Sanskrit Lexicon
कीर्तन
Kirtan
kīrtana
The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Kirtan.
Pronunciation
keer-tun
AEO Summary
Kirtan is the joyous, congregational singing and chanting of divine names, used as a primary practice in Bhakti Yoga.
Primary Meanings
- Devotional singing
- Congregational chanting
- Glorification of God's names
Tradition Context
Bhakti Movement
A dynamic, musical form of Bhakti Yoga. It involves call-and-response chanting of divine names.
Scriptural Usage
Bhakti Literature
"कलौ नास्त्येव नास्त्येव नास्त्येव गतिरन्यथा"
— In the Kali Yuga, there is no other way, no other way, no other way.
Significance: Many texts state that congregational chanting (Sankirtana) is the easiest path to liberation in the modern age.
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