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49 Ragams(in alphabetical order) used in Kathakali- indebted to 'Kathakali Vijnana Kosham' by Prof. Aimanam Krishna Kaimal

AHARI

Raga AHARI
Arohana Sa Ri Sa Ma Ga Pa Dha Ni Sa
AvarohanaSa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Aahiri
Janya of Vakulabharana or Hanumathodi
Applicable toShoka.
Examples

1. Nalacharitham 1 "Kandalethrayum Kauthukam" was in Ahari. Now changed to Erikila Kamodari.
2. Narakasura Vadham."Sudhashanendra Vada"

ANANDA BHAIRAVI

Raga ANANDA BHAIRAVI
Arohana Sa Ga Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Pa Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Nabhairavi or Kharaharapriya
Applicable to Shoka or Karuna in Kathakali ( Unlike the name suggests)
Examples

1. Kuchela Patni to Kuchela "Sarasa Nethra Porume"
2. Kalakeya Vadham "Daivame , ha ha Daivame"
3. Rambha in Ravana Vijayam "Ashara Nadha Munjama"
4. Gopalas in Uttara Swayamvara "Paahi Mam, Veera , Paahi Mam"

ASAVERI

Raga ASAVERI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Ga Ri Sa
( or Sa Ni Sa Pa DHa Pa Ma Ri Gaa Ri Sa
Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa)
Other Names Nil
Janya of Hanumathodi
Applicable to -
Examples

In Thekkan Rajasooya "Veera Bhoopathi Vara Dheera, Kelka Vachanam, Veera Bhoopathi Vara Dheera"

ATDANA

Raga ATDANA
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Dha Ni Pa Ni Sa
Other Names Adtana Kanad
Janya of Dheera Sankarabharana. Some see it as janya of Asaver Dhat and others as of Kapi Dhat.
Applicable to Shringra, Veera, Karuna
Examples

Devayani to Kacha "Paani Peedanam Me Prana Sama Tharika, kama Keli Cheyvathinu Kani Thamasikkolla".

BALAHARI

Raga BALAHARI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Dheera Sankarabharana.
Applicable to All Bhavas, Veera bhava is main
Examples

1. Bheema to Panchali in Keechaka Vadham "Mathi, Mathi, Mathi Mukhi"
2. Daksha yagam "Kanyakamar Mauli mane"
3. Chedi Rani to Damayanthi "Kim Devi KImu Kinnari Sundari"

BHAIRAVI

Raga BHAIRAVI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Natda Bhairavi
Applicable to Gaurava Bhava
Examples

1. Porappadu Padam
2. "Santhapamarudarude" in Daksha Yagam
3. Nalacharitham 4th day "Iryathe ellam shobhana Vani"

BHOOPALAM

Raga BHOOPALAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Dha Pa Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Madhamalava Gaula
Applicable to Success, Satisfaction, to be sung at day break.
Examples

1. Bali to Ravana in Bali Vijayam " Pankthi Kantha, Rakshasendra"
2. "Vidyujiha Veeraraniyunna" in Ravana Vijayam.

CHENCHURUTTI

Raga CHENCHURUTTI
Arohana Dha Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni
Avarohana Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa Ni Dha Pa Dha Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to -
Examples

Doothu In Duryodhana Vadham " Jnathi Valsala Bhoori Bhoothitha"

DEVA GANDHARAM

Raga DEVA GANDHARAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Dheera Sankarabharana
Applicable to Appeal, Fear, Bhakti
Examples

1. Arjuna to Krishna in Santhanagopalam " Naadha, Bhava Charana Dasaram"
2. Krishna to Balarama in Kamsa Vadham " Arya Kalaye Vibh

DESHAKSHI

Raga DESHAKSHI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa NI Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to Happiness
Examples

Nalacharotham 2, Bhima Raja to Damayanthi " Ninakku Kushalam Baale"

