You became the Lord of Death for Vaali, the king of the monkeys. You offered a helping hand and shelter to the demon Vibhishana. Oh, star of Ishkvaku/ Solar dynasty, who can equal you?

Author’s Note

According to Valmiki’s Ramayana, Lord Rama would not tolerate any deviation from morality and justice. He killed Vaali the monkey since Vaali deviated from the path of righteousness, by abducting the wife of Vaali’s brother Sugriva.

The demon Vibhishana was virtuous even though he came from the same family as the evil Ravana. Therefore, Rama liked Vibhishana, comforted him, and elevated him to be the future king of Lanka after the war.

villai Endhi nindRAnE

வில்லை ஏந்தி நின்றானே

Pallavi

வில்லை ஏந்தி நின்றானே விஜயராகவன் தந்தை

villai Endhi nindRAnE vijayarAghavan thandhai

சொல்லை மீறா தனயன் என்னும் பேருடனே

sollai mIrA thanayan ennum pErudanE

Anupallavi

இல்லை என்று சொல்லாமலே இல்லாளோடு

illai endRu sollAmalE illALOdu

கல்லை மண்ணை தாண்டி கால் நடந்தானே

kallai maNNai thANdi kAl nadandhAnE

Charanam

முல்லை மேல் உறங்கும் ராஜன் முள்ளையும்

mullai mEl uRangum rAjan muLLaiyum

புல்லையும் துச்சமென்றானே அஞ்சும் நெஞ்சினள்

pullaiyum thucchamendRAnE anjum nenjinaL

எல்லை இலா துயர் எதிர்கொள்ள அசுரர்

ellai ilA thuyar edhirkoLLa asurar

மல்லை லகுவில் வெல்ல சகாயமாய் சென்றானே

mallai laguvil vella sagAyamAy sendRAnE

Translation

Pallavi

Lord Rama, known as Vijaya Raghavan, carried the unique bow on his shoulders. He was ready to depart to the forest with his good name intact as an obedient son, one who would never cross his father’s words or orders.

Anupallavi

He walked accompanied by his wife, not denying her expectations, and crossed a hard path full of stones and sand.

Charanam

Though he was from the ruling class and used to all forms of luxury – like sleeping on a bed strewn with soft jasmine flowers– he did not care for all the thorns and coarse blades of grass on the way. Rama also knew that the gentle and timid Sita had to put up with endless suffering during the journey. Rama, determined as he was, moved forward effortlessly to face fighting the demons in the forest.

parAmugam kAttiyadhAl

பராமுகம் காட்டியதால்

Pallavi

பராமுகம் காட்டியதால் உமக்கு என்ன

parAmugam kAttiyadhAl umakku enna

பரிசு கிடைத்ததய்யா பராத்பரனே

parisu kidaitthadhaiyA parAthparanE

Anupallavi

அந்தரர் அந்தணர்தம் ஆதார புருஷனே

andharar andhaNartham AdhAra purushanE

சுந்தர லக்ஷ்மிபதியே மென்மலர் பாதனே

sundhara lakshmipathiyE menmalar pAdhanE

Charanam

மகிழ்வோடுன் கமலத் திருவடி பணியவில்லையா

magizhvOdun kamalath thiruvadi paNiyavillaiyA

மகிமை உடையோனே ஆதிமூலனே

magimai udaiyOnE AdhimUlanE

முடிவிலா நீயின்றி புகலேது நிழலேது கொடையேது

mudivilA nIyindRi pugalEdhu nizhalEdhu kodaiyEdhu

அடியன் நான் உனைப் பாடி வணங்கிடும் போது எனக்கு

adiyan nAn unaip pAdi vaNangidum pOdhu enakku

Based on Thyagaraja Kriti “ParAku jEsina “.

Translation

Pallavi

What kind of gift or status upgrade did you get, Supreme Lord, by ignoring me?

Anupallavi

You are the foundation and support for the celestials and the brahmins. You are the consort of beautiful Lakshmi. You have the most tender feet.

Charanam

Have I not worshipped your lotus feet with sincerity and joy? You are great and Supreme without an origin. When I am singing your glory and worshipping you, will there be any shelter or shade or boon without your involvement, oh Lord who has no defined end?

Author’s Note

This song is based on the Thyagaraja Kriti “parAku jEsina …” in ragam Jujahuli. Saint Thyagaraja complains to his favorite deity about the gain he has made by being indifferent to the devotee. For a translation of the lyrics see:

The Spiritual Heritage of Thyagaraja, C. Ramanujachari, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Madras 600004, Published 1958, Text and Translation of the Songs Section, Page 344.

