Date : 23-04-2024
Bengaluru: Music composer Mahesh Mahadev has created a captivating new raga, “Samya”, a new addition to the rich repertoire of ragas in Indian classical music.
Samya, a pentatonic-hexatonic scale, an audava shadava raga means justice in Sanskrit language and derives its name from Lord Chitragupta, the celestial accountant known for his unwavering justice and impartial judgment.
The raga emerged on the eve of Chaitra Purnima, a full moon day symbolizing righteousness and virtuous living, further underscoring its association with justice and fairness.
A serendipitous occurrence during a recording session inspired the creation of Raga Samya.
It was during this time that Mahesh Mahadev and Dr Priyadarshini, a playback and classical singer stumbled upon an insightful shloka about Lord Chitragupta.
Guided by divine inspiration, Mahesh Mahadev swiftly transformed the shloka “Chitraguptam Maha Mantra” into harmonious musical notes in few minutes, with Priyadarshini, lending her enchanting vocals instantly.
The Janya Raga “Samya” is derived from the Raga Chakravakam 16th melakarta scale of 72 melakarta ragas in Carnatic Music.
This raga’s arohana and avarohana are S R1 G3 P N2 Ṡ and Ṡ N2 P M1 G3 R1 S respectively.
The notes used in this scale are Shadjam, Shuddha Rishabham, Antara Gandharam, Shuddha Madhyamam, Panchamam and Kaisiki Nishadham in ascending with addition of Shuddha Madhyamam in its descending scale. The dhaivatham swara is omitted in this raga.
Its Hindustani counterpart, also named Samya, falls under the Bhairav thaat.
Mahesh Mahadev’s “Chitraguptam Maha Mantra” released as a single, stands as the first composition in this new raga and is rendered by both Priyadarshini and Mahesh Mahadev.
“It is truly a heartwarming experience rendering this rare shloka of Lord Chitragupta in this new raga.” said Priyadarshini.
“It is indeed an honor to create as well as compose in a new raga, and it definitely speaks about the supernatural power to make such incidents happen in a short span of time.” said Mahesh Mahadev.
This spiritual collaboration between the two artists, guided by a holy influence resulted in the birth of a new raga blending their talents into a harmonious and innovative musical creation.
The creation of Samya exemplifies the enduring power of Indian classical music to evolve and inspire.
This new raga is a compelling addition to the rich musical heritage of both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.
You may hear this composition on PM Audios and Entertainments Youtube Channel and soon on all OTT digital platforms.
Report and Photography by:
Priyadarshini B.E(EEE), M.Music, Ph.D, Playback & Classical Singer, PRISM Foundation
Read more:
Singer Priyadarshini on the Blend of Music, Nature & Environment
Singer Dr Priyadarshini receives Rajaratna Award
Dr Priyadarshini receives Silver Screen Woman Achiever Award.
