When Ustad Bismillah Khan learned Kanharira raga from Bhagwan Shri Krishna

Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan was a great soul. He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001. He was a spiritually elevated personality and had always reiterated how he had the blessings of God. He was a great Classical Sahanai Player in the Hindustani Classical Music World. He has given a Status to Shahanai. An interesting episode in the life of Ustad Bismillah Khan proves God looks only at your heart and not at your caste, creed or religion.

 

Ustad Bismillah Khan, the Shahnai maestro, had a personal encounter with Bhagwan Shri Krishna. In spite of being a Muslim, the legendary Ustad have had great immense affection, respect and Bhakti for Bhagwan Shri Krishna and that could have prompted the Bagwan Shri Krishna to appear in front of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan.

 

Once, Ustad Bismillah Khan was travelling by train from Jamdshedpur to Varanasi many years ago. Ustad was travelling in the third class compartment on a coal-run passenger train. A young cowherd boy boarded the bogie in which Ustad was sitting from an intermediate rural railway station. He was a dark and skinny young man, and was holding a flute. Eventually, the young man began to play his flute.

 

The maestro Ustad, who had no idea what 'Raga' the youngster was playing, was taken aback by the superior quality of his music. The boy, according to Ustad Bismillah Khan, was none other than Bhagwan Shri Krishna, the Supreme God Himself.

 

Ustad's heart was filled with ecstasy as the nectar in Nada-Brahman (Brahman in the form of music) streaming from Krishna's flute filled him with joy, and tears of joy began to flow from his eyes.

 

After the incredible performance, Ustad drew the youngster close and handed him coins, asking him to play the song again. Bhagwan Shri Krishna was happy to help. This continued until until Ustad Bismillah Khan’s wallet became empty. Bhagwan Shri Krishna disembarked at the next railway station and vanished.

 

In fact, Ustad Bismillah Khan was on his way to take part in a Kumbha Mela-related music concert. He delivered the new 'Raga' (which he learned that day from Krishna) at that concert. The audience adored this melodic 'raga,' and requested Ustad to sing it again and again.

 

The music scholars in the area couldn't figure out what the 'Raga' was called, so they questioned Bismillah Khan about it. The Raga's name is 'Kanharira,' according to Ustad Bismillah Khan.

 

 

The next day's newspapers carried stories about Ustad Bismillah Khan's new, melodious 'Raga.' After reading it, Hariprasad Chaurasia, the famous Musician (Flutist), inquired about the intricacies of the 'Kanharira Raga' to Ustad Bismillah Khan.

 

Ustad Bismillah Khan confessed the truth and sang Kanharira, eliciting joyous tears from Hariprakash Chaurasia, the world's greatest flutist. Besides, 'Kanharira' is a holy gem in Indian music, as it came from Bhagwan Shri Krishna.

 

When it comes to honouring His disciples, Bhagwan Sri Krishna's methods are mysterious.

 

HE does not discriminate based on caste, creed, or religion. The single condition is "BHAKTI."