"Full Moon Melodies: The Bright Energy of Poornachandrika"
- Dec 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Poornachandrika is a raga that radiates brightness and speed. Often taught in the intermediate stages of Carnatic music, it challenges a student's precision because of its "Vakra" (zig-zag) nature.
1. The Simplified Scale
In this raga, all notes are the "higher" or "major" versions (Chatusruthi Rishabham, Anthara Gandharam, Chatusruthi Dhaivatham, and Kakali Nishadam).
Ascent (Arohanam):Â S R G M P D P á¹
Descent (Avarohanam):Â á¹ N P M R G M R S
What to Watch For:
The P-D-P Jump:Â Notice how the ascent doesn't go straight to the top. It touches Dhaivatham (D) and then bounces back to Panchamam (P) before hitting the high Shadjam (á¹ ).
The Missing D:Â In the descent, you skip the Dhaivatham entirely. You must go straight from N to P.
The Ending Loop:Â The sequence R G M R SÂ is the raga's identity card. Without this specific "loop," the raga loses its flavor.
2. Poornachandrika vs. Janaranjani
These two ragas are famous "look-alikes." Here is the shortcut to tell them apart using the simplified notation:
Poornachandrika:Â Uses NÂ in the descent (á¹ N P M...)
Janaranjani:Â Uses DÂ in the descent (á¹ D P M...)
If you remember "N for Poornachandrika,"Â you will never mix them up in a performance!
3. Key Phrases for Practice
Try singing these phrases to get the "Grip" of the raga:
P - D - P - á¹ Â (The upward bounce)
á¹ - N - P - MÂ (The steep drop)
R - G - M - R - SÂ (The signature finish)
4. Learning the Classics
The best way to master these symbols is to apply them to a song. Start with "Telisi Rama"Â by Saint Tyagaraja. It is the perfect "textbook" song because it uses all these signature moves in the very first line (the Pallavi).
Practice Tip
Because of its brisk nature, Poornachandrika sounds best when rendered in Madhyama Kala (medium tempo). Start by practicing the Sarali Varisais (basic exercises) in this raga's scale to get comfortable with the zig-zag patterns before attempting a full composition.