Sarasangi Ragam

 Sarasangi Ragam

Sarasangi is a rāgam in Carnatic music, which is the classical music of South India. It is the 27th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system. Melakarta rāgams are fundamental scales in Carnatic music and are considered parent scales from which other janya (derived) rāgams are formed.

Structure and Notes

Sarasangi is a sampoorna rāgam, which means it has all seven swaras (notes) in both its ascending (ārohana) and descending (avarohana) scales. The notes are as follows:

• Arohana (ascending scale): S R2 G2 M1 P D2 N3 S
• Avarohana (descending scale): S N3 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S

In this notation:

• S stands for Shadja
• R2 stands for Chatushruti Rishabha
• G2 stands for Sadharana Gandhara
• M1 stands for Shuddha Madhyama
• P stands for Panchama
• D2 stands for Chatushruti Dhaivata
• N3 stands for Kakali Nishada

Characteristics

• Sarasangi is known for its pleasing and slightly melancholic mood.
• This rāgam is capable of evoking emotions of devotion and pathos.
• It is relatively less commonly heard in concerts compared to other melakarta rāgams but still holds a significant place due to its unique feel.

Compositions

Several compositions exist in Sarasangi rāgam. Some popular ones include:

• "Sri Parvati Parameshwarau" by Muthuswami Dikshitar
• "Sama Gana Priye" by Koteeswara Iyer

Related Rāgams

Being a melakarta rāgam, Sarasangi has several janya rāgams (derived scales) that are formed by using a subset of its notes. Some of the notable janya rāgams are:

• Rasikapriya
• Rishabhapriya

Sarasangi rāgam offers a rich palette for both compositions and improvisations in Carnatic music. Its distinct scale provides a framework for creating intricate and expressive musical pieces.