Sankarabharanam (raga)
Bilaval thaat |
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| Carnatic music |
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| Concepts |
| Compositions |
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Dhīraśankarābharaṇaṃ, commonly known as Śankarābharaṇaṃ, is a
By scale wise, the Śankarābharaṇaṃ scale corresponds to Hence this rāga is one of the most popular scales across the world, known with different names in different musical styles.
Its nature is mellifluous and smooth. This rāga offers a large scope for compositions. It is ideal for a melodious, but still laid back majestic presentation.
Structure and Lakshana
It is the 5th rāga in the 5th Chakra Bāṇa. The mnemonic name is Bāṇa-Ma. The mnemonic phrase is sa ri ga ma pa da ni sa
The notes in this scale are shadjam, chatushruti rishabham, antara gandharam, shuddha madhyamam, paṅchamam, chatushruti dhaivatam and Kakali Nishadam. As it is a Melakarta rāga, by definition it is a
Janya Rāgas
Due to the even spacing of svarās, many janya rāgas can be derived from Śaņkarābharaṇaṃ. It is one of the melakarta rāgas that has high number of Janya rāgas (derived scales) associated with it.
Many of the Janya rāgas are very popular on their own, lending themselves to elaboration, interpretation and evoking different moods. Some of them are Arabhi, Atana, Bilahari, Devagaandhaari, Jana Ranjani, Hamsadhvani, Kadanakutuhalam, Niroshta, Shuddha Sāveri, Pahādi, Purnachandrika, Janaranjani, Kedaram, Kurinji, Navroj, Sarasvati-manohari, Naagadhvani etc.
See
Compositions
Śankarābharaṇaṃ has been decorated with compositions by almost all composers. A few of the compositions are listed here.
- Chalamela,a popular Adathaalavarnam by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in Telugu
- Nrityati Nrityati By Swati Thirunal in Sanskrit
- Eduṭa Nilacitē, Bhakti Bhikṣamīyave, Maryāda Kādurā, Svararāgasudhārasa, Sundarēśvaruṇi, Manasu Svādhīnamaina and Eṃduku Peddalavalē by Tyagaraja in Telugu.
- Dakṣhiṇāmūrtē, Sadāśivam Upāsmahē, Akṣhayaliṃgavibho and Śrī kamalāmbā by Muthuswami Dikshitar in Sanskrit
- Pogadirēlo Ranga (6th Navaratna Malike), Kande naa kanasinali, Enagu aane by Purandara Dasa in Kannada
- Yenu Olle Hariye By Kanaka Dasa in Kannada
- Sarōjadala Nētri and Dēvī Mīnānētri by Syama Sastri in Telugu
- Devi Jagath Janani,Bhaktha Paraayana by Sanskrit
- Rajeevaksha Baro By Swati Thirunal in Kannada
- Alarulu Kuriyaga Āḍinadē by Annamacharya in Telugu
- Samakarardha Sariirini by Saint Gnanananda Teertha (Ogirala Veeraraghava Sarma) in Telugu
- Rama Ninnuvina by Thyagaraja
- Swara Raga Sudha by Thyagaraja
Muthuswami Dikshitar also has a list of 22 "Nottu Svara" compositions, based on Western Major Scale notes to his credit.
Related rāgas
This section covers the theoretical and scientific aspect of this rāga.
Śaṃkarābharaṇaṃ's notes when shifted using . Graha bhedam is the step taken in keeping the relative note frequencies same, while shifting the shadjam to the next note in the rāga. Refer table below for illustration of this concept.
