Natabhairavi

Summary

Naṭabhairavi is a rāgam in Carnatic music (musical scale of South Indian classical music). It is the 20th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system. It corresponds to the Natural minor scale of western music system.

Natabhairavi
ArohanamS R₂ G₂ M₁ P D₁ N₂ 
Avarohanam N₂ D₁ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S
EquivalentAeolian mode

Natabhairavi corresponds to the Asavari thaat of Hindustani music.[1][2] In the Muthuswami Dikshitar school this melakarta is instead known as Nārīrītigowla.[3] Natabhairavi is known to be a rāgam that incites feelings of grandeur and devotion in the listeners.

Structure and Lakshana edit

 
Natabhairavi scale with shadjam at C

It is the 2nd rāgam in the 4th chakra Veda. The mnemonic name is Veda-Sri. The mnemonic phrase is sa ri gi ma pa dha ni.[1] Its ārohaṇa-avarohaṇa structure is as follows (see swaras in Carnatic music for details on the notations used):

(this scale uses the notes chatushruti rishabham, sadharana gandharam, shuddha madhyamam, shuddha daivatam, kaishiki nishadam)

It is a sampoorna rāgam - rāgam having all 7 swarams. It is the shuddha madhyamam equivalent of Shanmukhapriya, which is the 56th melakarta.

Asampurna Melakarta edit

Nārīrītigowla is the 20th Melakarta in the original list compiled by Venkatamakhin. The notes used in the scale are the same, but the scales have vakra prayoga (zig-zag usage of notes in the ascending and descending scale).[3]

  • ārohaṇa: S G₂ R₂ G₂ M₁ N₂ D₁ M₁ N₂ N₂ [c]
  • avarohaṇa:  N₂ D₁ M₁ G₂ M₁ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S[d]

Janya rāgams edit

Natabhairavi has a number of popular janya rāgams (derived scales) such as Bhairavi,’’Anandabhairavi’’,Saramati, Jaunpuri, Hindolam (sometimes Hindolam is also associated as a Janya of Hanumatodi), Darbari Kanada and Jayanthasree. See List of janya rāgams for a full list of Natabhairavi's janya rāgams.

Popular compositions edit

śrī vallī devasenā pate is a popular composition in Natabhairavi, composed by Papanasam Sivan. Parulaseva by Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar is another well known composition in this rāgam. Upacharamu jeseva, in janya ragam Bhairavi composed by Thyagaraja is also popular.

Muthuswami Dikshitar's composition śrī nīlotpalanāyike is set to Nārīrītigowla.

Film Songs edit

Language:Tamil edit

Song Movie Composer Singer
Unai Allaal Oru Raja Mukthi C. R. Subbaraman M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar
Vinnodum Mugilodum Pudhaiyal Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy C. S. Jayaraman, P. Suseela
Mayakkamma Kalakama Sumaithaangi P. B. Sreenivas
Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam Policekaran Magal
Anubhavam Pudhumai Kadhalikka Neramillai P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela
Unaku Matum Unaku Matum Manapanthal P. Suseela
Ninaikka Therindha Anandha Jodhi
Ammamma Aadai Vennira Aadai
Chittu Kuruvi Puthiya Paravai
Thendral Varum Palum Pazhamum
Paalum Pazhamum T. M. Soundararajan
Naan Aanaiyitaal Enga Veettu Pillai
Koduthellam Koduthaan Padagotti
Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga Paasam
Engalukum Kaalam Varum Pasamalar T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Varathiruparoo(Kuththu Vilakkeria) Pachhai Vilakku
Poojaiku Vandha Malare Paadha Kaanikkai P. B. Sreenivas, S. Janaki
Podhigai Malai Uchiyiley Thiruvilaiyadal K. V. Mahadevan
Ondru Serndha Anbu Makkalai Petra Magarasi P. B. Sreenivas,Sarojini
Poonthenil Kalanthu Enippadigal S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal Kaanchi Thalaivan T. M. Soundararajan, P. Suseela
Mayakkamenna Vasantha Maligai
Naan Paarthadhile Anbe Vaa M. S. Viswanathan
Oruvar Meethu Ninaithadhai Mudippavan
Budhan Yesu Gandhi Chandhrodhayam T. M. Soundararajan
Kadavul Thantha Iru Malargal P. Suseela, L. R. Eswari
Kaadhalin Pon Veedhiyil Pookkari T. M. Soundararajan, S. Janaki
Anbumalargale Naalai Namadhe T. M. Soundararajan, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Kaatrukenna Velli Avargal S. Janaki
Kannan Manam Enna Vasantha Raagam
Dheivam Thantha Veedu Aval Oru Thodar Kathai K. J. Yesudas
Yen Iniya Pon Nilavae Moodu Pani Ilaiyaraaja
Aarariroo Thaaiku Oru Thaalaattu
Neramithu Neramithu Rishi Moolam T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Putham Pudhu Kaalai Alaigal Oivathillai S. Janaki
Kannan Vanthu Rettai Vaal Kuruvi
Manthira Punnagaiyo Manthira Punnagai
Ooru Sanam Thoongiruchu Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu
Raasave Unnai Vida Aranmanai Kili
Adi Poonguyile Mano, Minmini
Ilampani Thuli Vizhum Neram Aaradhanai(1981 Movie) Manjula Gururaj
Kadavul Ullame Anbulla Rajinikanth Latha Rajinikanth & Chorus
Pesa koodathu Adutha Varisu S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
Rasathi Unnai Vaidehi Kathirunthal P. Jayachandran
En Jeevan Paduthu Neethana Andha Kuyil K. J. Yesudas(ver 1)S. Janaki(ver 2)
Panivizhum Iravu Mouna Ragam S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Sokkanukku Vaacha Kaaval Geetham
Pattu Onna Kumbakarai Thangaiah
Muthumani Muthumani Adharmam
Sangeetha Megam Udaya Geetham S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Antha Nilava Thaan Muthal Mariyathai Ilaiyaraaja, K. S. Chitra
Vetti Veru Vasam Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Aatthu Mettuley Gramathu Athiyayam
Poombaaraiyil Pottu Vaicha En Uyir Kannamma Ilaiyaraaja
O Butterfly Meera S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Asha Bhosle
Andhi Mazhai Megam Nayakan T. L. Maharajan, P. Susheela
Sorgathin Vasapadi Unnai Solli Kutramillai K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra
Oru Kiliyin Poovizhi Vasalile
Aasayilae Paathikati Enga Ooru Kavalkaran P. Susheela, Mano(Pathos only)
Ival Oru Ilanguruvi(version 1),

