One Ragam, Three Goddesses: Ilaiyaraaja's Musical Genius with Kalyani

Happy Navaratri! The festival of nine nights is a celebration of the divine feminine in her three primary forms: Durga, the embodiment of strength; Saraswathi, the goddess of knowledge and arts; and Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and prosperity. It's a time of devotion, dance, and, of course, music.

Speaking of music, there's no better example of celebrating these three goddesses than through the works of Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. What if I told you that this musical genius composed three masterpieces for these three different deities, all using a single ragam? Yes, you read that right. He wove his magic using the versatile Kalyani ragam, a cornerstone of Carnatic music.

Let's dive into this incredible musical journey.

The Ragam: Kalyani

Before we explore the songs, let's understand the ragam itself. Kalyani is considered a very auspicious and majestic ragam. It's the 65th Melakarta ragam, known for its bright and uplifting quality. The scale is a Sampoorna ragam, meaning it uses all seven notes in both its ascending (Aarohanam) and descending (Avarohanam) scales.

• Aarohanam (Ascending): S R₂ G₃ M₂ P D₂ N₃ S

• Avarohanam (Descending): S N₃ D₂ P M₂ G₃ R₂ S

So, how did Ilaiyaraaja use this one ragam to create three vastly different moods and emotions? He didn't just use the notes; he captured the soul of the ragam to suit the character of each goddess.

1. Durga: The Meditative Power in "Janani Janani"

When we think of Goddess Durga, we often imagine a fierce warrior riding a lion. But in the song "Janani Janani" from the film Thai Mookambikai, Ilaiyaraaja presents a completely different, more meditative side of her. This song is a tribute to Goddess Mookambika, a form of Parasakthi.

The composition uses Kalyani to create a serene, introspective mood. The music is not loud or grand; it’s a calm, flowing river of devotion. Ilaiyaraaja's raw, heartfelt singing adds to this sense of genuine prayer. He masterfully uses traditional instruments like the veena, flute, and mridangam, keeping the orchestration simple and allowing the melody to create a feeling of deep meditation. This song shows that the true power of Shakthi isn't in aggression, but in a profound, loving grace.

2. Saraswathi: The Brightness in "Kalaivaaniye"

From a meditative flow to a sparkling ascent! For Goddess Saraswathi, the deity of knowledge and arts, Ilaiyaraaja composed "Kalaivaaniye" for the film Sindhu Bhairavi. This song is nothing short of a musical climb, reflecting the journey of an artist who rises from rock bottom.

In a bold move, the maestro composed this entire song using only the ascending scale (Aarohanam) of the Kalyani ragam. This symbolizes that for the artist in the film, there are no more downs—only a continuous rise toward success. The melody feels bright and dynamic, a stark contrast to the quiet nature of "Janani Janani." Ilaiyaraaja uses short, upward-moving phrases to create a sense of momentum and excitement, perfectly capturing the brilliance that comes from knowledge and artistry.

3. Lakshmi: The Playful Joy in "Vandhaal Mahalakshmiye"

If Durga represents strength and Saraswathi represents knowledge, then Lakshmi embodies happiness and prosperity. In the song "Vandhaal Mahalakshmiye" from the film Uyarndha Ullam, Ilaiyaraaja uses Kalyani to express pure, unbridled joy. The music here is bouncy and playful, making you want to tap your feet.

This is the "fun" side of Kalyani. The rhythm is happy and infectious, and the vocals by SPB are full of delightful variations, showcasing a sense of celebration. While the song uses the same core instruments, the way they are arranged is completely different. The music here is lively and upbeat, reflecting the joyous atmosphere that comes with the arrival of wealth and good fortune.

A True Musical Alchemist

What do these three songs tell us about Ilaiyaraaja's genius? He understood that a ragam is more than just a musical scale; it has a soul, a life force of its own. He wasn't afraid to push the boundaries and explore different emotions within a single ragam.

In "Janani Janani," Kalyani is tranquil. In "Kalaivaaniye," it is bright and ambitious. In "Vandhaal Mahalakshmiye," it is joyful and playful.

This ability to mold and shape a single ragam to fit different narratives and emotions is a testament to Ilaiyaraaja’s unparalleled musical mastery. It is a powerful reminder that music, like the divine, can manifest in endless beautiful forms.

Which of these Kalyani masterpieces is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!