It is the 4th in the list of 5 Ghana rāgams (Nata (raga), Gaula, Arabhi and Shree ragam being the others).
[3] Varali is an asymmetric rāgam due to the vakra prayoga in ascending scale.
[3] For the details of the notations and terms, see swaras in Carnatic music.
Some also believe that it can be sung as S R1 G1, and this phrase also appears in many compositions, Kanakanaruchira being one of the most popular.
It is believed that Varali, when taught directly by a teacher to a student, will strain their relationship or could cause ill effects to one or the other.