A sublime album for its uniqueness and versatility, from meditative to celebrative, all songs are beautified by the common denominator of Indian Ragas and uplifting, refined melodies, added to the powerful dharmic elements born in the ancient roots and traditions of India. All contributes to creating the most Sattvic (pure) musical atmosphere, which can take the listener to a space of peace, positivity, harmony... and a journey to magic India.
"Harihara" is the fusion avatar of Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Har). Harihara is often termed as Shankarnarayana. It is believed that by performing their puja, both gods are appeased and they help in eliminating all the evil forces from one's life thereby bringing happiness and prosperity. What can be more powerful than the energies of Krishna and Shiva together?
1. Namaste Mahadev - 6.07
2. Karpur Gauram - 5.28
3. Madhurashtakam - 11.23
4. Krishnaya Vasudevaya - 10.00
5. Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari Bol - 6.52
6. Parvati Vallabha Ashtakam - 5.41
7. Sitaram Kahiye - 9.33
8. Shiva Invocation - 6.53
This album features a collection of Mantras, prayers and Kirtans connected with Shiva and Krishna, two of my most loved deities.
While Krishna represents totality, celebration, playfulness and joy, Shiva represents the essence, the centre, meditation and wisdom. Interestingly, in the spiritual literature of India, it is said that they (Shiva and Krishna) both revere and worship each other for their respective qualities. Krishna being the re-incaration of Vishnu, the sustainer of life as such, is a very significant energy, because is all life and Shiva being the essence off all and in all, remains in the backdrop but yet invisibly significant and most powerful, being the creator of all major sciences like Yoga, Mantra, Tantra etc. The largest number of temples and devotees in India are of Shiva and Krishna, the lords of life and dissolution or transformation.
These energies and the songs in their praise have inspired this album and I am very happy to share this with all of you.
Manish
Official Video
Samples
About the Songs
Namaste Mahadev - A dance song in dedication to Lord Shiva, surrendering to him with joy and bliss, the two qualities which can take one across the ocean of life smoothly.
Namaste Namaste
Mahadev Shambho
Namaste Namaste
Shiva Shankara Shambho
Karpur Gauram - An ancient Sanskrit Sloka found in Yajurveda, also known as "Shiva Yajur Mantra", Devotees who chant this mantra are believed to experience profound spiritual bliss, as it glorifies Shiva in the utmost manner. It is the most auspicious and well-known mantra that one would hear during a Mangal Aarti (worship of Shiva.) Worshipping Lord Shiva through the Karpur Gautam mantra assists with the psyche, developing fixation and concentration. It also helps people to deal with complicated challenges and situations in life.
Karpūragauraṁ Karuṇāvatāraṁsansārsāram Bhujagendrahāram |
Sadāvasantaṁ Hṛdayāravindebhavaṁ Bhavānīsahitaṁ Namāmi ||
Madhurashtakam - Sri Vallabhacharya, an Indian philosopher, wrote this popular devotional text, based on the pure Advaita wisdom. Divided into eight stanzas, it captures the essence of Krishna's life, emphasizing his sweetness and his role as the divine embodiment of all things and all flavors in life. The lyrics were crafted in a simple manner by Sri Vallabhacharya, allowing everyone to grasp the divine elements and immerse themselves in the bliss of the one and only, beloved Krishna
Krishnay Vasudevay - Also known as the Mool Mantra of Krishna, when chanted 108 times every morning, this Mantra provides utmost protection and removal of all kind of distress. Govind destroys the sufferings, tribulations and pains of his devotees and maintains a graceful gaze on them at all times. "Salutations to Sri Krishna, the son of Vasudev, the supreme soul Who removes our sorrows and removes all sufferings, I bow down again and again to Govinda"
Krushnāya Vasudevāya Haraye Paramātmane
Pranatah Kleshanāshāya Govindāya Namo Namah
Jai Jai Radha Ramana Hari Bol - RADHA RAMANA means the beloved of Radha. The Radha-Krishna story not only symbolizes real love but also has a profound significance in the life of a spiritual seeker. I have grown up with this song since my childhood and finally recorded it, adding a bit of my own touch with "HARIBOL" which means, "chant the name of Hari," the name of God, Krishna
Parvati Vallabha Ashtakam - Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, a prayer to Shiva, Goddess Parvati's husband. Eight verses that beautifully express the divine and sublime qualities and benevolence of God Shiva. The poetry conveys beautifully the spectrum of Shiva's energy and grace, reflecting why He's the most worshipped deity in Sanatan Dharma. Reciting this hymn is believed to bring blessings, protection, spiritual growth, inner peace, prosperity and harmonious relationships, guiding devotees towards righteousness and enlightenment
Sitaram Kahiye - A heart touching Bhajan dedicated to Sri Ram, sharing profound wisdom in simple words. For those on the Bhakti path, which is not so intellectual but more heartfelt, remaining in trust of the divine Will
Shiva Invocation - "Shivay Namah Om" one of the most powerful Mantras, for the ultimate Sadhana, ultimate freedom, ultimate bliss - Shiva can provide all of that; all it requires is dedication. He is the one who brings change, who destroys, who recycles, who removes all sins and sufferings:
Shivay Namah Om Shivay Namah, Shivay Namah Om Namah Shivay
Shiva Shiva Shankara, Har Har Shankara, Jaya Jaya Shankara, Namaami Shankara
Harihar Puja is a ceremony performed to get rid of the evil forces acting as a hindrance in a peaceful and prosperous life. It is believed that by performing this puja, both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are appeased and they help in eliminating all the evil forces from one's life thereby bringing happiness and prosperity. This Puja is performed by a well versed and experienced Purohit.
some interesting facts
Above the Harihar temple in South India, named Harihareshwara Temple in Harihar, Karnataka state, along the banks of river Tungabhadra. The temple is said to have been built around year 1220.
Puranas consider both Shiva and Vishnu as manifestations of the singular Brahman. "Harihara" serves as a symbolic representation of this fundamental idea of unity amidst the diversity within Sanatan-Dharma.
Harihara emphasizes the equivalence of Vishnu and Shiva, portraying them as different facets of the same Divine reality, or God.
Lead Vocals: Manish Vyas
Composer: Manish Vyas
Arranged, mixed and mastered by Gaurav Shome
Chorus Singers: Akshil Makadiya, Rushi Pandya,
Mayur Vagheal, Priyanka Shukla, Devanshi Vyas,
Devangi Jani, Hetal Shah, Hina Sutarya, Nirmal Dabhi, Rishi Raj, Chanelle Jetter
Pakhavaj: Padmakar Gujar and Prateek Gujar
Dholak, Tabla: Padmakar Gujar, Manish Vyas
Flute: Vishal Joshi
Graphics, photos, design: Vanesa Nau
