Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Pallavi
கண்டதை உண்டும் பண்டம் துண்டாக
kaNdadhai uNdum paNdam thuNdAga
உதவிடும் புழுவினை குடலிடையிட்டது யாரோ
udhavidum puzhuvinai kudalidaiyittadhu yArO
Anupallavi
குருதியின் மூலகம் எலும்புச் சாறெனும் பேழையில் அமைய
kurudhiyin mUlagam elumbuch chArenum pEzhaiyil amaiya
சிறுநீரகந்தனில் திறவுகோலை வைத்ததும் யாரோ
siRunIragandhanil thiravukOlai vaitthadhum yArO
Charanam
ஓடும் ரத்தத்தின் அழுத்தம் குறைந்திடும்போது
Odum ratthatthin azhuttham kuRaindhidumpOdhu
ஈடும் செய்திட துணைபொருள் நுரையீரலில் தோன்றுவதேன்
Edum seidhida thuNaiporuL nuraiyIralil thOndRuvadhEn
தேடும் அறிஞரும் புரியாத புதிரென காரணம்
thEdum aRinyarum puriyAdha pudhirena kAraNam
நாடும் செயல் விடுத்து கருவினை அதன் உருவினை பணிவாயே
nAdum seyal vidutthu karuvinai adhan uruvinai paNivAyE
Translation
Pallavi
How did the microbes in the intestine that help to degrade the food that you consumed get to be so naturally & precisely balanced at birth?
Anupallavi
The source for red blood cells, which constitute a quintessential component of the blood, is locked in the box of the bone marrow. But the key to open the lock when needed –the hormone erythropoietin– is placed in the kidneys. Who did this?
Charanam
When the pressure of the circulating blood flow falls low, the accessory component to compensate for this phenomenon is angiotensin II which makes its appearance in the arteries of the lung. Why does this interdependence exist? Rather than seeking the root cause that even scholars acknowledge as an unsolved mystery, start worshipping the source and the form of this natural process.
Author’s Note
This song questions whether there is a divine order at work in relation to the systems of the human body. To be specific, reference is made to the presence of digestive bacteria in the gut and the poet contemplates how it is a true enigma that such perfectly balanced colonization exists even at birth. Likewise there seems to be an order for the secretion of the stimulant hormone erythropoietin in the kidneys which triggers the bone marrow to make more red blood cells or erythrocytes when needed to compensate for losses. Similarly, when one’s blood pressure falls, kidneys release enzyme renin which splits Angiotensinogen made by the liver into pieces. One piece Angiotensin I (inactive molecule) circulates in blood and is converted into Angiotensin II most notably in the lung due to the abundance of the angiotensin converting enzyme ACE in the lung. Angiotensin II is an active hormone. It causes the muscular walls of small arteries to constrict which raises the blood pressure. Even though these may not be the only mechanisms operative in blood homeostasis, it suffices that the compartmentalization of solutions is inherent, defying rational thinking and hinting at a supreme order.
Pallavi
அக்கம் பக்கம் பார்த்து வரும் நோக்கம் என்னவோ
akkam pakkam pArtthu varum nOkkam ennavO
வெக்கம் நிறைந்த வினைகள் புரிந்த காரணமோ
vekkam niRaindha vinaigaL purindha kAranamO
Anupallavi
திறந்த கதவைத் தட்டும் பழக்கம் வந்ததென்னவோ
thiRandha kadhavaith thattum pazhakkam vandhadhennavO
மறந்த நிலையில் சொந்த வீட்டிற்கே வந்ததாலோ
maRandha nilaiyil sondha vIttiRkE vandhadhAlO
Charanam
மொந்தை கள்ளை உண்ட பின்னால் நடந்து நின்றதும்
mondhai kaLLai uNda pinnAl nadandhu nindRadhum
ஆந்தை விழியாள் அழகுச் சிலையை அணைத்ததும்
Andhai vizhiyAL azhaguch chilaiyai aNaitthadhum
விந்தை மொழிகள் அவள் முன்னே தடங்கலின்றி வந்ததும்
vindhai mozhigaL avaL munnE thadangalindRi vandhadhum
எந்தை கண்ட பின்னால் என்னிடம் வந்து சொல்லியும்
endhai kaNda pinnAl ennidam vandhu solliyum
Translation
Pallavi
What is the reason for you looking hither and thither and coming into the house? Is the reason due to your conduct and having done shameful acts?
Anupallavi
When did you develop this habit of knocking on an open door? Is it because you lost your memory as you entered your own house?
Charanam
I knew about the way you walked after consuming huge amounts of liquor; embracing the beautiful woman with the eyes of an owl: the way you were so expressive with words in her presence. My father saw all of this and briefed me on the developments. What is the reason for looking hither and thither and then entering this house?
Author’s Note
This song is based on the Sangam literature description of the hero’s or Thalaivan’s escapades. After spending the night in another woman’s house, the hero returns and tries to make up for his vile behavior. The heroine had already been briefed on his shameful conduct and questions him sarcastically on his new habits.
Pallavi
அறிவாலே அரிதாய் அமர் புரிவாய்
aRivAlE aridhAy amar purivAy
அரிவாள் இலாது அறநிலை நின்று
arivAL ilAdhu aRanilai nindRu
Anupallavi
அண்ணல் சொன்ன வண்ணம் அஹிம்சை ஒன்றே
aNNal sonna vaNNam ahimsai ondRE
எண்ணல் வேண்டும் அதன்படி
eNNal vENdum adhanpadi
Charanam
கொடிய விஷக்கிருமியும் நேர் நின்றவை
kodiya vizhakkirumiyum nEr nindRavai
பொடியச் செய்யும் ஏவுகணையும் ஓர் நொடியில்
podiyach cheyyum EvukaNaiyum Or nodiyil
இமை மூடி இடுகாடிடும் வாயுவும் நீக்கி பிறர்
imai mUdi idukAdidum vAyuvum nIkki piRar
சுமை தாங்கி அமைதியும் அன்பும் நிலை நாட்டி
sumai thAngi amaidhiyum anbum nilai nAtti
Translation
Pallavi
Wage a rare kind of war without using knives and other such equipment. Just stand on the side of righteousness and use your intellect.
