Raag Vrindavani Sarang: The Evening Raag of Love and Monsoon
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Music Educator
Introduction
Raag Vrindavani Sarang is one of the most cherished Raags in the Sarang family of Indian classical music. Named after Vrindavan — the sacred forest town in Uttar Pradesh eternally associated with Lord Krishna — this Raag carries a deep sense of romance, longing, and spiritual devotion.
It is classified under the Kafi Thaat and is considered one of the most popular Raags of the Sarang raagaang, alongside Shuddha Sarang and Madhyamad Sarang.
The Legend of Vrindavani Sarang
The Raag was created by the great saint-musician Swami Haridas, the guru of the legendary Tansen. According to mythology, Swami Haridas sang Vrindavani Sarang with such intense devotion that Lord Krishna himself descended to earth, taking the form of an idol. This idol is said to still reside in Mathura to this day — a testament to the divine power of this Raag.
Raag Vrindavani Sarang — Parichay
| Feature | Detail | | ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | Thaat | Kafi | | Jati | Sampurna-Sampurna (all 7 notes) | | Aaroh | Ni Re Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa | | Avroh | Sa Ni Dha Ma Ga Re Sa | | Pakad (Key Phrase) | Ni Re Ga, Ga Ma Dha, Ni Sa Dha Ma, Dha Ma Ga Re Sa | | Vadi | Ma | | Samvadi | Sa | | Gayan Samay | Late Evening | | Season | Monsoon | | Rasa | Shringar (Love and Beauty) |
Aaroh and Avroh
Aaroh (Ascending):
Ni Re Ga Ma Dha Ni Sa'
Avroh (Descending):
Sa' Ni Dha Ma Ga Re Sa
Pakad — The Signature Phrases
The Pakad (or characteristic phrases) that identify Vrindavani Sarang are:
Ni Re Ga — Ga Ma Dha — Ni Sa Dha Ma — Dha Ma Ga Re Sa
These phrases carry the emotional essence of the Raag and help listeners and performers recognise it immediately.
Compositions and Performance Forms
Raag Vrindavani Sarang is performed across a wide variety of musical forms:
- Khayal — both Vilambit (slow) and Drut (fast) compositions
- Thumri — for its romantic and expressive character
- Dadra — a lighter semi-classical form
- Bhajan — devotional compositions dedicated to Krishna
- Light Classical — accessible forms for wider audiences
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raag Vrindavani Sarang?
Raag Vrindavani Sarang is a Kafi Thaat Raag from the Sarang family. It is named after Vrindavan — the sacred land associated with Lord Krishna. It is performed in the evening and is associated with the Shringar (love and beauty) rasa.
Who created Raag Vrindavani Sarang?
Raag Vrindavani Sarang was created by the legendary saint-musician Swami Haridas. According to mythology, he sang this Raag so powerfully that Lord Krishna descended to earth in the form of an idol, which can still be seen in Mathura today.
What is the Vadi and Samvadi of Raag Vrindavani Sarang?
The Vadi (most important note) of Raag Vrindavani Sarang is Ma (Madhyam), and the Samvadi (second most important note) is Sa (Shadaj).
What forms of music use Raag Vrindavani Sarang?
Raag Vrindavani Sarang is used in Khayal, Thumri, Dadra, Bhajan, and light classical compositions. Its expressive and romantic character makes it particularly suited to these emotive forms.