Compositions of Thyagaraja, compiled and edited by T.K. Govinda Rao, Gyanmandir Publications, Indira Nagar, Madras 600020, First Edition May 1995, Page 117-8.

mOsam pOnOmadi yasOdhA

மோசம் போனோமடி யசோதா

Pallavi

மோசம் போனோமடி யசோதா உன் மகனிடம்

mOsam pOnOmadi yasOdhA un maganidam

நேசமான கோபியர் எல்லாம் அவன் லீலையிலே

nEsamAna gOpiyar ellAm avan lIlaiyilE

Anupallavi

நதிக்கரை ஓரத்திலே கண்ணன் விழித்தெழுங் காலத்திலே பழுத்ததோர்

nadhikkarai OratthilE kaNNan vizhitthezhung kAlatthilE pazhutthadhOr

தேங்கனி ஒன்றை பாங்காய் அணைத்தளிக்கையிலே

thEngkaNi ondRai pAngAy aNaitthaLikkaiyilE

Charanam

கச்சத்தில் முடிந்த கனி வாய் எச்சிலுடன் தந்தாலினிக்குமென்றான்

kacchatthil mudindha kani vAy ecchiludan thandhAlinikkumendRAn

அச்சத்தில் மடந்தையர் நீச வழக்கம் நீ எங்கு கற்றாயென

acchatthil madandhaiyar nIcha vazhakkam nI engu katRAyena

சபரி தருவாளென்றான் மாதவள் உறவு நூதனமே யாதவ குலம் சிரிக்குதடி

sabari tharuvALendRAn mAdhavaL uRavu nUdhanamE yAdhava kulam sirikkudhadi

உபரியான உன் பாசம் கெடுத்ததடி உரலில் கட்டிட காலமுமாச்சுதடி

ubariyAna un pAsam kedutthadhadi uralil kattida kAlamumaAcchudhadi

Translation

Pallavi

Hey Yasoda, all of us friendly Gopi maidens have fallen for your son’s magical charm and we’ve been cheated.

Anupallavi

When he woke up from a nap on the riverbank, we gently embraced him and offered him a nice ripe fruit.

Charanam

He said that the fruits stored in our garment’s end piece will taste better if we take a bite before offering it to him. In total shock and fear, all of us girls asked him where he picked up this vile language. He responded that Sabari used to offer fruits like that. We all feel that this damsel Sabari is strange. The whole Yadhava (cowherd) clan is laughing at this story. We think Krishna is totally spoiled by your excessive motherly affection. The time has come now to tie him to the heavy mortar/ grinder so that he does not go out and is punished for this kind of weird behavior and friendships.

Author’s Note

This is an imaginative song connecting a dream of the young lad Krishna to his previous avatar (Ramavatar) in which Sri Rama was offered fruits handpicked and selected by Sabari. In some regional versions of the Ramayana, she even tasted the fruit to make sure that they were adequately ripe to offer to her Lord. In the Krishna avataram, the Lord remembers Sabari’s affection from the dream he had during his nap.

The poet is aware that the Sabari legend is not in the original Valmiki Ramayana or in many other regional Ramayana versions or in the Padma Purana. But regional folklore legends abound, e.g. from eastern India. These are portrayed in numerous dance recitals and dramas. According to Devdutt Pattanaik who has done extensive research on this subject, the Shabari legend is detailed in Odia Dandi Ramayana authored by Balarama Dasa which was written at about the same time as Tulasi Ramayana. For details see:

Shabari offers tasted fruits to Rama

Evidence from Dandi Ramayana and Padma Purana

EdhayyA nEram

ஏதய்யா நேரம்

Pallavi

ஏதய்யா நேரம் உமக்கு மாதவா

EdhayyA nEram umakku mAdhavA

மேதினியை பரிபாலனை செய்யவே

mEdhiniyai paripAlanai seyyavE

Anupallavi

குளிர் அலைமோதி வந்தே உடலினைத் தழுவிட

kuLir alaimOdhi vandhE udalinaith thazhuvida

மிளிர் அரவும் பஞ்சணையாய் சயனம் விரித்திட

miLir aravum panjaNaiyAy sayanam viritthida

தளிர் கரம் பதமலர் மெல்லவே வருடிட

thaLir karam padhamalar mellavE varudida

ஒளிர் திருமேனியும் உறங்கியே பாதி நாள் போய்விட

oLir thirumEniyum uRangiyE pAdhi nAL pOyvida

Charanam

உருவினை இழந்த தனயனின் விதியினை நொந்து

uruvinai izhandha thanayanin vidhiyinai nondhu

இருவினை சேர்ந்ததால் இடையனாய் தங்கையை தொடர்ந்து

iruvinai sErndhadhAl idaiyaNay thangaiyai thodarndhu

குருவினைக் கண்ட சிறுவனைப் போலே சக்கரம் விழுங்கிய

guruvinaik kaNda siRuvanaip pOlE sakkaram vizhungiya

மருகனை மன்றாடி நின்று மீதி நாளும் கழிந்திட

maruganai mandRAdi nindRu mIdhi nALum kazhindhida

Translation

Pallavi

Where will you get time, Lord Vishnu, to protect this universe?

Anupallavi

The cool ocean wave comes and hugs your body; the radiant snake, Adisesha, has spread out and offered a smooth bed; the tender hands of the damsel massage your lotus feet; your body spends part of the day in deep slumber in this setting.

