacred hymns, spiritual teachings, and devotional resources that preserve the timeless wisdom of India’s saints and sages. These traditions continue to inspire seekers who wish to deepen their spiritual practice through chanting, prayer, and meditation. The teachings of Swami Sivananda beautifully complement this devotional path by emphasizing constant remembrance of God and sincere spiritual discipline in everyday life. Devotional India remains dedicated to sharing authentic spiritual literature that helps devotees strengthen their faith and progress on the path of divine realization.