The Soulful Practice Of Kirtan Chanting

An ancient spiritual practice less known in the West has transformed my spiritual routine in recent years. It is known as kirtan a beautiful form of devotional chanting that originated in ancient India.

The term “kirtan” comes from Sanskrit and means “narrating, reciting, telling, describing” of an idea or story, particularly in a religious context. This enchanting practice weaves together music, meditation, chanting, and a deep sense of spiritual expression.

Kirtan is a central practice in the Bhakti Yoga tradition, which emphasizes love and devotion to a personal deity. It involves the repetitive chanting of mantras and divine names, traditionally in Sanskrit, accompanied by musical instruments such as the harmonium, tabla, and cymbals.

Traditionally, kirtans focus on chanting the names of deities like Krishna, Rama, or Sita. The kirtan leader sings a line and the congregation responds, creating a rhythmic and melodic interplay that is both meditative and invigorating.

While Kirtan remains rooted in its spiritual origins, it has gained global popularity beyond India and the Bhakti tradition. As the practice of yoga has boomed worldwide, kirtan too has seen an immense rise in popularity. It’s a testament to the universal appeal and transformative power of this captivating practice.

Kirtan events and gatherings are known for being welcoming and inclusive, focusing on the shared experience of chanting rather than strict religious adherence. Unlike the typical musical experience in spiritual settings, kirtan invites everyone to participate in a soulful, call-and-response chanting that creates a profound connection to the divine and brings people closer together.

Every time I sing kirtan whether it is a large group, or a small group, or just by myself at home, I feel a deep churning in my heart. Emotions that I didn’t really know were there start bubbling up from this swell of human feelings ~ Jai Uttal 

While kirtan is traditionally celebrated as a communal experience, practicing alone can be equally rewarding and transformative. In fact, I often incorporate solo kirtan into my daily routine, finding it an intimate way to center myself and connect with the divine.

When you practice kirtan alone, it becomes a very personal and intimate experience. The absence of outside influences allows you to focus entirely on your own connection to the Divine. I often find that mycon solo sessions lead to profound spiritual insights and a deeper sense of peace.

Kirtan has become one of my favorite practices for feeling an intimate, heartfelt connection with the Divine. As I chant, the repetitive sounds quiet my mind and open my heart-center, allowing me to experience a profound oneness with a higher power. As a psychic consultant, I’ve also found it to be an invaluable part of my practice. I often practice kirtan before sessions to center myself and connect deeply with my intuition. The spiritual connection and inner peace it brings helps me provide clearer guidance to my clients.

The Benefits Of Kirtan

Kirtan offers a range of benefits for those who practice it regularly, both on a spiritual and personal level. Here are some of the key advantages I have experienced in my own practice:

Inner peace: Immersing myself in the sacred sounds and symbolism of the mantras helps me transcend my daily worries and brings me to a state of deep spiritual calm.

Stress reduction: The rhythmic, deep breathing and vocalization in kirtan activate the parasympathetic nervous system, melting away stress and bringing a calm, relaxed state.

Improved health: Kirtan requires controlled breathing, which can help improve respiratory function and increase lung capacity. The calming effects of kirtan can also help lower your blood pressure and calm your heart rate, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

Mental clarity: Without the dynamics of a call-and-response setting, solo kirtan requires you to maintain the rhythm and melody on your own, which can greatly enhance your concentration and mindfulness. This trains your mind to stay present and promotes greater mental clarity.

Individual flexibility: Practicing kirtan on your own offers the freedom to choose the mantras, melodies, and instruments that resonate most with you personally. Whether you prefer a soft, meditative chant or a more lively, energetic song, you can tailor your practice to your mood and intentions.

Self-expression: The throat chakra resonates with the element of sound, and chanting creates vibrations that stimulate this energy center. Kirtan encourages the expression of inner truth through vocalization. As you chant, you are not just singing; you are expressing your devotion and truth.

Emotional healing: Kirtan is a powerful tool for emotional release. Singing alone allows you to fully express your emotions without self-consciousness. I’ve experienced significant emotional breakthroughs during some of my solo kirtan sessions because I felt free to go deeper and release my true feelings.

Blissful joy: The joy that flows through me during a kirtan session is indescribable. The intentional energy and devotional intent create an atmosphere of euphoria that lifts my spirits and brightens my emotional state.

I think kirtan resonates with young people because it is fun; easy; soothing to the mind and heart… It’s not demanding — you can just show up and take part and be yourself. It’s an experience ~ Jahnavi Harrison

How To Practice Kirtan Solo

Set the space: Create a serene and welcoming space for your practice. Light a candle or some incense and find a comfortable place to sit. Creating a peaceful atmosphere helps prepare your mind and body for the experience.

