Basic Varnam Notation

This example demonstrates how to notate a simple varnam. We'll use 'Ninnu Kori' in Raga Mohanam (Adi Tala) as our example.

Overview

A varnam typically contains:

  • Pallavi - Opening section, repeated after each charanam
  • Anupallavi - Second section
  • Muktayi Swaram - Swara passages at different speeds
  • Charanam - Verses with sahitya

Setting Up

First, we set the tala (cycle) and beat duration:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4)

Pallavi

The pallavi contains both swaras and sahitya (lyrics). We use Sw: for swaras and Sh: for sahitya:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Pallavi") Sw: S R G M , P M G R , S _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ | Sh: nin nu ko ri , va ra da nun , nu _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ || Sw: S R G M , P M G R , S R G M , P _ _ _ | Sh: nin nu ko ri , va ra da nun , nu ko ri , va _ _ _ ||

Anupallavi

The anupallavi typically explores the upper octave:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Anupallavi") Sw: P D S. R. , S. D P M , G M P D , S. _ _ _ | Sh: en na ju chi , te ne e , man dha ra , va _ _ _ || Sw: P D S. R. , S. D P M , G R S _ , _ _ _ _ || Sh: nin nu ko ri , va ra da , nun nu _ , _ _ _ _ ||

Muktayi Swaram - First Speed

Swara passages typically start at first speed (one swara per beat):

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Muktayi Swaram - 1st Speed") Sw: S R G M , P D S. R. , S. D P M , G M P D | Sw: S. R. S. D , P M G R , S _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ ||

Muktayi Swaram - Second Speed

Then progresses to second speed (two swaras per beat):

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Muktayi Swaram - 2nd Speed") Sw: SR GM PD S.R. , S.D PM GR S_ , _S RG MP DS. , R.S. DP MG RS | Sw: SR GM PD S.R. , S.D PM GR S_ , __ __ __ __ ||

Charanam

The charanam contains verses with both swaras and sahitya:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Charanam") Sw: S S S R , G M P M , G R S _ , _ _ _ _ | Sh: e va ri ni , bro va ve , nu _ _ , _ _ _ _ || Sw: S R G M , P M G R , S R G M , P D S. R. | Sh: nin nu ko ri , va ra da nun , nu ko ri , va ra da || Sw: S. D P M , G M P D , S. R. S. D , P M G R | Sh: e va ri ni , bro va ve , nu da ya ra , dha yu da || Sw: S _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ || Sh: va _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ ||

Complete Structure

A typical varnam performance follows this pattern:

  1. Pallavi
  2. Anupallavi
  3. Pallavi (repeat)
  4. Muktayi Swaram (1st speed)
  5. Pallavi (repeat)
  6. Muktayi Swaram (2nd speed)
  7. Pallavi (repeat)
  8. Charanam
  9. Pallavi (repeat)

Tips for Varnam Notation

  • Always align swaras and sahitya on the same beat
  • Use underscores (_) for sustained notes or pauses
  • Use \line() to separate sections clearly
  • Mark speed changes in muktayi swarams
  • Use | and || to mark avartanam (cycle) boundaries

See Also