Raga Mohanam in Carnatic Music - A Gateway to Joy
Mohanam - The name itself takes us to an auspicious occasion or creates an auspicious mood. One of the timeless favorite ragas that stands out there in the wide and intricate world of Carnatic music. The raga Mohanam is known for its bright and uplifting character that has enchanted the listeners for generations. Mohanam is very popular and is widely used in Carnatic concerts, devotional songs and even in film songs where the complete essence of this raga is well executed. It is believed that the ancient name of Mohanam is “Raghupati”. The Hindustani equivalent of the raga Mohanam is Bhoop. Since the raga is considered to be the international melody, it is being used in many countries like Burma, Thailand, Japan, China and so on. The National Anthem of Thailand is composed in raga Mohanam.
Lakshana or the Characteristics of Sankarabharanam
- Mohanam is the Janya of the 28th Mela Harikamboji.
- An Audava - Audava raga (5 swaras in arohanam and avarohanam).
- The swaras M and N are omitted. Hence it became an Audava Audava raga.
- Arohanam (Ascending scale) - S R2 G3 P D2 Ṡ
- Avarohanam (Descending scale) - Ṡ D2 P G3 R2 S
- Graha swara - G, P, D (Frequent starting points)
- Nyasa swara - G and P are ideal for resting (nyasa)
- Jiva swaras/Raga chaya swaras - R, G and D
Swarasthanas
Shadjam (S), Chatursruthi Rishabham (R2), Antara Gandharam (G3), Panchamam (P), Chatursruthi Daivatham (D2).
Tap below to learn more about Swaras and Swarasthanas!
Highlights of Mohanam
- The janta (ssrrggppdd) and Dattu prayogas (dgrgsr) bring more beauty to this raga.
- The swaras M and N are omitted. Hence it became an Audava Audava raga.
- Mohanam is a sarva swara muchanakaraka raga.
- Mohanam is the best choice for ragalapana, niraval and kalpanaswaras even though it's a pentatonic scale.
- Mohanam can be sung at any time, but it's more suitable to sing at night.
Graha Bedam
The shifting can be done in all 4 swaras of Mohanam.
- With S, we get Mohanam itself.
- If it's shifted to R, the result is Madhyamavathi.
- If it's shifted to G, the result is Hindolam.
- If it's shifted to P, the result is Sudha Saveri.
- If it's shifted to D, the result is Sudha Dhanyasi
Emotional Essence (Rasa)
Mohanam basically exudes “Veera rasa”, but at the same time this raga portrays the emotions like Sringara (love), karuna (bhakthi, kind), and hasya (joy).
Check out this blog to know why is "mayamalavagoula" the first raga to be taught?
Popular Compositions in Mohanam
- Varaveena - Geetam in Rupakatalam, composed by Appaiah Dikshithar
- Ninnukori - Aditala varnam, composed by Sri Ramnath Sreenivasa Iyengar
- Nannu Pālimpa – Krithi in Aditalam, composed by Sri Tyagaraja
- Sadaa Paalaya – Krithi in Aditalam, composed by Sri G.N.Balasubramaniam
Mohanam in Cinema
Mohanam has also found a significant place in Indian film music. Several popular movie songs are based on this raga, especially in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Its pleasing melody and emotional range make it a favorite for romantic, spiritual, and patriotic themes.
Popular Film songs in Mohanam
- Areyum bhava gayakanakkum - Malayalam
- Manjalayil mungithorthi - Malayalam
- Aasai Nenjin Kanavugal - Tamil
- Enga Maharanikku - Tamil
- Indha Poovukku Oru - Tamil
- Ye Swasalo cherite - Telugu
Conclusion
Whether you're a beginner or a concert-level musician, Mohanam is often one of the first ragas you learn and one that stays close to your heart. Its simplicity makes it easy to grasp, while its emotional depth ensures it never feels repetitive. Mohanam truly lives up to its name, which means "enchanting" or "charming." From devotional hymns to classical kritis and even movie songs, Mohanam continues to captivate generations of music lovers with its gentle grace and musical purity.
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Written by
Anagha Murali
Carnatic Vocals SME