| Rāga | Mela # | C | D | E | F | G | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | A | B | C | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Śaṃkarābharaṇaṃ | 29 | S | R2 | G3 | M1 | P | D2 | N3 | S' | R2' | G3' | M1' | P' | D2' | N3' | S' ' | ||||||||||
| Kharaharapriya | 22 | S | R2 | G2 | M1 | P | D2 | N2 | S' | |||||||||||||||||
| Hanumatodi | 08 | S | R1 | G2 | M1 | P | D1 | N2 | S' | |||||||||||||||||
| Kaḷyāṇi | 65 | S | R2 | G3 | M2 | P | D2 | N3 | S' | |||||||||||||||||
| Harikambhoji | 28 | S | R2 | G3 | M1 | P | D2 | N2 | S' | |||||||||||||||||
| Natabhairavi | 20 | S | R2 | G2 | M1 | P | D1 | N2 | S' | |||||||||||||||||
| Not a Melakarta | -- | S | R1 | G2 | M1 | M2 | D1 | N2 | S' | |||||||||||||||||
| Shankarābharanam | 29 | S | R2 | G3 | M1 | P | D2 | N3 | S' |
Notes on above table
C as the base for Śaṃkarābharaṇaṃ is chosen for above illustration only for convenience, as Carnatic music does not enforce strict frequency/note structure. The shadjam (S) is fixed by the artist as per the vocal range or the instrument's base frequency. All the other svarams are relative to this shadjam, falling into a geometric progression-like frequency pattern.
The 7th Graha bhedam of Śaṃkarābharaṇaṃ has both madhyamams (Ma) and no panchamam (Pa) and hence will not be considered a valid melakarta (rāga having all 7 swarams and only 1 of each). This is only a classification issue with respect to melakarta scales, while this structure could be theoretically used well to create good music.
Interesting features
The swaras are regularly spaced in these ragas. Hence these six ragas give very good melody, scope for elaboration, experimentation and exploration of phrases. In practice, Natabhairavi is not elaborated extensively much. Harikambhoji is taken up for elaboration, but not as much as the rest of the 4 ragas, namely, Śaṃkarābharaṇaṃ, Todi, Kaḷyāṇi and Kharaharapriya. One of these 4 rāgas is sung as the main rāga in a concert quite often.
As can be seen in the illustration, these rāgas can be played using just the white keys of a piano/ organ/ keyboard (rāga in simplified fashion).
Film Songs: Tamil
| Song | Movie | Composer | Singer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandrodhayam Idhile | Kannagi | S. V. Venkatraman | P. U. Chinnappa |
| Madi Meethu | Annai Illam | K V Mahadevan
|
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela |
| Konji Konji Pesi | Kaithi Kannayiram | P. Susheela | |
| Manam Padaithen | Kandhan Karunai | ||
| Aththaan En Aththaan | Paava Mannippu | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | |
| Kaadhellenum Vadivam Kanden | Bhagyalakshmi | ||
| Kaana Vandha Kaatchiyenna | |||
| Enna Enna Vaarththaigalo | Vennira Aadai | ||
| Ore Raagam Ore Thaalam | Manapanthal | ||
| Kaatru Vandhal | Kathiruntha Kangal | P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela | |
| Kanpadume Pirar Kanpadume | P. B. Sreenivas | ||
| Paadadha Paatellam | Veerathirumagan
| ||
| Maadi Mele Maadikati | Kadhalikka Neramillai | ||
| Enna Paarvai | K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela | ||
| Kaadhalika Neramillai | Sirkazhi Govindarajan | ||
| Roja Malare Raajakumari | Veerathirumagan
|
P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela | |
| Poga Poga Theriyum | Server Sundaram | ||
| Andru Vandhadhum | Periya Idathu Penn | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | |
| Naan Maanthoppil | Enga Veettu Pillai | ||
| Aandavan Padachan | Nichaya Thaamboolam
|
T. M. Soundararajan | |
| Adho Andha Paravai Pola | Aayirathil Oruvan | ||
