Melakarta 58 · Disi chakra · M2 ★ concert raga
Hemavati
हेमवती
Hemavati is the 58th melakarta raga. Its scale is S R2 G2 M2 P D2 N2, the Western Dorian #4 (Ukrainian Dorian). It carries a mood of Shanta: stillness; the air barely moves.
Hear it from musicians
Signature phrases for Hemavati, recorded by musicians in the community and curated by Jason Zac. Every phrase carries the artist’s name and link. Add your own voice to this raga.
The scale and its Western intervals
Reading up from Sa, Hemavati is built from a major second, a minor third, a augmented fourth, a perfect fifth, a major sixth, a minor seventh. In Carnatic terms that is S R2 G2 M2 P D2 N2; in Hindustani sargam, S R g M' P D n.
| Degree | Swara | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S | unison (1) |
| 2 | R2 | major second (M2) |
| 3 | G2 | minor third (m3) |
| 4 | M2 | augmented fourth (A4) |
| 5 | P | perfect fifth (P5) |
| 6 | D2 | major sixth (M6) |
| 7 | N2 | minor seventh (m7) |
How Hemavati harmonizes
Stack thirds on each note of Hemavati and these chords appear. Home is the chord on Sa; the chord on Pa is the dominant that pulls back to it.
- i Gm minorhome
- v Dm minordominant
- VII+ Faug augmenteddominant
- II A majorpredominant
- iv° C#dim diminishedpredominant
- III Bb majorcolour
- vi° Edim diminishedcolour
Learn the method in how to harmonize a raga.
Janya ragas of Hemavati
These child ragas are born from Hemavati by dropping notes or bending the path: Hamsabhramari. Each card shows the three things that make a janya itself: how many notes it keeps, which way its road runs (any vakra turn is ringed in red), and how it glides between swaras. See how janya ragas work.
Hamsabhramariहंसभ्रमरी
Rare; Ni waits for the descent.
Keeps all seven notes of Hemavati; only the path differs.
Music to learn in Hemavati
- Sri Kanthimatim · Muthuswami Dikshitar
Notated to play along
Each opens in Stage mode on a real staff, with the sung syllables under the notes. Loop it, change Sa, and play or sing along.
- Madhurambikayam · Muthuswami Dikshitar · Rupaka tala
- Sri Kantimatim · Muthuswami Dikshitar · Adi tala
Questions about Hemavati
What is the Hemavati raga?
Hemavati is melakarta number 58 in the 72-raga system of Carnatic music. Its scale is S R2 G2 M2 P D2 N2, which is the Western Dorian #4 (Ukrainian Dorian).
Is Hemavati the same as the Western Dorian #4 (Ukrainian Dorian)?
Yes. Hemavati has exactly the same seven notes as the Dorian #4 (Ukrainian Dorian), so the two are the same scale under different names.
What are famous compositions in Hemavati?
Well-known pieces include Sri Kanthimatim (Muthuswami Dikshitar).
What are the janya ragas of Hemavati?
Its well-known child ragas include Hamsabhramari.