Music that Connects You with Nature
A breath-taking sunset, a panoramic mountain view or a waterfall in the woods can fill you
with wonder and joy. The melodies of Gandharva Veda mirror this experience. If you could
hear the frequencies of Nature, you would hear the sounds of Gandharva Veda music.
Each of these melodies (Ragas) traces the vibrations and pattern of a particular time of
day. When you play a melody during the specified time period, it creates a natural balance
and harmony in your awareness and in the environment, and through the particular quality
(Rasa) of each Raga, characteristics such as greater courage, self-confidence, wisdom, and
happiness are enlivened.
The History of this Music
Thousands of years ago in India, great Rishis or sages cognized within their own
consciousness the subtle rhythms and enlightening melodies of the Veda, which is pure
knowledge at the basis of Nature. As a part of the Veda, Gandharva Veda is the tradition
of musical performance that replicates the vibrations of Nature at different times of day
and night. Now, Maharishi has revived this eternal music of Nature and inspired the most
renowned musicians of India to bless the world with Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. By
playing this music you join in creating greater peace, harmony and joy for yourself, your
dear ones and the world.
About Raga Melodies
Gandharva Veda is based on melodies called Ragas. Each Raga has a unique structure which
combines both fixed elements and infinite possibilities of variation, allowing the
musician to bring out all the subtle values of the frequencies present at that time of the
day. Each Raga is based on one of the ten basic scales called Thaat, which determine the
notes that are permitted in the Raga.
How to Listen to this music
The knowledge of when to play each Raga comes from the time theory of Maharishi Gandharva
Veda. This theory is based on three-hour periods called Praharas which correspond to the
changing frequencies of Nature throughout the day. It is best to listen to Maharishi
Gandharva Veda in a comfortable position-sitting or lying down-with the eyes closed. Even
when no one is present to listen, playing the music 24 hours a day in your home or
workplace generates a peaceful, soothing atmosphere that uplifts the whole environment.
Maharishi's Festivals of Music for World Harmony
In 1986, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi inaugurated his Program to Create World Peace, introducing
the theme of creating balance in Nature and peace in the world through the performance of
Gandharva Veda music. Since then Gandharva Veda musicians have been performing in concerts
around the year, around the world.
Personal Experiences
Research Findings