| Naan Kavignanum Ilai | Padithal Mattum Podhuma | ||
| Moondrezhuthil En Moochu | Dheiva Thaai
| ||
| Kadhal Embadhu | Paadha Kaanikkai | P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela, L. R. Eswari, J. P. Chandrababu | |
| Epo Vechikalam | Bandha Pasam | J. P. Chandrababu | |
| Enna Paravai Sirakadithu | Karthigai Deepam | R. Sudarsanam | T. M. Soundararajan(ver 1), P. Susheela(ver 2) |
| Pudhu Naadagathil | Ooty Varai Uravu | M. S. Viswanathan | T. M. Soundararajan |
| Kettavarellam Paadalam | Thangai | ||
| Anubhavi Raja Anubhavi | Anubavi Raja Anubavi | P. Susheela, L. R. Eswari | |
| Maanendru Pennukoru | P. Susheela | ||
| Naan Paadum Paatile | Bhavani | ||
| Love Birds | Anbe Vaa | ||
| Maharaja Oru Maharaani | Iru Malargal | T. M. Soundararajan, Shoba Chandrasekhar | |
| Enni Irundhadhu (Ragam Neelambari Touches) |
Andha 7 Naatkal | Malaysia Vasudevan, Vani Jairam | |
| Vidiya Vidiya Solli | Pokkiri Raja | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela | |
| Dil Dil Dil Manadhil | Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu | ||
| Aadungal Paadungal | Guru | Ilaiyaraaja | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam |
| Pudhucheri Katcheri | Singaravelan | ||
| Thene Thenpaandi | Udaya Geetham | ||
| Nilaave Vaa | Mouna Ragam | ||
| Yerikkarai Poongaatre Nee Pora Vazhi | Thooral Ninnu Pochchu | K. J. Yesudas | |
| Thaalattudhe Vaanam | Kadal Meengal | P. Jayachandran, S. Janaki | |
| Pudhu Maapilaiku | Apoorva Sagodharargal | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja | |
| Aalapol Vellapol | Ejamaan
|
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra | |
| Paarthathenna Paarvai | Naangal | ||
| Indha Minminiku | Sigappu Rojakkal | Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki | |
| Chellapillai Saravanan | Penjenmam | K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela | |
| Kuyiley Kuyiley | Pulan Visaranai | K. J. Yesudas, Uma Ramanan | |
| Yele Ilankiliye & Singara Cheemaiyile | Ninaivu Chinnam | Ilayaraja (ver 2)
| |
| Dhoori Dhoori | Thendral Sudum | S. Janaki, Yuvan Shankar Raja, Bhavatharini, P. Susheela(Pathos) | |
| Malaiyaala Karaiyoram | Rajadhi Raja | Mano | |
| Germaniyin Senthen Malare | Ullasa Paravaigal | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki | |
| Anjali Anjali Anjali | Anjali | Sathya, Karthik Raja, Yuvan Shankar Raja,
Premji Amaran ,
Parthi Bhaskar,Hari Bhaskar,Vaishnavi
| |
| Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan | Gunaa | Kamal Haasan, S. Janaki | |
| Kuzhaloodhum Kannanukku | Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu | K. S. Chithra | |
| Dillu Baru Jaane | Kalaignan | Mano, K. S. Chithra | |
| Nila Kaayum Neeram | Chembaruthi | Mano, S. Janaki | |
| Pattu Poove | |||
| April Mayilae | Idhayam | S.N.Surendar
| |
| Naan Erikarai | Chinna Thayee | K. J. Yesudas, Swarnalatha, Ilaiyaraaja(Pathos) | |
| O Baby | Kadhalukku Mariyadhai | Vijay,Bhavatharini | |
| O Vennila | Kadhal Desam | A. R. Rahman | Unni Krishnan
|
| Kandukondain Kandukondain(Ragam Nalinakanthi Touches also) | Kandukondain Kandukondain | Hariharan, Mahalakshmi Iyer | |
| Netru illatha matram | Pudhiya Mugam | Sujatha Mohan | |
| Aalala Kanda (charanam in Charukesi, Mazhai thuli in hariKambhoji) | Sangamam | M. S. Vishwanathan
| |
| Ini Achcham Achcham Illai | Indira | G. V. Prakash, Shweta Mohan , Esther
| |
| Thoda Thoda Malarndhadhenna | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra | ||
| Kangalil Enne | Uzhavan | ||
