Amritavarshini is a pentatonic (five notes) ragam said to have been created by Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar in the 19th century. This ragam is famously associated with rains. It is said that when Dikshitar sang his famous AnandaAmrutakarshini, he invited rains to a drought affected region in Tamil Nadu.
The raga structure defined by the Arohanam and Avarohanam is:
Arohaṇa : S G₃ M₂ P N₃ Ṡ
Avarohaṇa : Ṡ N₃ P M₂ G₃ S
and the notes are Shadjam, Antara Gandharam, Prati Madhyamam, Panchamam and Kakali Nishādam.
Carnatic songs in Ragam Amritavarshini
This is a beautiful ragam and has inspired many composers to make kritis. Some of the most popular songs in Carnatic music are:
AnandaAmritakarshini by Muthuswamy Dikshitar (by far, the most popular in this Ragam)
Ennai Nee Maravaathe angayarkanni by Dhandapani Desikar
Sudhamayee Sudhanidhi by Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar
Siddhi Nayakena by M. Balamuralikrishna
SarasIruha nayanE sarasijAsanE by Saint Thyagaraja
Tamil Film Songs in Ragam Amritavarshini
Several Music Directors have handled this ragam with aplomb in film music. Unlike other pentatonic ragas like Sudhdha Dhanyasi or Hindolam, ragam Amritavarshini retains its classical flavour in film music too. Some of the most popular songs in this Amritvarshini are:
Sivagami Ada Vandhaal from Paattum Bharathamum by M S Viswanathan
Thoongadha Vizhigal Rendu from Agni Nakshathiram by Ilaiyaraaja
Kaathiruntha Malli Malli from Mallu Vetti Minor by Ilaiyaraaja (a folkish take on this ragam)
Mazhaikku Oru Devaney from Shri Raghavendrar by Ilaiyaraaja (a virutham to invite rain to extinguish a fire)
Naanthana Naanthana from Ninaithale by Vijay Antony (features Actor Sucheendran - son of Vyjayanthimala Bali)
Yennuyire from Annathey by D Imman (sentimental song of a brother-sister duo)
Watch a detailed exposition on Ragam Amritavarshini in tamil film songs here:
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