BANGALORE: His Holiness Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham, consecrated the WorldSpace Satellite Radio broadcast at the Sringeri Sharada Mutt on 25 January.

According to a company release, His Holiness lit the auspicious lamp and switched on the WorldSpace Satellite Receiver at the Pravachana Mandiram inside the premises of the Sringeri Mutt in the presence of devotees, and listened to the Shruti and Gandharv channels. WorldSpace has two dedicated 24-hour channels for Indian Classical Music, viz., Shruti (Carnatic) and Gandharv (Hindustani).

The installation of WorldSpace receivers in the premises of the Sringeri Mutt has been possible through an arrangement with the administration of the Mutt, according to which Shruti and Gandharv, the two channels devoted to Indian Classical Music, will be played through the day in the Pravachana Mandiram and the dining halls in the Mutt. The dining halls can seat up to 5,000 people at a time, and have been fitted with more than 60 speakers that will relay Indian Classical Music played on WorldSpace Satellite Radio.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO and administrator, Sri Sringeri Mutt V R Gowri Shankar and its properties said, "Our ancient music, both in Carnatic and Hindustani styles, has played a big role in shaping our lifestyle, devotion and commitment to peaceful living. The work that our friends at WorldSpace Satellite Radio are doing, broadcasting these channels dedicated to Indian Classical Music to listeners all over the world is unique and laudable. This contribution of WorldSpace to promote our traditional music is very praiseworthy. May Goddess Sharada and the Jagadguru bless them with all prosperity, strength and will to continue this service."