Anupallavi
Following on the words of the great Mahatma soul, think only of non-violence and use that mandate to wage a rare kind of war.
Charanam
Avoid all weapons of mass destruction such as dangerous toxic microbes, missiles that crumble everything in front of them, and poisonous gases that in a split second shut eyelids and make burial grounds of places. Carry the burden of others and establish peace and love.
Author’s Note
This song reflects the author’s ideas on non-violence based on Gandhiji’s path. He advocates against biological warfare or using missiles and toxic gases that would inevitably end up in the annihilation of humanity.
Pallavi
நட்டநடு நிசியில் கெட்டகுடி பெண் போல்
nattanadu nisiyil kettakudi peNN pOl
வெட்ட வெளியே எட்டு கால் பாய்ச்சலாய் போறாளே
vetta veLiyE ettu kAl pAicchalAy pORALE
Anupallavi
அர்த்தமில்லாமே பளிச்சென்று பொன்னும் புடவையுமாய்
artthamillAmE paLicchendRu ponnum pudavaiyumAy
அர்த்த ஜாமத்திலே ஓடணுமா அவனைத் தேடி
arttha jAmatthilE OdaNumA avanaith thEdi
Charanam
ஆம்பல் பூத்த குளத்திலே குடமுருள நின்ற நேரத்திலே
Ambal pUttha kuLatthilE kudamuruLa nindRa nEratthilE
செம்பொன் கொடியை ஜாலத்தால் தன்வசம் செய்தானே
sempon kodiyai jAlatthAl thanvasam seidhAnE
பார்க்குமிடமெல்லாம் குமரிகள் கைபிடிக்கும் கோமானை நாடி
pArkkumidamellAm kumarigaL kaipidikkum kOmAnai nAdi
ஆர்க்கும் தெரியாமே ஆர்வமான அவன் அணைப்புக்காக
Arkkum theriyAmE ArvamAna avan aNaippukkAga
Translation
Pallavi
Why is this damsel running shamelessly in the middle of the night, on the outskirts of town, like a girl from a family of disrepute?
Anupallavi
Does she have to go out looking for him in the dead of night, dressed up in silk saris and shining jewelry?
Charanam
This fellow is the one who mesmerized a beautiful young woman. She was as slender as a golden creeper. She looked lost when the water pot rolled from her hands as she fetched water from this pond blanketed with blossomed water lilies. This “great” man has a habit of holding the hands of all the young ladies without their consent. Should this damsel be chasing after his loving embrace without anyone’s knowledge, and that too in the dead of night?
Author’s Note
This song is based on the Telugu padam by Kshetrayya beginning with “ChoodarE”.
The charanam of this song includes the Uraiyur Nachiyar story, a favorite of the poet.
In one story, Uraiyur Valli / Kamalavalli, daughter of Nanda Cholan, comes to fetch water and flowers from the river pond. A pot rolls from her hand and falls into the water. She needs help to fetch the pot. There is an old man standing there and she pleads with him for help. He agrees to help on one condition: that she will consent to marry him. As time goes by, she agrees in desperation and the old man jumps into the water to retrieve the pot, and comes back transformed into a handsome youth, Azhagiya manavalar. She falls in love and later marries him.
For the sthalapuranam of the temple narrated by the head priest of the temple, Uraiyur Nachiyar meeting Azhagiya Manavalar as an old man near Kudamurutti river, see the link below:
Azhagiya Manavalar as an old man near Kudamurutti river
As this is a key reference to the romantic story of Kamalavalli Nachiyar, I provide below the text from the above blog written by Badri on Friday, May 02, 2008, about Urayoor. See below in quotes:
"Significance of the Moolavar and the Stalam:
Just as I was about to worship the Moolavar, it was time to close the temple for preparation for Tirumanjanam. During a quick Dharshan, I noticed that the frontal view of the Cakram (the disc) was not visible as is the case in all the other Vishnu stalams. However, only the side-view was visible. As the sanctum sanctorum was closed down, I came out of the main entrance to find the high priest of the temple walking around yelling orders at his disciples. Prima facie he seemed to be a rude person who doesn't entertain unsolicited enquiries about the temple. However, I felt that this could be a great chance to extract the temple history from the horse's mouth. So, I approached him rehearsing my almost forgotten Iyengar accent hoping that it would mitigate his wrath a bit. But when I asked for the "sthala purnam", he seemed to have taken aback by the phrase. Probably because he didn't expect a modern dude like me to even know about such a thing. He said, "I may have time to talk about the Moolavar, but I think it may take too long to answer your questions on the statues on the gopuram. Why don't we sit down?" (Yoohoooo! The Iyengar accent worked afterall!)
This is the second of the 108 divya desams of Vishnu. Moolavar, Azhagiaya Manavalan presents Himself along with Kamal valli Thayar (in a sitting posture) after marrying her!
He is the exact replica of the Utsava murthy of Sri Rangam since Sri Ranganathar of Sri Rangam came here to marry Kamala Valli Thayar. Hence there is no Utsavar here.
The Moolavar presents Himself in the posture of using this Cakram against the demons, a unique selling point of the Stalam. The Stalam is devoted to Kamala valli thayar, since she is born to the Chola King Dharma Varman who ruled over this place. This place is also the birth place of Tiruppaan Azhwar.
