Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 23: "We can seek recourse to music to recoup our health. You have to experience it to realize the wonderful curative qualities of music," said Sri Ganapati Sacchidananda Swamiji of Mysore Avadhoota Dattapeetha, who is famous for his experiments with the healing powers of music and the spread of devotion in various foreign countries, notably West Indies.

Addressing the audience after accepting the felicitation from Paryaya Sri Puttige Mutt at the Rajangana of Sri Krishna Mutt on Wednesday April 22, he explained, that 'Nadopasane' involving adoration of different musical tunes with total concentration is one of the nine types of devotion explained by sage Narada. The same principle had been put into practice in the forms of devotional songs written by our Dasas, he explained.

"Musical instruments are everywhere and with every one, as seen from our ancient scripture and epics. Goddess Saraswati holds the Veena, Lord Krishna has flute with him; Lord Shiva has Damaru (small, hour-glass shaped drum) in his hand. Even there is rhythmatic music in our breathing, which says, 'Soham', meaning ‘understand this knowledge’," Swamiji explained.

He exhorted people to continue the tradition of devotion and musical adoration for a contented, healthy living.

Puttige Mutt Swamiji felicitated Ganapati Sacchidananda Swamiji by presenting him a flute, Kanakabhisheka, aureole, shawl and citation. After the programme, a special musical programme titled 'Nadavaibhavam' was presented.

On the occasion, Sacchidananda Swamiji inaugurated the newly built NRI Block in the Geetamandir here. He also donated five lac rupees as donation for the NRI Block, in addition to presenting a golden chain to Lord Sri Krishna.

Bheemanakatte Mutt Sri Raghumanyateertha was present. Scholar Dr Aralumallige Parthasarathi delivered the felicitation address. Home minister Dr V S Acharya, Ganesh Rao Mangalore, S S Shetty Mumbai and Manohar Shetty Udupi participated as chief guests.