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Gauḷa

Janya of Māyāmāḷavagaula (15) — sampūrṇa

Sacred, morning serenity

Ārōhaṇa (ascending)

  1. S
  2. R₁
  3. G₃
  4. M₁
  5. P
  6. D₁
  7. N₃

Avarōhaṇa (descending)

  1. N₃
  2. D₁
  3. P
  4. M₁
  5. G₃
  6. R₁
  7. S

Signature phrase

S R₁ G₃ M₁ P D₁ N₃ 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.

When to play

Pañcaratna set and weighty main slots. Tanam and madhyama-kāla sāhitya suit it better than deep slow ālāpana alone.

Time: Daytime to evening.Rasa: Vīra and bhakti.Position: main

Gamaka signature

Strong Sa–Pa axis; Ri takes crisp kampita. The ghana-style tanam phrases are the showcase.

Historical context

One of the five ghana ragas (Nāṭa, Gauḷa, Ārabhi, Varāḷi, Śrī). Hosts Tyāgarāja's Pañcaratna 'Duḍukugala'.

Key compositions to hear first

  • Duḍukugala Tyāgarāja (Pañcaratna)
  • Śrī Mahāgaṇapatiravatu mām Muttuswāmi Dīkṣitar

Listen to Gauḷa

Arōhaṇa-avarōhaṇa exposition with tampura drone.

Kṛtis in this rāga· 1 entry across 1 composer

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Similar ragas

No Parijat notes for this raga yet — the catalog covers 77 of 81 living ragas.

Gauḷa — Karunattu