I think Bhajan and Kirtan are used interchangeably.
Kirtan may usually refer to Sankirtan or 'congregational chanting' or 'collective chanting' of the Holy names of Lord Krishna or Maha Manta in association with devotees of the Lord or may refer to any devotional service (like preaching) done together with devotees. Example: Street Harinaam Sankirtan or Book Marathon kirtan or Temple Kirtan etc.
Bhajan is usually put forth for devotional songs in general. Example, Vaishnava Bhajans. But IMHO it does not matter if action performed is the same while being called with different names. Example - If we chant/sing Holy names of Krishna - The Hare Krishna Maha Mantra with devotees together and call it a Bhajan instead of Kirtan, it is anyways fine.
Japa on the other hand usually refers to chanting of the Japa rounds in bead or japa bag, like doing our daily Sadhana rounds. The process of chanting on a strand of 108 japa beads, fingering each bead in succession. One circuit comprises one round of japa yoga. This can be different from Kirtan/Sankirtan, but more effective if done with association of devotees. Moreover, calling your morning "Japa" as doing "Meditation" does not make a difference if the action performed is same but called differently. This is my opinion.
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Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
The essential differences between bhajan and jaap are:
1) Jaap is done on beads, bhajan is normally done with the accompaniment of kartals and mridanga.
2) Jaap is done alone, bhajan in a group. Group chanting is also done, but each person chants on his beads. In Bhajan, one leads and others follow.
3) Jaap is done at one's pace, whereas bhajan is sung.
Mahamantra - both jaap and bhajan can be done.
Jai. Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Hare Krishna dear Vivek Dhanawat Prabhuji,
We should take a vow to do japa on beads eveyday till death. It can be only one round in the begining.
Hare Krishna bhajan or kirtan can be taken up whenever possible, especially if you have singing or kartala or mrdanga skills.
Your Servant,
Vignesh Arumuga Chelvan
I think Bhajan and Kirtan are used interchangeably.
Kirtan may usually refer to Sankirtan or 'congregational chanting' or 'collective chanting' of the Holy names of Lord Krishna or Maha Manta in association with devotees of the Lord or may refer to any devotional service (like preaching) done together with devotees. Example: Street Harinaam Sankirtan or Book Marathon kirtan or Temple Kirtan etc.
Bhajan is usually put forth for devotional songs in general. Example, Vaishnava Bhajans. But IMHO it does not matter if action performed is the same while being called with different names. Example - If we chant/sing Holy names of Krishna - The Hare Krishna Maha Mantra with devotees together and call it a Bhajan instead of Kirtan, it is anyways fine.
Japa on the other hand usually refers to chanting of the Japa rounds in bead or japa bag, like doing our daily Sadhana rounds. The process of chanting on a strand of 108 japa beads, fingering each bead in succession. One circuit comprises one round of japa yoga. This can be different from Kirtan/Sankirtan, but more effective if done with association of devotees. Moreover, calling your morning "Japa" as doing "Meditation" does not make a difference if the action performed is same but called differently. This is my opinion.
Bonus - Tips for Japa by HG Vaisesika Dasa (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH7hk7mky_4)
YS