Music is divine… It is the universal language that all living beings identify with. Carnatic music is believed to have divine origins. If there is one sound which can be called music by itself that is the “Aum” sound.
Om or Aum is the divine sound. It is believed that this sound when chanted as special powers to bring about peace. When a person chants this in the normal way, it feels as if the sound originates from the stomach, through the diaphragm, through heart, the throat and finally through the mouth. There is a certain vibration the body feels. It originates from within and traverses to the entire space around. In Hindu scriptures most of the chants begin or end with an Aum. When a child calls his mother, the sound is similar to Om. It is Mom in English, Ma in Hindi, Amma in South Indian languages.
Most of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses are in some way linked with music. Now are these Gods and Goddesses, imagination of human’s imagination or were they some kind of super humans who possessed unparalleled power and wisdom, no one knows yet. But these Gods and Goddesses gave birth to divine music.
It is believed that Narada who travels the three worlds – passed on the music to earthly people. Narada is the son of Brahma creator of Earth. He traveled with a Veena singing songs in praise of Lord Narayana.
Goddess Saraswati, spouse of Lord Brahma often played Veena. The picture depicts Saraswati, the Goddess of arts and believed to be mother of Vedas.
Nataraja the king of dance, Shiva carried a Drum to indicate the destruction and creation of universe. Another point to note is that the Nataraja posture symbolizes the Omkara Symbol.
.
Krishna, the well known, enticed people with his divine flute music.
It is believed that when Krishna played his flute, the entire village, Gokula along with his trees, people, the children, the ladies, the water, the birds and the animals swayed with it and were mesmerized by the music.
Krishna, the well known, enticed people with his divine
flute music.
It is believed that when Krishna played his flute, the entire village, Gokula along with his trees, people, the children, the ladies, the water, the birds and the animals swayed with it and were mesmerized by the music.
There are 4 ancient texts of Hindu –
Rig Veda
Sama Veda
Atharvana Veda
Yajur Veda
The Vedas contain verses in Sanskrit .Sama Veda is entirely dedicated to Music. The Vedas have references to Veena and Dundhubi , the classical instruments.
It is also believed that Carnatic music evolved after Gandharva Gaana – Music of Gandharvas. Gandharvas are demi-Gods who were well versed with music.
And the rest is history…!
To know more on interesting developments historically, go through the history section.