One of the oldest ragas, and associated with early morning sadhana or riyaaz, supposedly Bhairav’s persona is difficult to please.
Thhaat (parent scale)
Bhairav
Jaati:
Sampoorn (heptatonic)
Vaadi:
Komal Dhaivat (d)
Samvaadi:
Komal Rishabh (r)
Swaras:
Komal Rishabh and Dhaivat; rest shuddh swaras
Aaroh (ascent):
S r G M P d NS’ (Western Notes: C C# E F G G# B C)
Avaroh (descent)
S’ N d P M G r S (Western Notes: C C# G# G F E C# C)
Key phrases:
S r G M, G M r S, N.d.NS, G M d d P, G M r S
Time:
Early morning
The word Bhairav (synonymous to Rudra or angry Shiva) suggests an aggressive persona. The aandolit (oscillating) Komal Rishabh and Dhaivat give this raga a very heavy gait – difficult for beginners. Its intrinsic mood is powerful piety. There are many other popular ragas with Bhairav anga; such as Ahir Bhairav, Nat Bhairav, Bairaagi Bhairav etc.
Bibliography
1. Bhatkhande V.N. (1919-1937) ‘Kramik Pustak Malika Vol 1-6’
2. Rajan Parrikar Music Archive (Bhairav the Primordial Sound)
Links
1. Pandit Nikhil Banerjee (sitar)
2. Pandit Narayan Rao Vyas (vocal)
3. Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty (vocal)
4. Ustad Shahid Parvez (sitar)
Pandit Ram Kumar and Samit Mallick performing Raag Bhairav at Darbar Festival 2017, accompanied by Surdarshan Chana.
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