Sankirtan Yoga

by Swami Sivananda

Sankirtan is singing God’s name with feeling (Bhava), love (Prema) and faith (Sraddha). In Sankirtan people join together and sing God’s name collectively in a common place. Sankirtan is one of the nine modes of Bhakti. You can realise God through Kirtan alone. This is the easiest method for attaining God-consciousness in Kali Yuga or the Iron Age “kalau kesava-kirtanat”.

When several people join together and practise Sankirtan, a huge spiritual current or Mahasakti is generated. This purifies the heart of the aspirants and elevates them to the sublime heights of divine ecstasy or Samadhi. The powerful vibrations are carried to distant places. They bring elevation of mind, solace, strength to all people and work as a harbinger of peace, harmony and concord. They annihilate hostile forces and quickly bring peace and bliss to the whole world.

Lord Hari says to Narada, “naham vasami vaikunthe yoginam hridaye na cha, mad-bhakta yatra gayanti tatra tishthami narada”, i.e., “I dwell not in Vaikuntha nor in the hearts of the Yogins, but I dwell where my devotees sing my name, O Narada.”

Kirtan destroys sins, Vasanas and Samskaras, fills the heart with Prem and devotion and brings the devotee face to face with God.

Akhanda Kirtan is very powerful. It purifies the heart. The Mahamantra: ‘Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare-Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare’ or ‘Om Namah Sivaya’ should be sung continuously for 3 hours or 24 hours, three days or a week, by forming batches. One will lead and others will follow. Do Akhanda Kirtan on Sundays or holidays. Do Prabhat-Pheri Kirtan in the morning around the streets. Kirtan in the early morning is more effective than at night.

At night, sit before the picture of the Lord along with your children, family-members and servants. Do Kirtan for one or two hours. Be regular in the practice. You will derive immense peace and strength.

Sing the Lord’s Name from the bottom of your heart. Be wholly and solely devoted to Him. Delay in God-realisation is extremely painful. Merge in Him. Live in Him. Be established in Him.

May peace and prosperity abide in you all!

Kalisantarana Upanishad

At the end of Dvapara Yuga, Narada went to Brahma and said: “O Lord! How can I cross Kali or mundane existence easily?” Brahma replied. “Well asked. Hearken to that which all Vedas keep secret and hidden, through which one may cross the Samsara or mundane existence. He destroys the evil effects of Kali through the mere uttering of the word ‘Lord Narayana,’ who is the primeval Purusha!”

Narada asked Brahma: “O venerable Lord! What is the name?” Brahma replied: “The names are: Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

These sixteen names destroy the evil effects of Kali or sins. There is no better means than this in all the Vedas. These sixteen names destroy the Avarana or veil of ignorance that has enveloped the Jivas or the human beings. Then just as the sun shines fully after the clouds are dispersed, so also, Para Brahman or Supreme Self alone shines after the veil is removed.”

Narada asked. “O Lord! What are the rules to be observed when one utters these names?” Brahma replied:” O Rishi Narada! There are no rules. Whoever repeats these names three and a half crores or 35 millions in a pure or an impure state, is freed at once from all sins. He is at once released from all bondages. He merges himself in the Lord and attains Eternal Bliss and Immortality”.

The Jiva has sixteen Kalas, corresponding to which sixteen words or names are given in this Mahamantra. This is very good for repetition during Akhanda Kirtan. If you repeat this Mantra 20,000 times per day you will finish three and a half crores within 5 years. You can sing this Mantra and can do Japa also. You can write this Mantra in a notebook as Likhita Japa.

The names of God, chanted in any way correctly or incorrectly, knowingly or unknowingly, carefully or carelessly, is sure to give the desired result. The glory of the Name of God cannot be established through reasoning and intellect. It can certainly be experienced or realised through devotion, faith and constant repetition of the name only. The power of name is ineffable. Its glory is indescribable. The efficacy and inherent Sakti of the name of God is unfathomable.