Engiruntho (version 2)

Bramma S. Janaki(version 1), S. P. Balasubrahmanyam(version 2)
Maniyae Manikuyilae Nadodi Thendral Mano, S. Janaki
Kadhorum Lolakku(Asaveri Ragam) Chinna Mapillai
Malaikovil Vasaliley(Asaveri Ragam) Veera Mano, Swarnalatha
Sollividu Velli Nilave Amaidhi Padai
Vetri Vetri(Asaveri Ragam) Kattumarakaran S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
Irandum Ondrodu Panakkaran
Aasaiya Kathula Johnny S. P. Sailaja
En Vaanilae Jency
Kaalai Nera Raagamey Raasave Unnai Nambi K. S. Chithra
Thenmadurai Vaigai Nadhi Dharmathin Thalaivan S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Malaysia Vasudevan, P. Susheela
Vaasakari Veppilaiye Sirayil Pootha Chinna Malar Arunmozhi, S. Janaki
Muthirai Eppodhu Uzhaippali S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Kavita Krishnamurthy
Suttum Sudar Vizhi Siraichalai M. G. Sreekumar, K. S. Chithra, Chorus
Malliga Mottu Sakthivel Arunmozhi, Swarnalatha
Nee Partha Hey Ram Hariharan, Asha Bhosle
Antha Naal Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam Vijay Yesudas, Shreya Ghoshal
Endha Pennilum Captain Magal Hamsalekha S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Minnalae May Maadham A. R. Rahman
Chandralekha Thiruda Thiruda Annupamaa, Suresh Peters
Kadhal Sadugudu Alaipayuthey S. P. B. Charan, Naveen
Porkalam Ange Thenali Srinivas, Gopika Poornima
New York Nagaram Sillunu Oru Kaadhal A. R. Rahman
Thalli Pogathey Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada Sid Sriram, Dinesh Kanagaratnam, Aparna Narayanan
Naan Un Alaginile 24 Arijit Singh, Chinmayi
Vennilavin Theril Duet K. J. Yesudas
Chinna Thangam Cheran Pandiyan Soundaryan
Yen Ooru Madurapakkam Vaasalile Oru Vennila Deva
Othayadi Paadhayile Aatha Un Koyilile S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Jikki
Chinna Chinna Senthoorapandi Mano, Swarnalatha
Sembaruthi Sembaruthi Vasanthakala Paravai S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Oodha Oodha Minsara Kanna Hariharan,Harini
Malargale Itho Itho Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai (1982) Shankar–Ganesh S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja
Pattuvana Rosavam Kanni Paruvathile Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Kadhal Vaibhogame Suvarilladha Chiththirangal Gangai Amaran
Neeradi Vaa Thenrale Mangai Oru Gangai Laxmikant–Pyarelal S. Janaki,Dinesh,Chorus
Valarum Valarum Nilavu Paasamalargal V. S. Narasimhan S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sujatha Mohan
Ullam Ullam Inbathil Kadhal Enum Nadhiyinile Manoj–Gyan P. Jayachandran, K. S. Chithra
Athi Kaalai Kaatre Nillu Thalaivasal Bala Bharathi S. Janaki & chorus
Enakoru Snegidhi