Charanam

You were in deep grief thinking of the fate of the son who lost his form; you wandered as a cowherd, following your sister to a cattle farm because of her fateful curse; you stood with reverence like a young kid who has seen his teacher, pleading with your nephew to retrieve your discus that he swallowed. This is the way you are spending the remainder of the day. Where will you get time to protect the universe?

Author’s Note

The charanam in this song refers to several stories or legends. In one (Line 1), Cupid or Manmatha, Lord Vishnu’s son, shot flower arrows at Lord Siva who was in deep penance to aid the Devas. Manmatha’s objective was to make Siva return to normal life and be romantic with Parvathi. Siva instead burnt him to ashes as a punishment, by opening his third eye. Devas and Rathi, Manmatha’s spouse, lamented and prayed to Siva to restore his life. Vishnu and all the celestials were sad at the turn of events. Siva brought back Manmatha to a formless life visible only to Rathi. The following links provide details of the episode and different deities who share Kamadeva’s name.

Thirukurukkai Sthalapuranam: Manmatha becomes formless

Siva burns Kama and helps Rathi

Another legend (Line 2) relates to a game of dice between Siva and Vishnu. Parvathi, a fair judge, pronounces her brother as the winner of the game and an angry Siva curses her to be born as a cow on earth. Her poor brother follows her as a cowherd to protect her. The following link provides details.

Vishnu follows sister Parvathi as cowherd

The last two lines in the charanam refer to a story about the origin of the current worship of Vinayagar in temples by performing தோப்பு கரணம் (thOppu karaNam). On one occasion when Ganesha swallowed Vishnu’s disc, his uncle was unable to retrieve it despite pleading with him and finally performed a comic dance by pinching his ears with both hands and bending his knees and getting up a few times. This made Ganesha laugh out loud and in the process the disc fell, and Vishnu grabbed it instantly. Mahaperiyava’s narrations on this subject are detailed.

தெய்வத்தின் குரல், ஜகத்குரு ஶ்ரீ காஞ்சி காமகோடி பீடாதீச்வர ஶ்ரீ சந்திரசேகரேந்திர சரஸ்வதி சங்கராசாரிய ஸ்வாமிகளின் அருள்வாக்குகள், முதற் பகுதி, வானதி பதிப்பகம், 13 தீனதயாளு தெரு, தி. நகர், சென்னை 17, ஒன்பதாம் பதிப்பு டிசம்பர் 1992, பக்கம் 45-6.

kaNNanin aruLmozhi

கண்ணனின் அருள்மொழி

Pallavi

கண்ணனின் அருள்மொழி கேளீர் அதன்வழி

kaNNanin aruLmozhi kELIr adhanvazhi

எண்ணமும் செயலும் ஜகத்தினில் கொள்வீர்

eNNamum seyalum jagatthinil koLvIr

Anupallavi

நிலைப்பதே உயிர் என உரைத்தான் கேட்டும்

nilaippadhE uyir ena uraitthAn kEttum

மலைப்பதே மூடரின் குணம் என உணர்வீர்

malaippadhE mUdarin guNam ena uNarvIr

Charanam

தீயிடை ஒளியாய் நின்றேன் என்றான்

thIyidai oLiyAy nindREn endRAn

நீரிடை சுவையாய் நிறைந்தேன் என்றான்

nIridai suvaiyAy niRaindhEn endRAn

நிகழ்வதும் விளைவதும் தன்செயலே என்றான்

nigazhvadhum viLaivadhum thanseyalE endRAn

இகழ்வதும் புகழ்வதும் விரும்பேன் என்றான்

igazhvadhum pugazhvadhum virumbEn endRAn

Translation

Pallavi

Please listen to Lord Krishna’s compassionate preaching and follow his thoughts and actions in this world.

Anupallavi

He uttered that the soul is the only permanent thing and others are fleeting. Understand that it is foolish not to comprehend and instead stand dazed at this deep thought of Krishna.

Charanam

He said “I stood as the radiation amid the flame and dissolved flavor in the water. Anything that happens now and in the future are only my doings. I do not like insults or praises”. Please follow his preachings and thoughts.

sonnadhai thirumbach chollum

சொன்னதை திரும்பச் சொல்லும்

Pallavi

சொன்னதை திரும்பச் சொல்லும் கிளிப்பிள்ளை போலே

sonnadhai thirumbach chollum kiLippiLLai pOlE

உன்னதமான உன் நாமமே ஜபிக்கலானேன்

unnadhamAna un nAmamE japikkalAnEn

Anupallavi

பன்னக சயனா பத்மநாபா பரந்தாமா ஊழி

pannaga sayanA padhmanAbhA parandhAmA Uzhi

முன்னவனே மஹாலக்ஷ்மி மன்னவனே என்று

munnavanE mahAlakshmi mannavanE endRu

Charanam

பார் புகழும் ராமனாய் உதித்து அறந்தனை நிலைத்து

pAr pugazhum rAmanAy udhitthu aRandhanai nilaitthu

கார் முகிலென கண்ணனாய் பிறந்து அகமெனும்

kAr mugilena kaNNanAy piRandhu agamenum

பேர் இருளினை மாய்த்து மானிட ஜன்மம்

pEr iruLinai mAytthu mAnida janmam

சீர் பெறும் வகைதனை காட்டிய ஶ்ரீமன் நாராயணா

sIr peRum vagaidhanai kAttiya srIman nArAyaNA

Translation

Pallavi

I started chanting your divine name, just like a parrot that repeats the words that you utter.

