Legends of Raga Music - Part One

We have many different versions and legends, which could be some scattered clues for us to learn a little about the history of Indian Classical Music. These are mostly found in old religious treatises and epics.

One legend has it that Brahma, the Creator taught classical music to Shiva, who passed it on to Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning. Hence, Saraswati is the described in the ancient books as 'Veenapustaka-dharini'. This very form of music came to be handed down in succession to the sage Narada, the celestial Gandharvas and Kinnarasand finally to Bharata Muni and Hanuman.

Another legend says that Lord Shiva made a gift of music to Narada as a reward for his penance.