Introduction edition
Haidakhan Bhajans
Haidakhandi Samaj
01
HAIDAKHAN BHAJANS
Haidakhan Bhajans is a collection of devotional songs, sung at HaidakhanVishwa Mahadham, Sri Babaji's main ashram and place of reappearance in1970. The collection consists of Kirtans and Bhajans. Kirtans are devotionalsongs containing the name, or aspect of the deity worshipped: Lord Shiva, theDivine Mother Amba, Hari-Lord Vishnu, Hanuman, etc. These are to be repeatedas many times as one wants to. Bhajans are religious hymns, telling a brief story.The Lord is given praise in all His glory, in His many forms and manifestations.The underlying theme is one of joy, gratitude and love.
The supreme Guru, honored here, is Bhagwan Haidakhan as Shiva, manifestcreator and destroyer of the universe, who is also invoked by 108 names, givenat the end of this collection. The repetition of these names, or mantras, has beendescribed by Shri Babaji as tarak mantra -- supreme mantra, to be recited daily.
The pahari songs have been included because they have become an integralpart of the kirtan singing at Haidakhan. All songs, apart from well-knowndevotional songs like the "Sri Hanuman Chalisa," have been composed, bothwords and music, by devotees of Baba Haidakhan.
Shri Babaji has commented on kirtan singing, saying: "Kirtan should come to younaturally, through your soul... You should sing devotional music in a way, thatstirs the heart, in harmony and with a slow rhythm. Whenever you make music,singing or playing, it should leave a memory on the mind."
The mantra OM NAMAH SHIVAYA is the main mantra used in the chanting, andShri Babaji has enjoined his devotees to : "Always repeat God's name. Whateveryou do, wherever you are, repeat the name of the Lord... OM NAMAH SHIVAYAis the original mantra. It is like nectar, feed everyone with this nectar... WhenMahashakti, the Primordial Energy, first manifested, the words she uttered wasthe mantra OM NAMAH SHIVAYA." Repeating, or chanting this mantra will leadto total union with God. This is Babaji's promise.
JAI MAHA MAYA KI JAI!!!
-- Haidakhandi Samaj, Preface to the Haidakhan Bhajans Book