Topic: Bhairavi

[Nichi]

(I'm partial to both her and Todi.)

[Michael]

Bhairavi is probably the most common of all raags. Bhairavi is an aspect of Devi in her terrifying aspect, very similar to Kali, except she is the consort of Bhairava. Bhairavais the most horrific aspect of Shiva, in his manifestation of annihilation. He is worshipped especially by the Aghori sect.

So what you have here, I presume, is the depiction of Devi worshipping Shiva, specifically Bhairavi worshipping Bhairava. Except I never get the sense of the terrifying aspect implied by these God names in this raag. It seems to be depicted by an almost sexual worshipping of young maidens of Shiva in his phallic form. There is something intimate and private about this scene. I'm not sure if it has any fertility aspect, which you would think the case by the paintings.

I'll find a nice example of the raag to put up.

[Nichi]

It seems to be depicted by an almost sexual worshipping of young maidens of Shiva in his phallic form. There is something intimate and private about this scene. I'm not sure if it has any fertility aspect, which you would think the case by the paintings.

Yes, and in many of the images, the female resembles a yogini... almost.

Look forward to the raga! 

[Michael]

Here is a beautiful example of raag Bhairavi in film songs, from Dulari (1949) sung by Lata Mangeshkar:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVtUsU2sKDc&feature=related

[Michael]

This one that I have previously put up here, by Bhimsen Joshi, is Raag Bhairavi, but I'll include a version by Hariprashad also which was done for The Raga Guide.

Bhimsen Joshi: Bhairavi

Hariprashad: Bhairavi

Hari demonstrates the scale at the beginning of his piece. I feel Joshi captures more of the mood. This raag is one of the sweetest and most loved in Hindustani music, and is often used at the conclusion of a concert. I would like to find a good version by a female singer.

[Nichi]

Here is a beautiful example of raag Bhairavi in film songs, from Dulari (1949) sung by Lata Mangeshkar:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVtUsU2sKDc&feature=related

This one that I have previously put up here, by Bhimsen Joshi, is Raag Bhairavi, but I'll include a version by Hariprashad also which was done for The Raga Guide.

Bhimsen Joshi: Bhairavi

Hariprashad: Bhairavi

Hari demonstrates the scale at the beginning of his piece. I feel Joshi captures more of the mood. This raag is one of the sweetest and most loved in Hindustani music, and is often used at the conclusion of a concert. I would like to find a good version by a female singer.

The house went to bed about 4 hours ago here ... look forward to playing these in the light of day! Thanks for sharing them, M.

[Nichi]

[Nichi]

[Nichi]

[Nichi]

http://images.metmuseum.org/CRDImages/is/original/sf45-174-2r.jpg

[Nichi]

This one is my favorite.

[Nichi]

[Nichi]

From The Manley Ragamala album (ragamala - lit. 'garland of melodies', and thus a compendium of the musical modes and the emotions associated with them). This is the 'Bhairavi Ragini'. It depicts a woman with a female attendant worshipping a Śiva-linga, placing garlands on it and chanting, keeping time with the cymbals she holds in her hands. She sits in a pavillion set in a lake, which is filled with lotuses and water birds. At the base of the linga are various ritual vessels, and a diminutive bull. Circa 1610. ~British Museum

[Nichi]

Bhairavi Ragini, late 18th century. Painting of a Mughal lady and her three companions visiting a lingam shrine at night. A nath yogi sits behind the lingam as the lady kneels to perform a ritual. This is possibly a representation of Bhairavi Ragini, often depicted as a female devotee performing worship (puja) at a shrine to Shiva.

Click and enlarge:  https://d9y2r2msyxru0.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/collection-online/2/e/559856-1444128480.jpg

[Nichi]

(No info)