Anupallavi

I started chanting your multiple names, such as the Lord reclining on the bed of Adisesha snake, Padmanabha (one with a lotus sprouting from the navel), omniscient and supreme Lord born before time and formation of the universe, and king of Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Charanam

You were born as the famous Sri Rama and established virtue and righteousness in the world. In another incarnation you came as dark colored Krishna and annihilated the darkness of ego from the human minds. Oh Lord Narayana, you thus showed humanity the right path to achieve greatness and eternal bliss.

munaindhoruvan kazhal kaditthu

முனைந்தொருவன் கழல் கடித்து

Pallavi

முனைந்தொருவன் கழல் கடித்து ஞானம் பெற வேடம்

munaindhoruvan kazhal kaditthu njAnam peRa vEdam

புனைந்திறைவன் புவனமிடை வந்தான்

punaindhiRaivan bhuvanamidai vandhAn

Anupallavi

எட்டெழுத்து மந்திரத்தை திருட வந்த அவன் காதில்

ettezhutthu mandhiratthai thiruda vandha avan kAdhil

இட்டழைத்து கலியனெனும் பேர் தந்தான்

ittazhaitthu kaliyanenum pEr thandhAn

Charanam

நங்கையர் கலவியில் நாள் பல கழித்து வாடினான் திரு

nangaiyar kalaviyil nAL pala kazhitthu vAdinAn thiru

மங்கையின் தலைவனாகி மாதொருத்தியிடம் கொண்ட தூய

mangaiyin thalaivanAgi mAdhorutthiyidam koNda thUya

மையலினால் அன்பர்க்கு அமுதூட்டும் அரும்பணி

maiyalinAl anbarkku amudhUttum arumpaNi

செய்யலானான் நிதியுமிழந்து கதியின்றி வழிப்பறியனானான்

seyyalAnAn nidhiyumizhandhu gadhiyindRi vazhippaRiyanAnAn

தையலாள் உடன் நின்ற ஆதிமூலனை ஆரென அறியாமலே

thaiyalAL udan nindRa AdhimUlanai Arena aRiyAmalE

நையலாய் அணிகலன் உடன் அகற்றென பதட்டமாய்

naiyalAy aNikalan udan agatRena padhattamAy

Translation

Pallavi

The Lord came to the earth in disguise to help a devout soul. The mortal, with singular devotion, bit the anklet of the Lord to acquire divine wisdom.

Anupallavi

The Lord, in His infinite mercy, uttered the eight-letter mantra (Om Namo Narayana) into the ears of a robber. He affectionately named the devotee Kaliya, offering him a new name and with it, a new beginning.

Charanam

This robber had spent many a day in the company of women, and later grieved his actions. He later became the king of the province Thirumangai and met his true love. She gave him an ultimatum that if he wanted to be in a relationship with her, he must do the sacred job of offering food to the Lord’s devotees. Unfortunately, he lost all his wealth in this devout job and became penniless. Given these circumstances, he became a roadside robber to continue the sacred job. One day he spotted a wedding procession. Not realizing who was standing next to the beautiful bride, he hastily drew his sword and with overflowing sarcasm asked the groom (Lord Narayana) to give up his jewelry including his anklet. With no response from the groom, the robber knelt down and bit the anklet off the Lord’s feet.

Author’s Note

This song traces the history of Thirumangai Azhwar. He was born as the blue-complexioned Neelan and got trained in all forms of warfare and other skills. Impressed by his abilities, the reigning Chola king appointed him as the commander of the army, and made him the ruler of a small country which later became Thirumangai.

One of the maids, Sumangalai, who used to fan the Lord in Vaikuntam, came to enjoy the scenic beauty in the Himachal area with her friends. They saw Kapila Maharishi giving a discourse on Lord Vishnu’s greatness. While listening to their conversations, Sumangalai laughed at the ugly looking sage. Kapila could not take this and cursed her to be born on earth.

Sumangalai and her friends reached ThirunAngur. Sumangalai’s friends all left her at some point. Sumangalai then took a human form as a newborn on a Kumudam plant in a pond. A physician visiting that area picked her and brought her up as Kumudavalli.

