At a compelling intersection of India’s spiritual heritage and the growing global need for mental well-being, a new initiative has been launched. Philosopher and spiritual researcher Devrishi has introduced ‘Svaryam’ — a meditative sonic platform rooted in Vedic mantra science and supported by contemporary neurobiological research.
Conceived under the aegis of the Sanatan Wisdom Foundation, Svaryam seeks to explore the potential of ancient sound traditions, presenting them not merely as spiritual expressions but as structured modalities. This initiative aims to position sound – understood as sacred, structured, and scientifically calibrated – as a potential pathway to emotional balance, cognitive clarity, and inner transformation.
Devrishi, formerly known as Rishikesh Pandey, was once a composer in the Indian film industry. His transition from cinema to sonic consciousness reflects a commitment to rediscovering India’s sacred acoustics through the lens of modern science. According to Devrishi, “When sound is applied with mindful intent and spiritual precision, it ceases to be entertainment; it becomes healing.”
Svaryam encompasses a multi-dimensional approach. Its YouTube platform is set to feature time-based ragas, therapeutic mantra cycles, and guided sonic meditations curated by both classical scholars and clinical researchers. A forthcoming mobile application, currently in development, plans to offer AI-assisted customization, where users may receive sound sequences based on their psychological profiles and biometric indicators.
What distinguishes Svaryam is its stated dedication to scientific validation. Through collaboration with the Nada Yoga Research Institute (NYRI) — also advised by Devrishi — the platform incorporates EEG (electroencephalography) and HRV (heart rate variability) readings to track the neurophysiological effects of mantra exposure. In doing so, it aims to establish connections between sacred resonance and measurable mental health outcomes.
As part of this endeavor, on International Yoga Day, June 21, 2025, a special event named ‘Naad Yagya’ (Sonic Ritual) will be organized. During this program, 51 Vedic Brahmins will recite mantras simultaneously. The collective sound produced will undergo acoustic analysis using advanced modern machines, and the effects of these mantras on the body will also be examined. The report from this significant event is planned to be shared with the Ministry of AYUSH and various international institutions, aiming to contribute to the global recognition of Vedic sound science.
This initiative aligns with India’s national objectives under Ayushman Bharat and the Mental Health Action Plan, but with a distinctly civilizational lens. Svaryam endeavors to reintroduce India’s time-tested systems, aiming to revive their relevance through rigor, data, and accessibility.
Devrishi states, “Svaryam is not just a platform. It aims to reposition Indian sonic philosophy as a potential contributor to the global mental wellness narrative.”
As India continues to emerge as a centre for integrative wellness, Svaryam seeks to contribute to the recognition of its ancient sound practices—ones that aim to connect with both the soul and contemporary science.