Set a clear intention: Set a clear intention for your practice, whether it’s to seek peace, healing, or divine connection.

Choose your mantra: Choose a mantra or divine name that resonates with you. You can choose a traditional Sanskrit mantra or create a personal affirmation. A good way to get started is to follow kirtan mantra calls on video clips or audio recordings. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the practice, especially if you’re new to kirtan or don’t have access to a local kirtan group. Choose a kirtan recording that resonates with you. There are many available on platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and dedicated kirtan websites where you can download or stream kirtan. Some of my favorite artists are Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, and Deva Premal.

Begin your chanting: Start with a simple melody and gradually build up to more complex ones as you become comfortable. I like to begin with a slow, meditative chant and then move into more uplifting, energetic melodies.

Include instruments: If you play an instrument such as the harmonium, guitar, or simply enjoy using a tambourine or cymbals, feel free to accompany your chanting. Instruments can enhance the musicality of your practice and deepen your immersion.

Focus on your breathing: Pay attention to your breath and let it guide your chanting. Breathe deeply and rhythmically, allowing the vibrations of your voice to resonate within you.

Be patient: There’s no right or wrong way to practice kirtan. Be patient with yourself and allow your practice to evolve naturally. Some days you may feel deeply connected, while other days may be more challenging. Welcome each experience with openness and self-compassion.

Mantras are energetic sound formulas. Sanskrit carries the essence of the object or quality it describes. It is not descriptive, as is our language – it is the actual sound equivalent of the manifestation ~ Deva & Miten

Popular Kirtan Mantras

Kirtan mantras are deeply rooted in ancient spiritual traditions and have been passed down through generations. Each mantra carries a unique vibration and meaning, often invoking the presence of deities or embodying specific spiritual qualities. Here are some of the most popular and widely practiced kirtan mantras that I often use in my own practice:

Hare Krishna: “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare”

This mantra is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. It is a call to divine love and devotion, often associated with the Hare Krishna movement. I chant this mantra when I feel I need to feel more joy and devotion in my heart. Its rhythmic repetition helps me to connect deeply with the divine energy of Krishna.

Om Namah Shivaya: “Om Namah Shivaya”

This is a powerful mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva. It translates to “I bow to Shiva,” the supreme deity of transformation and destruction of the ego. I use this mantra during times of personal transformation or when I need to let go of negative patterns. It brings a sense of strength and serenity.

Hare Rama: “Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare”

Similar to the Hare Krishna mantra, this chant focuses on Lord Rama and emphasizes the qualities of righteousness and virtue. I use this mantra when I need guidance in making ethical decisions or when I want to embody more virtue in my daily life.

Om Mani Padme Hum: “Om Mani Padme Hum”

A Tibetan Buddhist mantra that means “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus. It is associated with the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. Chanting this mantra helps me cultivate compassion and empathy in both my personal relationships and my professional consultations.

Govinda Jaya Jaya: “Govinda Jaya Jaya, Gopala Jaya Jaya, Radha Ramana Hari, Govinda Jaya Jaya”

This mantra praises Govinda (another name for Krishna) and Gopala (the protector of cows, another aspect of Krishna). It celebrates the playful and loving nature of the Divine. I often use this mantra during more joyful and celebratory kirtan sessions. It lifts my spirit and brings a sense of divine playfulness into my life.

Sita Ram: “Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Jaya Sita Ram”

This mantra honors Sita and Rama, the divine couple symbolizing perfect love and devotion. It’s often used to invoke their blessings and presence. When seeking harmony in relationships, I find this mantra particularly soothing and supportive. It reminds me of the ideals of love and devotion.

Ganesha Sharanam: “Ganesha Sharanam, Sharanam Ganesha”

This mantra is a prayer to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. Before starting a new project or venture, I chant this mantra to remove any obstacles and to invoke Ganesha’s blessings for a smooth and successful journey.

Jai Ma: “Jai Ma, Jai Ma, Jai Ma, Jai Ma”

This simple yet profound mantra is a chant of victory and praise to the Divine Mother, representing feminine power and nurturing energy. I often chant this mantra when I need to connect with the nurturing and protective energy of the Divine Feminine.

Kirtan mantras each carry their own unique energies and benefits, making them powerful tools for spiritual growth, emotional healing, and mental clarity. By incorporating these chants into your kirtan practice, whether solo or in a group, you can experience their transformative power firsthand.

Kirtan is a beautiful, versatile practice that can enrich your spiritual life in countless ways. Kirtan is so much more than chanting; it’s a transformative practice that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re looking for spiritual connection, emotional healing, mental clarity, physical health benefits, or a sense of community, kirtan offers a beautiful way to achieve these goals. The divine melodies of kirtan have empowered me to love a more joyful, peaceful, and connected life.