In due course, her parents decided to get her married. King Neelan of Thirumangai proposed to her. She laid two conditions for the wedding. First, he should become an authorized Vaishnavite with all marked emblems, and second, he should feed 1008 devotees of Mahavishnu each day. Neelan carried out both properly and his wedding with Kumudavalli was conducted in full splendor.

In the following years, Neelan spent all his wealth feeding devotees and conducting other rituals. He did not have any money to pay taxes he owed to the Chola king. With his strength and valor, he turned to robbery. During one such encounter, he met a wedding procession of Lord Vishnu and Mahalakshmi disguised as rich local citizens. Neelan robbed them of all their money and jewelry except the anklet on the bridegroom. He then bit the anklet but with no success. He was also unable to lift the package of jewelry he had taken earlier. He threatened the groom and asked him if he cast any mantras. The groom smiled and asked him to come close to him so that he could chant the mantra in his ears.

Neelan approached him with his sword drawn and the groom said “நம் கலியனோ (are you my valorous man)” and then taught him the significance of Ashtakshari in his ears. After imbibing this mantra directly from the Lord, Neelan aka Kaliyan became Thirumangai Azhwar.

Kaliyan Story

Details regarding the Azhwar can also be found in:

108 வைஷ்ணவ திருத்தல மகிமை, 55 திருவாலி, 56 திருநகரி, எஸ். எஸ். மாத்ருபூதேஸ்வரன், நர்மதா பதிப்பகம், 10 நானா தெரு, (தி.நகர் தலைமை அஞ்சலகத்தை ஒட்டிய தெரு), பாண்டி பஜார், சென்னை 600017, தொலைபேசி 2433 4397, பதிப்பு 2004, பக்கம் 150 – 156.

A visitor’s account after traveling to the temples in Tiruvali and Tirunagari, describing the story of Thirumangai Azhwar, is presented in the link below.

Life and Exploits of Thirumangai Azhwar

amaidhiyAy idar ellAm

அமைதியாய் இடர் எல்லாம்

Pallavi

அமைதியாய் இடர் எல்லாம் எதிர் கொண்ட

amaidhiyAy idar ellAm edhir koNda

சுமை தாங்கியே ரகு குல திலகா

sumai thAngiyE ragu kula thilakA

Anupallavi

சிற்றன்னையின் சொல் கேட்டு ராஜபோகம் விடுத்து

sitRannaiyin sol kEttu rAjabhOgam vidutthu

முற்றும் துறந்த முனிபோல் மரவுரி தரித்து

mutRum thuRandhA munipOl maravuri dharitthu

Charanam

கானில் அலைந்தாய் இல்லாள் சொன்னாளென

kAnil alaindhAy illAL sonnALena

மானில் மறைந்த அரக்கனைத் தொடர்ந்தாய்

mAnil maRaindha arakkanaith thodarndhAy

மாதினை இழந்து மாவிடர் பட்டு சிரங்களை கொய்து

mAdhinai izhandhu mAvidar pattu sirangaLAi koydhu

கோதினை அகற்ற சீரெழில் தன்னை அனலிடை புடமிட்டு

kOdhinai agatRa sIrezhil thannai analidai pudamittu

Translation

Pallavi

Sri Rama, you are the star of the solar dynasty. You were a support pillar to the family and faced many obstacles.

Anupallavi

You obeyed the words of your stepmother and renounced the luxuries of a royal life, and dressed yourself simply with garments made from plants. Like a saint free of all attachments, you left the palace.

Charanam

You wandered in the jungle. You followed the treacherous demon disguised as a deer because your wife Sita wanted that deceptively beautiful deer. You lost your sweetheart and then went through anguish. You waged a war with demons and decapitated them. When the war was done and you returned to your kingdom, you heard a vicious rumor about the fidelity of your spouse among your citizenry. As a husband you believed her, but as a king you allowed Sita to go through an open fire as a test for proof of her innocence. She emerged unscathed. Thus, you faced all obstacles which came your way.

Author’s Note

The last line of the charanam describes the Agni Pariksha that Sita went through to prove her fidelity to Rama during her time in captivity in Sri Lanka. Sita jumped into a fire and came out unscathed, proving her innocence. Rama put her through this ordeal because of the vicious rumors among some citizens in Ayodhya and their lack of belief in Sita’s fidelity. Even the fire test does not quell such gossip (Uttara khanda Chapters 43- 45). Rama succumbs to public opinion and exiles Sita to Valmiki Ashram. As an extreme measure, Sage Valmiki arrives in the court and vouches for Sita’s innocence. Sita follows the sage and states in unmistakable language that her love for Rama is eternal and that she has not entertained any other person, even in captivity and under enormous pressure. She then begs her mom, Bhudevi, to come and take her. A throne with a canopy built by a serpent appears and Sita leaves the earth (Uttara Khanda, Chapters 95 - 97).

