Raga Shuddha Kalyan

Some memories have some Ragas associated with them. And same Raga when performed by different maestros creates memorable moments.

Raga Shuddha Kalyan is such a Raga, performed by different artists, by their beautiful styles, pouring out their elevated souls. I have been listening to this melodious Raga Shuddha Kalyan probably since I was in womb of my mother. It was Raga Shuddha Kalyan performed by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi in a very famous records series Maestro’s Choice. I have heard so many Shuddha Kalyan by various artists;but, this is the most touching one. Pt. Bhimsen Joshi sings two very profound compositions composed by Sadarang, in his crafted voice. One is very famous, Mundar bajo re and other, Ras Bhini Bhini. I am listening to this record for almost 21 years now, but still it has charm. It is still as magical as it was 21 years ago. This is real magic, which is alive eternally. I cannot forget Bhimsen Joshi for his Raga Shuddha Kalyan.

Pt. Jasraj has also sung Raga Shuddha Kalyan, which is very delicate and mesmerizing.  I have heard Ustaad Shujaat Hussain Khan performing live Raga Shuddha Kalyan in Pune. Such a huge man, holding a comparatively small Sitar in his strong hands  and playing it utterly delicately. Perhaps, this was the moment when Raga Shuddha Kalyan entered my soul and created a special place in my soul. Sitar is probably most feminine instrument. Ustaad Shujaat Hussain Khan has a heart which is very soft. His finger are more delicate than any woman here on the earth. Combination of all this creates Raga Shuddha Kalyan, which is beyond doubt unforgettable.

 


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9 responses to “Raga Shuddha Kalyan”

  1. gyan Avatar
    gyan

    SHUDH KALYAN by pt. Joshi is different from others. the diff is depth of voice and AAKAR of every note which has been used by Joshiji in this composition differently apart from all the qualities of Joshiji. which effects deeply. ADBHUT

    1. Mandar Karanjkar Avatar

      Dear Gyanji,
      True.

  2. Abhijit Avatar
    Abhijit

    Pandir Bhimsen Joshi is ‘Siddh’ on Raag Shuddh Kalyan. Whenever he sang this raag, he took this to a eternal level. The touchy skillful glides from Sa to Dha and Pa to Ga through Ni and Tivra Ma respectively are his masterpiece. I completely agree with your choice of Maestro’s Choice’s Shuddh Kalyan – probably his best one, very near mark will be Shuddh Kalyan from Siddhi series. Besides “Mandar Bajo Re Bajo Re” and “Ras Bhini Bhini Aay” in Drut compositions, one of his olden time Drut composition “Batiya Durai” is also very soothing like other two.

    1. Mandar Karanjkar Avatar

      Dear Abhijit,

      I remembered all the versions of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi ji’s Shuddha Kalyan while reading your comment. Thanks for sharing with us!
      I also have a Shuddha Kalyan which Panditji has sung in a concert celebrating his 70th or 75th birthday. There, he has sung ‘Mundar bajo re’ as a drut composition.

      As you have rightly said, it is rare to find this kind of mastery over this Raga by other artists.

      Regards,
      Mandar

  3. Rupen Avatar
    Rupen

    Hi Mandar , I will be obliged if you could post the lyrics of Rasa bhini bhini aay bandish. 🙂

    1. Mandar Karanjkar Avatar

      Hi Rupen,

      Here it is-

      रस भिनी भिनिया, तेरो नयनका संग जागे
      अंतरा- भार झुके और हार टूटो, जा के जोबन लुटो, कहे sadaarang

  4. ranjitiyer Avatar

    Captures exactly how I feel about Shuddha Kalyan and the deep impact Pt. Bhimsen Joshi’s rendition has had on me.

  5. Alejandro Avatar
    Alejandro

    Hi, I’m from Argentina, far away from India but a true Indian Classical Music lover. I’m very intrigued about the lyrics of the “Mundar bajo re”, would very much like to know them and understand the meaning. If someone has it I will very much welcome it. Thanks for this note, I agree with everything said on it.

    Kind regards,
    Ale

    1. Mandar Karanjkar Avatar

      Hi Alejandro!

      Thanks for your comment. Mundar means Anklet. Mundar Bajo is a romantic composition talking about the sound of anklets during romance!

      Glad to hear from you!
      Mandar

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