Udayaravichandrika
Udayaravichandrika, alias Shuddha Dhanyasi or Suddha Dhanyasi, is a rāgam in Carnatic music (musical scale of South Indian classical music). It is an audava rāgam (or owdava rāgam, meaning pentatonic scale ). It is a janya rāgam (derived scale), as it does not have all the seven swaras (musical notes). Closer to Udayaravichandrika in Hindustani music is Dhani aka Gaundgiri.[1][2][3] But Dhani has N2 while Udayaravichandrika N3 in theory.
Arohanam | S G₂ M₁ P N₂ Ṡ |
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Avarohanam | Ṡ N₂ P M₁ G₂ S |
Equivalent | Raag Dhani Minor pentatonic scale |
Carnatic music |
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Concepts |
Compositions |
Instruments |
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Structure and Lakshana

Udayaravichandrika is a symmetric rāgam that does not contain rishabham or dhaivatam. It is a pentatonic scale (audava-audava rāgam in Carnatic music classification – audava meaning 'of five') and is equivalent to the minor pentatonic scale in Western music.[4] Its ārohaṇa-avarohaṇa structure (ascending and descending scale) is as follows (see swaras in Carnatic music for details on below notation and terms):
The notes used in this scale sadharana gandharam, shuddha madhyamam, panchamam and kaisiki nishadham. Udayaravichandrika is considered a janya rāgam of Kharaharapriya, the 22nd melakarta rāgam,[2] though it can be derived from other melakarta rāgams, Hanumatodi, Natabhairavi or Natakapriya, by dropping both rishabham and dhaivatam.
Udayaravichandrika and the raga Suddha Dhanyasi are closely related,[5] so much that many performers treat the two as interchangeable. Some contemporary practitioners consider Suddha Dhanyasi as more inflected (i.e., using more gamakas), and Udayaravichandrika to be more in the Hindustani tradition with almost bare (i.e., uninflected) notes. Puritans, however, refer to the fact that Udayaravichandrika is an ancient raga in the Venkatamakhin tradition and was reputed to be created by Muthuswamy Dikshitar himself. However, at that time, it had kakali nishadam rather than the kaisiki nishadam of Suddha Dhanyasi.
However, the Kaisaki nishadam is used in this topic making more towards Sudha Dhanyasi. The Udaya Ravichandrika, in its pure form should have the following arohana and avarohana:
arohanam = S G₂ M₁ P N₃ Ṡ avarohanam = Ṡ N₃ P M₁ G₂ S
In recent years this distinction seems to have blurred, and both ragas are considered roughly equivalent.
Popular compositions
Here are some popular kritis composed in Suddha Dhanyasi raga.
- Enta nerchina by Thyagaraja
- subrahmaṇyena rakṣito'haṃ and śrī pārthasārathinā by Muthuswami Dikshitar
- Himagiri tanaye by Muthiah Bhagavatar
- Bhavamu lona, Vinaro Bhagyamu by Annamacharya
- Narayana Ninna Namada, Chandava Nodire Gokula by Purandara Dasa
- O Santasada Seleye By Bannanje Govindacharya
- Ishtu dina By Kanaka Dasa
- śrī hari-vallabhē by Mysore Vasudevachar
- śarvaṃ samāśraye'haṃ by Tulasivanam (pen-name of Ramachandran Nair from Kerala, India)
- khēlati piṇḍāṇḍē bhagavān by Sadasiva Brahmendra
- kālātītāya khaṭvāṅginē namastē by Muthiah Bhagavatar
- bhēruṇḍāmbē bēḍuvē by Muthiah Bhagavatar
- āyar pāḍi kaṇṇā by Padma Viraraghavan
- pālaya māṃ siddhi vināyaka by Mysore Sadashiva Rao
Film songs
Language: Tamil
Song | Movie | Year | Composer | Singer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anandamaana Naadham | Shyamala | 1952 | G. Ramanathan | M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar |
Vaa Vaa Valarmathiye | Vanangamudi | 1957 | M. L. Vasanthakumari | |
Aairathil Oruthiyamma | Kai Koduttha Dheivam | 1964 | K. V. Mahadevan | T. M. Soundararajan |
Mella Mella | Sarada | 1962 | ||
Thookanna Kuruvi Kodu | Vanambadi | 1963 | P. Susheela | |
Navaraathiri Subha Raathiri | Navarathri | 1964 | ||
Ival Oru Pournami | Ival Oru Pournami | 1986 | T. K. Ramamoorthy | |
Kangal Engey | Karnan | 1964 | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | |
Neeye Unaku Endrum (Mama Maple) | Bale Pandiya | 1962 | T. M. Soundararajan, M. Raju | |
Thottal Poo Malarum | Padagotti | 1964 | T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela | |
Paal Vannam Paruvam | Paasam | 1962 | P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela | |
Nallavan Enaku Naane | Padithal Mattum Podhuma | 1962 | T. M. Soundararajan, P. B. Sreenivas | |
Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen | Avalukendru Or Manam | 1971 | M. S. Viswanathan | S. Janaki |
Iyarkai Ennum | Shanti Nilayam | 1969 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela | |
Nama Ooru Singari | Ninaithale Inikkum (1979 film) | 1979 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | |
Thirupparang Kundrathil | Kandhan Karunai | 1967 | Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan | Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, P. Susheela |
Vaa Ponmayile | Poonthalir | 1979 | Illayaraja | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam |
Mancholai Kilithano
(2nd Charanam Starts in Ragam Kharaharapriya) |
Kizhakke Pogum Rail | 1978 | P. Jayachandran | |
Poovarasampoo | S. Janaki | |||
Nadhiyoram | Annai Oru Aalayam | 1979 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela | |
Aayiram Malargalae | Niram Maaratha Pookkal | 1979 | Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja, Jency Anthony | |
Siru Ponmani | Kallukkul Eeram | 1980 | Ilaiyaraaja, S. Janaki | |
Vizhiyil Vizhundu | Alaigal Oivathillai | 1981 | Ilaiyaraaja,B.S Sasirekha | |
Ragavane Ramana | Ilamai Kaalangal | 1983 | P Susheela, S. P. Sailaja | |
Kalakalakum Maniosai | Eeramana Rojave | 1991 | Mano, S. Janaki | |
Varaathu Vantha | Thalattu Padava | 1990 | Arunmozhi, S. Janaki | |
Ila Nenje Vaa | Vanna Vanna Pookkal | 1992 | K. J. Yesudas | |
Maalayil Yaro Manathodu | Chatriyan | 1990 | Swarnalatha | |
Punjai Undu | Unnal Mudiyum Thambi | 1988 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | |
Katti Vechukko Enthan Anbu Manasu | En Jeevan Paduthu | Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki | ||
Kadhal Vaanile | Raasaiyya | 1995 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam,Preethi Uttamsingh | |
Sempoove Poove
(has Abheri traces also) |
Siraichalai | 1996 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra | |
Paramal Paartha Nenjam | Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran | 1988 | Mano, K. S. Chithra | |
Kalathanamaha | Ulle Veliye | 1993 | ||
Kathal Nilavey Poove | Manikuyil | Arunmozhi, Uma Ramanan | ||
Maasi Maasam | Dharma Durai | 1991 | K J Yesudas, Swarnalatha | |
Kalayil Kethattu | Senthamizh Paattu | 1992 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha | |
Aasai Machaan Vangithantha | Kummi Paattu | 1999 | Swarnalatha,Arunmozhi | |
Enna Solli Paduvatho | En Mana Vaanil | 2002 | Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam | |
Kaattumalli | Viduthalai Part 1 | 2023 | Ilaiyaraaja,Ananya Bhat | |
Poththi Vachcha | Mann Vasanai | 1983 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki | |
Hey Unnai Thaane Nee Endha | Kadhal Parisu | 1987 | ||
Koo Koo Endru Kuyil | ||||
Poo Poo Poo | Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu | 1991 | ||
Adi Netriravu | Innisai Mazhai | 1992 | ||
Pongiyathe Kadhal Vellam | Mannukkul Vairam | 1986 | Devendran | |
Mandhiram Sonnen | Vedham Pudhithu | 1987 | Mano, S. Janaki | |
Aruvi Kooda Jathi Illamal | Gowri Manohari | M. M. A. Iniyavan | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. J. Yesudas | |
Thanthana Thaimasam | Thavasi | 2001 | Vidyasagar | K. J. Yesudas, Sadhana Sargam |
Kanakandenadi | Parthiban Kanavu | 2003 | Madhu Balakrishnan | |
Aazhakkadalu | Thendral | 2004 | ||
Thirumana Malargal | Poovellam Un Vasam | 2001 | Swarnalatha | |
Minsaram En Meethu | Run | 2002 | Harish Raghavendra, Sadhana Sargam, Jack Smelly | |
Thootal Poo Malarum | New | 2004 | A. R. Rahman | Hariharan, Harini |
Kalayil Thinamum | P. Unnikrishnan, Sadhana Sargam | |||
Eechi Elemichhi | Taj Mahal | 1999 | Manoj,Arundhathi,Raqeeb Alam(Iranian Santoor),Parthasarathy(Veena),Navin(Flute) | |
Ale Ale | Boys | 2003 | Karthik, Chitra Sivaraman | |
Maaza Maaza | Sillunu Oru Kaadhal | 2006 | S. P. B. Charan, Shreya Ghoshal | |
Aila Aila | I | 2015 | Aditya Rao, Natalie Di Luccio | |
Bhavamu Lona BGM
(taken from MS Subbulakshmi's Annamayya Krithi) |
OK Kanmani | 2015 | AR Rahman, Qutub-E-Kripa, MS Subbulakshmi | |
Maatharey | Bigil | 2019 | Chinmayi, Madhura Dhara Talluri, Sireesha, Akshara, Vithusayni | |
Azhaga Kallazhaga | Kallazhagar | 1999 | Deva | K. S. Chitra, Kalpana Raghavendar |
Ooh Vandhadhu | Aval Varuvala | 1998 | S. A. Rajkumar | Hariharan |
Ponman Kuyil | Manasukkul Mathappu | 1988 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | |
Thodu Thodu Enavae Vanavil
(Reused from "Kila Kila Navve") |
Thulladha Manamum Thullum | 1999 | Hariharan, K. S. Chitra | |
Thiyagarajarin Deiva (copy of Entha Nerchina) | Pennin Manathai Thottu | 2000 | P. Unnikrishnan, Nithyasree Mahadevan, S. A. Rajkumar, Febi Mani | |
Azhagiya Karthigai | Devaraagam | 1996 | M. M. Keeravani | K. S. Chitra |
Un Perai Sonnale | Dumm Dumm Dumm | 2001 | Karthik Raja | P. Unnikrishnan, Sadhana Sargam |
Yaar Indha Devathai | Unnai Ninaithu | 2002 | Sirpy | Hariharan |
Kannukkul Yetho | Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam | 2006 | D. Imman | Vijay Yesudas, Rita |
Aasai Oviyam | Manjal Veiyil | 2009 | Bharadwaj | Bharadwaj,Subiksha |
Heartile Battery | Nanban | 2012 | Harris Jayaraj | Vedala Hemachandra, Mukesh Mohamed |
Roja Kadale | Anegan | 2015 | Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Chinmayi | |
Para Para Pattaampoochi | Kattradhu Thamizh | 2007 | Yuvan Shankar Raja | Rahul Nambiar |
Vaanam Thoovum Poo Mazhaiye | Punnagai Poove | 2003 | Harish Raghavendra, Kovai Ranjani | |
Kaatrukulle | Sarvam | 2009 | Yuvan Shankar Raja | |
Sudasuda Thooral | Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga | 2013 | ||
Masaamaa 6 Masaamaa | Engaeyum Eppothum | 2011 | Sathya | Sathya, Aalap Raju |
Veyyon Silli | Soorarai Pottru | 2020 | G. V. Prakash Kumar | Harish Sivaramakrishnan |
Kangal Edho | Chithha | 2023 | Dhibu Ninan Thomas | Pradeep Kumar, Karthika Vaidyanathan |
Non Film / Album
Song | Language | Album | Composer | Lyricist | Singer | Audio Label / Licence to |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Neene Parama Pavani | Kannada | Neene Parama Pavani | Mahesh Mahadev | Mahipathi Dasa | Priyadarshini | PM Audios |
Baarisu Kannada Dindimava | Baarisu Kannada Dindimava | Shivamogga Subbanna | Mahakavi Kuvempu | Upendra Kumar | MRT Music | |
Thunbam Illadha Nilaye Shakti | Tamil | Triveni - Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati | Sounds of Isha | Mahakavi Bharatiyar | Sounds of Isha |
Language: Malayalam
Song | Movie | Year | Composer | Singer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Souparnikamrutha Veechikal | Kizhakkunarum Pakshi | 1991 | Raveendran | KJ Yesudas / Minmini |
Swara Raga Ganga Pravahame
(has Abheri traces also) |
Sargam | 1992 | Bombay Ravi | KJ Yesudas |
Mahalakshmi Namosthuthe | Thattathin Marayathu | 2012 | Shaan Rahman | Arun Alat |
Devadoothar padi | Kathodu Kathoram | 1985 | Ouseppachan | KJ Yesudas and many more |
Melle melle | Oru Minnaminunginte Nurunguvettam | 1987 | Johnson | KJ Yesudas |
Dum dum dum | Vaisali | 1988 | Bombay Ravi | Dinesh,Lathika |
Shyamameghame ne | Adhipan | 1989 | Shyam | K. S. Chitra |
Mandharachepundo | Dasharatham | 1989 | Johnson | MG Sreekumar,K. S. Chitra |
Entinu veroru sooryodhayam | Mazhayethum Munpe | 1995 | Raveendran | KJ Yesudas |
Chempoove poove
(has Abheri traces also) |
Kaalapani | 1996 | Ilayaraja | MG Sreekumar,K. S. Chitra |
Manikinavin kothumbuvallam | Pokkiri Raja | 2010 | Jassie Gift | KJ Yesudas,Sujatha Mohan |
Language: Kannada
Song | Movie | Year | Composer | Singer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nanna Aase Hannagi | Auto Raja | 1982 | Rajan–Nagendra | S.P. Balasubramanyam, S. Janaki |
Baare Baare Andada Chaluvina Taare | Naagara Haavu | P.B. Srinivas |
Language: Telugu
Song | Movie | Year | Composer | Singer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sadi Seyako Gaali | Raja Makutam | 1960 | Master Venu | P Leela |
Subha Lekha raasukunna Edalo epudo | Kondaveeti Donga | 1990 | Ilayaraja | S P Balasubramaniam & K S Chitra |
Kotta Kottaga Unnadi | Coolie No.1 | 1991 | ||
Enno Ratrulosthayi Gaani
(Reused from "Maasi Maasam") |
Dharma Kshetram | 1992 | ||
Jagadananda Karaka (film version) | Sri Rama Rajyam | 2011 | S P Balasubramaniam & Shreya Ghoshal | |
Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnu Katha (only first line) | Annamayya | 1997 | M M Kreem | S P Balasubramaniam |
Kila Kila Navve | Suryavamsham | 1998 | S. A. Rajkumar | S P Balasubramaniam & K S Chitra |
Pranavalaya | Shyam Singha Roy | 2021 | Mickey J Meyer | Anurag Kulkarni |
Language: Hindi
Note that the following songs are tuned in Raag Dhani, the Hindustani equivalent of Shuddha Dhanyasi
Song | Movie | Year | Composer | Singer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prabhu Tero Nam Jo Dhyae Phal Paye | Hum Dono (1961 film) | 1961 | Jaidev | Lata Mangeshkar |
Kabhi Tanhaiyon me Yun | Hamari Yaad Aayegi | 1961 | Snehal Bhatkar | Mubarak Begum |
Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue | Prince | 1969 | Shankar-Jaikishan | Mohd. Rafi |
Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara | Chitchor | 1976 | Ravindra Jain | K J Yesudas |
Related rāgams
This section covers the theoretical and scientific aspect of this rāgam.
Graha bhedam
Udayaravichandrika's notes when shifted using Graha bhedam, yields four other major pentatonic rāgams, namely, Mohanam, Hindolam, Madhyamavathi and Shuddha Saveri. Graha bhedam is the step taken in keeping the relative note frequencies same, while shifting the shadjam to the next note in the rāgam. See Graha bhedam on Mohanam for more details and illustration of this concept.
Scale similarities
- Dhanyāsi is a rāgam which has the ascending scale of Udayaravichandrika (Shuddha Dhanyasi) and descending scale of Hanumatodi. Its ārohaṇa-avarohaṇa structure is S G₂ M₁ P N₂ Ṡ: Ṡ N₂ D₁ P M₁ G₂ R₁ S
- Abheri is a rāgam which has the ascending scale of Udayaravichandrika and descending scale of Kharaharapriya. Its ārohaṇa-avarohaṇa structure is S G₂ M₁ P N₂ Ṡ: Ṡ N₂ D₂ P M₁ G₂ R₂ S
Notes
References
- Ragas in Carnatic music by Dr. S. Bhagyalekshmy, Pub. 1990, CBH Publications
- Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub. 1964, The Music Academy of Madras
- Mani, Charulatha (9 December 2011). "A Raga's Journey — Soulful Suddhadhanyasi". The Hindu.
- "basicmusictheory.com: C minor pentatonic scale". Basicmusictheory.com. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
- "Udayaravichandrika" (PDF). The Journal of the Music Academy. V. 1934. Retrieved 22 July 2022.