Raga Devagandhari
Devagandhari is a raga in Indian classical music. In carnatic classical music it is a janya raga (derived scale) whose melakarta raga (parent raga) is Shankarbharnam, 29th in the 72 Melakarta Raga system. It is not to be confused with Karnataka Devagandhari which is a Janya(Offspring) of Kharaharpriya similar to Abheri. Its Arohana is S R2 M1 P D2 S and Avarohana is S N3 D2 N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S. It is also present in the sikh tradition of Northern India and is part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.
Every raga has a strict set of rules which govern the number of notes that can be used and their interplay that has to be adhered to for the composition of a tune. Today Devagandahari is a rare little known ancient raga. It gives the best effect during morning hours. Historically it had three forms, the less ornamental type has been described here. Today it belongs to Bilawal Thaat. Some relate this raga with Bilawal thaat with asavari ang. In Ragmala it is a ragini of Malkaunsa. Its mood is one of prayerful supplication presenting a heroic effect. The texts set to this raga reveal a heroic search for these qualities that lead one to the Lord. It is used primarily by Guru Arjan Dev Ji who has composed 47 hymns in it while three by Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and six by Guru Ram Das ji.
Guru Ram Das Ji
They who become Lord’s slaves come to enshrine affection for Him.
They, who under Guru’s instruction, utter Your praise. O’ Lord, good fortune, nay very good fortune is recorded on their face. Pause
By fixing attention on the Lord Master’s Name, mammon’s bond and snares are shattered.
The Guru Charmer has captivated my soul and by seeing him, I am simply wonder struck.
The whole dark night I slept through and by an iota of Guru’s favour, Ii found myself awake.
O the beauteous Lord Master of slave Nanak, to me none appears to be at par with You.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji
O’ mother I fix my attention on Guru’s feet.
By God’s grace, my heart lotus has blossomed and for ever I meditate on Lord. Pause
Within is the one God, without is one Lord and the one God is contained amongst all.
In the heart, without the heart and in all the places, the Perfect Lord Master is seen contained.
Good many slaves and sages of Thine, sing Your praise, but no one knows Your limits.
O Thou Master Lord – the Giver of Peace and Destroyer of distress, slave Nanak is ever sacrifice unto You.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
This mind does not obey me, even a little. On my part I have got tired of instructing it but it does not abstain from evil deeds. Pause
It has gone mad with the intoxication of wealth and does not utter Lord’s praise.
By exercising fraud it hoodwinks the world and fills its belly.
Like a dog’s tail it does not get straight and lends not ear to what I say.
Says Nanak, you utter Lord’s Name always and you affairs shall be adjusted.
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