(Ragam Shivaranjani in charanam)

Priyamaanavale S. A. Rajkumar Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer
Paarthu Paarthu Kangal Nee Varuvai Ena S.P.Balasubrahmanyam(Male Version), K. S. Chithra(Female Version)
Oru Devathai Vanthu Vittaal Hariharan(Male Vers.),K. S. Chithra(Female Vers.)
Marutha Azhagaro Sundara Purushan Sirpy K. S. Chithra
Kotta Paakkum Nattamai Mano, S. Janaki
Pudhu Uravu Nila Pennae Vidyasagar K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela
Nilave Nilave Nilaave Vaa Vijay, Anuradha Sriram
Anbe Sivam Anbe Sivam Kamal Haasan, Karthik
Unnai Paartha Kaadhal Mannan Bharadwaj S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Vaseegara Minnale Harris Jayaraj Bombay Jayashree
Vaigasi Nilavae Unnale Unnale Haricharan, Madhushree
Vaarayo Vaarayo Aadhavan P. Unnikrishnan, Chinmayi, Megha
Mun Paniyaa Nandha Yuvan Shankar Raja S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Malgudi Subha
Malargale Malara Vendam Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan Bombay Jayashri
Thuli Thuli Mazhaiyai Paiyaa Haricharan, Tanvi Shah
Irava Pagala Poovellam Kettuppar Hariharan, Sujatha Mohan
Nilave Nilave Saregama Periyanna Bharani
Thirudiya Idhayathai Thiruppi Paarvai Ondre Podhume Harish Raghavendra, K. S. Chithra
Kadavul Thanda Maayavi Devi Sri Prasad Kalpana, S. P. B. Charan
Akkam Pakkam Kireedam G. V. Prakash Kumar Sadhana Sargam
Kaathodu Kaathanen Jail Dhanush, Aditi Rao Hydari
Oru Killi Oru Killi Leelai Satish Chakravarthy Shreya Ghoshal, Satish Chakravarthy
Jilendru Oru Kalavaram Satish Chakravarthy
Nee Paartha Vizhigal 3 Anirudh Ravichander Vijay Yesudas, Shweta Mohan
Kanave Kanave David Anirudh Ravichander
So Baby Doctor Anirudh Ravichander,Ananthakrrishnan
Kaathalae Kaathalae '96 Govind Vasantha Chinmayi, Kalyani Menon, Govind Vasantha

Language:Kannada edit

Song Tunturu Alli Neera Haadu Amrithavaie Composer Singerrshini Deva

Related rāgams edit

This section covers the theoretical and scientific aspect of this rāgam.

Natabhairavi's notes when shifted using Graha bhedam, yields 5 other major melakarta rāgams, namely, Kalyani, Sankarabharanam, Hanumatodi, Kharaharapriya and Harikambhoji. For further details and an illustration of Graha bhedam of this rāgam refer Graha bhedam on Sankarabharanam.

Even though Natabhairavi has quite evenly spaced swara sthanas (pitch positions, notes) like the other 5 in this group, it has not found as much importance in concerts. One is likely to find Kalyani, Todi, Sankarabharanam and Karaharapriya as the main ragam in concerts, more often than Natabhairavi by a big count.

Except for madhyamam, all other swara prayoga(usage in practice) resemble Shanmukhapriya. Especially, when one uses the notes from panchamam(P) to gandharam(G₂) in ārohaṇa and vice versa in Avarohana, this ragam can be easily confused to be Shanmukhapriya while actually.

Notes edit

  1. ^ Alternate notations:
    • Hindustani: S R  M P   
    • Western: C D E F G A B C
  2. ^ Alternate notations:
    • Hindustani:    P M  R S
    • Western: C B A G F E D C
  3. ^ Alternate notations:
    • Hindustani: S  R  M   M   
    • Western: C E D E F B A F B B C
  4. ^ Alternate notations:
    • Hindustani:    M  M P M  R S
    • Western: C B A F E F G F E D C
  1. ^ a b Ragas in Carnatic music by Dr. S. Bhagyalekshmy, Pub. 1990, CBH Publications
  2. ^ Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub. 1964, The Music Academy of Madras
  3. ^ a b Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar Keertanaigal by Vidwan A Sundaram Iyer, Pub. 1989, Music Book Publishers, Mylapore, Chennai