Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Panjvaktar Mahadev Mandir today hosted a mesmerizing evening of soulful music as the internationally acclaimed flautist Pt. Santosh Sant, captivated the audience with his divine flute recital. The classical music event, organized by Panjvaktar Mahadev Mandir in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, filled the temple premises with divine melodies, creating an atmosphere of serenity and spiritual bliss.
Accompanied by Ms. Harshita Giri on flute and Sh. Neeraj Verma on tabla, Pandit Santosh Sant, a senior disciple of Living Legend Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, presented a series of ragas that blended classical purity with deep emotion. The tranquil setting of Panjvaktar Mahadev Mandir added to the spiritual ambience, creating a captivating experience for the people of Jammu.
Following the evening Aarti, Pt. Santosh Sant’s performance transformed the temple into a place of reflection. The soothing sound of the flute immersed everyone in the divine world of music.
Born into a musical family of Gwalior, Pandit Santosh Sant is the son of Late Pandit Vasantrao Sant, a well-known vocalist of the ancient Gwalior Gharana. He initially received training from his father and later honed his skills under Shriram Umedkar, a distinguished sitar maestro from Gwalior. His musical journey beautifully combines the traditional essence of Indian classical music with a contemporary, innovative approach.
Pandit Santosh Sant is also the Founder-Director of “Swaravenu Gurukul,” an institution devoted to promote the rich tradition of bamboo flute music globally while nurturing young talent under Guru-Shishya Parampara. Over the years, he has been honoured with numerous awards including the Gold Medal from the Department of Culture, GoI, and Pt. Bhimsen Joshi National Award, as well as titles such as “Surmani” and “Venu-Shree,” reflecting his exceptional contributions to classical music.
The event, part of the temple’s ongoing cultural series, drew an enthusiastic response from devotees, musicians and art lovers. The Mandir has steadily emerged as a vibrant center of cultural excellence, uniting the rich traditions of Indian classical arts with spiritual devotion. In recent months, it has hosted several acclaimed programs, including Sawan Mahotsav, soulful bhajan recitals and graceful Kathak performances, offering a unique space where art and faith beautifully converge.
Sh. Suresh Kumar Sharma, Receiver of the temple, said, "Panjvaktar Mahadev Mandir, a historic center of spirituality, continues to bring people closer to their roots through music. Today’s performance by Pt. Santosh Sant was another milestone in this effort. We are grateful for his divine artistry and look forward to more such inspiring events." The Panjvaktar Mahadev Mandir Committee expressed gratitude to all attendees, making the evening a memorable celebration of music, culture and devotion.
