Mayamalavagowla raga

  Mayamalavagowla Raagam

Arohanam:   S R1 G3 M1 P D1 N3 S
Avarohanam:   S N3 D1 P M1 G3 R1 S

Mayamalavagowla is another significant and fundamental ragam in Carnatic music. It is widely taught to beginners and forms the basis for many early lessons in this classical music system.

Characteristics:

• Parent Ragam (Melakarta): Mayamalavagowla is the 15th melakarta ragam in the 72 melakarta ragam system.
• Arohanam (Ascending Scale): S R₁ G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₃ S
  • Notes: Sa, Ri (Shuddha Rishabham), Ga (Antara Gandharam), Ma (Shuddha Madhyamam), Pa, Da (Shuddha Dhaivatham), Ni (Kakali Nishadam), Sa
• Avarohanam (Descending Scale): S N₃ D₁ P M₁ G₃ R₁ S
  • Notes: Sa, Ni (Kakali Nishadam), Da (Shuddha Dhaivatham), Pa, Ma (Shuddha Madhyamam), Ga (Antara Gandharam), Ri (Shuddha Rishabham), Sa

Importance:

• Basic Ragam: Mayamalavagowla is commonly used to teach beginners the basics of swara (note) positioning, due to its symmetric and straightforward structure.
• Teaching Ragam: Its symmetrical nature helps students grasp the concept of intervals and intonation clearly, making it ideal for foundational lessons.
• Emotional Tone: This ragam evokes a mix of devotion, solemnity, and tranquility. It has a meditative quality that is both serene and slightly austere.

Compositions:

Mayamalavagowla serves as the basis for many varnams (introductory pieces) and kritis. Some well-known compositions include:

• Varnams: "Sri Raja Mathangi" by Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar
• Kritis: "Deva Deva Kalayami" by Swathi Thirunal

Usage in Concerts:

Though primarily a teaching ragam, Mayamalavagowla is also performed in concerts, allowing for detailed exploration in alapana (melodic improvisation) and other forms of improvisation. Its structured framework provides a clear canvas for creative expressions within its specific melodic bounds.

Janya Ragas:

Like other melakarta ragas, Mayamalavagowla has several janya ragas (derived scales) associated with it, which modify its notes in various ways to create new melodic frameworks.

Comparison with Other Ragams:

• Teaching Aspect: While Shankarabharanam corresponds to the Western major scale and is also used in teaching, Mayamalavagowla is particularly noted for its balanced and symmetric scale, making it equally fundamental in early music education.
• Emotional Tone: Shankarabharanam is more joyful and uplifting, while Mayamalavagowla has a more solemn and meditative quality.

Conclusion:

Mayamalavagowla is a cornerstone in Carnatic music education due to its balanced and symmetrical scale, offering clarity in the understanding of basic musical concepts. Its serene and meditative tone makes it a cherished ragam for both learning and performance.

Websites:

https://www.indiapicks.com/SNT_Telugu/P-202.htm

https://anuradhamahesh.wordpress.com/carnatic-raga-appreciation/22-mayamalavagowla-the-raga-with-the-freshness-of-morning-dew/

Youtube Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH-sdSw7ajs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCpcXjruc_0&list=PL0tStqEWjU4VxnWTbBrlzcXbuEL00ROuw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwPXH4gZitw