“Mohanam and the Magic of Aranya Kandam”
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
There are some songs we don’t just learn—we slowly grow into them. Bhavayami Raghuramam is definitely one of those. Composed by Swati Tirunal Rama Varma, this kriti beautifully walks us through the story of Lord Rama, almost like a musical retelling of the Ramayana.
One of the most touching sections in this composition is the Aranya Kandam, often sung in the soothing raga Mohanam. As learners, this is where music begins to feel less like practice and more like storytelling.
Stepping into the Forest… Through Music
When we sing this part, we’re not just going through lines—we’re stepping into the forest with Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
There’s calmness at first… the quiet beauty of forest life. Then slowly, things change—the golden deer appears, curiosity builds, and before we know it, there’s tension and heartbreak with Sita’s abduction.
If we pause and really think about these moments while singing, our voice naturally begins to reflect those emotions. We don’t have to force it.
Why Mohanam Feels So Right Here
Mohanam is one of those ragas that feels instantly familiar and comforting. With just five notes, it has a kind of openness that lets us breathe.
S R G P D S
S D P G R S
That simplicity is actually what makes it powerful.
Even when the story becomes intense, Mohanam keeps a certain brightness. It doesn’t weigh us down—it gently lifts the emotion, making it feel devotional rather than dramatic. As learners, this helps us stay connected without feeling overwhelmed.
How We Can Approach It as Learners
Let’s think about this in a simple, honest way—like how we practice:
First, we get comfortable with the raga.
We can sing plain phrases slowly, without rushing. Mohanam needs clarity more than anything else.
Then, we try to understand what we’re singing.
Even a basic idea of the meaning makes a big difference. Suddenly, it’s not just “lyrics”—it becomes a scene.
Next, we avoid overdoing things.
It’s tempting to add extra sangatis or make it sound fancy, but this piece doesn’t need that. The beauty lies in its flow.
And most importantly, we let it feel natural.
Some days our voice expresses more, some days less—and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is staying connected to the song.
A Small Realization
At some point, while practicing this, we may notice something interesting—we’re no longer thinking too much about swaras or technique. We’re just… singing.
That’s when this piece truly starts working its magic.
Final Thoughts
The Aranya Kandam in Mohanam is not about perfection. It’s about sincerity. When we sing it with a bit of imagination and a lot of feeling, it transforms into something deeply beautiful.
So next time we practice, let’s not just “sing correctly.
”Let’s sit with it, feel the story, and allow our voice to follow.
✨ Sometimes, the simplest ragas tell the deepest stories.
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