ulagamE nAdaga mEdai

உலகமே நாடக மேடை

Pallavi

உலகமே நாடக மேடை என்றும் இனகுல

ulagamE nAdaga mEdai endRum inakula

திலகமே தலைவனென்றும் அறிமனமே

thilakamE thalaivanendRum aRimanamE

Anupallavi

மலைமேல் நிற்கும் புருஷோத்தமன் பேசாது

malaimEl niRkum purushotthaman pEsAdhu

சிலைபோல் நின்றாலும் என்றுமுனை காத்திடுவான்

silaipOl nindRAlum endRumunai kAtthiduvAn

Charanam

உலர்ந்த இலைபோல் காய்ந்த முகமும் பொழுது

ularndha ilaipOl kAyndha mugamum pozhudhu

புலர்ந்த வேளை அலர்ந்த மலர்போல் மாற

pularndha vELai alarndha malarpOl mARa

கோதில் தூதனை அனுப்பியே துயரறச் செய்து

kOdhil thUdhanai anuppiyE thuyaraRach cheidhu

கோதையின் உயிர் காத்த கோதண்டராமனை நம்புவாய்

kOdhaiyin uyir kAttha kOdhaNdarAmanai nambuvAy

Translation

Pallavi

Oh mind, understand that the world is a stage and that Rama of the Sun dynasty is the lead in the show.

Anupallavi

Even though Lord Purushothaman stands like a statue on the hills and does not utter a word, he is watching everything. He will certainly protect you in your time of need.

Charanam

He sent an immaculate emissary on time. He transformed the scorched face that looked like a dried leaf to a fully blossomed flower at the crack of dawn, removing all her suffering, thereby saving Sita’s life. Therefore, always trust Lord Kodhandapani.

thaLLAdha vayadhil

தள்ளாத வயதில்

Pallavi

தள்ளாத வயதில் தேடிவரும் அடியாரை

thaLLAdha vayadhil thEdivarum adiyArai

தள்ளிப் போவெனும் வீணரைக் காணாய்

thaLLIp pOvenum vINaraik kANAy

Anupallavi

நில்லாத நிலையில் நின்றிடும்போது சற்றும்

nillAdha nilaiyil nindRidumpOdhu satRum

நில்லாதே என்றதட்ட வைத்ததும் நீயோ

nillAdhE endRadhatta vaitthadhum nIyO

Charanam

பாராயணம் பண்ணியது போல் நிமிஷமெல்லாம்

pArAyaNam paNNiyadhu pOl nimishamellAm

நாராயணா என்று நிதமழைத்தேன் காதிலோ விழவில்லை

nArAyaNA endRu nidhamazhaitthEn kAdhilO vizhavillai

நெய்யொழுக பொங்கல் படைத்தாலும் உண்டாயில்லை

neyyozhuga pongal padaitthAlum uNdAyillai

கைவலிக்க பூத்தொடுத்து சாத்தியும் பயனில்லை இனிக்கும்

kaivalikka pUtthodutthu sAtthiyum payanillai inikkum

தேனொடு குழைத்த பழமொடு அபிஷேகம் செய்தேன்

thEnodu kuzhaittha pazhamodu abhishEkam seydhEn

வானொடு நின்ற நீ வாராதிருக்கவே நேரிடை குறையிட வந்தேன்

vAnodu nindRa nI vArAdhirukkavE nEridai kuRaiyida vandhEn

Translation

Pallavi

Look at the mean people who push the frail and the elderly seeking your presence.

Anupallavi

Are you the one who ordered those people to yell at the infirm not to linger while looking at you?

Charanam

I called you every minute of every day by your name, Narayana, as though that is a prayer I have memorized. Perhaps this did not reach your ears. I offered mashed rice pongal with oozing flavorful clarified butter, but you did not accept and eat it. I strung flowers and made a nice garland until I felt pain in my hand, but to no avail. You did not accept my labor of love. I offered a shower, blending sweet honey and mashed fruits, and bathed you with this mix. You had all the time in the world to fathom the sky, and yet you did not have even a few moments to come to see me, despite my devotion and service. Therefore, I came here to complain directly to you about your apparent apathy.

nARugindRa dhEgam

நாறுகின்ற தேகம்

Pallavi

நாறுகின்ற தேகம் ஏது மாறுகின்ற நாவேது

nARugindRa dhEgam Edhu mARugindRa nAvEdhu

நான்மறை நாதன் நாரணன் தாள் பணிந்தார்க்கு

nAnmaRai nAdhan nAraNan thAL paNindhArkku

Anupallavi

ஆறுகின்ற பிணியேது கட்டை ஏறுகின்ற அனலேது

ArugindRa piNiyEdhu kattai ERugindRa analEdhu

சேருகின்ற இடம் அவன் பதமலர் என்றானபோது

sErugindRa idam avan padhamalar endRAnapOdhu

Charanam

மங்கை மறைந்திருக்கும் மலர் மார்பன்

mangai maRaindhirukkum malar mArban

தங்கை களித்திருக்கும் தண்ணருள் தமயன்

thangai kaLitthirukkum thaNNaruL thamayan

கங்கை அணிந்தவன் காலமும் துதித்திடும் கமலன்

gangai aNindhavan kAlamum thudhitthidum kamalan

செங்கை குவிந்தே அன்பர்க்கு அபயம் அளிக்கையிலே

sengai kuvindhE anbarkku abayam aLikkaiyilE

Translation

Pallavi

Lord Narayana is the originator of the four vedas. Any human who worships His divine feet is spiritually cleansed. Such born-again devotees will be free of impure thoughts and dishonest speech.

