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Tōḍī

Melakarta 8

Heavy, gamaka-rich

Venkatamakhin ṛāgaṅga· Dikshitar kriti tradition

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Ārōhaṇa (ascending)

  1. S
  2. R₁
  3. G₂
  4. M₁
  5. P
  6. D₁
  7. N₂

Avarōhaṇa (descending)

  1. N₂
  2. D₁
  3. P
  4. M₁
  5. G₂
  6. R₁
  7. S

Signature phrase

S R₁ G₂ M₁ P D₁ N₂ 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)
D₁
Samvādi (queen svara)
R₁
Jīva (life-giving)
G₂ D₁ N₂
Nyāsa (resting)
S G₂ P D₁
Graha (phrase-starting)
S G₂

When to play

Slow to medium-paced compositions where the bhāva can unfold. Tōḍi shows its full splendor in alapana and is Tyāgarāja's favorite mood-painting medium — he has nearly 30 kṛtis in Tōḍi alone.

Time: Conventionally morning (in Hindustani tradition), but Carnatic concerts use it throughout.Rasa: Karuṇa (compassion) and bhakti — the 'manōlaya' (mind-melting) effect.Position: main

Gamaka signature

The G₂ oscillation against R₁ and the D₁ oscillation against M₁. The un-oscillated M₁ acts as the balancing link between pūrvāṅgam and uttaraṅgam. The phrase d r .s D is iconic.

Historical context

Named for the rāgaṅga tradition (janatōḍi / dhanāśrī tōḍi). Tyāgarāja's kṛtis in Tōḍi include 'Ēri Sāmā', 'Kaddanuvariki', and 'Grahēbhadēva'. The very name evokes a profound, meditative gravity.

Key compositions to hear first

  • Grahēbhadēva — Tyāgarāja
  • Dēvī Śrī Pārvati Patē — Muttuswāmi Dīkṣitar
  • Tōḍi Varnam — Paccimiriyam Ādiyappayya

Listen to Tōḍī

Arōhaṇa-avarōhaṇa exposition with tampura drone.

Kṛtis in this rāga· 8 entries across 5 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)
Dha
Nyāsa (rest svara)
Sa
Time
After 1st prahara
Gīti
Bhinnā
Gamaka
andolan

Ahobala places Toḍī later than morning. Andolan on komal Dha is the heart of the raga.

Compose in this ragaPractice this raga

Similar ragas

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

Tōḍī — Karunattu