Shakta Music

[Guest guest]

I just found a press release from a couple of weeks ago announcing

the release of a new CD of Shakta devotional music. Here's the info

for those who are interested. If you're fearful of purchasing online,

I can only say I've tried them and found them to be honest, prompt

and reliable.

 

"SHAKTAM" - A New Release From Charsur

 

27th Aug 2002

 

The worship of Shakti or the Mother Goddess is a powerful and popular

practice. It has inspired numerous composers of shlokas, kritis and

other verse and music forms. Carnatic Music owes a tremendous debt to

Shakti worship, which has enhanced its compendium of works.

 

It is therefore but apt that CDW is releasing a new title dedicated

to Shakti, comprising shlokas and popular kritis on Devi, the Supreme

Goddess.

 

Titled shAktam, the songs have been rendered by Vijayalakshmi

Subramaniam, a young and upcoming artiste. She is accompanied by BV

Raghavendra Rao on the violin and Mannarkoil Balaji on the Mridangam.

 

To order: http://www.sangeetham.com/shaktam.htm

[Guest guest]

Devi Bhakta,

 

I'm exploring this area and I wondered what you think of this

offering:

 

http://www.sonarupa.co.uk/itm00846.htm

 

This is a quote from that page:

 

"After the success of "Vaastu Shanti" Ninaad music presents DURGA

Chandi Path. In India, the tradition of Mother Goddess, the creative,

feminine form of the Eternal Supreme Being goes back centuries. One

of the famous scriptures, the Markandeya Puran has detailed

description of the various forms, incarnations, and immortal acts of

Shakti, known by different names in Her different forms. With 700

select Shlokas of this Puran, a special Saptashati was created. This

Durga Saptashati is also known as Chandi Path, which we have

presented in this album."

 

I'm not familiar with this company at all. Any insight is appreciated.

 

prainbow

 

, "Devi Bhakta" <devi_bhakta> wrote:

> I just found a press release from a couple of weeks ago announcing

> the release of a new CD of Shakta devotional music. Here's the info

> for those who are interested. If you're fearful of purchasing

online,

> I can only say I've tried them and found them to be honest, prompt

> and reliable.

>

> "SHAKTAM" - A New Release From Charsur

>

> 27th Aug 2002

>

> The worship of Shakti or the Mother Goddess is a powerful and

popular

> practice. It has inspired numerous composers of shlokas, kritis and

> other verse and music forms. Carnatic Music owes a tremendous debt

to

> Shakti worship, which has enhanced its compendium of works.

>

> It is therefore but apt that CDW is releasing a new title dedicated

> to Shakti, comprising shlokas and popular kritis on Devi, the

Supreme

> Goddess.

>

> Titled shAktam, the songs have been rendered by Vijayalakshmi

> Subramaniam, a young and upcoming artiste. She is accompanied by BV

> Raghavendra Rao on the violin and Mannarkoil Balaji on the

Mridangam.

>

> To order: http://www.sangeetham.com/shaktam.htm

[Guest guest]

Hi Prainbow:

 

I looked at the link you sent, and I see nothing that would make me

suspicious. I've not dealt with this company before, but they appear

to be a UK distributor for Navras, which is a reputable Indian label,

and a few other name labels as well. I'd give 'em a chance.

 

On the other hand, I'm not sure this is the disc you want if you're

seeking "Shakta Music." Durga Chandi Path is simply an alternative

name for the scripture I usually refer to as Devi Mahatmyam -- so I

think it's not music at all, but rather rhythmic chanting of the

scripture. The page you linked says the disc's "knowledgeable,

flawless, pure recitation by the Pandits that too in the same pitch,

has an amazing impact. It makes you feel as if you are sitting in the

midst of a grand Yajna."

 

A grand yajna being an elaborate religious ceremony. It's probably

true that the disc creates superbly positive atmospherics for Devi

devotions. Also, if you're interested in learned to chant the Devi

Mahatmyam, you probably couldn't get a better model.

 

If you want a few other ideas for Shakta music, I'll be adding some

to the homepage. There are already links on the "Mahishasura Mardini"

page and on the "Matangi" page.

 

Hope that helps

 

DB

[Guest guest]

Namaste DB,

 

Actually that helps a great deal.

 

I'm lookin for both. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I would love to

hear a good rendering of the scripture in it's original form. Even

just reading the English translation I feel like I'm guessing at the

pronounciation of certain words and that is a little frustrating to

me.

 

But I'm also interested in the Shakti music. So, I guess I'll just

have to keep an eye on my budget and order one or two things at a

time!

 

I love the work that's being done on the new home page, it's

beautiful.

 

BTW, I really want to respond to an older email when you asked what

I've been doing vis a vis Durga. I really do want to share it's just

that I don't have email at home and work has been really really

hectic. I've just dropped in the office for a moment this evening

even though I've been out sick.

 

However, I'm very grateful to the Goddess Herself for revealing Durga

to me. Perhaps I'm also hesitant to publish my approach. There are a

lot of experts here and I'm dabbling on a path for which I have

neither experience nor instruction.

