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A confluence of art and musicon 72 Melakarta Ragas12 chakras of music, the mind, body and soul1

Concept, painting and melakarta details by:Sangita Kala Acarya S. Rajam &Kallidaikurici Veenai S. VenkatesanDesigned and Published by:Corporate Communications Department,L&T, ECC Division, Chennai2

12 Chakras of Classical Indian MusicMelakarta ragas are fundamental ragas from which other ragasmay be generated. For this reason the melakarta ragas arealso known as janaka (parent) ragas. Melakarta ragas are alsoknown as sampoorna ragas as they contain all seven swaras(notes) of the octave in both the ascending and the descendingmode. There are 72 melakarta ragas.The melakarta system of ragas was first propounded byRaamamaatya in his work Svaramelakalanidhi c. 1550. He isconsidered the father of the mela system of ragas. Later inthe 17th century, Venkatamakhi expounded a new mela systemin his Chaturdandi Prakasika, known today as the Melakartasystem.The 72 Melakarta Ragas in both VENKATAMAKHI andGOVINDACHARYA Systems are given for the benefit ofmusic lovers. Both Sadja and Panchama are common for all 72Ragas; while Risabha, Gandhara, Madhyama Swaras remain thesame for the 6 Ragas in each Chakra, either Dhaivata or Nisadaor both vary for every Raga. It is KA-TA-PA-YA-DI formula.The 72 Melakartas are further subdivided into twelve parts ofsix ragas each (12 x 6 72). These 12 parts are called Chakras,and we also have interesting nomenclature for them, whichenable us to find out the exact Chakra number even from itsname. The Chakras are given in the table.3

InduMoon - The earth has one moonNetraEyes - We have two eyesAgniFire - There are three types of fire as stated in theVeda (Dakshina, Ahvaniya and Garhapadya)VedaThe Original Hindu scriptures are 4 in number(Rig, Sama, Yajur & Atharvana)BanaArrow - Kama or cupid (Manmatha with Rati)is believed to have arrows with five flowers(Lotus, Mango, Jasmine, Ashoka and Lily)RituSeasons - Of six types (Vasanta, Greeshma,Varsha, Sharad, Sisira and Hemanta)RisiSages - we have the famous sapta or seven Rishis(Gowtama, Viswamitra, Kashyapa, Jamadagni,Bharadwaja, Atri and Vasishta)VasuA group of Devas or celestial beings, 8 in number(Aapa, Dhruva, Soma, Dava, Pratyusha, Anila,Anala and Prabhasa)BrahmaMythological reference to the nine cycles of theuniverse, each presided over by one Brahma(Atri, Angirasa, Brighu, Daksha, Kashyapa,Pulaha, Marichi, Vasishta and Pulastya)4

DisiDirections - 10 in all (8 Ashtadikpalaka - Indra,Agni, Yama, Niruddhi, Varuna, Vayu, Kuberand Isana plus Akash and Patal)RudraThe set of 11 Devas headed by Lord Siva(Aja, Dwasha, Ekapada, Triambake, Aparajita,Isana, Tribhuvana, Sambhu, Hara, Rudra andAhirputniya)AdityaThe group of 12 Suryas in the cosmic Universe(Poosha, Bhaskara, Marichi, Arka, Khaga,Surya, Mitra, Aditya, Ravi, Bhanu, Savita andHiranyagarbha)Abbreviations used for the SwarasRisabhaDhaivata1. SU Suddha Risabha1. SU Suddha Dhaivata2. CA Catusruti Risabha2. CA Catusruti Dhaivata3. S3. S Satsruti Risabha Satsruti DhaivataGandharaNisada1. SU Suddha Gandhara1. SU Suddha Nisada2. SA Sadharana Gandhara 2. KAI Kaisikhi Nisada3. A Antara Gandhara3. KAK Kakali Nisada5

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1st ChakraInduIn Music Chakra - Chakra 1 is Indu (Moon), the earthhas one moon. The artist has depicted Rama here – as ‘OkaBaana, oka maata, oka patni Vritudai’, a take-off from themusic composition by Saint Sri Thyagaraja. (Referring toRama for values of one arrow, one word and one wife).In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 1 is Root orPrimal Chakra that is said to store the energy of the body.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemSuddha Madhyama RagasAsampurnaSampurnaRi1 KanakambariKanakangiSu2 PhenadyutiRatnangiSu3 GanasamavaraliGanamurtiSu4 BhanumatiVanaspatiSu5 ManoranjaniManavatiSu6 TanukirtiTanarupiSuPosition:Base of the spineMelakarta Ragas e:Ruby7