| Pennalla Pennalla | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | ||
| Moongilile Paatisaikum Kaatralaiyai | Raagam Thedum Pallavi | T. Rajendar | |
| Mazhaiyum Neeye | Azhagan | Maragadha Mani
| |
| Sa Sa Sa Sani thapa niveathaa | Nee Pathi Naan Pathi | ||
| Naadodi Paattu Paada | Harichandra | Agosh | |
| Poovukellam Siragu | Uyirodu Uyiraga | Vidyasagar | Srinivas, KK, Harini |
| Shenbaga Poovai | Paasamalargal | V. S. Narasimhan | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sujatha Mohan |
| Nalam Nalamariya Aval | Kadhal Kottai | Deva | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Anuradha Sriram |
| Vetri Nichayam | Annaamalai | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | |
| Pulveli Pulveli | Aasai | Unni Krishnan (Humming only)
| |
| Raasithaan Kairaasithaan | En Aasai Machan | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra | |
| Enna Kathai Solla | Annanagar Mudhal Theru | Chandrabose | |
| Oru Kadhal Devadhai | Idhaya Thamarai | Shankar–Ganesh | |
| Vanampadi Padum Neram | Ellame En Thangachi | ||
| Oh Nenje | Darling, Darling, Darling | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Charan,Pallavi, Vasanth | |
| Sollathae | Sollamale | Bobby | Hariharan, K. S. Chithra |
| Irupathu Kodi Nilavugal | Thulladha Manamum Thullum | S. A. Rajkumar | Hariharan |
| Unnodu Vaazhadha | Amarkalam | Bharadwaj | K. S. Chithra |
| Pineaple Kannathodu | Samudhiram | Sabesh–Murali | Shankar Mahadevan, Sujatha Mohan |
| Aval Ulaghazhagi | Lesa Lesa | Harris Jayaraj | Karthik |
| Poove Vai Pesum Pothu | 12B | Mahalakshmi Iyer, Harish Raghavendra | |
| Enna Ithu Enna Ithu | Nala Damayanthi | Ramesh Vinayakam | Chinmayi
|
| Sara Sara Saara Kaathu | Vaagai Sooda Vaa | Ghibran | Chinmayi
|
| Naan Nee | Madras | Santhosh Narayanan | Shakthisree Gopalan, Dhee |
| Rakita Rakita Rakita | Jagame Thanthiram
|
Dhanush, Santhosh Narayanan |
Janya 1: Ragam Pahadi/Pahari
Ascending: S R2 G3 P D2 P D2 S’
Descending:N3 D2 P G3 M1 G3 R2 S N3 D2 P D2 S
Film Songs: Tamil
Janya 2: Ragam Maand
Ascending: S G3 M1 D2 N3 S
Descending:S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S
Carnatic Compositions
- Maand Thillana by Lalgudi Jayaraman
- Paindhaane Hanuman by Arunachala Kavi
- Ramanai Bhajithaal by Papanasam Sivan
- Aadugindraan Kannan by Suddhanandha Bharathi
- Muralidhara Gopala by Periyasamy Thooran popularised by ML Vasanthakumari
- Aarumo Aaval by Kannan Iyengar, another song popularised by MLV
- Neeraja Dhala Nayana by Sambasiva Iyer popularised by Maharajapuram Santhanam
- Vaanathin Meedhu Mayilaada by Ramalinga Adigal popularised by MS Subbulakshmi
Film Songs: Tamil
| Song | Movie | Composer | Singer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulaginile | Avvaiyar (film) | M. D. Parthasarathy,P. S. Anandaraman & Mayavaram Venu | K. B. Sundarambal |
| Maasila Nilave
(Ragamalika:Maand,Khambodhi,Punnagavarali) |
Ambikapathy | G. Ramanathan | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Bhanumathi |
| Ulavum Thendral | Manthiri Kumari | Thiruchi Loganathan, Jikki | |
| Aaduvome Pallu Paaduvome | Naam Iruvar | R. Sudarsanam | D. K. Pattammal |
| Aayiram Kan Podhadhu | Paavai Vilakku | K. V. Mahadevan | C. S. Jayaraman |
| Oru Naal Podhuma | Thiruvilaiyadal | M. Balamuralikrishna | |
| Kumari Pennin | Enga Veettu Pillai | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela |
| Nenjam Marappathillai | Nenjam Marappathillai | P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela | |
| Azhage Vaa | Aandavan Kattalai | P. Susheela | |
| Aayiram Penmai Malaratume | Vaazhkai Padagu | ||
