Welcome to Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu!
“ॐ अन्तरम् त्वम् तरण तारण त्वम्, अनन्त हरि नारायण ॐ”
We warmly welcome you to our Gurukul, located in the cultural city of Kathmandu Valley in the Himalayan country of Nepal. This music school is dedicated to teaching, preserving, and promoting the classical music form “Dhrupad” through the traditional guru-shishya (mentor-disciple) method. Dhrupad is the oldest and one of the most profound systems of raga music in the Indian subcontinent, and the Gurukul tradition is also an effective system of education that dates back to the Vedic era. It is a living cultural practice of Naad Yoga (sound meditation), voice culture and raga expression. Our goal is to awaken spiritual awareness through vocal practice and devotion. This Gurukul provides training to students of all backgrounds—regardless of class, gender, ability, or status—with an aim to promote classical music. We believe that by preserving and passing on this fading tradition to future generations, we can help build a disciplined, thoughtful, and culturally appreciative society. It also supports the personal development of researchers, scholars, and music educators.
Registered as a non-profit organisation with the Nepal Government and the Social Welfare Council, this Gurukul was founded by Inoue Sou and Vishal Bhattarai under the guidance of their gurus, the Gundecha Brothers. The Gundecha Brothers are renowned Dhrupad maestros of the “Dagarvani” style. Among the currently practiced traditions, Dagarvani is a major lineage that has preserved Dhrupad for 21 continuous generations. Dagarvani, part of the Sadharani Geeti, is known for its soft and captivating alap, emphasising the purity and simplicity of notes.
The Dhrupad tradition, which evolved from the Vedic chants (Samgana) and grew in temples and royal courts, is now a rare form of music that teaches people to view music as a path to life philosophy. In the context of Nepal, we can trace this tradition from the Lichhavi period’s stone inscriptions about music groups “वादित्रगोष्ठी”, Bharat Ashram, and Newar community institutions like Guthi, Dapha Khal, Charya traditions, and visual depictions of ragas in Malla-era palaces. Temple carvings also show references to music, dance, musical deities, Naradmuni, and Gandharvas. The presence of prominent Dhrupad artists like Sadarang at the Gorkha Palace, Karimsen at Hanumandhoka, Tajkhan and Dundi Khan at Lal Durbar, and King Rana Bahadur Shah possessing Tansen’s tanpura, reflect Nepal’s deep connection with Dhrupad. Rulers like Chandra Shumsher supported classical music, Bir Shumsher’s 'Bagedi Sammelan', Spring Festival and institutions like the Trailokya Sangeet Parishad, founded by Dhrupad-trained Trailokya Shumsher, further enriched the tradition. Dhrupad and devotional music also continued at places like the Narayan Temple near Narayanhiti Palace and Kirateshwar Music Ashram. The lineage from Pandit Bhavanath Sharma forms part of Nepal’s Dhrupad history.
In serious and meditative classical music like Dhrupad, knowledge of notes, rhythms, and ragas alone is not enough. To understand the subtlety of sound, control of the voice and the essence of raga, the close and long-term presence of a guru is essential. A guru guides each student personally based on their voice, temperament, and level of practice—something no textbook or technology can replace. This tradition shapes not just performers, but seekers who approach music as a path of spiritual discipline and inner awakening. In today’s technology-driven world, this practice is even more relevant—it leads people away from external noise toward inner silence and the journey of sound.
Dhrupad Gurukul Kathmandu upholds the shruti tradition, emphasising daily practice, close interaction, and long-term dedication as the foundation of learning, supporting the overall development of its students. In partnership with institutions like the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, it organises various programs to promote cultural inclusion and social equality. Additionally, residential facilities are available for visiting students, allowing them to live in the guidance and presence of their guru, immersed in continuous practice.
Join us on this timeless path of music, meditation, and self-discovery.