Predominantly sung in the morning hours, Chakravaham conveys the emotions of pity and dejection in bhakti bhava. This raga is popular all over India. According to the Muthuswami Dikshitar school of artistes, this raga is called Toyavegavahini. Chakravakam is close to Raga Ahir Bhairav in Hindustani music.
IN CLASSICAL MUSIC
In classical music, Thyagaraja’s Etula Brothuvo, Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Vinayaka Vigna Nashaka and Gajananayutham showcase this raga well.
Dikshitar’s slow-paced composition Veena Pustaka Dharini Vegavahini is popular. Lalgudi Jayaraman’s Sri Jagadeeswari is also known well by rasikas.
IN FILMS
Ullathil Nalla Ullam from Karnan, composed by M S Viswanathan and T K Ramamurthy, and sung by Sirkazhi Govindarajan, melts our hearts. Ilayaraja has composed the famed Nee Paadhi Naan Paadhi from Keladi Kanmani, crooned by Uma Ramanan and Yesudas. Vidukathaiyaa… from the film Muthu, sung by Hariharan and composed by A R Rahman, is also based on this raga.
Albela Saajan Ayo Ri from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, sung by Ustad Sultan Khan, Shankar Mahadevan and Kavita Subramaniam, this Ismail Darbar creation is popular.