About the song
Released as part of Tina Turner’s 2011 spiritual album Beyond: Buddhist and Christian Prayers, “Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” is a mesmerizing and deeply meditative chant that highlights a lesser-known yet profoundly personal side of the legendary rock and soul singer. This track, rooted in ancient Sanskrit prayer, is a significant departure from the high-energy, commanding presence that Tina Turner was known for in her rock and pop career. Instead, it showcases her deep spiritual transformation and devotion to peace, healing, and inner harmony.
Background and Album Context
By the time “Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” was recorded, Tina Turner had already cemented her status as one of the greatest voices in modern music. However, in the later years of her career, she embraced a spiritual and introspective journey, particularly through her practice of Buddhism and Eastern spirituality. This led her to collaborate with Swiss musicians Dechen Shak-Dagsay and Regula Curti on the Beyond project, which sought to merge Buddhist and Christian prayers into a universal message of peace and unity.
Released in 2011, Beyond: Buddhist and Christian Prayers was an album unlike anything Tina Turner had done before. Moving away from her signature rock and R&B roots, she immersed herself in sacred chants and meditative music, using her voice in a completely new way—soothing, reflective, and filled with spiritual resonance. “Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu”, one of the standout tracks on the album, is a Sanskrit peace chant that wishes well-being, prosperity, and harmony for all beings.
Meaning and Spiritual Significance
The title “Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” translates roughly to “May there be well-being for all”, and it is a traditional Sanskrit prayer that expresses universal goodwill. The lyrics convey a powerful blessing of peace, health, and happiness, making it a deeply uplifting and meditative experience.
The chant follows a simple yet profound structure, repeating phrases like:
“Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” – May there be well-being for all.
“Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu” – May there be peace for all.
“Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu” – May there be wholeness for all.
“Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu” – May there be auspiciousness for all.
The repetitive nature of the chant allows the listener to sink into a meditative state, embracing the vibrations and meaning behind the words. Tina Turner’s serene delivery of this prayer, alongside the harmonious backing vocals and gentle instrumentation, creates a truly transformative listening experience.
Musical Style and Production
Musically, “Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” is far removed from the electrifying rock anthems like “Proud Mary” or “What’s Love Got to Do with It” that made Tina Turner a household name. Instead, it features a minimalist, ambient arrangement with soft percussion, atmospheric synths, and traditional Eastern musical elements. The focus is entirely on the calm, flowing melody and the spiritual resonance of the chant.
The production style is gentle and immersive, allowing Tina Turner’s voice to carry the weight of the prayer. Her delivery is noticeably different from her usual powerful, raspy vocal style—here, she sings in a soft, measured, and reverent tone, inviting the listener into a space of deep reflection and inner peace.
Cultural and Social Impact
Though not a commercial hit in the traditional sense, “Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” and the Beyond project as a whole had a profound impact on the spiritual and meditation music community. It introduced many fans of Tina Turner to her spiritual practice and helped bridge the gap between Western audiences and ancient Eastern traditions.
At this stage in her life, Tina Turner was more focused on spreading messages of peace and mindfulness than on chart success. Her embrace of Buddhism and spiritual music became an inspiration for those seeking personal transformation and healing. The song has since been used in meditation, yoga sessions, and spiritual gatherings, further emphasizing its role as a conduit for inner harmony.
Legacy and Conclusion
“Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” stands as a beautiful testament to Tina Turner’s spiritual evolution and her ability to connect with audiences beyond just music—it’s a message of peace, love, and healing. While fans may remember her best for her energetic performances and powerful voice, this song reveals a different side of her—one that is deeply introspective, compassionate, and dedicated to spreading positivity to the world.
In many ways, Tina Turner’s journey from a soulful rock goddess to a spiritual guide mirrors the very essence of this chant: a movement toward inner peace and universal harmony. “Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu” is more than just a song—it is a meditation, a blessing, and a reminder of the power of music to heal and unite people across cultures and beliefs.
Video
Lyrics
ॐ (ॐ)ॐ (ॐ)ॐ (ॐ)सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु (सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु)सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु (सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु)सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु (सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु)सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु (सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु)सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु (सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु)सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु (सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु)सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां स्वस्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु (सर्वेशां शान्तिर्भवतु)सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु (सर्वेशां पुर्णंभवतु)सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु (सर्वेशां मङ्गलंभवतु)ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिःशान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिःशान्तिःशान्तिःशान्तिःशान्तिः