A raga that symbolises Bhakthi. The raga that has that special power to evoke divinity is Shanmukhapriya.
A raga that Lord Shanmukha loves, say many. It is said to be borrowed into Hindustani music from Carnatic music.
A lot of compositions on Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva are based on this raaga.
IN CLASSICAL MUSIC
The most popular composition set in Shanmu kapriya is Muthai tharupathi by Arunagirinathar.
The other krithis in this raga include Vaddane vaaru by Tyagaraja, Marivere Dikkevarayya by Patnam Subramania Iyer, Parvati Nayakane, Saravana Bhava Ennum, Andavane Unnai by Papanasam Sivan, Abhimaanamutho Nannubrovaradha by Mysore Vasudevachar, Valli Nayakane by Muthiah Bhagavatar, Vilayada Idu Nerama by T N Bala of USA, Sada Tava Pada Sannidhim by M Balamuralikrishna, Omkara Pranava, a pada varnam in Shanmukhapriya by M Balamuralikrishna, Siddhi Vinayakam by Muthuswami Dikshithar and Stava Vardita Vikrama by Kalyani Varadarajan.
IN CINEMA
The one that tops that list is Pazham Nee Appa from Thiruvilaiyadal. Composed by K V Mahadevan, it was rendered soulfully by K B Sundarambal
Nenjil Kudiyirukkum from Irumbu Thirai was composed by S V Venkataraman and sung by P Leela and TMS.
Maraindinrundhu from Thillana Mohanambal by K V Mahadevan and sung by P Suseela was based ion Shanmukhapriya.
Ilayaraja’s Tham Thana in Pudhiya Varpugal and Takita Tadimi from Salangai Oli holds a special place.
Ooru Vittu Ooru Vandhu from Karagattakaran is tuned on this raga. Mudhar Kanave from Majnu by Harris Jeyaraj is also popular.