Jo Achyuthananda - Raga Kapi
Kapi is a beautiful raga. It is a Janya (Derivative) of the 22nd Melakartha Raga Kharaharapriya. Kharaharapriya has these seven notes: Sa, R2, G1, Ma1, Pa, D2, Ni1 Kapi is known as an Oudava-Vakra-Sampurna Bhashanga Raga: it has five notes in the ascent, and in the descent it has scope for foreign notes not found in the parent Raga, arranged in characteristic zig zag style. Arohana (Ascent) : Sa, R2, M1, Pa, Ni3, Sa Avarohana (Descent): Sa, Ni2, Da2, Ni2, P, M1 G2, R2, Sa Use of Kakali Nishadam N3, Anthara Gandharam G1, Shuddha Daivatham D1 give it tremendous scope for improvisation. We see there are many flavors of this melodious Raga, each using a set of these many notes permissible. "Jagadoddharana- Aadisidale Yashoda" is a fantastic Krithi by Purandara Dasaru is a fine example of Kapi. Purandara dasa says the Lord is Jagaoddharana- someone who is set to uplift the entire universe- and mother Yashoda thoght he was a kid and played with Him. The song has been s