DHANYASI / MARADHANASHI

Raga DHANYASI
Arohana Sa Ga MaPa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names MARADHANASHI
Janya of Hanumathodi
Applicable to Adbhuta
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 3, Sudeva to Rithuparna "Manya mathe akhila bhuvana thava kirthe".
2. Maradhanashi - Dharmaputhra to Guru Dhaumya "Thapasa Maule Jaya Jaya"

DVIJAVANTHI

Raga DVIJAVANTHI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Ga Ma Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ma Ri Ga Ri Sa Ni Dha Ni Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to Changing or Chanchala Bhavas
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 3, Nala to himself " Mariman Kanni Mauliyude"
2. Kacha Devayani, Devayani to Kacha ""Bandhamenthitu thava"
3. Kalakeya Vadham, Urvashi to Arjuna "Vallathennalumitu thava"

ERIKKILA KAMODARI

Raga ERIKKILA KAMODARI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Yadukula Kamboji
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to mainly for women
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 3, Damayanthi to Sudeva " Karaniyam Njanonnu Cholluvan"
2. Poothana Moksham "Sukumara, Nandakumara, Varikarikil"
3. Dakshayagom, Sathi to Shiva "Lokadhipa, Kantha, Karunalaya"

GAULI PANTHU

Raga GAULI PANTHU
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Pa Dha Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Mayamalavagaula
Applicable to Karuna Rasa
Examples

1. Nalacharitham 2, Nala after loosing his clothes " Orunaalum Nirupitha malle"
2. Nalacharitham 3, Kali " Naishadhendra Ninnodu Njan Neruthanne Chollam"

GHANTARAM

Raga GHANTARAM
Arohana -
Avarohana -
Other Names Dukha Ghantaram
Janya of Similarity to Ghanta in Karnatic Music
Applicable to Sorrow with pride
Examples

1. Santhanagopalam, Brahmin with dead child "Ha Ha Karimi Kimi"
2. Swan in Nalacharitham 1 "Shiva Shiva Enthu Cheyvu Njan"
3. Uttara Swayamvaram, Duryodhana " Medini Palanmare, Kelpin"

GOPIKA VASANTHAM

Raga GOPIKA VASANTHAM
Arohana Sa Ma Pa Ni Dha Ni Dhaa Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Natda bhairavi
Applicable to Sorrow
Examples

Panchali in Keechakavadham " Kantha, Kripalo, Kathu Kolka"

INDALAM

Raga INDALAM
Arohana Sa Ma Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa
Other Names Hindolam
Janya of Natda Bhairav
Applicable to Intense emotions and Blessings
Examples

Rukmangadha Charitha " Kannuneeralpavum kannilulavakathe"
Shiva to Arjuna in Kiratham "Uthishta Thishta Sukumara Kalebara"

KALYANI

Raga KALYANI
Arohana -
Avarohana -
Other Names Mecha kalyani
Janya of -
Applicable to Happiness, Shringara and Veera
Examples

1. Daksha in Daksha Yagam " Kannina kkanandam nalkidunnu Paaram"
2. Nala in Nalacharitham 1 " Kundina nayaka nandini kkothoru, Pennilla mannil"
3. Nala in Nalacharitham 3 " Enne Chathicha ni evide Poyidunnu"

KAMBOJI / KAMODARI

Raga KAMBOJI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names KAMODARI
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to Happiness, Shringara, Veera
Examples

1. Nalacharitham 1 , Swan to Nala " Urjitha ashaya parthiva thava Njan"
2. Kirmira Vadham, Lalitha to Panchali "Kandal athi modam Unday varum Vipinam Ithu Kandaayo"
3. Keechaka Vadham, Keechaka to Sairandhri " Harinakshi jana mauli Mane Ni"
4. Uttara Swayamvaram, Dootha to Duryodhana' " Jaya jaya naga kethana jagathipathe"

