Sacred Song Symphony is a carefully selected compilation of 108 Vaishnava songs, each accompanied by translations, word-for-word meanings, and commentaries. The book is divided into 20 sections, with the first ten containing the original songs in transliterated Bengali or Sanskrit, printed in a large, easy-to-read font to facilitate singing even from a distance. The remaining ten sections provide English translations and explanations, allowing readers to understand the deeper meanings behind these sacred compositions.
The selection includes all the songs Srila Prabhu
pada used to sing, as well as many referenced in his books and lectures, even if they were not personally recorded by him. Additionally, songs that have become popular among devotees over the past 50 years are featured, alongside others chosen for their significance. However, songs that Prabhupada explicitly instructed not to sing, such as Srita-kamala, have been excluded.
The songs in this collection are grouped into distinct thematic categories, reflecting various devotional moods. These include:
- Glorification of the Lord – Songs that praise the divine names
- Nama-kirtana – Chants composed primarily of different names of the Lord
- Descriptions of the Lord’s pastimes and associates
- Hymns that narrate divine activities and personalities.
- Astakas – Hymns of eight verses, glorifying a specific spiritual figure or sacred place.
- Prayers for mercy and songs of longing – expressing deep spiritual aspiration, remorse, or humility
- Songs offering guidance and instructions – verses that convey essential teachings for devotional life
Many of these songs combine longing, lamentation, and the heartfelt plea for divine grace, making Sacred Song Symphony a deeply immersive and inspiring resource for anyone seeking to engage in bhakti-yoga through devotional music and meditation.