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2nd ChakraNetraIn Music Chakra - Chakra 2 is Netra (Eyes). The artisthas depicted Kama or cupid (Manmatha and Rati). Themela table 7 to 12 indicate the notes to the melakarta ragasdetailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 2 is Joy Chakra(new) which is said to be nestled between the Root andSacral Chakras.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemSuddha Madhyama RagasAsampurnaSampurnaRi7 SenagraniSenavatiSu8 Jana Todi HanumatodiSu9 Dhuni Bhinna Sadja DhenukaSu10 NatabharanamNatakapriyaSu11 KokilaravamKokilapriyaSu12 RupavatiRupavatiSuPosition:Nestled between theRoot and SacralMelakarta Ragas ne:Pink Tourmaline9

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3nd ChakraAgniIn Music Chakra - Chakra 3 is Agni (Fire). Three kindsof fire is stated in the Vedas - Dakshina, Ahvaniya andGarhapadya. The artist cites the mythological trinity ofBrahma, Vishnu and Siva. The mela table 13 to 18 indicatethe notes to the melakarta ragas detailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 3 is Sacral orKundalini Chakra which rules over the pleasure centers.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemSuddha Madhyama RagasMelakarta Ragas NotesAsampurnaSampurnaRi Ga Dha Ni13 GeyahejjajjiGayakapriyaSu A Su Su SA RA GU MA PA DA NA14 Vati Vasanta BhairaviVakulabharanam Su A Su Kai SA RA Gu MA PA Da NIMayamalavagaula* Su A Su Kak SA RA GU MA PA DA NU15 Mayamalava Gaula *16 ToyavegavahiniCakravahamSu A Ca Kai SA RA GU MA PA DI NI17 ChhayavatiSuryakantam Su A Ca Kak SA RA GU MA PA DU NU18 Jayasuddhamalavi Hatakambari Su A S Kak SA RA GU MA PA DU NUPosition:A couple of inchesabove the public boneColour:Bright OrangeStone:Carnelian11

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4th ChakraVedaIn Music Chakra - Chakra 4 is referred to the Vedas - theOriginal Hindu scripture which are 4 in number - Rig,Sama, Yajur & Atharvana. Pictured here are the four SaivaKuravars of South India – Gyanasmabandar, Appar, Sundararand Manickavachakar. The mela table 19 to 24 indicate thenotes to the melakarta ragas detailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 4 is the SolarPlexus Chakra where one’s self esteem as well as the controlaround and within one’s life rests.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemSuddha Madhyama RagasAsampurnaSampurnaRi19 JhankarabhramariJhankaradhwani Ca20 NariritigaulaNata Bhairavi Ca21 KiranavaliKiravaniCa22 SriragamKharaharapriya Ca23 GurrivelavaliGauri Manohari Ca24 ViravasantamVarunapriyaCaPosition:Solar PlexusGaSaSaSaSaSaSaColour:Bright yellowDhaSuSuSuCaCaSNiSuKaiKakKaiKakKakMelakarta Ragas w Topaz13

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5th ChakraBanaIn Music Chakra - Chakra 5 is Bana (the Arrow) of Kama orcupid believed to be floral arrows of Lotus, Mango, Jasmine,Ashoka and Lily. Rendered here are the five Pancha Lingas thatpersonify the Pancha Bhootas – the five elements of ether, air, fire,water and earth. The mela table 25 to 30 indicate the notes to themelakarta ragas detailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 5 is the spirit Chakra:This chakra is located between the solar plexus and the Heart andis the energy center that contacts, and gets guidance from angelsand heavenly bodies.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemSuddha Madhyama RagasMelakarta Ragas NotesAsampurnaSampurnaRi Ga Dha Ni25 SaravatiMara Ranjani Ca A Su Su SA RI GU MA PA DA NA26 TaranginiCharukesiCa A Su Kai SA RI GU MA PA DA NI27 Saura SenaSarasangiCa A Su Kak SA RI GU MA PA DA NU28 Harikedara Gaula Harikambhoji Ca A Ca Kai SA RI GU MA PA DI NI29 Dhira Sankarabharanam* Dhira Sankarabharanam* Ca A Ca Kak SA RI GU MA PA DI NU30 NagabharanamNaganandiniCa A S Kak SA RI GU MA PA DU NUPosition:Between the solarPlexus and the HeartColour:Aquamarine with asilvery tint, it glistensStone:Aquamarine15