Sthala puranam
Kamala valli Thayar took birth as a human due to the curse of Brihu muni. So, naturally, once the curse is over Lord Ranganathar has to come back for Her. Now it seems Lord Ranganathar had been a little too busy with taking care of people since he arrived here at uRaiyoor as an elderly person. As Kamala valli thayar was fetching water from the river, He promptly proposed to her (!!!) Shell-shocked by his proposal, Kamala Valli thayar dropped the pot (kudam) which rolled into the river. This only worsen her anxiety. Seizing the opportunity, Lord Ranganathar stuck a deal. He said, "If I get the pot for you, you should marry me!". Kamala valli thayar, told herself "There is no way this old man could do that, it is the easiest way to beat his appoaches". She promptly said "Sure!" without knowing that this old man is The Lord Himself.
The Lord went into the river and came back a handsome young man holding her pot. Understandably, Kamala Valli Thayar sense something fishy about this and said, "now how is that possible!". He said in response, "Sure! it is possible becaaauseeeeeee..." and grew in size and showed his "Viswa Roopam". After this, Kamala Valli Thayar was comprehensively beaten and she was only too happy to marry him. Just as in any other love story, they live happily ever after right here in uRaiyoor! :)
By the way, the river is called Kudamurutti river (Kudam = river, urutti = to roll) after its vital role in the turning point of the love story! ”
For a link to the Uraiyur Azhagiya Manavalar temple and sthalapuranam connecting the history and time period, without the details of the romantic episode of Kamalavalli Thayar, see
Pallavi
விண்ணிலும் மண்ணிலும் நிறைந்து நிற்கிறான்
viNNilum maNNilum niRaindhu niRkiRAn
கண்ணில் படும் ஆன்மாவில் எல்லாம் உறைகிறான்
kaNNil padum AnmAvil ellam uRaigiRAn
Anupallavi
வாழ்ந்து முடித்தவன் நிமிர்ந்து நிற்கிறான் இருள்
vAzhndhu muditthavan nimirndhu niRkiRAn iruL
சூழ்ந்து அலைபவன் வினைவசம் குனிந்து இருக்கிறான்
sUzhndhu alaibavan vinaivasam kunindhu irukkiRAn
Charanam
அறியாதவன் ஆணவம் கொண்டு வாதம் செய்கிறான்
aRiyAdhavan ANavam koNdu vAdham seigiRAn
புரியாத காரணத்தால் எள்ளி நகைக்கிறான்
puriyAdha kAraNatthAl eLLi nagaikkiRAn
மரியாதை இல்லாது வார்த்தைகளை வீணில் கொட்டுகிறான்
mariyAdhai illAdhu vArtthaigaLai vINil kottugiRAn
மேலும் மேலும் பாவம் செய்து ஜன்ம சுமையை மிகைக்கிறான்
mElum mElum pAvam seidhu janma sumaiyai migaikkiRAn
Translation
Pallavi
He pervades the entire sky and the earth. He dwells in all the souls the eye can see.
Anupallavi
One who has lived a full life stands tall with pride. One, who by the stroke of fate is unenlightened, is hanging his head.
Charanam
An ignorant person aimlessly argues, propelled by his ego. Because of his lack of intelligence, he laughs at others sarcastically. Without regard for others, he spews meaningless words. Such an individual goes on to commit more sins and adds to his life’s burden.
Pallavi
அனுஷத்து உதித்த அத்வைத சாரம் அது
anushatthu udhittha adhvaitha sAram adhu
அனைத்துலகிற்கும் ஆண்டவனின் வரப்பிரசாதம்
anaitthulagiRkum Andavanin varapprasAdham
Anupallavi
மதிசேகரன் பெயர் கொண்டாய் பர
madhisEkaran peyar kondAy para
கதி பெறவே அன்பர்க்கருள் செய்தாய்
gathi peRavE anbarkkaruL seidhAy
Charanam 1
காலணியின்றியே காலடி வழி தொடர்ந்தாய்
kAlaNiyindRiyE kAladi vazhi thodarndhAy
எளிமையே உருவானாய் எளியோர்க்கு வகை செய்தாய்
eLimaiyE uruvAnAy eLiyOrkku vagai seidhAy
ஆராவமுதனும் நாராயணியும் ஒன்றென்ற
ArAvamudhanum nArAyaNiyum ondRendRa
மாறா உண்மையை உலகினிற்கு உரைத்திட்டாய்
mARA uNmaiyai ulaginiRku uraitthittAy
Charanam 2
இசை ஞானமும் ஆழ்ந்த அறிவும் ஓருடைமையாய் கொண்டாய்
isai nyAnamum Azhndha aRivum OrudaimaiyAy koNdAy
கலியிடை கலங்கரை விளக்கானாய் காருண்ய ஜோதியானாய்
kaliyidai kalangarai viLakkAnAy kAruNya jOthiyAnAy
உன் கபிலாரண்யத்தே வாழ்ந்திடும் உயிரெலாம் தெய்வத்தின் குரல் கேட்டு
un kapilAraNyatthE vAzhndhidum uyirelAm deivatthin kural kEttu
கனகாபிஷேகியின் கால் சுவட்டில் களியோடு ஈசனையெண்ணி நடந்திடுமே
kanakAbishEkiyin kAl suvattil kaLiyodu IsanaiyeNNi nadandhidumE
Translation
Pallavi
There is one soul born in the star of anusham who is the essence of the advaita philosophy. That is God’s gift to the entire world.
Anupallavi
You took the name of the supreme Lord who adorns the moon and gave a divine path and salvation to the loving devotees.
