Music gives soul to the Universe & wings to the Mind -Dr. Abhinandan Ballary

Today, more people listen to music than ever before in history. We many a time get goosebumps from a powerful piece of music. Why does this happen? Because, music is as innate as the rhythm of our heart, as close to our being as the hum of our soul, and as intrinsic as the silent space between each breath. So Music is a sound generating vibrations that move through the medium of ether present in the atmosphere and affects the human body. It is said that Music beats have a very close relationship with heartbeats.

In everyday life, Humans generally encounter stress resulting in various physical and psychological problems. Research has shown that Music does have healing effects. They stimulate the brain, ease tension and remove fatigue. Hence, for the present generation of people who develop stress fast, Music can heal the stress. Music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and a slower tempo promoting a calm and meditative state. So, it is the Music that can uplift our souls. It awakens within us the spirit of love and compassion. Indian music containing symphonies of raga has a definite soothing effect on the mind as well as the body. One of the unique characteristics of Indian music is the assignment of definite times of day and night for performing Raga melodies. It is believed that only in this period the Raga appears to be at the height of its melodic beauty and majestic splendor. There are some Ragas that are very attractive in the early hours of the morning; others that appeal in the evenings, yet others that spread their fragrance only near the midnight hour. Be it Carnatic or Hindustani. Repeated listening to certain ragas does have the potential to cure diseases too. It is believed that performing or listening to a raga at a proper allotted time can affect health in a certain way.

For instance, Listening to a raga called Kapi can evoke a humid cool, and soothing mood. Listening to Kharahara Priya raga strengthens the mind and relieves tension. Listening to Raga Shanmukhapriya instills courage in the mind and rejuvenates the energy in the body Listening to Raga Madhyamavathi clears paralysis, giddiness, and pain in the body and also relieves nervous complaints.

To cite an example of a real-time demonstration, Once Great Violin Maestro Kunnukudi Vaidyanathan was preparing for a concert to show the remedial powers of a raga called Ananda Bhairavi. The great poet Kannedasan had challenged in the public to test his blood pressure after hearing the raga Ananda Bhairavi from the great musician's violin. But Kannedasan who promised to preside over the concert became ill with hypertension. Cajoled by the organizers he came to the function and requested Vaidyanathan to render the raga. At the close of the concert, Kannedasan came up to the dais and announced his hypertension came down and he was feeling better.

So, it's even proven and nowadays there is a growing awareness that Music could emerge as a safe alternative for many medical interventions. It is also proven that during the 2020 Corona pandemic music has helped many to improve their immunity. That is why at temples when one listens to Bhajans and Keerthan they feel the stress is reduced and feel relaxed.

Do listen to music and have mindfulness in your life. A calm mind can invigorate you in many ways.