Kirtan (Devotional Chanting)

Kirtan is a form of devotional singing rooted in the Bhakti Yoga tradition. It typically involves call-and-response chanting of sacred mantras or divine names, accompanied by musical instruments like harmonium, drums, and cymbals.

Kirtan is not necessarily a performance but it certainly is a spiritual practice that brings people into collective presence, emotional vulnerability, and devotion.

Etymology and Meaning

Sanskrit Spelling: कीर्तन

Root Word: "Kirt" (to praise or glorify)

Translation Variations: Chanting, sacred song, praise

Pronunciation: Kīrtana [KEER-tun-uh]

Kirtan means “to praise or glorify,” especially in reference to the Divine. It is both an expression of love and a method of spiritual connection, often focused on repeating names of deities or phrases imbued with spiritual power.

Historical Context

Kirtan gained prominence during the Bhakti movement in medieval India, with saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Namdev, and Mirabai using music and chanting as their main form of worship.

These practices bypassed caste and ritual, inviting anyone with sincere devotion to participate.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Popularized ecstatic group chanting as a direct path to God

Gaudiya Vaishnavism: Centers kirtan as a primary spiritual method, especially through the Mahamantra

Practical Application

In Group Settings

• Attend kirtans at yoga studios, temples, or festivals
• Participate through voice, clapping, or dance, even if you're unfamiliar with the words

In Personal Practice

• Sing or play simple chants at home to create a devotional atmosphere
• Use kirtan recordings to support emotional healing and spiritual focus

Symbolism in Yoga Philosophy

Kirtan reflects the heart of Bhakti Yoga: connection through love and devotion. Each name chanted becomes a bridge between the individual and the universal.

Repetition (japa yoga) helps transcend the mind, letting the soul speak directly through sound and emotion. In yogic philosophy, this chanting is considered Nada yoga (the path of union through sound).

Quotes and Wisdom

"Chanting is a way of getting in touch with yourself. It’s not about the words, it’s about the feeling behind them."

"Where there is kirtan, there is God." - Indian devotional proverb

Modern Relevance

Kirtan continues to grow in popularity around the world, reaching people from all backgrounds and beliefs. It is practiced in yoga communities, wellness centers, and interfaith gatherings.

In a time of global disconnection, kirtan offers a simple, joyful, and unifying way to return to the heart through voice and presence.

Related Concepts

Nama Sankirtana: Collective chanting of divine names, often in the same format as kirtan

Bhakti: Devotion as a spiritual path, kirtan is one of its most visible practices

Mantra: A sacred phrase or name often repeated in kirtan

How to Practice Kirtan

Mindset: Approach with humility and sincerity

Actions: Sing along, listen deeply, or sit in meditative absorption of the sound

Reflection: After chanting, allow yourself to feel what remains in your body and breath

Suggested Reading

• Chants of a Lifetime by Krishna Das
• The Journey Home by Radhanath Swami
• Bhakti Yoga by Swami Sivananda

Conclusion

Kirtan is not about musical ability, it is about presence.

It invites the heart to speak, the breath to sing, and the mind to rest.

Whether done alone or in a crowd, chanting becomes a sacred act of connection, inviting joy, grief, silence, and spirit to harmonize through sound.