Bhairav (raga)

Bhairav is an Indian classical raga of Bhairav thaat. It is a sampurna raga traditionally performed in the morning and also as the beginning piece in concerts. It is the defining raga of its own Thaat.

For the Hindustani thaat of the same name, see Bhairav (thaat).

Bhairav
ThaatBhairav
TypeSampurna
Time of dayDaybreak;[1] Beginning of concerts
ArohanaSa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa'/Sa Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa'
AvarohanaSa' Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa
PakadGa Ma Dha Dha Pa, Ga Ma Re Re Sa
ChalanSa Ga Ma Pa Dha Dha Pa Ma Ga Ma Re Sa
VadiDha
SamavadiRe
Equivalent
Similar

Raga Kalingda in Hindustani and Ragam Mayamalavagowla in Carnatic music have the same scale as Raga Bhairav, although the moods they create can be quite different due to the way they are expounded.

History

Bhairav raga is an ancient raga that is considered to be extremely old and originated many centuries ago. The origin of Bhairav raga is disputed. According to some musicians, Bhairav raga was the first raga that originated from the mouth of Lord Shiva. While some musicians argue that Bhairav raga originated from the mouth of Lord Surya. That's why it is sung in daytime. Bhairava is one of the names of Shiva especially in his powerful form as a naked ascetic with matted locks and body smeared with ashes. The ragas too have some of these masculine and ascetic attributes in its form and compositions.

The Bhairav raga itself is extremely vast and allows a huge number of note combinations and a great range of emotional qualities from valour to peace. There are many variations based on it including (but not restricted to) Ahir Bhairav, Alam Bhairav, Anand Bhairav, Bairagi Bhairav, Mohini Bhairav Beehad Bhairav, Bhavmat Bhairav, Devata Bhairav, Gauri Bhairav, Hijaz Bhairav, Shivmat Bhairav, Nat Bhairav, Bibhas, Ramkali, Gunkali, Zeelaf, Jogiya (raga), Saurashtra Bhairav, Bangal Bhairav, Komal Bhairav, Mangal Bhairav, Kaushi Bhairav, Bhatiyari Bhairav, Virat Bhairav, Kabiri Bhairav, Prabhat Bhairav, Roopkali, Bakula Bhairav, Hussaini Bhairav, Kalingda, Devaranjani, Asa Bhairav, Jaun Bhairav, and Bhairav.

Theory

Bhairav is grave in mood and suggests seriousness, introversion as well as devotional attitude. It shares its notes with Ahir Bhairav which has a sombre temperament.

Arohana : Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa/Sa Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa

Avarohana : Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa

Vadi : Dha

Samavadi : Re

Pakad : Ga Ma Dha Dha Pa, Ga Ma Re Re Sa

Chalan : Sa Ga Ma Pa Dha Dha Pa Ma Ga Ma Re Sa

Organisation & relationships

Related ragas:

Behaviour

The performance for this raga is solemnly serious. The raga comes across as a musical entity with mood of meditation, philosophical depth and emotional richness.

Samay (Time)

Bhairav is an early morning (pratham prahar) raag.

Seasonality

Bhairav is one of few ragas that can be sung in any season.

Rasa

Bhairav is typically performed with a peaceful, serious, and serene mood.

Film Songs

Bhairav is a popular raga for film songs. Here are some film songs based on Bhairav:

References
  1. Bor & Rao 1999.
  • "Bhairav – The Primordial Sound". Rajan Parrikar Music Archive. Retrieved 9 December 2020.

Sources
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