Raga Bhairav: Aroha, Avaroha, Time and Practice Tips
A student's guide to Raga Bhairav of the Bhairav thaat, from the teachers at Surmandal, Kolkata.
About Raga Bhairav
Bhairav is a morning raga with a serious, devotional character. Its two komal notes, Re and Dha, are sung with a slow, deep oscillation (andolan) that gives the raga its calm weight. It gives its name to the Bhairav thaat.
Aroha and avaroha
Aroha (ascent)
Avaroha (descent)
Notation: (k) = komal (flat), (t) = tivra Ma (sharp), an apostrophe after a note (Sa') = upper octave.
Raga Bhairav at a glance
| Thaat | Bhairav |
|---|---|
| Jati | Sampurna-Sampurna (all seven notes) |
| Vadi / Samvadi | Dha (komal) / Re (komal) |
| Swaras | Komal Re and komal Dha, all others shuddha |
| Time of singing | Early morning (roughly 6 to 9 am) |
| Mood | Serious, devotional and calm |
| Typical phrases (pakad) | Sa Ga Ma, Dha(k) Dha(k) Pa; Ga Ma Re(k) Re(k) Sa |
Timings are traditional guidelines and singers vary. Phrases are typical examples. Your teacher will show the exact form they teach.
Practice tips
- Practise the slow oscillation (andolan) on komal Re and komal Dha. This is the signature of the raga.
- Keep the pace calm and the voice steady. Bhairav does not sound right when rushed.
- Approach komal Re from Sa and komal Dha from Pa, holding each note a little longer.
- Sing the aroha and avaroha slowly with the drone, listening for the exact komal pitch.
Where Raga Bhairav appears in syllabi
RBU B.A. (Hons) Vocal Music: the Semester 3 Dhrupad ragas. Visva-Bharati B.Mus: Semester 1 (written Bhairava), and the Dhrupad and Dhamar course.
From the official curricula. See our university music courses guide and the Pracheen Kala Kendra exams page. Spellings follow each university.
Learn Raga Bhairav with a teacher
Ragas are best learned by listening to a teacher and being corrected. Surmandal teaches Hindustani classical and semi-classical vocal one-to-one at Sonarpur, Bansdroni and online. Book a free trial class.
Raga Bhairav FAQ
What is the aroha and avaroha of Raga Bhairav? Aroha: Sa Re(k) Ga Ma Pa Dha(k) Ni Sa'. Avaroha: Sa' Ni Dha(k) Pa Ma Ga Re(k) Sa.
What is the best time to sing Raga Bhairav? Early morning (roughly 6 to 9 am). These timings are traditional guidelines.
What are the vadi and samvadi of Raga Bhairav? Vadi: Dha (komal). Samvadi: Re (komal).
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