KAPI

Raga KAPI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Ni Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Kharaharapriya
Applicable to Happiness with Satiafaction
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 4, dasi to damayanthi " Poomathinotha Charuthano, VaidharbhiKel ni, Purusharathnami Bahuka no"
2. Uttaraswayamvaram " Dharani valalbha shrunu V

KEDARAGAULA

Raga KEDARAGAULA
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Kedaragauda
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to General and Veera, First Vandana Sloka should be in Kedaragaula (usually 'Mathanganana Abja vasa Ramani')
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 2, Pushkara to Nala "Undakenda, Ithinundakenda "
2. Duryodhana Vadham, Dussasana to Duryodhana " Agraja, Kurudwaha, Samagrabala"
3. Uttaraswayamvaram, "Mudhamathe, Rananatakamaduka Padachchakeeda"

KEDARAPANTHU

Raga KEDARAPANTHU
Arohana -
Avarohana -
Other Names Ragothamsa
Janya of Ragothamsa
Applicable to Women
Examples

Duryodhana Vadham, Bhanumathi to Duryodhana "Vallabha, Mullasharopama"

MADHYAMAVATHI

Raga MADHYAMAVATHI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Pa Ma Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to Happiness with Acceptance, Conclusions
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 3, Sudeva to Damayanthi " Yami Yami Bhaimi Kamitham"
2. Conclusion - Dhanashi
3. Conclusion of Mela Padam " Vihitha Padmavathi Sukha Samaje"

MAHURI

Raga MAHURI
Arohana -
Avarohana -
Other Names Shrigatham
Janya of -
Applicable to General, Also Used in 'Dandaka' ie. Narrator's Interjection
Examples

Panchali Swayamvaram," Shrunutha Ningal Vachanam me"

MALAHARI

Raga MALAHARI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Mayamalavagaula
Applicable to Bhakthi, Prema
Examples

1. Rajasooyam, " Pankajaksha pahi Shaure"
2. Subhadraharanam " madhavi Shrunu Mavaka Jaye"

MOHANAM

Raga MOHANAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Dha Pa Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to Bhakthi
Examples

1. Arjuna in Kiratha " Manmadha nashana Mama karma mevamo"
2. Nalacharitham 1 Nala to Indra " Sharanam Deveshwara"

MUKHARI

Raga MUKHARI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Ishai in Karnatic Music
Janya of Natda Bhairavi
Applicable to Dukha
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 4, Damayanthi thinking " Naishadhan Ivan thano ?"
2. Keechaka vadham " Kekaya Bhupathi kanye"
3. Duryodhana vadham, Yudhishtira to Krishna " Jaya Jaya Janardhana"

NADHANAMAKRIYA

Raga NADHANAMAKRIYA
Arohana Ni Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni
Avarohana Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa Ni
Other Names Nadharamakriya, Nadharamagri, Nadhanadakriya
Janya of Mayamalavagaula
Applicable to Shoka
Examples

1. Kuchela Vrittam, Kuchela patni to Kuchala " Karunya Nidhe Kanta"
2. Devayani to Kacha when Kacha tries to go off without informing "Sundara Kalebara, nandita Sura vara, Sundaree Chitta Chora, Nandiyode kelka Veera"

NAGAVARALI

Raga NAGAVARALI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Ni Dha Ni Pa Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Hanumathodi
Applicable to -
Examples

1. Uttara Swayamvaram, Virata to Yudhishtira " Chootu Kalichitenam Innaho Nam"eera"

NATTAKURINJI

Raga NATTAKURINJI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Ma Ga Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to Sadness
Examples

1.Nalacharotham 3, Nala (Bahuka) to Rituparna " Rituparna Dharanipala Jayikkenam "
2. Lavanasuara Vadham, Hanuman to Sita "Sukhamo devi? Sampradamiha the"

NAVARASAM

Raga NAVARASAM
Arohana Pa Dha Ni Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa
Avarohana Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa Ni Dha Pa
Other Names Navaroj
Janya of Dheera Snkarabharanam
Applicable to Happiness and Wonder
Examples

