Sahitya mein Braj bhasha Ka mahatva
Swami Haridas ji ki Prakat sthali, Radha Baoli, Vrindavan
Early Gurus
Brij Bhushan Goswami is from a lineage that sees music as a sacred inheritance, transcending art. From the moment he first drew breath, the young Brij Bhushan was enveloped in the embrace of melody, his childhood imbued with the resonant strains of devotion.
Shri Amol Chand Goswami (Baba)
Pandit ji’s early years were profoundly shaped by his grandfather, Shri Amol Chand Goswami, a revered figure in Haveli sangeet. He was his guide to the soundscape that shaped his destiny. These teachings were not confined to the mastery of notes and rhythms; they were an initiation into a higher spiritual realm where music was a bridge between the earthly and the divine.
As the head of the Samaja Gayan tradition at the Radha Rani Temple Barsana, he excelled in Haveli Sangeet Gayaki and Lokgeet Gayaki, and was distinguished contributor to All India Radio. He became a recognised voice in an era where transistors and radios connected audiences to art and culture. As a testament to his invaluable contribution to traditional performance arts, he was awarded a Certificate of Honour by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Swami Kanhaiya Lal Ji
Pandit ji's initiation was furthered by the revered Swami Kanhaiya Lal Ji, who was a distinguished artist of Sarangi and vocal as well as a renowned figure in the Raas Leela tradition. He was a notable Raas Acharya, seamlessly blending literature with performing arts. An ascetic, Swami Ji embodied the essence of a spiritual guide, emphasizing the philosophical depth of Raas Leela beyond its artistic expression. His teachings showed aspiring artists how to innovate while respecting time-honored practices. For over three decades Swami Ji’s mentorship has buttressed the foundations of the classical genre, ensuring itscontinuity, evolution and legacy.
Living an ascetic lifestyle, Swami Kanhaiya Lal Ji embodies the essence of a spiritual guide, emphasizing the philosophical depth of Raas Leela beyond its artistic expression. His teachings not only preserve the tradition but also provide exposure to aspiring artists, allowing them to innovate while respecting time-honored practices. Through his unwavering dedication, he has become an influential medium in fostering the legacy of classical Indian music.
Under his guidance, Brij Bhushan Goswami imbibed the profound philosophies that underpin India’s classical traditions, laying the foundations for an artistic expression that would resonate around the globe, echoing the wisdom of ages, the devotion of saints and the sublime radiance of legendary musicians.
आज चल रास में रूप की आगरी
उघटो संगीत गति
भुज उठाय नृत्यकर
ब्रज युवती संग लै
मधुर स्वर रागरी
" Although Raga Durga is most popular in South Indian tradition, in North India also it is sung and played in the form of Sadra in Dhrupad. It is sung in two styles, Bilaval Thaat style and Khamaj Thaat. Nowadays, Raag Durga originated from Bilaval Thaat is more commonly sung due to prohibition of Gandhaar and Nishad. Its Jaati is Audav-Audav, Vaadi is Madhyam and Samvaadi is Shadaj. It is sung in the second prahar of night or the time duration between 9PM to midnight. This prahar is often characterized as deep and emotional range which may include a touch of introspection.
I learnt this composition "Aaj Chal Raas Me—" in Raag Durga from my initial Guru Swami Shri Kanhaiya Lal Ji. Further, I was fortunate enough that at the age of 10 years, I got an opportunity to sing this Raga in a programme organised at Agra, and most significantly during my presentation, distinguished Padma Shri Swami Pagaldas ji was invited from Ayodhya to accompany with me on Pakhawaj. It is an unforgettable moment of my life from where with the blessings of my Guru and renowned Pakhawaj maestro, I was encouraged to move forward in my musical journey."