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Bilahari

Janya of Sankarābharaṇam (29)

Joyful, morning

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Ārōhaṇa (ascending)

  1. S
  2. R₂
  3. G₃
  4. P
  5. D₂

Avarōhaṇa (descending)

  1. N₃
  2. D₂
  3. P
  4. M₁
  5. G₃
  6. R₂
  7. S

Signature phrase

S R₂ G₃ P D₂ Ṡ

The pakad (catch-phrase) is the 4-8 svara motif that defines this raga's identity. Internalise this phrase first — it's what your ear reaches for when the raga returns to its home base.

Rāga grammar

Vādi (king svara)
P
Samvādi (queen svara)
S
Jīva (life-giving)
R₂ P D₂
Nyāsa (resting)
S P
Graha (phrase-starting)
S R₂ P

When to play

Opening or post-varnam slot; wedding and festive concerts. Avoid deep vilambita ālāpana if the mood is heavy.

Time: Morning to afternoon.Rasa: Hāsya and śānta brightness.Position: opening

Gamaka signature

Ga and Ni mostly still; Ri and Dha decorate. Phrase S R G P D Ṡ is the calling card.

Historical context

A Sankarābharaṇam janya with wide concert presence; often the first 'happy' raga after Mayamalavagaula in teaching sequences.

Key compositions to hear first

  • Dorakunā — Tyāgarāja
  • Paridānamichite — Patnam Subramania Iyer

Listen to Bilahari

Arōhaṇa-avarōhaṇa exposition with tampura drone.

Kṛtis in this rāga· 4 entries across 3 composers

Tip: open the raga × composer cross-search on /composers to explore any other raga.

Sangeet Parijat — Ahobala's notes

Graha (opening)
Sa
Aṁśa (king svara)
Pa
Nyāsa (rest svara)
Sa
Time
Morning
Gīti
Śuddhā
Gamaka
sphurita

Dawn raga. Plain ascent with sphurita ornament — the Bhairavī of joy.

Compose in this ragaPractice this raga

Similar ragas

Top 5 by mūrchhanā + aṁśa + nyāsa + graha + gītī overlap. Match score shown.

Bilahari — Karunattu