Contemplating, uttering or writing the names of the Lord serves to purify one's mind, speech and action. Chanting the names of the Lord is one of the means of God-realisation. Devotional songs in praise of God are sung with love and devotion. Bhajan are devotional songs recited in praise of, and expressing love for and gratitude to, the Lord.

The groundwork for Devotional Singing (Bhajan) was laid in the hymns found in Sama Veda, the fourth Veda in the Hindu scriptures. They are distinguished from the Sanskrit slokas (hymns that accompany religious rituals) by virtue of their easy lilting flow, the colloquial renderings and the profound appeal to the mass. These are sung in a group comprising devotees, with a lead singer. The fixed tunes, repetition of words and phrases lend a kind of tonal mesmerism. Anecdotes, episodes from the lives of Gods, preaching of saints, description of God's glories have been the subject of Bhajan.

Devotional singing is not just a mechanical performance. Bhava (feeling), Raaga (melody), and Taal (rhythm) are the essentials for proper singing of Bhajan. The devotee should immerse himself or herself in the singing, combining one's voice, tune, feeling, and rhythm to the appropriate beat of the song. The sacred words of the song should be an outpouring of love and devotion towards God.

Bhajan can be sung by an individual either quietly in one's heart or loudly for all to hear. But congregational singing or Sankeertan is the best and most effective way of reciting Bhajan. Sankeertan aims at the well-being of the whole Universe.

Generally at the beginning of each song, the leader sings a line which is repeated by all participants in unison. This "call and response" format continues until the entire song is finished. Generally, each line is sung twice the first time and once at a faster pace the second time before the song concludes. Other songs of praise to God from any religion may also be sung, and they need not follow the "call and response" format.

The songs may be sung in any language i.e. English, Chinese, Sanskrit, Hindi, Swahili, Tamil or any other languages. Many devotees enjoy the devotional atmosphere arising from the melody, rhythm, vibrations, and spirit of these songs. Indian Bhajan consist largely of the Sanskrit names of the various aspects and forms of God. The short and simple repetitive Bhajan are called Namavali. Deities and saints of all the major religions of the world are also honoured in these songs. The first song is traditionally sung to Lord Ganesh, an aspect of God who is regarded as the remover of obstacles and difficulties.

"When you dwell on the names of the Lord, His Majesty, His Grace, His Omnipotence, His All Persuasiveness, get fixed in your consciousness; and your own capacities and capabilities get eclipsed in the Divine. So, humility develops and a spirit of surrender sprouts in the heart. This takes the devotees nearer to God and prepares him/her to merge in His Glory. The mind is gradually liberated from all distracting thoughts, desires and imagery that give free play to all the senses. All accumulated impurities that veil the bliss (ananda) within are removed, and the latent divinity manifests Itself."

Bhajan Archives (text) please click on  http://www.kingdomofsai.org/bhjarc.html            

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