Charanam 1
You continued the path of the sage from Kaladi without even wearing slippers. You are a personification of simplicity. You took care of poor souls. You stated lucidly the non-refutable truth that Lord Vishnu and Narayani/ Durga are a single divine form.
Charanam 2
Knowledge of music and a deep intellect were your unique wealth. You became the beacon of light and compassion during this torturous kali yuga. We are fortunate to have celebrated 100 years of your presence on earth amidst us. All creatures dwelling in your favorite state of Kapilaranya (modern California) will follow your divine voice. We will follow your footsteps with joy, thinking of one Supreme lord.
Author’s Note
The poet is deeply inspired by Kanchi Periyava. The pallavi refers to the birth star of Mahaperiyava (aka Chandrasekarendra Saraswathy) as “anusham”. Anupallavi refers to his simple style of walking all over the country barefooted following the footsteps of his predecessor, Kaladi Acharya. The charanam of this song refers to the book series “Dheivathin kural” summarizing his discourses and commentaries wherein he rejoiced at calling California (poet’s state of residence) as Kapilaranyam.
Pallavi
நேசம் நிறை நேரிழையாள் மின்னிடையாள்
nEsam niRai nErizhaiyAL minnidaiyAL
பாசமாய் ஓர்சொல் பகர்வேன் என்பாள்
pAsamAy Orsol pagarvEn enbAL
Anupallavi
காசிக்குப் போகாதீர் என்னுயிரே காரணம் கூறிடுவேன்
kAsikkup pOgAdhIr ennuyirE kAraNam kURiduvEn
விசாலி என உயிர் விடுப்பார் என்றுரைக்கும் விஸ்வநாதரும்
visAli ena uyir viduppAr endRuraikkum viswanAdharum
ஆசை விடுத்து பால் நீறணிந்து புன்னை மரத்தருகே
Asai vidutthu pAl nIRaNindhu punnai marattharugE
ஓசை விடுத்து ஒரு பில்வத்துள் ஒருங்கிணைந்தார் (என்பர்)
Osai vidutthu oru bilvatthuL orungiNaindhAr (enbar)
Charanam
மனித்த பிறவிப்பயன் பெறவே புனித காசி சென்றோரும்
manittha piRavippayan peRavE punidha kAsi sendRorum
கனி விடுப்பார் காய் விடுப்பார் விழைந்ததை விடுப்பார்
kani viduppAr kAy viduppAr vizhaindhadhai viduppAr
நெஞ்சினில் என் நினைவாய் உறைந்திடும் நீயும்
nenjinil en ninaivAy uRaindhidum nIyum
அஞ்சுகிறேன் மறந்தென்னை விடுப்பாயோ யானறியேன்
anjugiREn maRandhennai viduppAyO yAnaRiyEn
பாணிக்கிரஹணம் புரிவீர் காசியாத்திரை போவதுபோல் பாசாங்கும் செய்வீர்
pANigrahaNam purivIr kAsiyAtthirai pOvadhupOl pAsAngum seyvIr
காலணி வாங்கச் சொல்வேன் என் பிதாவிடம் இப்போதே
kAlaNi vAngach cholvEn en pithAvidam ippOdhE
Translation
Pallavi
My darling, with a waist as thin as a lightning bolt, would state lovingly that she has just one statement to make.
Anupallavi
I will tell you the reasons but do not head to the sacred city of Kasi. Even Lord Viswanatha, whom the world says dotes on his consort Goddess Visalakshi and is willing to trade his life for her love, has given everything up. Perhaps this has something to do with the milieu in Kasi. He appears now with the spread of milky white ash on his forehead, sits under a tamanu tree (known as Alexandria larel or Calophyllum inophyllum), in a serene surrounding without any noise. People are of the opinion that He has become one with the sacred bilva leaf which he loves so much.
Charanam
People who are very religious take a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Kasi to achieve spiritual benefits. They take a dip in the Ganges river and catch a glimpse of Lord Viswanatha. They vow to give something up that they loved until now, such as a vegetable or fruit, to demonstrate their renunciation. You are constantly thinking about me. I am very scared whether you will abandon me if you go on this trip to Kasi. Marry me. Pretend as though you are really into visiting the sacred Kshetram of Kasi. As part of this religious textual event, I will ask my father to buy you the right kind of shoes that you will need to go on this trip. Remember again that this is solely a wedding ritual and learn to act the part.
Author’s Note
This song is based on the restlessness and fear of a new bride around what her husband-to-be will do during the Hindu pre-wedding ritual of Kasi Yathra, or pilgrimage. This poem subtly mocks this ritual. The prospective bride advises her fiancé to simply follow the wedding tradition. She urges him to put on a show of heading to Kasi but instead to take a short ride around the wedding venue. As part of the ritual, the bridegroom will be provided with some sacred books. She advises him not to immerse in these religious texts and renounce her in this pretend quest. She points to the historical precedent of the deity in Kasi, Sri Viswanatha, going into meditation and leaving behind his consort Visalakshi.
Pallavi
சூர்ய நமஸ்காரம் செய்திடுவாய் மனமே
sUrya namaskAram seydhiduvAy manamE
வீர்யமும் விவேகமும் அருளிடும் மூலாதார
vIryamum vivEkamum aruLidum mUlAdhAra
Anupallavi
ஓமென்று ப்ரணவ நாதம் ஒலித்திட்டபோதே
OmendRu praNava nAdham olitthittapOdhE
ஆமென்று சொல்லி ஒளிவெள்ளமாய் வந்த
AmendRu solli oLiveLLamAy vandha
Charanam
மருள் எல்லாம் மாய்ந்திடுவதாலே மனத்திடை
maruL ellAm mAyndhiduvadhAle manatthidai
இருள் ஓடி ஓளிந்திடுவதாலே தெளிவு நிறைந்து
iruL Odi oLindhiduvadhAlE theLivu niRaindhu
அஞ்ஞானம் அகன்றிடுவதாலே புதுமைகள் புகுந்து
anyAnam agandRiduvadhAlE pudhumaigaL pugundhu
விஞ்ஞானம் விளைவதாலே பாஸ்கரன் பதம் பணிவாய்
vinyAnam viLaivadhAlE bhAskaran padham paNivAy
Translation
Pallavi
The Sun God Bhaskara confers a strong mind and sharp intellect. Therefore devotees, prostrate before the original supreme being.
