My top 10 devotional songs - Robina Dhindsa

MODEL turned acclaimed spiritual teacher and intuitive leadership coach, Robina Dhindsa teaches and practices ancient yogic science and sacred mantras.

Both self-taught and guided by globally renowned spiritual teachers, she uses her knowledge to help others and that includes through her radio show The Journeying With Robina. She selected her top 10 devotional songs by artists who have appeared on her popular radio show.

Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo by Snatam Kaur: The literal translation of Ong Namo is ‘I bow to the subtle divine wisdom’ and Guru Dev Namo translates as ‘I bow to the divine teacher within’. As soon as I heard this mantra chanted by Snatam Kaur, it connected me to the divine teacher within. Her music quickly became my morning ritual. In Kundalini yoga, this opening mantra guides our practice in class. Snatam’s expression of this chant helps elevate your state of consciousness. The result? We end up making all choices from the higher self.

Ek Ong Kar Sat Gur Prasad by Belinda Carlisle: This mantra was taught by the first Guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Devji to his son Siri Baba Chand. It is believed to be one of the most powerful of the Gurmukhi mantras, which can remove obstacles. Massively successful international singing star Belinda Carlisle chants my favourite expression of this mantra. Her life is truly inspirational and she is one of the most beautiful souls I’ve met. The soulful invocation of this mantra enables her own connection with the divine to shine through.

Re Man by Nirinjan Kaur: My favourite mantra, Re Man, comes from the 10th Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singhji and has the capacity to bring self-control and mental balance. I’ve been chanting along with Nirinjan Kaur’s invocation of this mantra for about four years and it always gives me an experience of pure bliss. Nirinjan has a rare purity in her voice and chants with devotion. Her music has enabled me to deepen my spiritual practice.

Bhaj Man Mere by Pamela Aaralyn: This mantra, when chanted or listened to, invokes the divine within. Sacred sound alchemist and world-renowned spiritual teacher, Pamela Aaralyn’s expression of this mantra quite literally penetrates your soul. Each time I listen to it I get the ‘truth shivers’ – the divine remembering of my purpose and who I am. As a sound alchemist, the unique resonance in her voice has the power to clear old beliefs, emotions and all that doesn’t serve our highest good. Immersing yourself in her music is a truly meditative experience.

Kal Akaal by Simrit: Directly translated from Gurmukhi, Kaal means death and Akaal means undying. This is a protective mantra to remove the illusion and fear of death. Simrit has one of the most hypnotic and soulful voices I’ve ever heard. I often close my eyes, listen to her music and feel like I’m being transported to a higher consciousness. Her invocation of Kal Akaal not only helps calm inner noise and restlessness, but also helps navigate the hurdles we go through each day.

Gayatri Mantra by Deva Premal and Miten: Taken from the ancient Indian Sanskrit texts called the Vedas, the Gayatri Mantra has the power to transform and purify, whether you listen or chant it. It’s one of the first mantras I memorised many years ago and I often chant it throughout the day. Deva Premal’s powerful invocation of this mantra helps you shine the divine light within. She explains that “it purifies the person chanting it as well as the listener as it creates a tangible sense of wellbeing in whoever comes across it”.

Mahamritunjaya Mantra by Shankar Sahney: Often considered to be the Karma-clearing mantra, the Mahamritunjaya Mantra originates from the Vedas. Shankar’s rendition is one of the most listened-to expressions of this mantra in the world, and one of my favourites. Memorising this mantra using Shankar’s devotional chanting will begin clearing away karmic residue in your mind and body.

Haseya by Ajeet Kaur: When I’m feeling the need to reconnect to mother earth, my go-to sacred music is always from Ajeet Kaur. Her song Haseya, meaning to rise up, is a call to connect deeper within. The effect of reconnecting to our divine within is a stronger appreciation and love for our earth. Ajeet’s angelic presence and voice is hypnotic and her deep wisdom is felt through her music.

Guru Ram Das Guru by Mirabai Cieba: This is the mantra of humility and connection to the healing and protective energy of the fourth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Ram Dasji. Mirabai Ceiba’s expression of this mantra is one of the first mantras I came across years ago. It reconnects the experience of the finite to infinity. I remember listening to this mantra repetitively for about six months straight because of the powerful effect it had on my inner state – I felt an expansive joy every time I heard it.

Know You Are Loved by Jai-Jagdeesh: This heart-opening song will remind you of who you are, and of your true purpose, love. It’s as if this powerful song is being sung to you, for you and by you, on the soul level. Jai-Jagdeesh’s award-winning sacred music is my go-to each time I need a reminder to focus on the heart. Her authentic nature and voice of truth resonates through her music.

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