ISKCON PANDAVA SENA
PS BANK
Your guide to Krishna Consciousness basics.
Kirtan
Glorifying the Lord through transcendental sound
OVERVIEW
Kirtan is the devotional practice of chanting the holy names, qualities, and glories of Krishna. It is one of the principal limbs of bhakti-yoga and is especially emphasized as the most effective process of spiritual advancement in this age.
By hearing and chanting the Lord’s names, the heart becomes purified and one’s dormant Krishna consciousness gradually awakens. Kirtan is not ordinary music - it is direct engagement in devotional service through transcendental sound vibration.
KEYPOINTS
Kirtan means glorifying and chanting the names and glories of the Supreme Lord
Among the nine processes of bhakti, śravaṇam (hearing) and kīrtanam (chanting) are especially emphasized
Hearing and chanting purifies the heart and removes material contamination
The holy name is spiritually potent and can free one from sinful reactions
Kirtan is considered the most effective spiritual practice for this present age (Kali-yuga)
Through sincere chanting, dormant love for Krishna gradually awakens
PRACTICAL TIPS
Chant attentively, focusing on hearing the holy name clearly
Participate in congregational kirtan with sincerity and devotion
Avoid treating kirtan as ordinary music or entertainment
Listen deeply - hearing is as important as chanting
Approach kirtan as service, with humility and prayerful consciousness
Try to make chanting a regular part of daily spiritual practice
FROM THE SCRIPTURES
“A Kṛṣṇa conscious person engages his words in preaching the glories of the Lord. This is called kīrtana.”
RESOURCES
Chant attentively, focusing on hearing the holy name clearly
Participate in congregational kirtan with sincerity and devotion
Avoid treating kirtan as ordinary music or entertainment
Listen deeply - hearing is as important as chanting
Approach kirtan as service, with humility and prayerful consciousness
Try to make chanting a regular part of daily spiritual practice
