Within the domain of the spirit world, devotion is a vehicle of religious music and chanting that can be the most effective formality. There are so many such things they do for Lord Shiva, but there is one act of devotion that stands out at the very top of them all by saying the name of Mahadev 32 times in a single breath. In this devotion, not only the endurance is tested but the deeply trusting and surrendering attitude is conveyed.
In this video, a traditional attire-dressed devotee with a white scarf and sunglasses, is positioned in front of a natural backdrop. He starts the extraordinary recital with a keyboard instrument in front of him. In one continuous breath, he says the 32 sacred names of Mahadev, whose sacred words and their meanings have thousands of years and reverence. It is practice and is not performing, but one spiritual offering, in which energy is poured into this and that in a given space.
The names of gods in Hindu tradition is said to impart tremendous power. Every name of Lord Shiva represents a different facet of his divine personality and that of his mission – the destroyer of evil and the protector of the universe. When they say all three together the beat resonates with the listener who gets goosebumps and feels like he’s in touch with the divine. At the end of the recital is pronounced the word “Jai Shiv Shambhu,” that is an affirmation from the devotion, closing and a prayer.
As for anyone who experiences or hears such a recital the experience is mostly welcomed as uplifting and life altering. The sheer amount of physical energy it takes to chant 32 names in a single breath is mind-blowing, reminding followers of the discipline and focus required for spiritual practice. It also illustrates that devotion can be expressed in a creative form, merging tradition, as with the presentation in modern times.
This devotional experience proves to us that our spirituality is not confined to just ritual. This may be conveyed through song, chanting or in the form of sheer personal triumphs of endurance. To recite Mahadev’s names in one breath is to represent the union of the joining of body, mind and spirit in devotion. It shows that authenticity is not external recognition but inner connection.
No, the recital of 32 names of Mahadev in just one breath is not just a performance; It is a heartfelt offering. And he proves that, on a bigger scale still, through the centuries, there are faith matters as a power and can inspire people. Each of the chants contained within “Jai Shiv Shambhu” has a call to remember, honour, and celebrate the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
