In the Middle Ages, Hindustani classical music scholars (North Indian music scholars) associated particular times of day for different ragas or particular seasons. It is based on the belief that the human psyche and mind are affected by seasons and the daily biological cycle is influenced by natures rhythms. (This however is not true of the Carnatic system which is closer to the text and pays little emphasis on time or season).
There is a specific time each raga can be performed or sung and some ragas have a particular season too. The time theory of a raga is based on the swara in the raga, the vaadi(primary note of raga) and the samvaadi (special note of significance) in the raga . The vaadi and samvadi are in most cases the fourth and fifth apart. When sung properly at the right pitch, with the true vaadis and samvaadis brought forth and at the correct time, ragas create a certain mood. For example, ragas sung at dawn evoke the emotion of birds chirping in the early morning. Evening ragas are like a lullaby suitable for the night. Hence ragas depict or bring about a certain mood in the mind of the listener.
POWER OF HEALING THROUGH RAGAS
Ancient Greeks, Arabs, and Indians were all aware of the healing powers of music, and there are legends confirming the same. Hippocratic tradition emphasised applying natural methods to healing in medicine.
In Indian philosophical practice too, sound is intrinsically related to consciousness. Nada Yoga specifically deals with this topic and focuses on developing a interaction between sound and consciousness. It is based on the premise that the entire universe and all that exists in the universe, including human beings, consists of vibrations called nada. The practice intends to synchronize chakrasthanas (location of chakras) with swarasthanas(locations of musical notes).
Swami Haridas, a classical musician of the 16th century, was one of the many who used music in treating illnesses during olden times. Practitioners of both Carnatic and Hindustani music were well aware of the power of music as a balm for the mind and body. The role of ragas in both Hindustani and Carnatic music hence besides creating mood, is aiding and curing diseases . Carnatic music training has a significant impact on auditory temporal resolution. Ragas rendered properly have the power to heal the human body. A study showed that Raga Desi Todi significantly helps reduce depression and anxiety.
In Carnatic music, there are 72 parent ragas or main ragas known as Melakarta ragas. Neural research shows that the 72 ragas control 72 nerves in the human body. Performing a raga within its specifications and with purity in pitch gives the performer complete control of the corresponding nerve. Ragas like Punnagavrali and Sahana help in calming the mind and control anger.
Raga | Treatment |
Todi, Bhupali, Ahir Bhairav | Provides relief from cold and headache, high blood pressure |
Shivaranjani | Treats memory problems |
Bhairavi | Provides relief from Sinus, cold, phlegm, toothache |
Chandrakauns | Treatment of heart ailments and diabetes |
Darbari Kanara | Eases tension and provides relaxation |
Bihag and Bahar | For sound, sonorous sleep |
Darbari | Relief from tension |
Malkauns, Asavari | Cures low blood pressure |
Tilak-kamod, Hansdhwani, Kalavati, Durga | Easing tension |
Ravi Shankar, the contemporary master of classical music of India writes, “Saint musicians such as Baiju Bavare, Swami Haridas or Mian Tan Sen performed miracles by performing certain Ragas [classical Indian compositions]. It is said that some could light fires or oil lamps by singing one raga, or bring rain, or melt stones, cause flowers to bloom, and attract ferocious wild animals to a peaceful quiet circle around their singing.” Such is the power of Raga