Krsna Kirtana Songs est.
2001 www.kksongs.org
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Sarasvati Vina
The Sarasvati vina is the instrument that is common in South India. As
its name implies, it is associated with the demigoddess Sarasvati
Devi, the goddess of education, arts, and music. Narada Muni, the son of Brahma,
also roams the universe and cosmos playing the Sarasvati
vina. Of all stringed instruments termed vina (lit. “stringed
instrument”), the Sarasvati Vina
is undoubtedly popular, especially in South Indian music.
The entire instrument is carved from a single block
of jackwood. There are four main strings with three
rhythmic drone strings, known as the talam strings.
There is an upper tumba resonator that is
functionally vestigial is used mostly for balance. The finger board starts with
a head of a lion, continues downward with frets set in wax, to the end of the
instrument which bronze bridge is found. Unlike the sitar of the North, the Sarasvati vina does not contain
sympathetic strings and the bridge does not require constant upkeep, for it is
a solid metal.
UDPATED: March 12, 2012