Anupallavi

The ultimate destination in any birth is to reach His divine feet. Once the soul has mingled with Him, there will be no more treatable diseases or need for a funeral pyre.

Charanam

He is the one with a damsel hiding in His chest. He is the compassionate brother who makes his sister Parvathi very happy. He is the Lord who is soft as a lotus, worshipped by Lord Siva who wears the river Ganges on his matted locks. When He assures the worshipper with a hand gesture, such a devotee is purified instantly.

Author’s Note

In the pallavi, the poet describes born-again devotees as being freed from impure thoughts, comparing the process to a physical body being liberated from stench. In the charanam, the poet refers to Lord Vishnu’s hand gesture as one that liberates his devotees. This hand gesture is one where the palm is outstretched in a giving gesture, with fingers pointing downwards.

nIr arundha umakkE

நீர் அருந்த உமக்கே

Pallavi

நீர் அருந்த உமக்கே தடை விதித்தாரெனில்

nIr arundha umakkE thadai vidhitthArenil

நீர் என்ன செய்வீர் மாதவரே

nIr enna seyvIr mAdhavarE

Anupallavi

நான்முகன் நடுங்கியே நானிலம் காத்திட

nAnmugan nadungiyE nAnilam kAtthida

வான் புகழ் கொண்ட உம் திருக்கரம் பற்றியே

vAn pugazh koNda um thirukkaram patRiyE

Charanam

வர்கலை வந்தே பசித்திடும் உமக்கு விருந்திடும் வேளை

varkalai vandhE pasitthidum umakku virundhidum vELai

மருந்தளவு உவர்நீர் கொண்டு ஆபோஜனம் செய்யுங்கால்

marundhaLavu uvarnIr koNdu AbhOjanam seyyungkAl

காசினி அழிவெண்ணி கரத்தினை நிறுத்தியும் ஆண்டொன்று கழிய

kAsini azhiveNNi karatthinai niRutthiyum ANdondRu kazhiya

குமுத வாய் நோக்கி ஜனார்தனனின் அங்கையும் குவிந்திட

kumudha vAy nOkki janArdhananin angaiyum kuvindhida

Translation

Pallavi

If they restricted you from even drinking water, what can you do Madhava?

Anupallavi

Your reputation is as vast as the sky. Even then, Brahma trembled and grabbed your divine hand to protect and preserve the universe.

Charanam

You came to this town of Varkala with an insatiable hunger and were given a feast by Brahma’s associates. Once satisfied with the food, you took a pinch of the salty ocean water and were going to perform the ritual of abhojanam (going around the food and then drinking the water). They stopped you from completing the process to protect the world. But even with that Janardhana, your palm, folded like a cup, appears to approach your mouth inch by inch each year. People do not know when there will be the predestined deluge and reformation of the universe.

Author’s Note

This song is based on the sthalapuranam of the Varkala Janardhana Swamy temple near Trivandrum. Brahma decided to perform a yajna and on his sojourn, chose the oceanside town Varkala as the optimal venue for the rites. During his preparations, he grew absorbed and forgot his primary function: creation. Vishnu rushed to the spot to remind him and appeared as an old saint requesting food. Brahma’s assistants provided him with food and at the end, he was ready to perform abhojanam with the local water. Abhojanam is part of Parishechanam (a brahminic custom) based on Chaandogya Upanishad elaborations. Brahma realized that the guest was none other than Vishnu, rushed to the spot, and stopped him from completing the after-meal ritual. It is commonly believed in Varkala that each year Vishnu’s hand in the Janardhana statue in the aabhojanam posture is inching toward the mouth. The following links provide more details.

Legends around Lord Vishnu and Abhojanam

Varkala name and Janardhana Swamy Temple

Below is the meaning of the parishechana manthram in Tamil– by Sri Anna of the Ramakrishna Mutt:

பரமாத்மாவின் பிரத்யட்ச வடிவான உன்னை ஜீவாத்மாவின் அன்பெனும் நீரால் சுற்றி ஈரமாக்குகிறேன். ஜீவதாரமாகிய உன்னை பரமாத்மாவின் க்ருபை என்னும் நீரால் சுற்றி ஈரமாக்குகிறேன். அமுதமாகிய அன்னத்திற்கு நீ கீழ் விரிப்பு ஆவாய். ப்ரானாயச்வாஹா ... பிரமனேச்வாஹா. பிரமத்திடம் எனது ஆத்மா பேரின்பத்தை பெருவதற்காஹ இது பொருந்தட்டும். அமுதத்திற்கு நீ மேல் மூடி ஆவாய்.

