अरभि

Raag Arabhi is a complete scale with all 7 notes in both ascent and descent raga in the Carnatic classical music tradition.. With its Sampurna-Sampurna jati structure, this raag creates a distinctive tonal landscape. The predominant rasa is Peace/Tranquility (शांत), making it suitable for compositions that evoke peaceful, meditative emotions. It is traditionally performed during evening hours, and its melodic contour offers rich possibilities for alapana, kalpanaswaram, and creative improvisation.

As part of the rich tapestry of Indian classical music, Raag Arabhi represents the deep connection between melodic structure and emotional expression that defines the Carnatic tradition.

Arabhi is one of the most revered and ancient ragas in the Carnatic tradition, classified as a janya (derivative) of the 29th melakarta Dheerasankarabharanam — which corresponds to the complete major scale (Sa Ri2 Ga3 Ma1 Pa Da2 Ni3, equivalent to Bilawal thaat). As Dheerasankarabharanam's most celebrated janya, Arabhi occupies a position of honor comparable to Yaman's place in Hindustani music. The raga is Audava-Sampurna (pentatonic ascent, heptatonic descent): the aroha omits Ri and Ga (Sa Ma Pa Ni Sa), while the avaroha descends the full scale. This asymmetry creates Arabhi's distinctive auspicious lift. Arabhi is traditionally performed at the opening of Carnatic concerts as a mangalacharana (auspicious invocation) raga — particularly the Tyagaraja kriti 'Sri Ganapathini' in Arabhi is among the most beloved concert-opening pieces. Tyagaraja composed several celebrated kritis in Arabhi. Muthuswami Dikshitar also composed in this raga. The raga's auspicious character connects it to devotional and celebratory contexts across South Indian music.