Deva's parents are a mystic/artist father and a musically talented mother, she was taught violin, piano and received voice training. By the time she was five years old, she was already chanting the Gayatri Mantra daily, and since that time she continues to integrate meditation into her life.
She has studied Shiatsu, Reflexology, CranioSacral Therapy and Massage, but music remains her first love. The influence of Indian classical music is evident in her singing, although she has never attempted to copy or steal from the tradition. "It just comes naturally," she says, "as if I'd heard it all before, in another life."
Among the numerous letters of appreciation she has received since the release of her albums, many describe how her music has been used to accompany and enhance the sacred passages of birth and death. In fact, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the world famous author of On Death And Dying, requested that Miten and Deva bring their music to accompany her passing. "We have played for many people," says Deva, "but to play personally for Elizabeth was something I will never forget.”
Incantation
Deva Premal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Parabrahma
Purushothama
Paramatma
Sri bhagavathi sametha
Sri bhagavathe namaha
Sri bhagavathe namaha
Sri bhagavathi sametha
Sri bhagavathe namaha
Sri bhagavathe namaha
Sri bhagavathe namaha
Om, shanti, shanti, shanti
The lyrics to Deva Premal's song "Incantation" are a powerful invocation of Hindu deities and concepts. "Om satchitananda" is a mantra that represents the triad of existence, consciousness, and bliss. It is often chanted during meditation to deepen one's connection to the divine. "Parabrahma" refers to the ultimate reality, the absolute divine. "Purushothama" is another name for Lord Vishnu, who is considered the supreme being in some Hindu traditions. "Paramatma" is the all-pervading soul of the universe.
The repetition of "Sri bhagavathi sametha / Sri bhagavathe namaha" is a mantra that pays homage to Sri Bhagavathi, an incarnation of the divine mother and goddess of abundance, and Sri Bhagavathe, another name for Lord Vishnu. The mantra is a way of expressing gratitude and surrendering to these deities. The repetition of the mantra also helps to create a meditative state and align the mind and body with the divine.
The final line, "Om, shanti, shanti, shanti" is a mantra for peace. The repetition of "shanti" three times represents peace in the body, speech, and mind. Overall, the lyrics to "Incantation" are a powerful tool for meditation and connecting with the divine.
Line by Line Meaning
Om satchitananda
This line is a Sanskrit mantra that represents the three qualities of consciousness: existence (sat), knowledge (chit), and bliss (ananda). By chanting this mantra, we invoke these qualities within ourselves.
Parabrahma
This line represents the ultimate reality, the divine source and energy that is beyond human comprehension. It is the universal cosmic force that exists in everything and everyone.
Purushothama
This line refers to the supreme being or God, who is considered the highest form of consciousness and the source of all creation. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence within and without.
Paramatma
This line describes the divine energy that exists within every individual, which connects them to the ultimate reality or God. It highlights the idea that we are all part of a greater whole and that our soul is linked to the divine.
Sri bhagavathi sametha Sri bhagavathe namaha
This line is a devotional prayer that expresses reverence and respect for God. It symbolizes the union of the divine masculine and feminine energies and emphasizes the importance of honoring both aspects in our spiritual practice.
Om, shanti, shanti, shanti
This line is a mantra that represents peace, both within and without. It is repeated three times to signify the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. By chanting this mantra, we invoke inner peace and invite harmony into our lives.
Contributed by Dominic A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.