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Māyāmāḷavagaula

Melakarta 15 — Chakra 3 (Agni (Fire))

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

Open lessons, sarali varisai (beginner exercises), and as the early-morning śānti raga. Ideal as the first raga a student hears.

Time: Dawn (prātaḥ-sandhyā-kālaṃ) — also sarva-kālika (any time).Rasa: Śānta (peace) and bhakti (devotion).Position: flexible

Gamaka signature

M, G, P are typically held constant; R and D are oscillated against S and P respectively. The G₃–M₁ oscillation (M,G M,G M,G) is the raga's aural signature.

Historical context

Said to have been systematized by Purandara Dāsa as the foundational scale for teaching. The only sampūrṇa raga with four semitone pairs. Sambamoorthy credits it with the capacity to neutralize toxins and strengthen vocal cords when sung at dawn.

Key compositions to hear first

  • Tulasidāla Mūlache — Tyāgarāja
  • Meru Samana — Tyāgarāja
  • Mayātīta Swarūpiṇi — Ponniah Pillai

Listen to Māyāmāḷavagaula

Arōhaṇa-avarōhaṇa exposition with tampura drone.

Kṛtis in this rāga· 8 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

Sphurita on Re₁ and Dha₁ gives the morning brilliance.

Compose in this ragaPractice this raga

Similar ragas

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

Māyāmāḷavagaula — Karunattu