Anupallavi
He came out as a flood of brilliant light, saying yes to that instant when the primordial sound of “Aum” entered the universe.
Charanam
The moment the Sun God arrives, all fears get crushed, and darkness disappears. This newfound clarity sustains, and ignorance is dislodged; novel ideas flourish and science sprouts. Therefore, devotees start worshipping Bhaskara.
Author’s Note
The universe formed in the dark in the beginning and Brahma sliced it at the center. The primordial sound “Aum” was heard and following this the Sun God acquired his physical form and the entire universe became bright. The anupallavi of this song captures this puranic belief referenced below:
நவக்கிரகத் திருத்தலங்கள், முனைவர் ந. க. மங்கள முருகேசன், திருமதி ம. இராசம் மங்கள முருகேசன், தென்றல் பதிப்பகம்,சென்னை 600014, முதற் பதிப்பு 1997, பக்கம் 45.
The source for this concept is based on Markandeyapuranam per the reference below:
சூரியனார் கோவில் தலவரலாற்றுச் சுருக்கம், வெளியீடு திருவாவடுதுறை ஆதீனத்திற்குச் சொந்தமான அருள்மிகு சூரிய பெருமாள் திருக்கோயில், சூரியனார் கோவில் 612102, மூன்றாம் பதிப்பு, பக்கம் 29.
சிட்டானச் சிட்டுக் குருவி
sittAnach chittuk kuruvi
சுற்றிச் சுற்றி வருகுது
sutRich chutRi varugudhu
வேட்டையொன்று கிடைக்குமென்று
vEttaiyondRu kidaikkumendRu
வீட்டைச் சுற்றி வருகுது
vIttaich chutRi varugudhu
ஆட்டின் காலைக் கடித்தது
Attin kAlaik kaditthadhu
மாட்டின் மேலே நின்றது
mAttin mElE nindRadhu
ஓட்டையான பானை ஒன்றில்
OttaiyAna pAnai ondRil
ஒன்றுமில்லை யென்ற பின்னர்
ondRumillai yendRa pinnar
கோட்டைவிட்ட மனிதர் போல்
kOttaivitta manidhar pOl
வாட்டமாக வலிய வந்தது
vAttamAga valiya vandhadhu
பாட்டியம்மா பரிவுடன் (சமையலறையில்)
pAttiyammA parivudan (samaiyalaRaiyil)
ஓட்டல் முறையில் வடை செய்ய
Ottal muRaiyil vadai seyya
நாட்டமாகக் குருவியும்
nAttamAgak kuruviyum
அடுப்பருகே சென்றது
adupparugE sendRadhu
சூட்டைத் தாங்க முடியாமல்
sUttaith thAnga mudiyAmal
பாட்டை யொன்று பாடியே
pAttai yondRu pAdiyE
பதறியோடிப் போனது
padhaRiyOdip pOnadhu
Translation
A small, beautiful sparrow
Keeps running around
Assuming that it will catch its prey or food
It is going around the house
It just bit the leg of a goat
Then stood atop a cow
Looking at a broken pot
Realizing that there is nothing there
Like people who have failed to achieve
With sadness it started going around again
Saw a grandma making a Vadai snack like in a restaurant
The sparrow with eagerness again
Went close to the fireplace
Unable to bear the heat
It started singing a tune, and
Flew away trembling in pain.
Author’s Note
This imaginative song is based on the popular children’s story about a grandma making a south Indian snack, and a crow keeping an eye around the preparation site. Remember that this song’s main character is a sparrow. All children familiar with the original story in Tamil will be surprised that the lead character here, the sparrow, left because of the heat. This song is deliberately written for kids, with the poet’s apologies to those missing the fox character. He did not want to corrupt the kids with a cunning fox tricking the sparrow.
Pallavi
காணாததைக் கண்டார் மாலயன்
kANAdhadhaik kaNdAr mAlayan
காணாததை அறுபத்து நால்வரும் கண்டார்
kANAdhadhai arubatthu nAlvarum kaNdAr
Anupallavi
நாணாத வினையே புரிந்தார் முகம்
nANAdha vinaiyE purindhAr mugam
கோணாது அடியார் பணி செய்தார்
kONAdhu adiyAr paNi seydhAr
Charanam
சடையிடை மதி தவழ் சங்கரர் காதலால்
sadaiyidai madhi thavazh sankarar kAdhalAl
இடருடை அவனியில் புண்ணிய உருவாகி
idarudai avaniyil puNNIya uruvAgi
யாதொரு நினைவும் சிவமென இலங்கி
yAdhoru ninaivum sivamena ilangi
மாதொரு பங்கன் மலர்ப்பதம் அடைந்தார்
mAdhoru pangan malarppadham adaindhAr
Translation
Pallavi
They witnessed what cannot be seen. All sixty-four of them (Saiva nayanmars) witnessed what even Brahma and Vishnu sought and never could see: the full form of Lord Siva.
Anupallavi
They performed only righteous acts and never did anything shameful. They served the Lord’s devotees without even the slightest discomfort on their faces.
