Among the Indian instruments, Veena is one of the most revered and ancient instruments. There is reference to Veena from Vedic times where, it is said that during the “Yagnas”, when the shlokas were being recited, the wife of the head priest accompanied him on the Veena. There have been many forms of Veena over the time like Mahati, Kinnari etc. As music evolved over time, instruments too evolved to keep up with the music. Currently, Rudra Veena and Saraswati Veena are two of the most popular Veenas.
Even now a days Veena concert will be held during yagnas and pooja and also during some of the samskaras like seemantha(a traditional ritual held during pregnancy), upanayana, vivahaa(marriage) etc… Veena concert also is held in temples during festival times especially in navarathri.
One of the reasons for Veena’s exalted status is that it’s musical notes are considered most auspicious and therapeutic, thus aiding the spiritual and physical well being of the listener. This is borne out by the fact that Veena musical notes are the first ones raised as the altar door is opened every day in the early hours at Lord Sri Ranganatha’s temple at Srirangam, India. It is still the custom in most of the house holds of South India to have women in advanced pregnancy hear melodious Veena music for their welfare and for the welfare of the soon to be born..
However, VEENA still retains its supremacy of traditional classical music instruments, perhaps due to its scientific attractive structure, spiritual sanctity, abundance of rich harmonics, gamakas, continuity of sound, very closeness to human voice (vocal music) etc. This perfect instrument incorporates all the three basic components of music, i.e., SHRUTHI, LAYA & RAGA. Even now it is also considered as the best and most suitable, accompaniment for classical vocal music concerts and Bharathanatyam programmes, specially in Tamilnadu, Kerala etc.
saraswathiveena 