Hamsadhwani is the derivative of 29th Melakarta Dheera Sankaraabharanam.
SWARASTHAANAS: S . R . G . . P . . . N S
Aarohana : SRGPNS
Avarohana : SNPGRS
It is an Audava Raagam and Varjya Raagam. Madhyamam and Dhaivatam are absent in this Raagam. It is a very well-known Raagam both in Carnatic and Hindustani styles of Music. It is believed to be the creation of Raamaswamy Deekshitar, the father of Muthuswamy Deekshitar.
Hamsadhwani means the sound of a swan. Swan, according to our Hindu Mythology, is highly evolved, spiritual, very discriminating in her judgement and it is a fact that it can separate milk from water, drinks milk alone and leaves water behind. It is her innate ability. That is why all spiritual and knowledgeable Aacharyas affix their names with Parama Hamsa.
Hamsadhwani is easy to render and easy to understand and appreciate. It has very high musical values. Hamsadhwani is many times identified with Ganapati. It is the beginning Raaga in a performance. The eternal Kriti “Vaataapi Ganapatim Bhaje” of Muthu Swamy Deekshitar is very famous and well known, not only in Carnatic Music, but also in Hundustani Music. Both instrumentalists and vocalists sing it with different wording but with the same notation.
All are Vaadi and Jeevaswaras.
Samvaadi Swaras: SP; R-P; G-N; P-S:
One can sing all the Manodharma branches, by following Moorchhaana, without much difficulty. If Pa of Hamsadhwani is taken as Sa, we get Naagaswaaravali.
Hamsadhwani: S . R . G . . P . . . N S
Nagaswaravali: M . P . D . . S . . . G M
If Ni of Hamsadhwani is replaced by ‘Dha’, it becomes Mohana.
Long range phrases add to the beauty of Hamsadhwani.
Compositions:
- Varnam Jalajaaksha Aadi
- Vaataapi Ganapatim Aadi Deekshitar
- Vinaayaka Aadi Veena Kuppayar
- Gajavadana Beduve Aadi Purandara Vithal
- Manasu Karugademo Roopakam
- Raghu Naayakaa Aadi Tyaagaraaja
- Sree Raghukula Aadi Tyaagaraaja