Charanam
They were born as saintly souls in this troublesome world due to their deep love towards Lord Sankara, who holds the moon on his matted locks. They lived their lives thinking only about Him every minute of the day, and attained the lotus feet of their Lord, He who holds His consort in one half of the body.
Author’s Note
Kripanandha Wariar, who notably served by spreading the Saivite faith and served the devotees of Shiva throughout his life, was elevated as a saivite saint posthumously. Born into a Saivite family, Wariar learnt grammar, literature, hymns, and more from his father. Throughout his adult life, he devoted himself to raising the bhakti level of people in Tamilnadu, narrating stories of the compassionate acts of Lords Muruga and Siva. By ensuring that the discourse contained sufficient levels of religion, mythology, and humor, he kept the interest of his audiences and kindled a deep devotion in the masses. He used to pray to Lord Muruga every day and uttered his name constantly until he died in 1993. He was recognized after his death as the 64th Nayanmar after a lifetime of touching the hearts of the Tamil people. For more on Wariar’s life, see the link below:
Pallavi
தென்னை மர நிழலும் தெம்மாங்கு பாட்டும்
thennai mara nizhalum themmAngu pAttum
என்னை வியக்க வைக்குது மயக்க வைக்குது
ennai viyakka vaikkudhu mayakka vaikkudhu
Anupallavi
ஓடை ஒலி இசையும் பாவை ஓரக்கண் பண்ணும்
Odai oli isaiyum pAvai OrakkaN paNNum
சாடை குறியும் சித்தம் கிறங்க வைக்குது
sAdai kuRiyum sittham kiRanga vaikkudhu
Charanam
கோடைப் போடும் கால் விரல் நயனமும்
kOdaip pOdum kAl viral nayanamum
வாடை அள்ளி வீசும் அவிழ்ந்த கூந்தலும்
vAdai aLLi vIsum avizhndha kUndhalum
ஆடை திருத்தி நின்ற அவள் நிலை கண்டு
Adai thirutthi nindRa avaL nilai kaNdu
சாடை மாடையாய் நாடும் பேசிடும் நகைத்திடும்
sAdai mAdaiyAy nAdum pEsidum nagaitthidum
Translation
Pallavi
The cool shade from the coconut tree and the folk song floating in the air fills me with wonder and mesmerizes me.
Anupallavi
The music from the waterfall, the poem I interpret from the damsel’s fluttering eyelashes, and the signals she gives me through her facial expressions, all make me intoxicated.
Charanam
The gentle movement of her toes drawing lines in the sand, her fragrant and cascading hair, and how she fixed her clothes. All of this makes the whole town start gossiping, dropping hints, and laughing.
Pallavi
நில்லாமல் ஓடிவரும் நிலவொளியில் நீ
nillAmal Odivarum nilavoLiyil nI
இல்லாமல் நான் படும்பாடு யாரறிவார்
illAmal nAn padumpAdu yAraRivAr
Anupallavi
துள்ளாமல் கொள்ளாமல் நான் துவளும் நிலை
thuLLAmal koLLAmal nAn thuvaLum nilai
விள்ளாமல் உன்னிடம் யார் விண்டுரைப்பார்
viLLAmal unnidam yAr viNduraippAr
Charanam
ஏங்கி நின்றேன் மலர் மார்பனை நினைத்து வதனமெலாம்
Engi nindREn malar mArbanai ninaitthu vadhanamelAm
வீங்கி நின்றேன் கண்ணீர் குளமாகி
vIngi nindREn kaNNIr kuLamAgi
தேங்கி நின்றேன் இடை மெலிந்துடையுமுன்
thEngi nindREn idai melindhudaiyumun
பாங்கி ஓடியே அவனைச் சாடியே அழைத்து வா
pAngi OdiyE avanaich chAdiyE azhaitthu vA
Translation
Pallavi
Who knows the trouble I am going through in your absence, under the continuously moving moon’s bright light?
Anupallavi
Who will convey my exact status to you, with no additions or deletions? Who will describe to you my lack of excitement and joy, with no words left to speak, as I am constantly pining away?
Charanam
I am longing for him. My face is swollen thinking only about my Lord with his soft chest. My eyes well up with tears. Oh friend, please hasten and plead with him, and bring him here before my waist withers away and breaks.
Pallavi
வெண்ணிலா ஒன்று வானினின்று இறங்கி வந்தது
veNNilA ondRu vAninindRu iRangi vandhadhu
மண்ணிலா என்ற கேள்வி மனதில் எழுந்தது
maNNila endRa kELvi manadhil ezhundhadhu
Anupallavi
கண்ணிலா மாந்தரும் காண முடிந்தது
kaNNilA mAndharum kANa mudindhadhu
தண்ணிலா அணைப்பில் இதமான தகிப்பைத் தந்தது
thaNNilA aNaippil idhamAna dhagippaith thandhadhu
Charanam
விண்ணிலா வந்தேனென்று என்னை வியக்க வைத்தது
viNNilA vandhEnendRu ennai viyakka vaitthadhu
பெண்ணிலா முக நாணொடு முறுவலாய் நின்றது சுகம்
peNNilA muga nANodu muRuvalAy nindRadhu sugam
பண்ணிலா என்று கவிஞனையே பாடச் செய்தது
paNNilA endRu kavinyanaiyE pAdach cheidhadhu
எண்ணிலா வகையில் எண்ணம் இளநெஞ்சில் உதயமானது
eNNilA vagaiyil eNNam iLanenjil udhayamAnadhu
Translation
Pallavi
A pure white moon descended from the sky. A question arose in my mind of whether this phenomenon is really happening on earth.
Anupallavi
Even the people bereft of vision could feel this moon’s presence. This cool moon’s embrace provided warmth.
