Bhairavi (Hindi: भैरवी, Urdu: بَھیرَوی , Sindhi: راڳ ڀيروي, Bengali: ভৈরবী) is a Hindustani Classical heptatonic (Sampurna) raga of Bhairavi thaat.[1] In Western musical terms, raga Bhairavi employs the notes of the Phrygian mode, one of the traditional European church modes.

Quick Facts Thaat, Type ...
Bhairavi
Thumb
ThaatBhairavi
TypeSampurna
Time of dayMorning; Conclusion of a concert
ArohanaSa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa'
AvarohanaSa' Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa
Pakad'Ni Sa Ga Ma Dha Pa Ga Ma Ga Re Sa
VadiMa
SamavadiSa
Equivalent
Close

Theory

Raga Bhairavi is often referred to as the queen of morning Ragas. It produces a rich, devotional atmosphere especially suitable for the genres of Bhajan and the light classical form of Thumri. The Rishabh and Dhaivat used here are oscillating which is strongly recommended in this Raga and it makes the Raag mood intense.[2]

Rishabh and Pancham are occasionally skipped in Aaroh, like: S G m d P or G m d N S'. But in Avroh, Rishabh and Pancham are Deergh, like S' N d P or P m G m r r S. In Avroh, Gandhar is skipped, like: G m r S. Madhyam is an important note.[3]

Arohana & Avarohana

Vadi & Samavadi

Variants

The rich culture of Bhairavi being the closing Raga for any formal performance has produced, also, many newly explored shades of the Raga:

  • Shuddha Bhairavi (Bhairavi with no deviations from the prescribed notes and movements)
  • Sindhu Bhairavi (added Shuddha Dha)
  • Jangla Bhairavi

References

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