- Life notes / jeeva
- Rishabha (R2), Gandhara (G3) and Dhaivata (D2) are the ragachaya (identity) svaras; the gamaka-laden rishabha and elongated (deergha) gandhara are the defining features.
- Resting notes / nyasa
- Rishabha (R2), Panchama (P) and Dhaivata (D2).
- Signature phrases / prayoga
- The vakra sanchara sa-ri-ga-Sa-ri-sa (S R G S R S) is the safety-factor phrase distinguishing Devagandhari from Arabhi. Rishabha appears embellished in descent as pa-ma-ga-ree (P M G R). Core phrases: PMD,D, DNS (or DSNS), SN3 DN2,DP, SRGR,GRSS, SND-RSR, MGR-P; and the recurring PDND-MPDP-PDND-PMDP-PMPM-GRGR pattern. Arohana S R2 M1 P D2 S; avarohana S N3 D2 N2 D2 P M1 G3 R2 S.
- Ornament / gamaka
- The Rishabha is more gamaka-laden than in Arabhi; the gandhara is elongated/deergha (vs Arabhi's alpa gandhara). Bhashanga raga using kaishiki nishadam (N2) as an anya svara in phrases such as SN3 DN2 DP. Sung with gamakas and vilambita/chauka-kala prayogas.