Charanam
It made me wonder whether I have ascended to heaven. This damsel moon stood there with a bashful smile on her face; she made the poet wonder whether real comfort lies in poetry. She stirred countless thoughts and emotions in the youthful heart.
Pallavi
வஞ்சத்தை நெஞ்சத்தில் சுமந்து கொண்டு
vanjatthai nenjatthil sumandhu koNdu
மஞ்சத்தில் கஞ்சத்தை காட்டும் கயவரே
manjatthil kanjatthai kAttum kayavarE
Anupallavi
பஞ்சத்தில் அடிபட்டது போல் பாசாங்கு செய்தாலும்
panjatthil adipattadhu pOl pAsAngu seydhAlum
நஞ்சதனை கொட்டும் நின் சுயரூபம் தெரியுமய்யே
nanjadhanai kottum nin suyarUpam theriyumayyE
Charanam
வைர அட்டிகை சிறுக்கிக்கு அழகாய்ப் போட்டு
vaira addigai siRukkikku azhagAyp pOttu
வயிறு புடைக்க ஒரு தட்டில் சேர்ந்து உண்டு
vayiRu pudaikka oru thattil sErndhu uNdu
ஆடி பாடி அவள் அரவணைப்பில் ஆனந்தத்தில் மிதந்து
Adi pAdi avaL aravaNaippil Anandhatthil midhandhu
வாடி வதங்கினாற் போல் இங்கு வர எங்கு* கற்றீரோ
vAdi vadhanginAR pOl ingu vara engu katRIrO
* Alternate: எங்கு பாடம்
Translation
Pallavi
Hey low life, you are a miser in bed and you are also full of deceit in your heart.
Anupallavi
You pretend as though you are weary and ravaged by a drought. I see that you are really toxic.
Charanam
You decorated your mistress with a diamond necklace, and ate from one plate with her until you had a full stomach. I hear that you sang and danced with her and rejoiced in her embrace. Where did you take lessons to pretend that you are grieving and weak, when you see me?
Pallavi
வாழையடி வாழையாய் வாழ்ந்திடும் வாழையே
vAzhaiyadi vAzhaiyAy vAzhndhidum vAzhaiyE
வாரி வழங்கலில் வள்ளலே வாழ்த்துகிறேன் உனையே
vAri vazhangalil vaLLalE vAzhtthugiREn unaiyE
Anupallavi
நன்கலர்ந்த மலராகி காயாகி கனியாகி மரமாகி
nangalarndha malarAgi kAyAgi kaniyAgi maramAgi
நாராகி நின்றாலும் நானிலத்தின் பெறும் பேறு வேறுண்டோ
nArAgi nindRAlum nAnilatthin peRum pERu vERuNdO
Charanam 1
மணவாழ்வு தொடங்கும் மங்கள நாளில் இமையா நிலையில்
maNavAzhvu thodangum mangaLa nALil imaiyA nilaiyil
பந்தலிடை வந்து நின்ற பந்துக்கள் வியந்திடும் வண்ணம்
pandhalidai vandhu nindRa bandhukkaL viyandhidum vaNNam
தோரணையாய் பசுமரமாய் தோரணமாய் நீ அமைந்தாய்
dhOraNaiyAy pasumaramAy thOraNamAy nI amaindhAy
அறுசுவை இதுபோல் இலையென விருந்தினை இலையிடை தாங்கினாய்
aRusuvai idhupOl ilaiyena virundhinai ilaiyidai thAnginAy
Charanam 2
பூவென நீ மலர்ந்தபோதோ புவியிடை மாந்தர்
pUvena nI malarndhapOdhO puviyidai mAndhar
ஆவென வாய் திறந்து கூட்டினை சுவைத்திடுவார் பச்சை
Avena vAy thiRandhu kUttinai suvaitthiduvAr pacchai
காயாகி நின்றாலோ குலையறுப்பார் சிதைப்பார்
kAyAgi nindRAlO kulaiyaRuppAr sidhaippAr
வறுப்பார் பொரிப்பார் பொடிப்பார் நன்கு ரசிப்பார்
vaRuppAr porippAr podippAr nangu rasippAr
Charanam 3
கனிந்தே விதம் விதமாய் பழமானால் தோலுரித்து
kanindhE vidham vidhamAy pazhamAnAl thOluritthu
விழுங்கிடுவார் தேனும் பாலும் தயிரும் வெல்லமும்
vizhungiduvAr thEnum pAlum thayirum vellamum
குழைத்தே அமிர்தமென்பார் நலிந்து நாரானால்
kuzhaitthE amirdhamenbAr nalindhu nArAnAl
கட்டிடும் கயிறாக்குவார் இறந்தாலும் ஆயிரம் பொன் நீயன்றோ
kattidum kayiRAkkuvAr iRandhAlum Ayiram pon nIyandRO
Translation
Pallavi
Banana tree, you span generations. You are a great philanthropist offering boundless charity, and I compliment you.
Anupallavi
Is there any greater boon or sustaining testament to this earth than you standing? You live as a blossomed flower, unripe vegetable, sweet fruit, tall tree, and as fiber that is useful at all stages of growth.
Charanam 1
You stood gracefully and decorated the entrance of the wedding event, the auspicious day when a young couple began their family life. The entire family arrived at the event and stood dazed at the refuge offered by your tender green canopy. You carried the food on your leaf with six food flavors and augmented the taste in the wedding feast.
Charanam 2
When you blossom into a flower, humans will open their mouths wide and relish the taste of the dish made with a banana flower, coconut, and spices. When you stand as an unripe green vegetable, people will cut the bunch, slice you into pieces, roast you, fry you, grind you into powder, and enjoy these preparations.
