01 Intro:
It's an epic-styled intro with subtle chants glorifying the spiritual master, who helps in taking one
from darkness to light. Sounds used are both electronic and percussive in nature.
02 Jagannath Astaka:
Astaka refers to the number 8, and Jagannath means "Lord of the Universe". This particular song
consists of 8 verses specially glorifying the Lord of the Universe, Krishna, originally uttered from
the mouth of Lord Caitanya 500 years back.
03 Longing Vraja:
Vraja refers to that geographical area where Lord Krishna personally manifested Himself more than 5000 years back on Earth. This place is still existent today, close to New Delhi, India. The mood of the song is that of one longing to visit the place where Lord Krishna eternally resides.
04 Pure Souls (Guru Vandana):
Guru Vandana means "Reverence for the Teacher", or the Spiritual Master. The texts were originally composed by Narottama Das Thakura more than 500 years back describing the qualities of a genuine Spiritual Master or Guru, therefore entitled Pure Souls.
05 Transcendence:
An up-tempo composition using breakbeats, chants and melodies that will uplift your mood.
06 Damodar Astaka (Illuminize):
Damodar Astaka, the title track, is a very beautiful prayer that is usually sung/recited everyday in any Gaudiya Vaisnava household during the special month of Karthika (October-November). The recitation of this prayer is usually accompanied by the lighting and offering of lamps to the Lord. The meaning of these 8 verses are the unique pastimes of Lord Damodara which attracts anyone that hears or reads it.
07 Ocean of Mercy (Gaura Nitai):
A very soothing breakbeat production with chants of Gaura Nitai. Lord Gauranga and Lord Nithyananda, appeared in West Bengal 500 years back, whose mercy is really unparalleled in this universe. With a lounge styled feel, the track features the voice of Vanita Siddharth.
08 Nostalgia Krsna:
A mellow rock styled production, with subtle guitars and rhode instruments, blended with chants of Krishna.
09 Golden Avatar (Lord Caitanya)
Another 500 year old composition by Narottama Das Thakur, depicting a mood of separation from the Lord, begging for the mercy of Gauranga or Lord Caitanya, in helping us get out of this material existence. A very touching and melancholic feel. A song that will grow into you gradually. Features the vocals of Vanita Siddharth.
10 The Spiritual Master (Guru Astaka)
Another set of 8 verses that glorify the qualities of the Spiritual Master. Just as any other tradition, the glorification of one's Spiritual Master everyday surely brings about tremendous benefits to the soul, thereby winning the favor of the Supreme Lord Himself. The Spiritual Master is considered the transparent via-media between the Lord and us (individual souls).
11 A Little Girl's Dream
This one really touched my heart the minute my little cousin sister Sapna picked up the mic and sang along. So we recorded this, and personally I feel that this is one track that can take you deep into it; in a world of it's own. A track that you will never get bored of. A track that you will always want to get back to and introspect.
12 Goloka Vrindavan (Spiritual World)
As a grand finale to the album, I just tried to emulate the mood of one being transported into the spiritual world Goloka Vrindavan. Sounds of bird chirps and rain, combined with chants make this a perfect ending to the album.
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