Remembering My Guru Maa Annapurna Devi

Guru Maa’s approach to music was akin to a master weaver’s art, where each raga was a delicate thread.
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As I sit in contemplative silence, memories of my revered Guru Maa, Annapurna Devi, cascade like a gentle stream, carrying me back to the dawn of my musical journey. It was Ashok Mukherjee, my dear friend, who nudged me to commit these reminiscences to paper, allowing the essence of Guru Maa’s teachings to radiate, like a beacon, for posterity.

My family’s association with the venerable Baba Allauddin Khan Sahab dates back to 1949, when my father, Pandit Jotin Bhattacharya, embarked on a seven-year odyssey of musical enlightenment under his guidance. Those transformative years, spent within the hallowed precincts of Baba’s residence, were punctuated by visits from Guru Maa Annapurna Devi, whose presence ignited a deep reverence within my father’s heart.

Her presence was akin to a gentle breeze on a summer’s day, carrying the whispers of ancient wisdom.

My earliest musical forays began under my father’s tutelage, who recognized the stirrings of a seeker within me. He introduced me to Annapurna Devi, affectionately addressing her as “Boudi” due to her marriage to Pandit Ravi Shankar. Her presence was akin to a gentle breeze on a summer’s day, carrying the whispers of ancient wisdom.

In 1970, I had the privilege of visiting Baba Allauddin Khan Sahab at his residence, where I spent two unforgettable days. During my brief sojourn, Baba graciously imparted the intricacies of Vidarang Palta, a testament to his extraordinary pedagogical abilities. Those two days remain etched in my memory like a sacrament.

In the early 1980s, my father would regale me with tales of Guru Maa’s teachings, sparking an unquenchable thirst within me to learn from her. Despite initial hesitation, Guru Maa accepted me as her disciple, bestowing upon me the sacred thread, or ganda, on December 22, 1985. This poignant moment remains etched in my memory, a testament to the transcendent bond between guru and disciple. I am humbled to acknowledge that although she had other students, I am the sole disciple to whom Guru Maa Annapurna Devi tied the sacred Ganda, a distinction that fills my heart with gratitude and reverence.

Guru Maa’s approach to music was akin to a master weaver’s art, where each raga was a delicate thread, intricately woven into the tapestry of sound. She imparted ragas with the reverence of a priestess, sharing sacred mantras as if whispering secrets in my ear: (गोप्यम् गोप्यम् महागोप्यम् गोपानीयम् प्रयत्नतः). Her concept of raga was akin to meditation, requiring unwavering dedication, like a river flowing ceaselessly to the ocean.

Her teachings instilled humility, perseverance, and devotion, like a gardener nurturing a tender sapling. Guru Maa was an ocean of knowledge, and I was blessed to collect a few precious drops from her boundless depths. As I reflect, I acknowledge the immense debt I owe Guru Maa, whose legacy inspires musicians and seekers, illuminating the path to artistic excellence and spiritual growth.

Guru Maa Annapurna Devi played a pivotal role in our esteemed gharana, her name synonymous with musical excellence. She imparted wisdom to luminaries, including Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar, her guidance shaping the destinies of Nikhil Banerjee, Bahadur Khan, and my father. I was humbled to acknowledge her blessings, symbolized by the sacred thread she tied, a testament to our unbroken lineage.

Also Read: Remembering Mohammed Rafi and His Golden Voice

Regrettably, my father and Professor Rooshi Kumar Pandya, who witnessed Guru Ma tie the sacred Ganda, are no longer with us. I am left with the responsibility of preserving this sacred tradition, a flame that burns brightly, guiding me toward truth and artistic perfection.

As I conclude this homage, I am reminded of Guru Maa’s enduring spirit, a legacy that transcends time and space. May her memory continue to inspire, guiding us toward the sublime realms of artistic excellence and spiritual growth.

Image Courtesy: Author, Wikipedia

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Pandit Amit Bhattacharya is a student of Annapurna Devi and a sarod player. He religiously practices classical music and his compositions are available in several streaming platforms. He is a digital music creator himself.

Pandit Amit Bhattacharya is a student of Annapurna Devi and a sarod player. He religiously practices classical music and his compositions are available in several streaming platforms. He is a digital music creator himself.

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