169/168
| Interval information |
dhanvantarisma
Thothoru comma
reduced
(Shannon, [math]\sqrt{nd}[/math])
169/168, the buzurgisma or the dhanvantarisma is a superparticular ratio measuring about 10.3 cents. It is the difference between the neutral seconds of 13/12 and 14/13 as well as between the neutral sixths of 21/13 and 13/8.
Temperaments
Tempering out this comma in the 13-limit gives the rank-5 buzurgismic or dhanvantarismic temperament. Tempering it out in the 2.3.7.13 subgroup gives the rank-3 buzurgic or dhanvantaric temperament. In such systems, 13/12 and 14/13 are equated, enabling buzurgismic or dhanvantarismic chords. This is very comparable to tempering out of 121/120, which results in biyatismic, in which 11/10 is equated with 12/11.
Besides tempering, the interval serves as a period in the 13-limit temperament oganesson, where it is equated with 1/118th of the octave.
Etymology
The buzurgisma was named by Margo Schulter in 2012. The name comes from the buzurg aka buzurk genus by Safi al-Din Urmavi, which features a neutral second[1][2].
The dhanvantarisma was presumably named by an unknown guest in 2011 since it seems this wiki was the place where it made its first appearance[3].
It looks as if it “dhavantarisma” might be named after Dhavantari, the Hindu god of Ayurvedic medicine, physician of the gods, and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is unclear whether 169/168 has anything to do with Indian music or with the Vishnu temperament.
Alternatively, it might be named after the word “dhavanta” from the Pali and Kannada languages. It has multiple meanings including “running away”, “hurrying, especially due to eagerness or anxiety”, “great or unreasoning affection or fondness (for a person or thing)”, or “fatigue, weariness”.