Maharashtrian Kirtan Dhvanis

I

In Maharashtra the devotees start their Kirtan with singing Jaya Jaya Rama Krishna Hari, Jaya Jaya Rama Krishna Hari. 'Jaya Jaya Rama Krishna Hari' is the Mantra which Sri Tukaram received from Lord Krishna in his dream. Further this Mantra is an abbreviated form of the Maha Mantra Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.

II

In Alandi near Pune where there is the Samadhi of the reputed Yogi Sri Jnana Dev, people sing throughout the twentyfour hours,'Jnana Dev Tukaram'.

III

Another favourite Kirtan of the Maharashtra devotees is Jaya Jaya Vittoba Rukmai, Jaya Jaya Vittoba Rukmai. Vittoba or Vittala is another Name for Lord Sri Krishna. Rukmini is the Mother of the Universe. Rukmini is the consort of Lord Sri Krishna.

IV

Another beautiful Kirtan is the combined names of the important saints of Maharashtra:

Thars: Sunaja

Nivrittinath, Jnana Dev, Sopan, Muktabai,

Ekanath, Nama Dev, Tukaram.

Nivrittinath is the elder brother of Jnana Dev, the author of Jnaneshwari Gita. Sopan is another brother of Jnanadev, whose Samadhi is in Satara. Muktabai is the sister of Jnanadev. The three brothers are regarded as the incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva and Muktabai as the incarnation of Maya. Mysterious is the birth of great souls. Mysterious is their end also.