Anandmurti Gurumaa is said to have made a huge difference to people in all her facets - as social reformer, philosopher, a rishi and a crusader for women’s liberation.

As spiritual guide to millions across the globe, Gurumaa spreads the message contained in all religions -Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, Zen, Buddhism to Sufism.

That she also has a soothing and enchanting voice was a fact known to all those who saw or attended her spiritual discourses. Few close ones also knew she has penned thousands of poems in English and Indian vernacular languages.

These gifts from this woman master of the twentieth century will now reach many more. Times Music is instrumental in the release of two music albums of Anandmurti Gurumaa - Shoonya which brings on richness of Sufiana in the bhav of bhakti, and Shiv Namonkar  which has chanting of Shiva’s Mantra - Om Namah Shivaya.

While Shoonya is positioned as an offering fit for meditation, easy listening and will appeal to lovers of poetry, Shiv Namonkar salutes both the sagun and nirgun facets of Lord Shiva and greatly emphasizes his benefactor role (Kalyanrupi).

The sound of both albums is designed to suit the contemporary ear. In Shoonya, apart from her own poems, Gurumaa has also sung a Sultan Shah couplet in rubai (adlib - without any rythm) form.

Shiv Namonkar in particular has major fusion experimentation where electronic grooves, percussion, drums, synthesizer keys and flutes have replaced the traditional pakhavaz, tabla and tanpura set-up used for chanting mantras.

These albums will help an individual’s search into divinity and inner awakening.

(Times of India - 23.04.04) 

Seema Mishra