Legends – Part Two

Here are two more interesting legends that tell us of the beginnings of Indian Classical Music.

Once, when Lord Shiva saw Parvati in a reposeful pose, he was inspired to create the Rudra Veena, and from the five mouths facing five directions emanated five Ragas: Bhairav from the east, Hindol from the west, Megh from the south, Deepak from the north and Shree from the sky above. To this list of Ragas, there was added by Parvati herself, which was Kaushik.

Yet another legend says that Shiva was so enamored of Paravati that he seated her on a throne and and expressed a desire to dance before her. Many other Gods joined Nataraj. Goddess Saraswati played the Veena, Indra, the flute, Brahman played the Kartaal, and Goddess Lakshmi sang to the accompaniment of the Mridanga played by Lord Vishnu.

It is said that Lord Shiva gave the wealth of music to Bharata Muni, who spread it on earth.

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