The tradition of classical music of India has been going on parallel to spirituality. An example of this is also seen in the naming of ragas and raginis in music. Where many ragas have been decided on the basis of the forms of Goddess Durga. The nature of those ragas and their way of singing is exactly the same as describes the forms of the goddesses in the Puranas. There is one such raga in classical tradition, raga Durga. In the name of Goddess Durga, this raga puts her own divine qualities in front of the waves.
A story comes in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. In order to destroy Tripura, some obstacles suddenly start coming in the path of Mahadev Shiva. The condition of Tripura’s destruction was also very difficult. Its end could only be in a particular astronomical situation, which could have come only once in 1000 years. Mahadev Shiva praised Goddess Tripura Sundari to avoid this obstacle and disturbance and to conquer Tripurasura by destroying Tripura.
Goddess Tripura Sundari is none other than the great form of Goddess Durga. Then Mahadev Shiva created Shri Durga source and praised him. In this source, he calls the goddess ‘Brahmaswaroopa’ in one place.
Shiva Krit Durga Stotra
Raksha Raksha Mahadevi Durga Durgatashini,
Mother Bhaktamnurktam Ch Enemy Kripaamayi॥
Vishnumaye Maha Bhaga Narayani Sanatani.
Brahmaswaroope Parme Nityanandaswaroopini॥
Tvam Brahmadidevanambike Jagdambike,
Tv
Mahadev Shiva praised Goddess Durga
Mahadev Shiva was humble but in the Ojar Svelahari in which Goddess Durga praised Goddess Durga, she is described in Samaveda by the name Raga Durga. Indian classical music has not only been a means of entertainment, but it is a unique medium capable of moving towards the path of spirituality, which is raga based. The Samaveda has a special description of ragas with music scriptures. Actually, how to sing the Rigveda and Yajurveda rituals in a voice, Samaveda is a storehouse of this knowledge.
The rainy season is the special time of raga Durga
Each raga has its own time, season, its dimension, rhythm and its way of singing. The ‘Raga Durga’, which contains the spiritual power of Goddess Durga, is a special, including the power of Tantra, the ooze of the mantra and the side of the decoration with devotion. Raga Durga is not only known for its sweetness and simplicity, but is also famous for its spiritual power and cultural depth.
There are differences among musicians and historians about the origin of raga Durga. Some believe that this raga may have been developed by North Indian classical musicians in recent times, while others consider it ancient, as it belongs to many other Indian ragas. In Karnataka music of South India, it is known as “Shuddh Saveri”. It is a fifth vowel raga, which makes its presence in the middle and wire octave. This raga comes out in an unprecedented manner in the middle octave.
Raga Durga’s name has been taken from Goddess Durga
Raga Durga is named from Goddess Parvati or Amba, who is the wife of Lord Shiva and is worshiped as “Maa Durga”. In Hinduism, Mother Durga is considered a symbol of power, patience and fearlessness. The word “Durga” means “inaccessible” or “impervious”. According to mythology, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and other gods together revealed Durga with their divine powers to defeat an egoistic-powerful demon named Mahishasura.
Maa Durga is usually depicted with a lion riding and with eight or ten arms, each with a special weapon given by a deity in each hand. This depiction is a symbol of his immense power and victory over the wicked. Raga Durga is considered a musical form of this power and courage.
In classical music tradition, Raga Durga is advised to sing in the second Prahar of the night (from 9 am to midnight). However, it can be sung anytime. The image of a warrior goddess is reflected in its structure, which defeats the darkness and heals the wounds with love and joy. Raga Durga has the power of divine bliss and security.
Durga is the raga of Oudav caste
Raga Durga is a Pentatonic Raga (Audava caste), in which only five vowels are used. Its composition includes vowels like Sa, Ray, M, P, D, which makes it extremely simple but impressive. Music experts say that its basic structure is so universal that the same scales can be seen in various music traditions of the world. This is probably a proof of its antiquity and independent development. Its existence in Karnataka music as “Shuddh Saveri” is evidence that this raga is linking North and South Indian music traditions. In its medium and upper octave, depth and confidence gives it a unique color.
Recently, a song was included in the Famous Web Series Bandish Bandits, which was based in the pure classical raga garland.
Bandish: “Sakhi Mori Rum Jhum”
Permanent:
Vowel: | Sa re | I am Dh San |
Paur: | 1 2 | 3 4 | 5 6 | 7 8 |
Speak: | Sakhi | Mori | Rum | Jhum |
Vowel: | Siddha | M re | Sa | ,
Paur: | 9 10 | 11 12 | 13 14 | 15 16 |
Speak: | Barsan | Lagged Ray | ,
Antara:
Vowel: | I am Dh San | In Ray sa |
Paur: | 1 2 | 3 4 | 5 6 | 7 8 |
Speak: | Sawan | Of Rut | Come
This restriction is about 550 years old. This restriction of raga Durga includes a description of spring and rainy season. Let me tell you that the raga is the raga of Durga Khyal Anga, and this restriction is in small thoughts. The raga is generated from Durga Bilawal Thaat and fifth (P) is forbidden in it. This restriction is sung with three rhythms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= NNDR3-eyttko
Aaroh: Sa Re
Avaroh:
Vadi: M (Middle)
Conversable: Sa (conspiracy)
Why is there a description of Sawan in the song?
The song is described in the song because once the goddess took the form of rain herself to eliminate the influence of an asura and the famine land was created as water. This form of Goddess was not only captivating, but it was also a rebellion against atrocities in a way. This is the reason that despite the tenderness and elegance in the raga Durga, the tone of a rebellion also included.
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