About Bhaktimala - Shakti Volume 1
Bhaktimala – Shakti Volume 1 is a devotional music album released in 2005 under the Indian classical and bhajan tradition. The recording features vocal performances by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Shruti Sadolikar. The album appeared in CD format with a collection of seven tracks dedicated to Hindu goddesses, primarily invoking Durga, Saraswati and Parvati.
The album opens with Jai Durge Durgatipariharini, a composition praising Durga as the remover of suffering. Maharaj Bhavani Brahmabhuvan Ki Rani follows with a tribute to Bhavani, the divine queen of the universe. Sharada Vidyadani Dayani honors Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts. The fourth track, Jai Jagdishwari Mata Saraswati, reiterates devotion to Saraswati with a distinct melodic arrangement.
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu draws from the Devīmāhātmya and extols the universal presence of the Divine Feminine. The album continues with Aarti Kijiye Shailsuta Ki, a traditional aarti for Parvati, daughter of the mountains. The closing track, Parvati Devi Mahamayavini, celebrates Parvati as the embodiment of supreme illusion and power.
The release date aligns with the year 2005, though the specific label remains undocumented in available sources. The collaboration between Joshi and Sadolikar combines Khayal and Bhajan styles, reflecting their training in the Kirana and Jaipur-Atrauli gharanas respectively. The album serves as the first installment in the Shakti series, though further details on subsequent volumes are not confirmed in this context.