May you attain God-consciousness by repetition of the names of God as described above. May you have real taste for the names of the Lord!

Sankirtan Yoga: The Path of Divine Chanting and Devotion

Sankirtan Yoga is a sacred spiritual practice that emphasizes the collective chanting of the Divine Name as a means of attaining inner peace, devotion, and God-realization. In the Bhakti tradition, chanting with sincerity and faith purifies the heart, calms the mind, and awakens divine love. Unlike practices that require physical strength or advanced knowledge, Sankirtan Yoga is open to everyone regardless of age, background, or experience. Through the joyful repetition of God’s names, seekers gradually overcome negativity and experience spiritual upliftment. Devotional India encourages readers to embrace this timeless path as a simple yet powerful way to deepen their connection with the Divine.

Understanding Sankirtan Yoga begins with recognizing the spiritual power of the Divine Name. Ancient saints taught that sincere chanting purifies the mind and fills the heart with devotion. When the mind constantly repeats sacred names with love and concentration, worldly distractions gradually lose their influence. Instead of allowing thoughts to wander aimlessly, the practice directs the mind toward higher ideals and spiritual awareness. Over time, chanting becomes a natural expression of love, gratitude, and surrender to God.

One of the greatest benefits of Sankirtan Yoga is its ability to calm the restless mind. Modern life often creates stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances that make it difficult to experience lasting peace. Devotional chanting provides a simple and effective way to redirect attention from worries toward the Divine. As sacred names are repeated with sincerity, the heart becomes lighter, the mind grows calmer, and inner joy naturally arises. Devotional India reminds readers that even a few minutes of heartfelt chanting each day can bring profound peace and emotional balance.

Another important aspect of Sankirtan Yoga is the development of devotion and humility. Singing or chanting the Divine Name with others creates an atmosphere of unity, love, and spiritual harmony. It helps reduce ego, selfishness, and feelings of separation by reminding seekers of their shared spiritual purpose. Whether practiced individually or in a group, chanting strengthens faith, inspires compassion, and encourages a life guided by kindness and service. This devotional atmosphere also nurtures gratitude and strengthens the relationship between the seeker and the Divine.

The practice of Sankirtan Yoga also supports meditation and concentration. After chanting, the mind naturally becomes quieter and more focused, making meditation easier and more meaningful. Sacred sound vibrations help remove mental distractions and prepare the heart for silent contemplation. Combined with prayer, scriptural study, and selfless service, chanting becomes a complete spiritual discipline that transforms daily life. Devotional India highlights that sincere devotion expressed through chanting is one of the most accessible paths to inner awakening.

Developing Sankirtan Yoga requires regular practice, faith, and wholehearted participation. Seekers are encouraged to chant with love rather than mechanical repetition. Creating a peaceful environment, joining devotional gatherings, or dedicating a few moments each day to chanting can gradually deepen spiritual awareness. Along with ethical living and positive thinking, regular chanting purifies the mind and strengthens emotional resilience. Every repetition of the Divine Name becomes an opportunity to cultivate peace, humility, and unwavering devotion.

Ancient saints and spiritual masters have always praised Sankirtan Yoga as one of the most effective spiritual practices in every age. They taught that sincere chanting removes negative tendencies, awakens divine love, and fills life with lasting joy. As devotion deepens, the mind becomes free from unnecessary fears and attachments, allowing wisdom and compassion to flourish naturally. Devotional India continues to preserve these timeless teachings to inspire seekers toward a life of devotion, harmony, and spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, Sankirtan Yoga is a joyful and transformative spiritual path that unites the heart with the Divine through the power of sacred chanting. Through regular practice, faith, humility, and devotion, individuals gradually experience inner peace, emotional balance, and spiritual awakening. Every repetition of the Divine Name becomes a step toward self-realization and eternal happiness. Devotional India encourages every seeker to embrace Sankirtan Yoga as a lifelong practice that nurtures love, wisdom, divine grace, and lasting inner peace.