A brief description of Kirtan

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Kirtan takes place when Sri-Hari-nama and the descriptions of Krsna’s form, qualities, and pastimes come in contact with the tongue.
There are many varieties of kirtan such as discussing Sri Krsna’s pastimes, singing about Him, proclaiming His glories to others, attracting others to Krsna by singing his names, and chanting bhajans in His praise.
Kirtan has been described as superior to all the other nine limbs of bhakti and no other method purifies the heart as effectively.  This is especially true in Kali-yuga, when kirtan alone can bestow auspiciousness upon everyone.  No other method purifies the heart as effectively as hari-kirtan.  When many devotees come together to perform kirtan, it is called sankirtan.  

The three main angas or limbs of Bhakti are sravana, kirtan, and smarana, namely hearing, chanting, and remembering.  Out of these three, kirtan is the best because all others are included within Kirtan.  When one is chanting the holy names of the Lord his mind, body, and all senses are fully engaged.  One remembers the name, form, pastimes, and qualities of Krsna.  These activities are considered to be the supreme form of sadhya and sadhana.  Singing about the Lord allows us to develop the love that we are all ultimately searching for in this world. That is pure love for Sri Radha and Krsna who are supremely attractive and the embodiment of love.

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Trinad api sunicena

Taror api sahisnuna

amanina manadena

kirtaniya sada hari

-Sri Siksastaka

"Thinking oneself to be even lower and more worthless than insignificant grass which has been trampled

beneath everyone's feet, being more tolerant than a tree, being prideless, and offering

respect to all others according to their respective positions,

on should continuously chant the holy name of Sri Hari"

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