72 Melakarthas

Question 1

What are the 16 swarasthanams

Answer 1

1) Shadjam
2) Suddha Rishabam
3) Chatsruthi Rishanam
4) Shatsruthi Rishabam
5) Suddha Ghandaram
6) Sadharna Ghandharam
7) Antara Ghandharam
8) Suddha Madyamam
9) Prati Madyamam
10) Panchamam
11) Suddha Daivatam
12) Chatsruthi Daivatam
13) Shatsruthi Daivatam
14) Suddha Nishadam
15) Kaisiki Nishadam
16) Kakali Nishadam

Question 2

How is the 72 Melakarthas formed?

Answer 2

There are 7 swarams and 12 swarasthanams in a sthayi, with the 12 swarasthanams there could also be 16, forming the base of the 72 Melakartha system. Within the 16 swarams, Shatsruthi Rishabam, Suddha Ghandharam, Shatsruthi Daivatam, and Suddha Nishadam are known as Vivadi Swarams that take the place of other swarams at certain times. With the orignal 12 swarasthanams only 32 Melakarthas known as Vadi Melakarthas are formed, with the additional 4 varieties another 40 Melakarthas are formed known as Vivadi Melakarthas.

Question 3

How are the 72 Melakarthas divided?

Answer 3

The 72 Melakarthas are divided into 2 equal groups. The first half is called Poorva Melakartha, and the second half is called Uttara Melakartha. In the first half Suddha Madhyamam is always found, hence their name Suddha Madhyamam Melakarthas, and in the second half, Prati Madhyamam is always found hence their name Prati Madhyamam Melakarthas.

Question 4

What are the 12 Chakrams

Answer 4

1) Indu 7) Rishi
2) Nethra 8) Vasu
3) Agni 9) Bhrama
4) Veda 10) Disi
5) Bana 11) Rudra
6) Ruthu 12) Adithya