'Prakrthi' means 'As it is'. So, in Carnatic music, Prakrthi Swaras define Swaras that have only one form and can not change tune while singing. Shadja (S) and Panchama (P) are the Prakrthi Swaras in the set of seven Swaras.
Except Shadja and Panchama, The other five Swaras come under the category of 'Vikrthi Swaras'. 'Vikrthi' means 'Can change'. In Carnatic music, Vikrthi Swaras define the Swaras that have different forms and can be sung in different tunes while singing. They are- Rishabha (R), Gaandhaara (G), Madhyama (M), Dhaivatha (D) and Nishaada (N).
Same pitch position as Suddha Gandharam (Ga1).
Same pitch position as Sadharana Gandharam (Ga2).
Same pitch position as Antara Gandharam (Ga3).
Same pitch position as Suddha Rishabham (Ri1).
Same pitch position as Chatusruthi Rishabham (Ri2).
Same pitch position as Shatsruthi Rishabham (Ri3).
The lower of the two Madhyamams.
The raised form of Madhyamam.
Same pitch position as Suddha Nishadham (Ni1).
Same pitch position as Kaisiki Nishadham (Ni2).
Same pitch position as Kakali Nishadham (Ni3).
Same pitch position as Suddha Dhaivatham (Dha1).
Same pitch position as Chatusruthi Dhaivatham (Dha2).
Same pitch position as Shatsruthi Dhaivatham (Dha3).
Ṣ or s. = Any Swara with a dot below it signifies that the Swara belongs to the lower octave. The more dots present below the Swara shows that it belongs to even lower octaves (Thaggusthaayi o Mandhrasthaayi).
S or s = Any swara hving no symbol on it shows that it is in the middle octave (Madhyaasthaayi).
Ṡ or S= Any Swara with a dot above it signifies that the Swara belongs to the upper octave. The more dots present above the Swara shows that it belongs to even higher octaves (Thaarasthaayi).
|= A line signifies that a part of the thaala in the Aavartha (Completion of a cycle of thaala) is over and the next part of the thaala begins. When the || symbol is shown, it signifies the completion of an Aavartha.
P̄= A line over a Swara signifies an extension of the Swara meaning it elongates when people sing it. (Like P̄ pronunciation= Pa-a). This term in Carnatic music is called Aksharakaala or Dheergaswara.
(,)= The symbol (,) signifies an extension of singing in Swaras at the count of one Swara. even with the condition of a line on top of the Swara. (example:- p, d= pa-a da:: [P̄, d= pa-a-a da]= 3 Swara count for P̄).
(;)= The symbol (;) signifies an extension of singing in Swaras at the count of two Swara. even with the condition of a line on top of the Swara. (example:- p; d= pa-a-a da:: [P̄; d= pa-a-a-a da]= 4 Swara count for P̄).
(;,)= The symbol (;,) signifies an extension of singing in Swaras at the count of three Swara. even with the condition of a line on top of the Swara. (example:- p;, d= pa-a-a da:: [P̄;, d= pa-a-a-a-a da]= 5 Swara count for P̄).
(; ;)= The symbol (; ;) signifies an extension of singing in Swaras at the count of four Swara. even with the condition of a line on top of the Swara. (example:- p; ; d= pa-a-a da:: [P̄; ; d= pa-a-a-a-a-a da]= 6 Swara count for P̄).