The Bhajana Workshop organised by Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Math, Sri Shivaratreeshwara Religious Endowment and JSS Mahavidyapeetha at Suttur Srikshetra was inaugurated by Dr. N. B. Prakash, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the divine presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamy on August 2. Dr. B. E. Rangaswamy, Smt. B. N. Veena, Prof. K. Anantharamu, Sri K. Raghuram Vajpayee, and the participants were present.
Suttur, August 2, 2026: Bhajan is an essential means of attaining inner realisation and serves as a divine force that elevates human beings from worldly life to spiritual transcendence, said His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji while delivering his benedictory address at the Bhajan Workshop organised by the Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasansthana Math, Sri Shivaratreeshwara Religious Endowment, and JSS Mahavidyapeetha, at Suttur Srikshetra on August 2.
His Holiness said that Bhajan is a sacred art form handed down through generations. It has flourished through the spiritual traditions of Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Basavanna and the Dasa tradition. A harmonious blend of Carnatic and Hindustani music, Bhajan fosters mental peace, happiness and spiritual fulfilment, he added.
Inaugurating the workshop, Dr. N. B. Prakash, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, said that Bhajan promotes unity and a spirit of cooperation among rural communities. It helps keep worldly thoughts away from the mind, instils a sense of divinity and serves as a vibrant folk art that preserves the country’s traditional culture.
Dr. B. E. Rangaswamy, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Davanagere, distributed Bhajan equipment to the participants. He said that before the advent of mass media, dramas, Veeragase, Kolata and Bhajans performed in temples served as the primary sources of entertainment in rural areas. Bhajan, he observed, nurtures a secular outlook that transcends caste, creed and religion.
Addressing the gathering, Shri K. Raghuram Vajpayee, State Vice-President of the Akhil Karnataka Brahmin Mahasabha, said that Bhajan enables devotees to express a unique form of devotion to the Almighty, attain Brahmananda and experience lasting happiness. He remarked that nature itself is filled with music and rhythm, reflected in plants, trees, creepers, the blowing wind, birds and animals. Preserving this rich musical heritage, he said, is the collective responsibility of society.
Mrs. B. N. Veena, Additional Commissioner of Mysuru City Corporation, described Bhajan as a unique medium for expressing devotion. She said it plays a vital role in bringing harmony between the body and mind. She also noted that the Bhajan tradition has been instrumental in taking the compositions of Dasaru and Vadiraja, pioneers of Karnataka’s musical heritage, to the wider society.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. K. Anantharam, retired Professor, said that Bhajan promotes peace of mind, devotion to God and unity in society. It contributes to spiritual upliftment and mental well-being and is a noble form of service to the Almighty. Saints and devotees followed this path to attain the grace of God, he said. He also appreciated the efforts of Suttur Srikshetra in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage through music, drama, Bhajan, meditation and several other cultural and spiritual programmes.
The programme also featured Bhajan demonstrations and Bhajan dance training sessions.
The programme commenced with an invocation by Mrs. Bhagyalakshmi and Mrs. K. Jayashree. Prof. D. S. Sadashivamurthy welcomed the gathering, Mr. R. S. Kumar proposed the vote of thanks, and Mrs. S. Savitha compered the programme.