Madhyamavathi

"Mukunda Mukunda", the haunting number rendered by Sadhana Sargam in Dasavatharam is based on Madhyamavathi Ragam. It is an auspicious raga and usually rendered to conclude a concert. This raga is said to bring equanimity.

Ilaiyaraaja’s uses Madhyamavathi mainly for Thalaatu type of songs. Yes, madhyamavathi usages by IR are (90%) hypnotic lullabies. There are innumerable madhaymavathis in IR’s isai pattarai (music workshop). The vintage hits include

Aagaya Gangai - Dharma Yudham
Anandham Then Sindhum - Mann Vasanai
Kuyile Kuyile - Aan Paavam
Adi Pennae Ponoonjal Aadum - Mullum Malarum
Vanamellam Senbagapoo - Naadodi Pattukaaran
Eeramana Rojave - Ilamaikalangal
Ejamaan Kaaladi Manneduthu - Ejaman
Damakku Damakku Damm - Azagki
Kavithai Paadu Kuyilae - Thendralae Ennai Thodu

"Enna Samayalo" from Unnal mudiyum Thambi is a ragamalika where Raja opens with Mohanam and ends with Madhyamavathi. "Ilayai Podadi Penne" is exactly where Raja starts Madhyamavathi.

Rahman also has used Madhyamavathi in some of his songs. "Konjum Mainakale" from KK(Kandukonden Kandukonden) is a classic example of Madhyamavathi. In fact, Mukunda Mukunda is almost based on the same tune. "Then Then Thithikum Then" from Thiruda
Thiruda is another song where you can find traces of Madhyamavathi.

Eminent composers have rendered kritis in this raga. Shyama Sastri had composed “Palinchu Kamakshi”, a well-known kriti. Papanasam Sivan had composed kritis like “Saravanabhava” and “Karpagame” in this raga.