Charanam 3
You ripen and become sweet in a multitude of presentations (in different colors and tastes). People will skin you and swallow you whole. They will also blend you with honey, milk, curd, and jaggery, and call this preparation a nectar. When you reach the end stage and become thin, they will use you as rope to tie bundles. Is it not true that you are as worthy as gold, even in your death?
Author’s Note
This song was started on 15 June 2020 and completed on 3 July 2020 per a request from Smt. Uma Subramanian, the eldest sister of Smt. Asha Ramesh of San Jose, CA. This song was written for her students as part of a tree planting ceremony. Two songs were written, one inviting everyone to participate in the ceremony, and another extolling the admirable qualities of a banana plant.
Pallavi
சரணாகதி அடைந்தேன் சகம் புகழும்
saraNAgathi adaindhEn sagam pugazhum
அருணாசல வாசன் பதமலர் பிடித்தே
aruNachala vAsan padhamalar piditthE
Anupallavi
செம்மண் மலைமீது கதிரொளி பட்டாற் போல்
semmaN malaimIdhu kadhiroLi pattAR pOl
இம்மண் மீது சிவனுருவாய் உதித்த ஶ்ரீரமணனை
immaN mIdhu sivanuruvAy udhittha srIramaNanai
Charanam
மாட மாளிகை சூழ் கூடலை விட்டு களி
mAda mALigai sUzh kUdalai vittu kaLi
ஆடலைக் காண வந்தான் பாதாள லிங்கமொடு
Adalaik kANa vandhAn pAdhALa lingamodu
ஒன்றி ஞானியாய் அருளொளி விழிகளொடு
ondRi njAniyAy aruLoLi vizhigaLodu
குன்றினில் குமரனாய் நின்ற வேங்கடரமணனை
kundRinil kumaranAy nindRa vEnkataramaNanai
Translation
Pallavi
I surrendered unto His divine feet. The whole earth sings of his glory. He dwells in the mighty Arunachala mountain of Thiruvannamalai.
Anupallavi
He appeared radiant like the sun’s rays reflecting off the red soil on the hill of Arunachala. He appeared as a form of Lord Siva on this earth. I surrendered at the divine feet of Sri Ramana.
Charanam
Sri Ramana left his humble residence in Madurai, where he was surrounded by mansions and tall buildings. He came to witness the joyous dance of Lord Shiva in Thiruvannamalai. He became one with the Shiva lingam in the tunnel-like caves of the Arunachala mountain. He became enlightened and achieved sainthood. This Venkataramanan/Sri Ramana resided in the hills with compassionate eyes, like Lord Muruga.
Author’s Note
Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharishi was born as Venkataraman Iyer in Trichy in Tamilnadu, India. Self-inquiry motivated him to leave home at the age of 16. He landed in the Arunachala Mountain, Shiva’s abode. He spent the rest of his life there in meditation in the tunnel caves. An enlightened Ramana became a sage and jivanmukta. Devotees across the world thronged to see him and obtain his blessings. For more on his life and teachings, see:
Preface and Pages 3 and 4 of “The collected works of Sri Ramana
Maharshi, Published by: V.S.Ramanan, President, Board of Trustees, Sri
Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, 606603, Eighth Reprint 2002.
The Life of Sri Ramana Maharshi
Excerpts from
Pallavi
வண்ணமலர் பல தொடுக்கும் நூல் போல்
vaNNamalar pala thodukkum nUl pOl
எண்ணிலா பிறவியை கோர்ப்பதே ஆன்மா
eNNilA piRaviyai kOrppadhE AnmA
Anupallavi
பூக்கள் இணந்தே தோன்றினும் நூல் தனியல்லவோ
pUkkaL iNaindhE thOndRinum nUl thaniyallavO
உடல் பலவொடு சேர்ந்திடும் ஆத்மா வேறல்லவோ
udal palavodu sErndhidum AthmA vERallavO
Charanam
பெரிதான மானிட ஜன்மத்தில் மறை கற்கும்
peridhAna mAnida janmatthil maRai kaRkum
அரிதான வேளையிலே ப்ரம்ம நிலை வருகையிலே
aridhAna vELaiyilE brahmma nilai varugaiyilE
பற்றி படரும் ஆசையின் அநித்யம் புரிகையிலே
patRi padarum Asaiyin anithyam purigaiyilE
பெற்றிடும் ஞான ஒளியிடை ஆத்மனைக் கண்டிடுவாய்
petRidum nyAna OLiyidai Athmanaik kaNdiduvAy
Translation
Pallavi
Just as a string connects colorful flowers, so the soul connects the countless births of a human.
Anupallavi
Is it not true that a piece of string is independent, though flowers appear as a unit when woven together as a garland? Likewise, is it not true that the soul is separate, even as it links physical bodies across birth cycles?
Charanam
Find the soul and its source during the rare and precious period of learning the scriptures. These enlightening materials point to a path of righteousness in this unique human life. A state of awakening hits you and realization sets in on the impermanence of spiraling desires. You receive illuminating knowledge from a higher power, and you traverse the correct path to reach the Source.
Author’s Note
This song is based on the teachings and principles treasured in the Vivekachoodamani. Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada has laid out the advaitic philosophy in detail, pointing out that achieving non-duality is the ultimate goal in a life cycle. One achieves clarity of thought and Gnana at this point. For a vivid description, see:
Vivekacudamani
Of Sri Samkara Bhagavatpada
With an English translation of the commentary in Sanskrit by
Jagatguru Sri Candrasekhara Bharati Swaminath
(Sri Samkaracarya of Sarada Pitha, Sringeri)
Translator: P. Sankaranarayanan,
Publisher:
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kulapati K. M. Munshi Marg, Bombay 400007, Third Edition 1988, Pages 2-6.