Samaja Varagamana

Sree Ragam 17

Samaja Varagamana is an eternal kriti by Tyagaraja in the majestic Hindola Raga. There are a few compositions of Tyagarja which are timeless because of their lyrical and prosodic beauty. In the kriti Samajavaragamana, the raga bhava of Hindola exalts the lyrical value of the composition. Tyagaraja’s ishta devata is Lord Rama. But among a few of his exclusive compositions dedicated to Lord Krishna, Samaja Varagamana resonates most in the hearts of music lovers. Written in Sanskrit it depicts the ardent devotion of Tyagaraja towards Lord Krishna

Tyagaraja praises Krishna “O Lord, you walk with the majestic gait of an elephant…You are the saviour of the lotus hearts of your devotees…You are an expounder of the music that emanates from Samaveda…..You enchant us with your divine flute…

Hindola is an enchanting raga which is known to evoke bhakti, karuna and Sringara rasas. A feeing of tranquility pervades our souls when we listen to the raga.

Structure

S G2 M1 D1 N2 S

S N2 D1 M1 G2 S

Shaja, Sadharana Gandharam, Sudha Madhyamam, Sudha Daivatham, Kaisiki Nishadam are the swaras

Rishabam (R) and Panchamam (P) are not used in this raga.

Pentatonic scales (scales with five swaras) are prevalent in other music forms around the world and hence shades of Hindola can be seen in the traditional music of Chinese and other Asian countries.

Hindola is the Janya of 20^th Melakarta raga Natabhairavi. It is a pentatonic scale which has five swaras in the ascending and descending order. The symmetrical placement of swaras creates immense scope for raga alpana and improvisation. Hence it is a preferred raga in a concert. An exponent and passionate artist can create a beautiful virtual imagery of the raga with the right combination and exquisite exposition of swaras. Hindolam literally means swing, probably the smooth swaying of the swaras resemble the synchrony of a swing!

Its Hindustani equivalent is Malkaus, of Bhairavi Thaat which is as popular as the Carnatic classical Hindola.

In Music Therapy

In Music therapy Hindola is prescribed for treating brain injuries, low blood pressure, anxiety and sleep disorders. It is a refreshing raga suitable especially for morning time.

Nadaswaram artists play this sublime raga in the temple festivities to induce a divine ambience.

Among the vast repertoire of classical compositions, a very few are being listed here

Tygaraja’s Samaja Varagamana, Mansuloni

Deekshitar’s Neerajakshi Kamakshi is a divine compostion in praise of the Goddess of Kanchi.

Other composers like

Papanasam Sivan – Nambi Kettavar

Maa Mamavathu – Mysore Vasudevachar

Padmanabha Pahi – Swati Tirunal

Annamacharya – Deva Devambhaje, Kondalalo Nelakonna

Several devotional bhajans, Stotras are also composed in Hindola because of the universal bhakti appeal of the raga.

In Films

Hindola and Malkaus are featured prominently in our film music. Scores of songs are composed based on these ragas.

Telugu

Manase Andala Brindavanam – Manchi Kutumbam

Om Namah Sivaya – Sagara Sangamam

Veena Venuvaina sarigama – Intinti Ramayanam

Sreekara Karunalavala Venugopala – Bobbili Yudham

Pagale Vennela – Pooja Phalam

Piluvakura Alugakura – Suvarna Sundari

Nene Radhanoyi – Anta Mana Manchike

Hindi

Adha Hain Chandra Maa – Navrang

Mana Tarapat Hari Darsan Ko – Baiju Bawra

Tu Chupi Hain kahan – Navrang

Aye Sur ke Panchi Aye – Sur Sangam