GUWAHATI, ASSAM —
The sacred Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas and a celebrated centre of Shakti worship. Devotees from across the world visit the shrine with deep faith, believing that Goddess Kamakhya blesses sincere prayers with Her divine grace. It is profound for spiritual experiences and miracles shared by devotees. One such inspiring story has now found expression through music.
In a remarkable blend of classical heritage and spiritual devotion, internationally acclaimed, award-winning music composer Mahesh Mahadev has created a new Indian classical raga named Kamakhyapriya. Inspired by deep reverence for Goddess Kamakhya, this shadava-shadava raga with arohana S R₂ M₁ P D₁ N₂ S and avarohana S N₂ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S is classified as a janya raga (derived scale) of the 20th Melakarta, Natabhairavi. Its creation marks a significant milestone in Indian classical music, expanding the traditional repertoire with a novel melodic structure crafted specifically for devotional expression.
Genesis of the Creation
Recounting the inception of this musical work, composer Mahesh Mahadev shared:
“Many things in life that we wish to do may not happen, while many things we never even think of happen in the most unexpected ways. We begin with one thought, but sometimes the journey unfolds in a completely different direction, guided by divine grace”.
“A few days before this journey began, my father mentioned Goddess Kamakhya in a conversation. At the time, I never imagined that it would mark the beginning of such a profound musical and spiritual journey. Around the same time, I was working on devotional musical offerings dedicated to Her, and as the compositions started taking shape, the entire journey unfolded in ways I had never imagined.”
“The project gained broader momentum when playback singer Priyadarshini expressed a desire to create an Assamese devotional track dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, whose revered shrine is located in Assam. This initial step sparked a multilingual expansion. From that moment, everything started falling into place remarkably quickly”.
With the support of Hemant, the team connected with Raj Nasim, who penned the Assamese lyrics, rendered the Assamese, Bengali & Telugu vocals along with Priyadarshini and Mahesh Mahadev. Followed by the Assamese version, the multilingual project quickly expanded. Mahesh Mahadev wrote the Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada lyrics, Sumathi Ram contributed the Tamil version, and Ritu Chowdhury wrote the Bengali lyrics, while the Nepali and Odia versions soon followed, completing the nine-language devotional offering in just one day.
Unveiling of Raga Kamakhyapriya Mahesh Mahadev said,
“While composing the Kamakhya Stotra, an unusual melody and swaras began to flow naturally. I sensed that it had a distinct identity unlike any existing raga. In the past too, I have experienced similar spiritual vibrations while composing music dedicated to other deities, during which new ragas emerged in a similar way. That moment is difficult to describe in words—this definitely felt like the blessings of Goddess Kamakhya flowing through the music. I named this new raga ‘Kamakhyapriya’ in Her honour, and within hours, the composition was completed and recorded.”
The first composition in Kamakhyapriya has been rendered by Priyadarshini, who expressed her happiness at being part of the historic project.
“It is a matter of immense joy and honour to be part of these unique music albums. I had the rare opportunity to sing in nine languages and, above all, to render the first composition in the newly created raga Kamakhyapriya. Goddess Kamakhya is immensely powerful, and while singing these compositions I experienced a unique spiritual vibration. I feel it was Her blessing that I could learn and record this newly created raga composition within a very short time. It was a deeply moving and unforgettable musical experience.”, she said.
Ceremonial Release at Nilachal Shrine
The albums were formally released at the holy abode of Goddess Kamakhya by Dr. B. M. Umesh Kumar, Chairman of Creative Devices, a spiritual and art enthusiast, alongside Mahesh Mahadev.
Speaking on the occasion, Umesh Kumar stated:
“I never imagined, even in my dreams, that I would get the opportunity to release musical albums dedicated to the powerful Goddess Kamakhya at Her sacred temple. Visiting the temple on my birthday and releasing the albums on that occasion made it an unforgettable and truly divine blessing. Mahesh Mahadev’s compositions are exceptionally melodious, and the creation of the new raga Kamakhyapriya is truly remarkable. Dr. Priyadarshini’s soulful voice brings deep devotion and emotion to every composition.”
The devotional collection comprises three albums:
- Joy Joy Maa Kamakhya (9 language versions)
- Kamakhya Bheej Mantra
- Kamakhya Stotram and others
The music videos are produced by Shivashakthi Digital Media Productions, with cinematography, graphics and editing by Sunil Mahadev and Team.
The albums are available on the PM Audios and Entertainments YouTube Bhakthi channels, as well as on major OTT music streaming platforms, bringing this unique devotional offering to listeners across the globe. For more, visit www.pmaudios.com
