Focus on R and N
Ri and Ni — the characteristic notes of Mayamalavagowla
This varisai focuses on Ri (R1) and Ni (N3), the two notes that give Mayamalavagowla its distinctive character. The pattern uses a 'karvai' (sustained note) on R and N, marked by a dash (-). The laya pattern is 12-12-1234 5678, meaning the 3rd count is held (karvai). This develops the student's ability to sustain specific notes while maintaining rhythm.
One beat per note group. The '-' indicates a karvai (held note) for one beat.
1 2- | 1 2- | 1 2 3 4 | 5 6 7 8| Line | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarohanam | sr- | sr- | sr | gm | — | — | — | — |
| Aarohanam (cont.) | pd | n- | S | — | — | — | — | — |
| Avarohanam | Sn- | Sn- | Sn | dp | — | — | — | — |
| Avarohanam (cont.) | mg | r- | s | — | — | — | — | — |
S R2 - S R2 - S R2 G3 M1 | P D2 N3 - S' | S' N3 - S' N3 - S' N3 D2 P | M1 G3 R2 - SS R G M P D NMadhya Sthayi (middle octave)S′ R′ G′ M′ P′ D′ N′Tara Sthayi (upper octave) — uppercase + prime.s .r .g .m .p .d .nMandra Sthayi (lower octave) — dot + lowercase—Karvai (hold/sustain the previous note)|Beat separator (akshara boundary)||End of avartanam (tala cycle)Follow these steps for a complete 25-minute practice session.
Hold R1 and N3 for 15 seconds each. These are the hardest notes to tune.
Sing with karvai on R and N. Feel the held note.
Double speed — the karvai shortens to one beat.
Full performance speed.
Sing with 'aa' — the karvai becomes a sustained vowel.