1. Kirmira Vadham, Lalitha to Panchali " Nallarkulam Aniyum Mauli Male"
2. Duryodhana Vadham, Panchali to Krishna " Paripahi, Paripahi, Pahimam Hare"
3. Daksha Yagam, Daksha to his wife "Anantha Janmarjithamamasmal Punyaphalam

NEELAMBARI

Raga NEELAMBARI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Pa Ma Ga Ri Ga Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Dheera Sankarabharanam
Applicable to Sadness and Prayer
Examples

1. Daksha Yagam, Sathi's Prayer " Sri Nilakanda Guna Sindho"
2. Kalyana Saugandhikam, Hanuman to Bhima " Nripathe njanum upacharadikal"

PADI

Raga PADI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Pa Dha Pa Ma Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Mayamalavagaula or Harikamboji
Applicable to Main Shringara Padams of Kathi Veshams
Examples

1. Keechaka Vadham, Keechaka to Panchali " Malini, Ruchira Guna Shalini"
2. All main Kathi Veshams have one padam in this raga.

PANTHUVARALI

Raga PANTHUVARALI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Kamavardhini
Janya of same as Kamavardhini
Applicable to General and Veera
Examples

1. Nalacharitham 2, Kattala hearing Damayanthi's cries " Aravam Inthethennu Ariyunnatho iha Ghora Vanathil Nin Uthirnatho ?"
2. Keechaka Vadham "Veerarayidunna Ningalaraho"
3. Duryodhana Vadham, Duryodhana to Assembly "Uchithamaho mama Ruchitam"

PUNNAGAVARALI

Raga PUNNAGAVARALI
Arohana Ni Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni
Avarohana Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa Ni
Other Names Nil
Janya of Hanumathodi
Applicable to Vilapam or Crying
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 2, Damayanthi Crying " Alasitha Vilasitha mathinal njan Urangidinene"
2. Santhanagopalam , Arjuna " Karuna Varidhe, Krishna, naraneyum chathichayo?"

PURANEERU

Raga PURANEERU
Arohana -
Avarohana -
Other Names Nil
Janya of -
Applicable to Mostly last scene just after dawn
Examples

Santhanagopalam, Brahmin to Arjuna "Namasthe, Bhusura maule, Kshamaswaparadham"
Rukmangada Charitham, Vishnu to Rukmangadad " Vadhichidolla Balane"
Nalacharotham 1, 'Analpam Vamasthu Bhavam"

PURVAKALYANI

Raga PURVAKALYANI
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Pa Dha Pa Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Gamanashrama
Applicable to Happiness
Examples

1. Nalacharitham 3, " Kadraveya Kulathilaka"
2. Nalacharitham 2, Damayanthi describing the garden " Samya akannorudyanam ethrayum Abhikamyam"

SAMANTHALAHARI

Raga SAMANTHALAHARI
Arohana -
Avarohana -
Other Names Nil
Janya of -
Applicable to Requisitions
Examples

1. Narakasura vadham, Lalitha to Jayantha " Vritta vairi nandana, Kel"
2. Kiratham, Parvathi to Shiva " Mullabana re, Mama vallabha Chollukayyo"

SARANGAM

Raga SARANGAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ri Ga Ma Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Mechakalyani
Applicable to Veera Rasa
Examples

1. Duryodhana Vadham, Bhima to Duryodhana " Kim Bho Suyodhana Sakhe"
2. Duryodhana Vadham, Bhima calling to battle " Kheda kaurava Keeda, Porinay Vaada"

SAURASHTRAM

Raga SAURASHTRAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dhaa Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Surya kantha
Applicable to Advises, Requests
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 1, Narada to Nala " Bhushitha Ripu Nikara"
2. Bali Vijayam, Narada to Ravana " Deva Raja mahaprabho"

SAVERI

Raga SAVERI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Mayamalavagaula
Applicable to All
Examples

