A vibrant new recording brings the ancient devotional tradition of Indian kirtan into a contemporary musical setting.

Discover the joy of chanting and Indian mantra with “Shiva Shambho Kirtan,” the new single from composer and recording artist Vidura Barrios.

Kirtan is an Indian devotional tradition centered around the singing and repetition of the names of the Divine. In “Shiva Shambho Kirtan,” Barrios celebrates Shiva through the names Śaṅkara, Hara and Śambho, emphasizing qualities of auspiciousness, transformation, happiness and bliss.

The chant sings:

Jaya jaya Śaṅkara, Hara Śiva Śaṅkara Jaya jaya Śaṅkara, Hara Śambho

Śambho Śambho, Jaya Śambho Śambho Śambho, Śiva Śambho

The words can be understood as an invocation of praise: “Hail to Shiva, hail to Śaṅkara. Victory to Shiva, the auspicious and benevolent one.”

Each of Shiva’s names carries a particular significance. Śaṅkara means “the one who brings auspiciousness or well-being.” Hara is “the remover,” evoking the removal of suffering and the obstacles that obscure our deeper nature. Śambho invokes Shiva as the “source of happiness and bliss.” Hara removes what stands in the way; Śaṅkara bestows auspiciousness.