Ragam MAlavashri is a very rare raga, very rarely heard in concerts; the compositions are also not very popular. This is a Ghana raga, suitable for singing any time. It gives the taste of the janaka raga at various places; also other janya ragas like Suddha dhanyasi or Abheri. The notes used are as:
S G2 M1 P N2 D2 N2 P D2 N2 S // S N2 D2 P M1 G2 R2 S
SSP describes this raga as:
“rivarjita malavasri arohe tu dhavarjitah
sadjagraha sadavi ca sarvayamesu giyate”
(it is a rishabha-varja raga, also losing dhaivatham in arohanam); as:
S G G M P N N S // N N D P M P N D M M G S
Ragapravaham by D.Pattammal discusses two similar ragas; Malavi sri under Kharaharapriya, with notes:
S G M P N S // N N D P M P N D M G S
S G M P D N P D N S // S N D P M G S
S M G M P N D P D // S N D M G S
(the second specification is almost the currently followed one, except R2 in avarohanam)
Also, as Malava sri, under mela (25) MAraranjani
S G3 M1 P N1 D1 N1 P D1 N1 S // S N1 D1 P M1 G3 S
However, current system uses the ragaswaroopam as shown at the beginning.
Compositions:
Ennallu tirigedi - Adi - Thyagaraja
Evarunnaru - Adi - Thyagaraja
Kanaka sabhapathim bhajare - Adi - Dikshithar
Mangalambayai - Jhampa – Dikshithar
Manasapi batha - Atantha - Swaathi Thirunal
Devi sathatham mudam - Krishnaswamy ayya
Intha perumai - Mukkup pulavar
(As per remarks available in the book 'Compositions of Tyagarja' by Sri.T.K Govinda Rao, this krithi is believed to be not written by Sri Thyagaraja, but sung by certain lineage of disciples of the Saint).
Discussion: ‘Evarunnaru brova’ – Thyagaraja krithi.
In the krithi ‘evarunnaru brova’, Sri Thyagaraja pleads with Lord Siva at Thiruvaiyaru to have mercy on him.
“Who else is there to protect me ? Why is this inordinate delay ?
O lord of Panchanadeesa, please let me know clearly .
O Maheswara, tell me the secret of concentrating on you heartily. I earnestly believe that you treat me as your man. You are the compassionate bestower of confidence. Tyagaraja worships you”.
Here is an excellent rendition of the Thyagaraja krithi, by Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.S.Sowmya.