Information About Varnams

Varnam is the most important lesson to gain knowledge of Bhava and Gamaka. Generally, there will be less Sahithya in Varnams. Varnams are composd with different beautiful phrases of that ragha and they care composed with the laya Bhava and Ragha Bhava. There is a lot of difference between a Krithi and a Varnam. When we see an article in a particular angle, it would be possible to see that portion of the article only. Krithis are composed in that manner. That is, one particular angle of the Ragha is taken and improvised to create life to that ragha. Varnam is different. It is like seeing that article in the hands and seeing all the angles of the article. In varnams, all the life giving phrases are combined together and that is the reason there are many beautiful phrases in varnams. Since all the lines of the varnams are entirely dfieerent, it will take time to render without book. Krithis are easy to render without book, since the structure of the krithi is based on the first line, followed by different sangathis, without changing the structure of that song.
There are different types of Varnams in carnatic music. Thana Varnam, Padha Varnam, Padha Jathi Varnam, Ragha Malika Varnam.
Parts of Varnam:
Pallavi, Anuppallavi, Mukthayiswaram, Charanam, Charana Swaras. These Charana Swaras are also known as Ethukadaiswaras.
Thana Varnam or Tharu Varnam:
This is a type of varnam where Sahithayam are composed for Pallavi, Anuppallvai and Charanam. Importance is given both to Laya and Bhava in this type of varnam. Varnams are available in Aadhi Thalam, Ata Thalam, Jampai Thalam and other Thalams also. These varnams should be played in two or three Kalams to gain strength in Thalam. Since the varnams are played at the beginning of the concerts, it is very important to perform the varnam neatly.
Padha Varnams are composed mainly for dance. They are artistically constructed and beautifully designed. In some Padha Varnams, there will be Jathis and these are known as Padha Jathi Varnams.
Ragha Malika Varnams will have different raghas for Pallavi, Anuppallavi, Mukthayiswaram, Charanam and Charana Swaras. A detailed article with the Lakshana and structure of the varnams would be posted later.