| Poothirunthu Kathirunthen | Valli Deivanai | N. S. Thyagarajan | |
| Aayiram Pookkal | Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum | V. S. Narasimhan | |
| Kadhal Enbathu | Naalai Namadhe | M. S. Viswanathan | K. J. Yesudas, P. Susheela |
| Naan Endral Adhu Avalum | Suryagandhi | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, J. Jayalalithaa | |
| Nadanai Kandeanadi
(Ragam kathanakuthuhalam touches in charanam) |
Rajaraja Cholan | Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan | P. Susheela,B. Radha |
| Theril Vandhal Devathai | Mookkuthi Meengal | Shankar–Ganesh | P. Jayachandran,Kalyani Menon |
| Raasaave Unna Naan Ennithan | Thanikattu Raja | Ilayaraja
|
S. P. Sailaja |
| Kungumam Thaane Oru Pennukku | Raja Enga Raja | ||
| Vanna Chindhu | Koyil Kaalai | Mano, S. Janaki | |
| Adichen Kadhal Parisu | Ponmana Selvan | K. S. Chitra
| |
| Machan Un Machini | Raman Abdullah | Malgudi Subha | |
| Vaanaththil Irunthu
(Ragamalika:Mohanam,Maand) |
Vellaiya Thevan | Arunmozhi, Uma Ramanan | |
| Sinagarama Nalla
(in charanam) |
Periya Marudhu | Uma Ramanan | |
| Aalappol Velappol
(Ragam Shankarabharanam touches also) |
Ejamaan
|
K. S. Chitra
| |
| Anjali Anjali | Duet | A. R. Rahman | |
| Maanooththu Manthaiyile(Nadhaswaram Portion) | Kizhakku Cheemayile | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sasirekha | |
| Sowkiyama Kannae | Sangamam | Nithyashree Mahadevan
| |
| Swasame Swasame
(Ragamalika:Kedar/Hamirkalyani,Maand) |
Thenali | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Sadhana Sargam | |
| Khwaja Endhan Khwaja | Jodhaa Akbar | A. R. Rahman | |
| Aye Mr.Minor! | Kaaviya Thalaivan | Shashaa Tirupati, Haricharan | |
| Maya Maya | Sarvam Thaala Mayam | Chinmayi
| |
| Maayava Thooyava | Iravin Nizhal | Shreya Ghoshal | |
| O Meghame | Chinna Chinna Aasaigal | Chandrabose | K. J. Yesudas, Vani Jairam |
| Sathi Malli Poocharame | Azhagan | Maragadha Mani
|
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam |
| Marakamudiyavillai | Jaathi Malli | K. S. Chitra
| |
| Paithiyamaanene | Kadal Pookkal | Deva | Harini, P. Unnikrishnan |
| Putham Pudhu Malargal | Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga | K. S. Chitra
| |
| Thambi Konjam Nilluppa | Rasigan | Deva | |
| Poo Virinjachu | Mugavaree | P. Unnikrishnan,Anuradha Sriram | |
| Kaddu Thirande Kidakinrathu | Vasool Raja MBBS | Bharadwaj | Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam |
| Narayana Narayana | Ramanujan | Ramesh Vinayakam | Vani Jayaram , Karthik Suresh
|
| Yaaroodum | Sollakkathai | Chinmayi, Ramesh Vinayakam
| |
| Un Kannanguzhiyil | Thittam Irandu | Satish Raghunathan | Karthika Vaidyanathan |
| Konji Konji(Female portion only) | The Legend (2022) | Harris Jayaraj | KK, Shreya Ghoshal |
Janya 3: Ragam Begada
Ascending: S G3 R2 G3 M1 P D2 P S
Descending: S N3 D2 P M1 G3 R2
Carnatic Compositions
- Naadopasana by Tyagaraja
- Thyagaraja Namasthe and Vallabha Nayakasya by Dikshitar
- Varuvar Azhaithu Vaadi, by Ramalinga Adigal
- Ganarasamudaniin Bhuvaneshwari by Papanasam Sivan
- Vaa Muruga Vaa by Spencer Venugopal
- Nandri Kooruvame by T Lakshmana Pillai
- Shankari Neeve by Subbaraya Sastri
- Kalayami Raghuramam by Swati Thirunal
- Kadaikkan vaithennai by Ramasamy Sivan
- Abimanamennadu Galgu by Patnam Subramaniya Iyer
- Elle Ilangiliye, a Thiruppavai
Film Songs: Tamil
| Song | Movie | Composer | Singer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nijama Idhu Nijama | Haridas | Papanasam Sivan | M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar |
