Mukhari


Mukhari is a rāga in Carnatic music. It is a janya rāga of Kharaharapriya. A strong raga, it can sound very sorrowful and introspective. And of course, devotional as well. It sounds best in a very slow speed, with each note and gamaka enunciated clearly. However, there are some crisper renditions of this raga which are also enjoyable. Some well known and often heard compositions are Sivakama Sundari by Papanasam Sivan, Sangeeta Shastra and Entani Ne  by Tyagaraja, Emani Ne by Subbaraya Shastri, Arivar Yaar by Arunachala Kavi and Endraikku Shiva Krupai by Neelakanta Sivan.

Structure and Lakshana

Anandam Anandam Anandame, which is played by the orchestra at a Tamil Hindu wedding, immediately after the groom ties the mangalsutra on the bride's neck, evoking emotions of happiness and sorrow between the groom and bride's family members. Jalamiga Valadhura is a very rare, short Swarajati composed in the same Raga by an unknown composer in Telugu.

Meaning

A raga that is colourful, well-known and full of emotive appeal is Mukhari. This raga is often spoken of as a sorrowful raga, but in reality it also exudes bhakthi rasa and shanta rasa effectively. Mukhari’s allied ragas include Huseni, Bhairavi, Salagabhairavi, Kokilavarali and Maanji. Mukhari has to be enunciated with very precise swara positions and gamakas in order to achieve propriety, to avoid meandering into neighbouring pastures. The notes in Mukhari include Sadja, Chatusruti Rishabha, Suddha Madhyama, Pancama, Chatusruti Dhaivata and Suddha Dhaivata, and Kaisiki Nishada. The Sadharana Gandhara appears in the avarohana and is absent in the ascent. The important phrases in Mukhari include ‘SRM G, RS’ where the emphasis is on the Madhyama, and ‘PDSR’ where the Rishabha is emphasised. It is a special raga, full of melodic possibilities.

Film Songs

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