Mood of The Raga or the healing powers of the raaga Malahari
The word Malahari means ‘one that removes dirt’ and when played the first thing in the morning, it removes all worries, stress and tension from one’s life and brings happiness to cherish. It increases the energy levels when listened to or when recited.
Raaga Malahari
Referred to as a Carnatic Janya raga, Malahari is one of those traditional ragas representing old South Indian music to the modern world. It is a janya – or derived from- the 15th Melakarta raga, named Mayamalavagowla, which is one of the 72 Melakarta ragas present today. Malahari raga has got its name based on some unique features that make it different from other ragas or fundamental melodic structures. To know more about this Melakarta Janaka and Janya raaga system refer to Janaka Raagas Explained
Every janya raga from the fundamental 72 Melakarta ragas has been created by the combination and permutation of different descending and ascending notes. While the process of deriving janya from Melakartas is a bit complex, the experts have still managed to develop this asymmetric scalar raga that is categorized as an audava-shadava raga.
Lakshana and Structure Its Aarohana and Avarohana is as follows: –
Malahari Raga consists of 5 ascending notes and six descending notes, which are as follows:
Aarohana: Sa Ri1 Ma1 Pa Da1 Sa
Avarohana: Sa Da1 Pa Ma1 Ga3 Ri1 Sa
With the help of this scale, Malahari Raga makes a number of notes, including shuddha dhaivata in arohana, shuddha madhyama, antara gandhara in avarohana and shuddha rishabha notes. However, the users cannot expect to have a nishadha note from it. But, if they want to add it in their music, then they will have to derive it from Gayakapriya from 13th or Vakulabharanam from 14th Melakarta; 15th Melakarta, Mayamalavagowla has also been used traditionally for the purpose.
Listen to scale of Malahari Raaga:
Significant Compositions in the Raga
Following the South Indian tradition and norms, Malahari Raga has been among the preferable music tools for contemporary music artists. Not only does it enable them to show-off their creativity and make masterpieces but also let them explore new and better ways to incorporate Malahari Raga in today’s music.
Some of the incredible compositions of Malaharia Raga are:
Geetams– Written by Purandara Dasa
- Shri GaNanaatha in Rupaka
- Padumanaabha paramapurusha in Triputa
- Kereya neeranu kerege chelli in Triputa
- Kunda gowra gowrivara in Rupaka
Kritis
- Ananta Padmanaabam in Rupaka- by Muthiah Bhagavatar
- Melukovayya in Adi- by Shahji Maharaja
- Panchamatanga in Rupaka- by Muthuswami Dikshitar
- Kalaye Devadeva in Jhampa- by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal
Timing of Raga
Since this janya raga is one of the oldest, experts recommend to play it early in the morning. However, that does not mean you can’t play it any other time.
Malahari Renditions on MusicNamaste Website:
- Shree Gananatha, Raaga Malahari, Taala Roopaka , Composer: Purandara Dasa
- Kunda Gowra, , Raaga Malahari, Taala Roopaka , Composer: Purandara Dasa
- Kereya Neerannu, Raaga Malahari, Taala Triputa , Composer: Purandara Dasa
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not constitute medical advice or information. Readers are advised to consult healthcare professionals for any medical concerns or information.