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At the heart of all Indian wisdom, lies the timeless legacy of the Vedas. A collection of sacred hymns that are believed to have
been heard by ancient sages when they were in a profound state of meditation, the Vedas contain mantras or chants on a wide
range of subjects. Indeed, contrary to the perception that the Vedas exclusively speak about religion, there are a number of
chants that are universal in spirit. Significant among these are the numerous chants on health and wellbeing. In the Indian
tradition, the idea of good health does not stop with the body alone. It extends far beyond, encompassing the mind and spirit
as well. Presented in this CD are a selection of Vedic chants that envisage health and harmony for the entire human system.
While attempting to preserve the ancient Vedic heritage with strict attention to Vedic chant pedagogy, this CD also aims at
carrying forth the profound resonance of these sacred hymns.
Just listening to these chants can heal, for as TKV Desikachar (son and student of legendary yogi, T Krishnamacharya)
says, "Chanting can open our hearts."
Track listing:
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ayurmantrah
This is a blessing that forms part of the vast Taittiriya Aranyaka. The chant asks the divine forces to bestow upon us not
just a long life, but also one that is filled with good health, clarity and stability.
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laghunyasah
This is a chant from the Taittiriya Brahmana (Kathaka). It requests the various elements of nature to nourish different
organs/functions in the human system. Often chanted by or for the benefit of those who are ill, this passage may also be
chanted along with certain special gestures and visualizations.
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savita bhutva
Taken from the Yajur Veda Aranyaka, this chant is a salutation to the sun. By propitiating the sun, it is believed that all
our heartfelt wishes will come true.
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namah pracyai
This chant from the Yajur Veda Aranyaka salutes the divine forces that guard the eight directions, asking them to bestow
their blessings on all living beings.
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pavamana suktam
This is a special chant from the Taittiriya Brahmana which is used in purification rituals. Whenever a ritual is performed,
a new house is built, or a child born, this chant is recited, simultaneously sprinkling sanctified water in all directions.
This chant is also believed to have the power to free us of past sins.
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Mantrapuspam
This chant from the Taittiriya Aranyaka honors water as a primary creative force. The ancient seers believed water to be the element
responsible for creation. Hence, this chant is often taught to women who want to conceive or to women who already are pregnant.
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susrava susrava
Traditionally chanted during the Upanayanam (initiation) ceremony, this chant is a prayer that the child who is being
initiated into certain mantras, learns everything there is to be known, both positive and otherwise.
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karmane vam - krama and jata
This chant from the Taittiriya Samhita seeks the removal of all impurities in the body and mind. It is chanted in the
traditional krama and jata formats.
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karmane vam - ghana
This chant from the Taittiriya Samhita seeks the removal of all impurities in the body and mind. It is chanted in the
traditional ghana formats.
TKV Desikachar
TKV Desikachar is the son and long-time student of the legendary yogi, T Krishnamacharya.T Krishnamacharya not only brought to
light the teachings of yoga in the early twentieth century, he also opened the doors of the Vedic tradition to all who were
genuinely interested in preserving this ancient legacy. His son, TKV Desikachar founded the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM)
in 1976. An expert in yoga and all branches of Indian philosophy, TKV Desikachar has published several books and presented a
number of Vedic chant CDs with the aim of spreading the message and teachings of his teacher, T Krishnamacharya.
Mekhala Desikachar
Daughter and student of TKV Desikachar, and granddaughter of T Krishnamacharya, Mekhala Desikachar has been teaching yoga and
Vedic chanting for over two decades both at the KYM and abroad. Although a qualified Engineer, her passions are yoga, Vedic
chanting and singing. She is also proficient at playing the Veena. Mekhala has also recorded a number of audio Cds of Vedic
chants and the Yoga Sutra.
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