Simhavahini is a very rare raga, in which few great composers including Sadguru Thyagaja have written krithis, the others being Dr. Muthaiah Bhagavathar, Patnam Subramanya Iyer and J.C.Wodeyar. This raga is a shadava-sampoorna janya of the mela (27) ragam Sarasangi, losing the Rishabham (R2) in the arohanam only; the structure can be written as:
S G2 M1 P D1 N3 S // S N3 D1 P M1 G3 R2 S
Ragapravaham by D.Pattammal also gives only the same specification as above.
The raga is pleasing, especially when sung in medium to medium-fast tempo.
Compositions:
Nenaruncara napaini - Thyagaraja
Simhavahane - Dr. Muthaiah Bhagavathar
Ambujakshi pahimam kamakshi - J.C.Wodeyar
Evarunnaru - Patnam_Subramania_Iyer
Since the other compositions are not at all heard in concert platforms, the Thyagaraja krithi holds the Eka-krithi status even now. In the composition, “nenerunchara” Sadguru pleads with the Lord to give him refuge.
Meaning:
“O Lord SrI rAma! O Lord whose feet are worshipped by ascetics like sanaka and others! O Lord residing at ayOdhya! O Nourisher of true devotees! O Protector of this tyAgarAja! O Lord who is virtuous by nature!
Please show kindness towards me in full measure; am I not Your servant?
I have believed much that You are my mother, father, preceptor and God.
While I remain perplexed, why is that You wouldn't give me refuge?”
Let us listen to Sangeethakalanidhi Sanjay Subramanian singing the above composition.