Mohanam Ragam - Tamil songs in Mohanam, the mystical raga.

Mohanam ragam has an other-worldly feel to it. It is a mellowed raga, perfect to listen on pleasant and breezy evenings. The beauty of this raga has been personified in many Tamil film songs. Music composers have taken a special liking to this raga from time immemorial. If you want to chill with some good music after a long day at work, go for this raga. It is sure to detox you. Here are some Tamil songs composed in Mohanam raga. 

One of the oldest compositions to have Mohanam ragam was the spiritual Giridhara Gopala song from the 1945 movie Meera. M.S. Subbulakshmi's top-class rendition elevated the spirituality of the song. Another ethereal composition in this raga is A.M. Rajah's Nilavum Malarum from the movie Then Nilavu. Crooned by A.M. Rajah and P. Susheela, this song is the perfect number to calm your mind. There are also other old songs like Pazhaga Theriya Venum from Missiamma (sung by A.M. Rajah), Aaha Inba Nilavinile from Mayabazar (sung by Ghantasala and P. Leela) and Mahakavi Bharathiyar's Kaattru Veliyidai Kannamma from the Gemini Ganesan starrer Kappalottiya Thamizhan. Pure Mohanam is also visible in the T.M. Soundarrajan's song Vandha Naal Mudhal from the movie Paavamannippu.

There are N number of songs in Mohanam raga composed by Ilaiyaraaja. In the classically rich Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhandhai from Bhadrakali movie is an evergreen example of this raga. Then there is the famous Idhayam Oru Kovil from Idhayakoil, which is a heart-touching number. Romantic melodies like ABC Nee Vaasi from Oru Kaidhiyin Diary, Geetham Sangeetham from Kokkarako, Kanmaniye Kaadhal Enbadhu from Aarilirundhu Arubathu Varai and Nilavu Thoongum Neram from Kungumachimizh are classic songs that have this raga in its purest form. Ilaiyaraaja also experimented this raga by giving it a contemporary touch in Ninnukori Varnam from Agni Natchathiram. Especially the catchy interludes display the raga in its quirky form. Another beautiful folksy composition is Oru Thanga Rathaathil from Dharma Yuddham. Other evergreen songs include Poovil Vandu from Kaadhal Oviyam, Vandhadhey from Kizhakku Vaasal and Vaan Pole from Salangai Oli.

Songs of the 90s and early 2000s too were based on Mohanam raga. Thanks to A.R. Rahman in that case. The ideal example of this raga is the sad version of Poraale Ponnuthaayi from Karuthamma. Swarnalatha would have sung this song mellifluously in her melody-dripping voice. Paarkathey Paarkathey, an enjoyable number from the movie Gentleman, also displays Mohanam in its fullest form. The mesmerizing romantic melody Snehithane from Alaipaayuthey also has traces of Mohanam. A.R. Rahman also based the stylish number Samba Samba from Love Birds in this raga. The more recent song Ennodu Nee Irundhaal (sung effervescently by Sid Sriram) from the 2015 movie Ai is a good example of Mohanam raga. 

Other famous songs include:

1. Aasai Nenjin Kanavugal from Mugathil Mugam Paarkalam

2. Enga Maharanikku from Thalaimurai

3. Indha Poovukku Oru from Poovarasan

4. Iru Paravaigal Malai Muzhudhum from Niram Maaradha Pookkal

5. Kaathirundhen Thaniye from Rasamagan

6. Kekalayo Kekalayo from Kasthuri Maan

7. Meenkodi Theril from Karumbuvil

8. Oru Ragam Paadalodu from Anandha Ragam

9. Thirutheril Varum Silaiyo from Naan Vazha Vaippen 

Abheri raga  - Click here to check out Abheri raga

Charukesi raga - Click here to check out Charukesi raga