Raag Bhupali Introduction, Notes With Songs Based On This Raag

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Here’s something interesting for you! raag bhupali is often known as healing as it has a calming effect on one’ body and mind. Fascinating isn’t it! In this article we will learn about raag bhupali notes, its origin and songs with the significance it holds in hindustani classical music.

Raag Bhupali an Overview

Hands down! This raag is one of the most beautiful and a widely performed raag in Hindustani Classical Music. It evokes a feeling of tranquility, devotion and serenity. It is most known for its soft nature, for its peaceful and meditative qualities. I must add bhupali benefits its listeners and performers because of its unique sound with 5 swaras and ornamentations that bring forth devotion and tranquility.

What is the Meaning of Raag Bhupali?

The word bhupali, also spelled as Bhoopali or Bhoop, is taken from a Sanskrit word ‘Bhupa’. ‘Bhupa,’ meaning King or Lord. Raag bhupali notes reflect spirituality and devotion.

Did You Know?

Raag Bhupali is called Mohanam raagam in Carnatic Music.

Origin of Raag Bhupali

The origin of this raag can be traced back to ancient Indian music theories. It is often said to have been developed from Carnatic Ragam Mohanam. Both the ragas have the same swaras but the intonation differs.

The notes evolved significantly during the Mughal and Empire when Druvpads (a kind of composition in Hindustani classical music) was widely performed in this raag. The simplicity and repetitive structure and nature of bhupali makes it suitable for compositions like Dhruvpads.

What is the Notation of Raag Bhupali?

To answer that question, let’s delve into some serious discussions about what swaras make bhupali! This beginner raag bhupali notes are form a pentatonic scale. This means that bhupali uses only five swaras in both Aroha and Avroha. The limited number of swaras present in bhupali makes it a simple yet elegant and adds a natural grace to it.

AROHA: The ascending order of swaras

Sa Re Ga Pa Dha Sa

AVROHA: The Descending order of swaras

Sa Dha Pa Ga Re Sa

PAKAD: A musical phrase that best describes the Raag

Ga Re Pa Ga, Sa Dha Sa Re Ga

The Aroha and Avroha excludes the swaras Ma (Madhyama) and Ni (Nishad). Where all the swaras are shudh (natural) with no komal or tivra (flats or sharps) swaras. This is one of the reasons why bhupali is considered to be one of the best beginner raag. To identify raag bhupali songs notations, one must be thorough with all these details.

Lets look at its Vadi and Samvadi.

VADI (the most important swara): Gha (Gandhar)

SAMVADI (the next important swara): Dha (Daivat)

THAT (Parent scale of a raag): Kalyan Thaat.

Most used swaras in raag bhupali taans and alaps will be Ga and Dha.

Hot Tip!

The vadi and samvadi swaras create the framework of bhupali’s melodic structure.

Why is Bhupali in Kalyan Thaat?

That is because of its Vadi and Samvadi swaras. Bhupali is also a Klayan ang raag ie., shares the same melodic framework as Kalyan.

What is the Mood of Raag Bhupali?

Like I’ve been repeatedly mentioning, bhupali is known for the peaceful, devotional and serene mood. It belongs to bakti rasa. The mood of this raag is said to be uplifting and soothing. Most of the compositions are semi-classical. It is usually performed in the evenings. Its samay is first Prahar of the night (7:00pm-10:00pm)

What are Raag Bhupali Benefits?

Singing or listening to raag bhupali songs encourages deep relaxation as this an excellent choice for meditation and yoga. The gentle nature of the raag slows down the pace of our minds and leads to a restful state. Listening to this raag can help in reducing stress and bring about a sense of tranquility.

Guess what?

The calming, gentle nature of raag bhupali is believed to be helpful for people suffering from insomnia or other sleeping disorders.

The nature of raag makes it perfect for devotional compositions like Bajans druvpads and slogans. It helps you connect with divine and elicit spiritual sentiments. It is also believed that listening to or performing raag Bhupali can help in balancing heart rate and respiration.

Popular Songs in Raag Bhupali

Dekha Ek Khwab

Dekha Ek Khwab is a timeless melody gracefully written with raag bhupali notes. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and featured in the movie Silsila, 1981. The raag’ serene and inherent peacefulness adds emotional depth and a dreamy-romantic qualities to the lyrics.

Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu

Yet another beautiful song, ‘Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu,’ mirroring the beginner raag bhupali notes. This song is featured in a very popular bollywood movie, Aradhana (1969). ‘Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu’ predominantly uses raag bhupali to bring out the emotions and serenity. This can be beautifully witnessed when singer Kishore Kumar addresses his beloved as the moon and sun. ie., the light and warmth.

Jyoti Kalash Chhalke

Next up on bhupali raag songs list is Jyoti Kalash Chhalke, another timeless classic from 1970. Lata Mangeshkar one of best indian singer have done a fine job expressing the devotion, light and hope that the song is all about with Bhupali’ intricateness. The use of raag bhupali clearly brings out the uplifting and divine presence that the emergence of light (Jyoti) brings to life.

Jaoon Tore Charan Kamal

Singer Lata Mangeshkar has outdone herself complimenting this raag with the lyrics. That’s the deep longing and devotion of a person seeking the divine’s grace.

Pankh Hote To Ud Aati

The movie ‘Kabhi Kabhi’, has an iconic song called ‘Pankh Hote To Ud Aati’, topping the bhupali raag songs list. I would say that this song is a masterpiece of bringing to us the beauty of both music and poetry about love, longing and yearning. Use of bhupali in musical arrangement, in a few places, best brings out the spiritual, emotional depth.

If you’re inspired by the serene beauty of Raag bhupali, consider deepening your knowledge and skills with expert-led hindustani singing classes at Musicmaster.