1. Nalacharotham 1, Nala to Swan " Arika Hamsame, Aruthu Paridevitham"
2. Santhanagopalam, Krishna to Arjuna " Sriman Sakhe Vijaya, Dheeman Sakala Guna"

SHAHANA

Raga SHAHANA
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Ma Dhaa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Nee Dha Pa Ma Gaa Ri Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboj
Applicable to Happiness
Examples

1. Nalacharitham 1, Damayanthi to thozhi "Poka Poonkavilinnu"
2. Nalacharitham 1, Damayanthi to Swan "hantha Hamsame Chintha Enthuthe"

SHANKARABHARANAM

Raga SHANKARABHARANAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ga Pa Dha Sa
Avarohana Sa NI Dha Pa Ma Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Dheera Shankarabharanam
Janya of Dheera Shankarabharanam
Applicable to Happiness, Love
Examples

1. Kalyana Saugandhikam, Bhima to Panchali " Panchala Raja Thanaye"
2. Nalacharitham 1, Swan to Nala "Preethi Poondaraulukaye"
3. Kirmira Vadham, Yudhishtira to Krishna " Pundarika nayana Jayajaya"

SRIRAGAM

Raga SRIRAGAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Pa Dha Ni Pa Ma Ri Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Gharaharapriya
Applicable to Bhakthi or Prayer
Examples

Kuchela Vrittam, Kuchela to Krishna "Ajitha Hare Jaya Madhava, Vishno, Ajamukha Devanatha"

SURUTTI

Raga SURUTTI
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Pa Ma Ri Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Harikamboji
Applicable to General
Examples

1. Kirmira Vadham, Sahadevan to Simhika" Rakshasi, Nillu Nilledi"
2. Kuchela Vrittam, Kuchela to Krishan " Pushkala Vilochana, Thval Kripa Karanena"

THODI

Raga THODI
Arohana -
Avarohana -
Other Names Nil
Janya of Some see it as janya of HANUMATHODI
Applicable to Mainly Shringra - Vipralambha_Abhilashi, Sambhoga, Vipralambha_Pravasi
Examples

1. Nala to Hamsa " Priyamanasa nee Poyvarenam Priyayodente Varthakal Cholvan"
2. Nala to Damayanthi " Kuvalaya Vlochane, Bale, Bhaimi"
3. Nala to himself "Vijane Batha Mahathi, Vipine Nee UnarnInduvadane Veenenthu Cheyvoo, Kadane"

USHANI

Raga USHANI
Arohana Sa Ri Gaa Ma Pa Ni Dha Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Maa Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Hussaini
Janya of Gharaharapriya
Applicable to Love
Examples

1. Uttara Swayamvaram, Kummi by ladies "Veera Virata Kumara Vibho"
2. Rukmangada Charitham, Heaven ladies "Chitramaho Chitram, Devimare"
3. Keechaka vadham, Sudeshna to Sairandhri 'maninimar mauli Mane"ajaya"

VEKADA

Raga VEKADA
Arohana Sa Ga Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Dha Pa Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Dha Pa Maa Ga Ri Sa
Other Names Begada
Janya of Dheera Shankarabharanam
Applicable to Problematic Situations
Examples

1. Keechaka Vadham, Panchali to keechaka " Sadaram Ni Chonnoru Mozhi Ithu"
2, Nalacharitham 1, Nala to himself "Nirjana mennathe yullu"

VRINDAVANA SARANGAM

Raga VRINDAVANA SARANGAM
Arohana Sa Ri Ma Pa Ni Sa
Avarohana Sa Ni Pa Ma Ri Ga Sa
Other Names Nil
Janya of Sriragam
Applicable to Happiness, Bhakthi
Examples

1. Uttaraswayamvaram, Kripa to Karna " Karna, partha sadrishanariha"
2. Ambarisha charitham, 'kalaka, kalaka, kalushitha Hridi Bhupa"