The power of sound is profound, tangible and yet mystical. The ancient Indian texts prescribe invoking of our ever blissful spiritual consciousness in the modern age through the medium of sound vibrations. Kirtans (commonly referred to as mantra meditation or sacred chants), the ancient call-and-response practice from India’s devotional traditions, revolves large gatherings of people and the rhythmic singing of mantras or poetic names of God. Mantras are accompanied by instruments such as the harmonium, the two-headed mrdanga drum, tablas, and kartal hand-cymbals.
Kirtans or Mantra music has the power to open our hearts and reconnect to our natural state of love and joy by bringing us in a mood of meditation. In its heartfelt expression kirtan can induce profound states of meditation and bliss.
Srila Prabhupada
Aindra Dasa
A jack-of-all trades musician, Aindra joined ISKCON in 1973 attracted by the Kirtans. He later moved to the sacred village of Vrindavan in India where he revived 24 hour kirtan program in 1986, which since then has been chanting names of God uninterrupted. Aindra has also produced seven Kirtan albums which have become famous for the soulful chanting, selling thousands of copies worldwide.
Acyuta Gopi Dasi
BB Govinda Swami
Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami joined ISKCON in the summer of 1971, since then he has served the society throughout the world. Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami is famous for his kirtan and bhajans (devotional songs) and has formed a group of devotee musicians who travel around the world, to share the practice of Kirtan or mantra meditation with audiences from all walks of life, and all age groups.
Bhakti Charu Swami
Gaura Vani Das
Gaura Vani was born in Los Angeles, in the US, to parents living as monks in a Hare Krishna temple. At age six he went to Vrindavan, India to study at a gurukula (traditional temple school). There he learned sacred music – how to play Indian instruments and chant mantras. He has been sharing this music ever since and performing with devotee singers worldwide, including Grammy nominated singers!
Jahnavi
Jahnavi was raised in an environment full of kirtan from birth. She began studying Western classical violin as a child, exploring different styles of music. In recent years, her studies in Bharatanatyam have led her to undertake further study in Carnatic vocal and violin.
Kadamba Kanana Swami
Kadamba Kanana Swami started his spiritual life in Vrndavana, the Holy land of Krishna and immediately felt he found his home.
Having lived in India, the home of Kirtan, Kadamba Kanana Swami presently travels around the world sharing the concept of chanting the names of God with all those he meets.
Lokanath Swami
Lokanath Swami was born in India. He became an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada in 1972.
Apart from singing, Lokanath Swami is also known for the sacred walking program, Parikrama, that he pioneered which has travelled on foot across India, Mauritius, Czech Republic and other countries.
Madhava
A native of Mauritius, Madhava was given his first drum at the age of 5. At 18, he moved to Vrindavan, a place of pilgrimage in India where kirtan has been practiced continuously for centuries. He spent the next seven years living in an ashram, monastic residence, doing kirtan daily with the Krishna Balarama 24 Hour Kirtan group, under the direction of famous 24-hour kirtan leader, Aindra Dasa. While there he played the mrdanga drum for hours on end, day after day, honing his rhythmic skill and sensitivity.