 

Also, for me the Goddess is the same in Her many guises, but this one

is surprisingly....wonderful.

 

Again, thank you for all you and Nora and the rest of the Sadhana do

here.

 

Bright Blessings,

 

Paulie

[Guest guest]

Hi Prainbow!

 

*** Actually that helps a great deal. ***

 

Good, I'm glad!

 

*** But I'm also interested in the Shakti music.***

 

Since you're in the U.S., a good place to start is

http:///www.themahal.com ... unlike many online Indian music stores,

every CD on the site is in stock and ready to ship immediately. If

you buy US $30 worth, shipping is free. Since Indian CD's are

generally cheaper than North American and European CD's, $30 is maybe

four CDs. A good way to find the Shakta stuff is to simply

type "Devi" in the "Title" search. Their focus is more strongly South

Indian than North Indian, but a lot of the best Shakta music is South

Indian anyway -- Carnatic classical tradition is informed by

Shaktism, both in Sanskrit and Tamil language selections.

 

Another great source -- more expensive and slower, but a really vast

selection -- is at http://www.khazana.com .... their customer service

is great. Both companies are very reliable. There are many other

Indian music stores online is you search around, but those are two

very good ones.

 

*** I love the work that's being done on the new home page, it's

beautiful. ***

 

Thank you. We really appreciate the compliment. There is so much work

to do, but by year's end its potential should be really obvious.

Also, we've registered our own domain name and will be moving the

site there within a week or so for greater control, stability and

reliability. Watch out for an announcement!

 

***BTW, I really want to respond to an older email when you asked

what I've been doing vis a vis Durga. I really do want to share it's

just that I don't have email at home and work has been really really

hectic.***

 

We'll be looking forward to hearing more as soon as things calm down

a bit. No worries! With Her grace, we'll still be here!

 

*** Perhaps I'm also hesitant to publish my approach. There are a lot

of experts here and I'm dabbling on a path for which I have neither

experience nor instruction. ***

 

Well, if you're comfortable, give it a shot. There is really no such

thing as a "one-size-fits-all" sadhana. That's why Shaktas (and

Hindus in general) so often are looking for gurus or else doing some

extremely depth-probing self explorations. It's all in there; the

secret is getting access to it.

 

*** Again, thank you for all you and Nora and the rest of the Sadhana

do here. ***

 

Thank you for being here. None of it would be worth much without so

many dedicated and interested members, active and inactive alike. I

mean that truly.

 

Aum Maatangyai Namahe

[Guest guest]

Namaste,

 

Wow, great links. I've bookmarked them for later. I've still got so

much reading to catch up on...I'm trying to slow down my internet

shopping!

 

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

 

prainbow

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/20/2002 11:44:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

devi_bhakta writes:

 

> Since you're in the U.S., a good place to start is

> http:///www.themahal.com

 

Hi, are there any other links to the site besides this one?? I am a big

Indian music fan and would love to check it out, but the link doesn't seem to

be working for me.

 

By the way, your painting of Matangi is beautiful!! I had suspected you might

have done it when I first saw it but wasn't sure, I am really impressed.

 

I really want to try worshipping that Goddess! Maybe eventually some sound

files can be put at the site for various mantras. I am always cautious about

using them since proper pronunciations can be hard to grasp from written

sources.

 

Love all the work your doing, keep it up.

 

Jai Ma Kali

 

William

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Namaste Paulie,

 

Why, what a sweet mail you have written. I think such

humility can be had by the one who is perfectly aware

of the All benevolent Mother Durga.

 

All of us are her children. No bigger no smaller.

 

Knowing more about something or knowing less is not a

virtue by which she will see. The Mother has the same

affection for all her children.

 

Wonderful to have you with us.

 

Satyen

 

--- prainbow61 <paulie-rainbow wrote:

> Namaste DB,

>

> Actually that helps a great deal.

>

> I'm lookin for both. I'm a bit of a perfectionist

> and I would love to

> hear a good rendering of the scripture in it's

> original form. Even

> just reading the English translation I feel like I'm

> guessing at the

> pronounciation of certain words and that is a little

> frustrating to

> me.

>

> But I'm also interested in the Shakti music. So, I

> guess I'll just

> have to keep an eye on my budget and order one or

> two things at a

> time!

>

> I love the work that's being done on the new home

> page, it's

> beautiful.

>

> BTW, I really want to respond to an older email when

> you asked what

> I've been doing vis a vis Durga. I really do want to

> share it's just

> that I don't have email at home and work has been

> really really

> hectic. I've just dropped in the office for a moment

> this evening

> even though I've been out sick.

>

> However, I'm very grateful to the Goddess Herself

> for revealing Durga

> to me. Perhaps I'm also hesitant to publish my

> approach. There are a

> lot of experts here and I'm dabbling on a path for

> which I have

> neither experience nor instruction.

>

> Also, for me the Goddess is the same in Her many

> guises, but this one

> is surprisingly....wonderful.

>

> Again, thank you for all you and Nora and the rest

> of the Sadhana do

> here.

>

> Bright Blessings,

>

> Paulie

>

>

 

 

 

 

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