Melakarta 8 · Netra chakra · M1 ★ concert raga
Hanumatodi
हनुमतोडी
Hanumatodi is the 8th melakarta raga. Its scale is S R1 G2 M1 P D1 N2 — the Western Phrygian mode. It carries a mood of Karuna: pathos; the air falls like slow rain.
Hear it from musicians
Signature phrases for Hanumatodi, 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, Hanumatodi is built from a minor second, a minor third, a perfect fourth, a perfect fifth, a minor sixth, a minor seventh. In Carnatic terms that is S R1 G2 M1 P D1 N2; in Hindustani sargam, S r g m P d n (the Bhairavi thaat).
| Degree | Swara | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S | unison (1) |
| 2 | R1 | minor second (m2) |
| 3 | G2 | minor third (m3) |
| 4 | M1 | perfect fourth (P4) |
| 5 | P | perfect fifth (P5) |
| 6 | D1 | minor sixth (m6) |
| 7 | N2 | minor seventh (m7) |
How Hanumatodi harmonizes
Stack thirds on each note of Hanumatodi and these chords appear. Home is the chord on Sa; the chord on Pa is the dominant that pulls back to it.
- i Cm minorhome
- vii Bbm minordominant
- v° Gdim diminisheddominant
- II Db majorpredominant
- iv Fm minorpredominant
- III Eb majorcolour
- VI Ab majorcolour
Learn the method in how to harmonize a raga.
Janya ragas of Hanumatodi
These child ragas are born from Hanumatodi by dropping notes or bending the path: Dhanyasi. 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.
Dhanyasiधन्यासि
Sparse going up, full coming down; devotional depth.
Keeps all seven notes of Hanumatodi; only the path differs.
Music to learn in Hanumatodi
- Koluvamaregada — Tyagaraja
- Kaddanu Variki — Tyagaraja
- Emi Jesitenemi — Tyagaraja
Questions about Hanumatodi
What is the Hanumatodi raga?
Hanumatodi is melakarta number 8 in the 72-raga system of Carnatic music. Its scale is S R1 G2 M1 P D1 N2, which is the Western Phrygian mode.
Is Hanumatodi the same as the Western Phrygian mode?
Yes. Hanumatodi has exactly the same seven notes as the Phrygian mode, so the two are the same scale under different names.
What are famous compositions in Hanumatodi?
Well-known pieces include Koluvamaregada (Tyagaraja), Kaddanu Variki (Tyagaraja), Emi Jesitenemi (Tyagaraja).
What are the janya ragas of Hanumatodi?
Its well-known child ragas include Dhanyasi.