Bengaluru: The Sri Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari shrine, a revered temple dedicated to the Divine Mother, recently hosted a vibrant celebration marking the 64th Jayanthi Mahotsav of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Paramacharya Jagadguru Jayendra Puri Mahaswamiji. This occasion, attended by numerous devotees, witnessed the unveiling of the titles for the upcoming multilingual musical video album, “Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari”, at Sri Kailash Ashrama Mahasamsthanam.
Legacy of the Shrine
Founded in 1978 by His Holiness Paramacharya Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Tiruchi Mahaswamiji, the Sri Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari shrine is recognised as a spiritual beacon. It holds significance as one of Devi’s Shakti Peethas, referenced in the ancient Sanskrit text “Tantra Chudamani” as the ‘Karna bhaga’ or ‘ear,’ symbolising divine listening and nurturing qualities.
Musical Offering: “Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari”
The musical album “Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari” was the highlight of the celebrations. Featuring traditional stotras, classical kritis, and bhajans in six languages—Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam—the album brings together devotional and classical music traditions.
The album’s music is composed and directed by Mahesh Mahadev, with performances by playback singer Dr. Priyadarshini and others. Lyrics for the album were written by Siju Thuravoor (Malayalam) and Mahesh Mahadev (Sanskrit, Hindi, and Kannada). Philanthropist Dr. B.M. Umesh Kumar has been instrumental in supporting this divine musical endeavour.
Shivashakthi Digital Media Productions, part of the Shivashakti Group is creating this divine musical content, which will soon be released worldwide through PM Audios & Entertainments.
New Raga Unveiled: “Sri Jnanakshija”
A unique highlight of the event was the introduction of a new Indian classical raga, “Sri Jnanakshija”, composed by Mahesh Mahadev and named by His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Jayendra Puri Mahaswamiji. The raga, dedicated to the goddess, is a Janya raga derived from the 21st Melakarta Keeravani.
Mahadev shared his emotional connection to the shrine, saying, “My two-decade-long association with this sacred place has been a profound source of inspiration for my musical journey. The creation of ‘Sri Jnanakshija’ is a deeply personal tribute to the goddess, and I feel immensely blessed to compose this raga in her honour.”
Artists’ Reflections
Dr. Priyadarshini expressed her gratitude: “Performing at this sacred shrine has always been a blessing. Singing for ‘Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari’ feels like a divine calling, and I am humbled to be a part of this project.”
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The unveiling of “Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari” and the raga Sri Jnanakshija marks a new chapter in the cultural and spiritual legacy of the Sri Jnanakshi Rajarajeshwari shrine. With its rich blend of music, devotion, and tradition, the event reaffirms the shrine’s role as a centre for both spiritual inspiration and artistic innovation.