Seed-MDepartment of Physiology Initiates Research Study on Kalabhairava Ashtakam Chanting for Stress Management at BGS Medical College and Hospital, Nagaruru
The Department of Physiology, BGS Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, commenced the research study titled “Ancient Rhythms in Modern Lives: An Exploration of Kalabhairava Ashtakam Chanting for Stress Management in Young Adults” on 12 August 2026.
The study is being conducted under the leadership of Dr Sai Sailesh Kumar G, Professor, Department of Physiology, as the Principal Investigator (PI). The Co-Investigators are Dr Gangadhara K S, Dr Sudhir G K, Dr Shilpa M, Dr Satish Patil and Dr Naveen R.
The study session was inaugurated by Dr Sudhir G K in the presence of faculty members and students. As part of the initiation of the study, students participating in the research were provided with training on the correct method of chanting Kalabhairava Ashtakam by Dr Sai Sailesh Kumar G.
The study explores the potential of this traditional Sanskrit devotional chant as a simple, accessible and spiritually oriented approach to stress management among young adults. By examining a traditional practice through a contemporary physiological research framework, the study aims to explore the relationship between rhythmic chanting, psychological stress and physiological responses.
The initiative represents an effort to bridge ancient Indian contemplative traditions with modern scientific research, while investigating whether a structured chanting practice can contribute to stress reduction and improved psychophysiological well-being in young adults.The Digital Department played an active and important role in facilitating the training programme, as the student training sessions were conducted online. The department provided the necessary technical and digital support to ensure smooth conduct of the virtual sessions, enabling effective interaction between the research team and participating students. Their support contributed significantly to the successful initiation of the training programme and the overall implementation of the study.
