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Kirtan by Madhava dasaMadhava dasa came to Krishna consciousness at 5 years old, when his parents joined the movement. He was trained by Aindra das in the art of performing kirtan for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara. Traveling all the over the world, Madhava shares with the general masses his devotion in the form of kirtan. Following is an interview of Madhava dasa by Mangala-vati dasi. Mangala-vati: We are very impressed by your talent as a musician, especially your mastery of voice, harmonium, and mridanga. How did you develop your knowledge of music? Madhava: I grew up in a devotee family in Mauritius. When I was 5 my father put a mridanga in my hands. I went to Vrindavan at 18 and joined Aindra prabhu’s 24 hour kirtan. Under his guidance I learnt singing and playing instruments for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara. Mangala-vati: We understand you have a very busy schedule, traveling around the world to share harinama sankirtan. How did you happen to visit us this year? Madhava: Indradyumna Maharaja invited me a few years ago, but due work, I couldn’t have stayed more than a weekend. It seemed pointless to come. Last year my boss retired, sold the company and everyone had to leave. Hence, being unconstrained, I can travel and do kirtan all over the world. Mangala-vati: Every day of Woodstock, you performed at the Mantra Yoga Tent. Can you tell us your impression about the people? Madhava: I was startled to see how people responded. They seem to love kirtan, chanting and dancing. Mangala-vati: Some of the devotees noticed that you keep a set of pictures on your harmonium when you sing. Can you tell us more about these pictures? Madhava: This is my little altar that I carry with me when I travel. The middle frame is Panca Tattva dancing in front of Jaganatha Ratha Yatra. They are the foundation of kirtan. In the present time Srila Prabupada is the giver of kirtan. He is on the left, intent on his mridanga. I first performed serious bhajan in Vrindaban. Thus, Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara, in the right frame, is my Ishta Deva. Mangala-vati: What is your meditation during kirtan? Madhava: Various mediations help me go deep into the kirtan. I like to remember Vrindaban, Krishna Balaram mandira – one whole year I chanted in front of Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara during the night shift, 10 pm to 4.30 am. Else, I picture the parikrama road around Govardhana. I am sitting on the ground with my harmonium, chanting. Countless sadhus walk by, a lot of dust float everywhere and cover my body. Mangala-vati: Please tell us about your melodies, which seem to carry the crowd to a different world. How do you create these captivating tunes? Madhava: Basically I choose simple melodies that everyone can follow. Kirtan happens when all are able to chant the Holy Name. It can be a tune that I heard from a devotee. I may sing it as it is or slightly alter it or add parts to it. When learning a new melody, I always sing it to my wife and together we ‘work’ the tune. Mangala-vati: After each of your sessions, you played fierce mridanga for His Holiness Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami through the night and into the early morning. Can you describe this experience as a participant in such an incredible spiritual band? Madhava: Yes, that was an exceptional experience. Playing mridanga is different than singing and playing harmonium. The mood and dynamics are different. Mridanga is the heart beat of a kirtan. It is powerful and living; it is Balaram. The player has to harness that energy while following the mood of the leader. Maharaja took us to a different world with his tunes. We sang for hours. Besides, sitting so long in the same position and playing intense mridanga is hard on the body. Yet, once the chanting is the focus, awareness of the body disappears. Sensation of pain comes from the mind, right? Thus, after a while I forget about my body and can continue for hours. Mangala-vati: What were your observations about the audience during kirtan, especially after midnight? Madhava: At night all the party goers come. It is the time when people like go dancing, drinking and have fun. Although many were inebriated, all of them were really ‘into’ the kirtan. From the stage we saw them relishing the Holy Name and wholeheartedly dancing for hours. Some even tried singing the Maha Mantra. Inspired by this reciprocation, we could continue to serve them all night. Mangala-vati: Can you share your thoughts about the ‘Polish festival tour’? Madhava: This is one of the best festivals I have ever attended. I wish all devotees could be part of this unique festival Indradyumna Swami is so generously offering to the Polish people each year. It is an immense opportunity to share the Holy Name. From the Ratha Yatra to the Mantra Yoga tent, kirtan goes on all day, facilitating so many people to begin their Krishna conscious journey. |





