भैरवी

Bhairavi

The 'queen of raags,' traditionally a dawn raag but performed at any time, with all komal notes available.

Thaat
Bhairavi
Jati
Sampurna - Sampurna
Vadi
Ma
Samvadi
Sa
Time
Dawn
Moods
Devotional, Melancholic, Romantic

Overview

Raag Bhairavi is often called the 'queen of raags' and holds a unique position in Hindustani music. While technically a dawn raag, it is conventionally performed as the concluding piece of any concert, regardless of the time. Its defining feature is the availability of all komal swaras (Re, Ga, Dha, Ni), though shuddh variants may appear as ornamental touches. Bhairavi's emotional range is vast—from devotional depth to playful lightness.

This summary is designed as a learner-facing orientation. Interpretive details can vary by source and performance lineage.

Aaroh

Sa Re(k) Ga(k) Ma Pa Dha(k) Ni(k) Sa

Avroh

Sa Ni(k) Dha(k) Pa Ma Ga(k) Re(k) Sa

Pakad / Chalan

Ga(k) Ma Dha(k) Pa, Ma Ga(k) Re(k) Sa

Swaras and note treatment

All komal variants — Re(k), Ga(k), Dha(k), Ni(k) — are standard. Shuddh variants may appear as ornamental touches, giving Bhairavi extraordinary flexibility.

Performance notes

Bhairavi's convention as a concert-closing raag means it is heard more frequently than almost any other raag. Its flexibility allows performers to incorporate touches of other raags, making each Bhairavi rendition potentially unique. The term 'Sindhi Bhairavi' refers to an even more flexible variant.

Representative listening

These embeds are included as listening leads. Curated performance choices should be reviewed editorially over time.

Search: Raag Bhairavi Hindustani Classical

Curated YouTube search

Search for classical performances of Raag Bhairavi.

Bollywood listening bridge

Bollywood song to raag mappings can vary by source and interpretation.

Rang De Basanti

Rang De Basanti (2006)

Singer: Daler Mehndi, A. R. Rahman. Composer: A. R. Rahman. A. R. Rahman's composition frequently cited as Bhairavi-based.

Listen on YouTube

Raina Beeti Jaye

Amar Prem (1972)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar. Composer: R. D. Burman. Widely cited as a classic Bhairavi-based film song.

Listen on YouTube

Bandishes in Bhairavi

Traditional compositions set in this raag.

Related raags

Derived from shared thaat, mood, or time-of-day relationships.