VIDURA BARRIOS CELEBRATES THE JOY OF CHANTING WITH “SHIVA SHAMBHO KIRTAN”
A vibrant new recording brings the ancient devotional tradition of Indian kirtan into a contemporary musical setting.
Discover the joy of chanting and Indian mantra with “Shiva Shambho Kirtan,” the new single from composer and recording artist Vidura Barrios.
Kirtan is an Indian devotional tradition centered around the singing and repetition of the names of the Divine. In “Shiva Shambho Kirtan,” Barrios celebrates Shiva through the names Śaṅkara, Hara and Śambho, emphasizing qualities of auspiciousness, transformation, happiness and bliss.
The chant sings:
Jaya jaya Śaṅkara, Hara Śiva Śaṅkara
Jaya jaya Śaṅkara, Hara Śambho
Śambho Śambho, Jaya Śambho
Śambho Śambho, Śiva Śambho
The words can be understood as an invocation of praise: “Hail to Shiva, hail to Śaṅkara. Victory to Shiva, the auspicious and benevolent one.”
Each of Shiva’s names carries a particular significance. Śaṅkara means “the one who brings auspiciousness or well-being.” Hara is “the remover,” evoking the removal of suffering and the obstacles that obscure our deeper nature. Śambho invokes Shiva as the “source of happiness and bliss.” Hara removes what stands in the way; Śaṅkara bestows auspiciousness.
For Barrios, the tradition is deeply personal. He has been creating spiritual and mantra music for more than 20 years, following a lifelong meditation practice that included 10 years living and practicing in a meditation ashram.
“Chanting is universal—it appears in spiritual traditions and cultures throughout the world,” says Barrios. “This practice has brought so much joy and happiness into my own life. My intention is for a new generation to discover this ancient and beautiful tradition. You don’t have to be a yogi to connect with it. Everyone understands joy, rhythm and the feeling of celebration.”
With “Shiva Shambho Kirtan,” Barrios aims to bridge traditional chanting and contemporary music without losing the devotional heart of the practice. The result is an invitation not simply to listen, but to participate—to sing, celebrate and experience the joy of the chant.
“Shiva Shambho Kirtan” features 100% organic instrumentation and vocals, with an original composition by Vidura Barrios. Production and arrangement are by Kento Tachibana, with vocals by Lakshmi Marfil Delgado, Anjali Bhargava, Kento Tachibana and Vidura Barrios.
