BrindAvana sAranga-A Most Pleasing and Emotional Raga

BrindAvana sArangA , is a desya raga derived from the 22nd mela Kharaharapriya. A minor raga, capable of giving a tranquilizing effect it has the following
arohanam: S R2 M1 P N3 S
avarOhaNam: S N2 P M1 R2 G2 R2 S

Ri, Ma and Ni figure both as jiva svara and nyasa svara. Ga is only used sparingly in this rAgam and some books differentiate between brindAvana sArangA and brindAvanI based on the usage of Ga. There is also lot of confusion between the two rAgams based on the usage of Ni. For example, T.M.Krishna in a lecture demonstration says Brindavanasaranga has only Kaishiki nishada and NO kakali . Brindavani as we understand it TODAY has both nishada. there was a time when brindavasarana and brindavani referred to the same raga which had only kaishiki nishada and no kakali nishada..

This raaga showcases lighter effect and melody giving a lot of scope for Ranjaka Prayogas (mind pleasing prayogas). Technically speaking this is acieved by the use of both the Nishadas.Shringara is a category that consists of many stages and emotions.Feelings of unexpressed and budding love are characterised by Brindavana Saranga.

The song Rangapura Vihara is the most remarkable song framed in this particular raga. Muthuswami Dikshitar’s master piece on the Lord of Sri Rangam, in the mellifluous voice of MSS..Who else other than M.S.Amma can render this more soulfully? This song was greatly popularised by Smt.M.S.Amma and this song has become so…..popular that almost every household plays this song. Another song is Sri Venkatesha Naadham which was popularised by D.K.Pattamal.This rAga claims to have few more krithis, made popular by famous artistes like Maharajapuram Santhanam (Swaminathena / Dikshitar), T.N. Seshagopalan (Saundararajam upasmahe/ Dikshithar), Balamurali (Kamalaptakula / Thyagaraja) and Sowmya (Kaliyuga Varadhan / Periasamy Thooran). Even though a sarvakalika (all time) raga, it is sung in post-pallavi part in concerts.Muthuswami Dikshitar has composed two beautiful gems in this rAgam – rangapura vihArA and soundara rAjam. While the first one starts in the mel sthAyi (R”,,S”) and explores the beauty of the rAgam in that upper range, the second song starts at the lower octave (R, GRS) and hardly goes above S”. These two songs are actually classic examples proving the versatility of this bhakthi rasa pradhana raaga that it can lend itself to sancharas in all three octaves. The Abhang Bhakthajana Valsale sung by Sri.O.S.Arun in his majestic voice will definitely take you to divine heights. He has rendered this song in a fast pace. Quite contrary to this Smt. Aruna Sairam has also rendered this Abhang in a slow pace filled with devotion.

Going to the krithi itself, the song SoundararAjam was composed at the soundararAja PerumAl Swamy temple at NAgapattinam in the praise of Lord SoundararAja. The krithi is heavily loaded, capturing the expanse of this rAgA in its entirety. The pallavi starts off with a wonderful R M R S phrase and the rendu kalai rUpakam gets its beauty in this krithi. Every word falls beautifully in the samam and it is a real treat to sing.This beautiful bhakthi rasa pradhAna rAga is completely portrayed and further beautified in this wonderful Dikshithar krithi. Though it is supposed to be a hindusthAni raga, Dikshithar has handled it so beautifully(especially with the extensive usage of the kaishiki nishAdham”) that one doesnt get that feeling at all. He has made it completely carnatic.

Favourite Filmy Raaga

This is a favourite filmy raaga, with a soothing tone. Just remember the song Punnondru kandaen Pennanguillai…sung by Shivaji Ganeshan with Balaji in the movie Padithaal Mattum Podhuma-the duet of legendry TMS and PBS..and singArakaNNE from the popular film Veerapandiya Kattabomman. Other latest filmy numbers based on this raaga are

A R Rahman’s
Konjum Mainakkale – Kandukonden Kandukonden
Adadadada Muthu Muthu – Mr. Romeo

Ilaiyaraaja’s
Aathaadi Paavada Kaathaada – Poovilangu
Intha Jilla Muzhukka Nalla Theriyum – Priyanka
Maadathile Kanni Maadathile – Veera

Vijay Antony’s Ninjakootil Neeye Nirkiraai – Dishyum

Hariharan-Leslie -Colonial Cousins – Indian Rain – Hariharan and Leslie Lewis

You will be hooked to this lilting and soothing raga when you start listening to it. It is a suitable raga for singing bhajans slokas etc. Experts say that this raaga is ideally suited for Varsha Rithu when rains evokes the romantic and creative spirit in every human being. Scholars love the phrase “ranjako janachittanam” and expand on it. I wish to conclude the review that there is no raga in a mere combination of notes; it has to please the mind and Brindavana Saaranga does this.