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6th ChakraRuduIn Music Chakra - Chakra 6 is Ritu - six Seasons - namely,Vasanta, Greeshma, Varsha, Sharad, Sisira and Hemanta. Theartist has rendered Arumugan here – the six faced Murugan– Skanda or Karthik. The mela table 31 to 36 indicate thenotes to the melakarta ragas detailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 6 is the heartChakra: This chakra is the feeling and emotion center of thebody. It recognizes both the physical as well as the spiritualneeds for human experience.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemMelakarta Ragas NotesSuddha Madhyama RagasAsampurnaSampurnaRi Ga Dha Ni31 KalavatiYagapriyaS A Su Su SA RU GU MA PA DA NA32 RagacudamaniRagavardhani S A Su Kai SA RU GU MA PA DA NI33 Ganga TaranginiGangeyabhusani S A Su Kak SA RU GU MA PA DA NU34 BhogacchayanataVagadhiswariS A Ca Kai SA RU GU MA PA DI NI35 Saila DesaksiSuliniS A Ca Kak SA RU GU MA PA DI NU36 Chalanata *Chalanata *S A S Kak SA RU GU MA PA DU NUPosition:HeartColour:Emerald GreenStone:Emerald17

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7th ChakraRisiIn Music Chakra - Chakra 7 is Risi (Sages), comprisesof the famous sapta or seven rishis (Gowtama, Viswamitra,Kashyapa, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, Atri and Vasishta).The main frame illustrates the Saptamatruka - Abirami,Maheswari, Kowmari, Varahi, Narayani, Indrani and Kali,who are among the oldest pantheon of goddesses to beworshiped. The mela table 37 to 42 indicate the notes to themelakarta ragas detailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 7 Divine Chakrais lined up with the heart and the throat chakras, enabling thehigher spirit energies to work through ones voice and body.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemPrati Madhyama RagasAsampurnaSampurnaRi37 SaugandhiniSalagamSu38 JaganmohanamJalarnavamSu39 DhalivaraliJhalavaraliSu40 NabhomaniNavanitamSu41 KumbhiniPavaniSu42 RavikriyaRaghupriyaSuPosition:Just above the greenheart charkaMelakarta Ragas one:Diamond19

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8th ChakraVasuIn Music Chakra - Chakra 8 - Vasu-indicates the eight deva or celestial beings(Aapa, Dhruva, Soma, Dava, Pratyusha, Anila, Anala,Prabhasa). The artisthas rendered the Ashtadikpalakas – the Vedic demi Gods – Indra (East, forpleasure), Agni (South-east, for Energy), Yama (South,signifying death), Niruddhi(South-West,signifying war), Varuna (West, ocean), Vayu (North-West,air), Kuber(North,wealth) and Isana (North-East,knowledge). The mela table 43 to 48indicate the notes to the melakarta ragas detailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 8 is the Throat Chakra, deals withour communication and the expression of our creativity. Our ability to speakthe words that we desire to speak, and to create the things that we desire tocreate, emanates from this energy center.Mela No.Venkatamakhi SystemAsampurna43 Girvani44 Bhavani45 Sivapantuvarali46 Stavarajam47 Sauviram48 JivantikaPosition:ThroatGovindacharya SystemPrati Madhyama arali SuSadvidhamargini SuSuvarnangiSuDivyamaniSuMelakarta Ragas ne:Blue Topaz21

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9th ChakraBrahmaIn Music Chakra - Chakra 9 Brahma is the Mythological referenceto the nine cycles of the universe, each presided over by one Brahma.As denoted by Venkatamakhi, the artist has depicted the 9 sages–Atri, Angirasa, Brighu, Daksha, Kasyapa, Pulaha, Marichi, Vasishtaand Pulasthaya. The mela table 49 to 54 indicate the notes to themelakarta ragas detailed in the flyleaf.In Mind, body and soul Chakra – Chakra 9 is the Brow or Thirdeye Chakra. The third eye is said to be directly connected to themedulla, which is the back of the head and the pineal gland in thecenter of the skull - the area through which the psychic energyenters our bodies.Mela No.Venkatamakhi System Govindacharya SystemPrati Madhyama RagasMelakarta Ragas NotesAsampurnaSampurnaRi Ga Dha Ni49 DavalangamDavalambariSu A Su Su SA RA GU MI PA DA NA50 NamadesiNamanarayani Su A Su Kai SA RA GU MI PA DA NI51 KasiramakriyaKamavardhani Su A Su Kak SA RA GU MI PA DA NU52 RamamanohariRamapriyaSu A Ca Kai SA RA GU MI PA DI NI53 GamakakriyaGamanasrama Su A Ca Kak SA RA GU MI PA DI NU54 VamsavatiViswambariSu A S Kak SA RA GU MI PA DU NUPosition:Colour:Stone:Slightly above thePurple, like aAmethysteyes in the center ofblack lightthe forehead23

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