Varṇam is a type of composition in the Carnatic music system that encapsulates the key features of a raga, and considered as a foundational element in the learning path.
[3] With rhythmic elements like a padam, pada varnams are generally sung to accompany South Indian classical dance, including bharatanatyam.
The rest of the composition (charanam onwards) is sung in a madhyama kala or approximately 1.5 times the speed used at the start.
The "Mathe Malayadhwaja" by Harikesanalloor Mutthiah Bhasgavatar is a unique varnam because the chitta swara has two different types of saahitya arranged according to it.
The first is a rhythmic poetry describing the king and has the Raaja mudra and the second is a lilting Solkattu swara which is embodied in expression by bharatanatyam dancers.