nAradha gAna priyanE

நாரத கான ப்ரியனே

Pallavi

நாரத கான ப்ரியனே ஈரேழ் புவன

nAradha gAna priyanE Irezh bhuvana

தாரனே அடியார் பாலனே

dhAranE adiyAr pAlanE

Anupallavi

முகில் நிகர் நீல வண்ணனே முகுந்தனே

mugil nigar nIla vaNNanE mukundhanE

அகில சராசரனே நிருபம குண சீலனே

akila charAcharanE nirupama guNa sIlanE

Charanam

நீயின்றி உயிரினங்கள் ஓய்வின்றி நடப்பதேது

nIyindRi uyirinangaL OyvindRi nadappadhEdhu

நீயின்றி மரங்கள் பசுமையாய் தழைப்பதேது

nIyindRi marangaL pasumaiyAy thazhaippadhEdhu

நீயின்றி மாதம் மும்மாரி பெய்வதேது

nIyindRi mAdham mummAri peyvadhEdhu

நீயின்றி அன்பர் நின் புகழ் இசைப்பதேது

nIyindRi anbar nin pugazh isaippadhEdhu

Based on Atana Raga Krithi of Thyagaraja “Naradha Gana Lolane”

Translation

Pallavi

Oh Lord Vishnu, you are a lover of Narada’s music. Your form is decorated with fourteen universes. You are the protector of devotees.

Anupallavi

Mukunda, your body is light blue like the sky. You are responsible for the sustenance of all living creatures. You are an immaculate individual with no blemishes.

Charanam

Is there any way that all living beings incessantly pace without you?

Is there any way that tender trees grow without your support?

Is there any way that it can rain three times in a month without your blessing?

Is there any way that sincere devotees can extoll your glory without a preordained blessing from you?

Author’s Note

This song is based on Atana Raga Krithi of Thyagaraja “Naradha Gana Lola”. The pallavi, anupallavi, and charanam are almost verbatim translations of the saint’s words in Tamil.

nenjil alaigaL vandhu

நெஞ்சில் அலைகள் வந்து

Pallavi

நெஞ்சில் அலைகள் வந்து மோதுதடி

nenjil alaigaL vandhu mOdhudhadi

கஞ்சி வரதனைக் கண்ட பின்னாலே

kanji varadhanaik kaNda pinnAlE

Anupallavi

கெஞ்சிய வரங்களைத் தந்திடும் ராஜன்

kenjiya varangaLaith thandhidum rAjan

வஞ்சியை வதைப்பதின் காரணம் என்னவோடி

vanjiyai vadhaippadhin kAraNam ennavOdi

Charanam

ஆனான அயனுக்கும் மறதி கூடாதென்றவர்

AnAna ayanukkum maRadhi kUdAdhendRavar

மானான என்னை மறந்த மாயமுமென்னவோ

mAnAna ennai maRandha mAyamumennavO

தெருமுனை கண்ட பல்லிக்கு சுய உரு தருவேன் என்றடமோ

therumunai kaNda pallikku suya uru tharuvEn endRadamO

தருவினைத் தழுவிட துடித்திடும் கொடிபோல் என்

tharuvinaith thazhuvida thuditthidum kodipOl en

Translation

Pallavi

A jumble of thoughts are pounding on my heart like the ocean’s waves, after catching a glimpse of Varadhan of Kanchi.

Anupallavi

Why is my king torturing this damsel – despite his compassionate nature, he who grants boons in response to his devotees’ entreaties?

Charanam

What is the flimsy reason for him to forget this lovely deer? Isn’t he the same person who castigated the great Brahma that he should never have memory lapses? Did he get sidetracked by seeing a lizard on the street? Is he throwing a tantrum, stating that he would instantly restore the lizard’s original form as in its past birth? My heart is in the state of a creeper that longs to embrace a tree for support.

Author’s Note

The charanam in this song has references to Varadaraja Perumal offering relief to two youths who were cursed to become lizards by Gautama Rishi, for their negligence in leaving water unattended for the puja. The youths regained their original forms with the Lord’s grace. Another story that is weaved in here relates to Brahma forgetting his routine function of creation. Lord Hari chastises him for it and finally offers him the srishti dhanda after a severe yagna. The sections on Two Lizards and Varadaraja Incarnation in Hastigiri in the following link provide details for the charanam lines 1 and 3.

Lizards transformed,

Brahma gets power of creation again

Another story in a different time frame and location relates to Brahma descending on Varkala, Kerala. He chooses a serene location for the yagna and starts to prepare, and forgets his duty of creation. Lord Vishnu follows him to Varkala to remind him of this duty.

Brahma’s lapse of memory in Varkala

engindha kalai payindRIr

எங்கிந்த கலை பயின்றீர்

Pallavi

எங்கிந்த கலை பயின்றீர் எம்பெருமானே

engindha kalai payindRIr emperumAnE

கோசலை தன் கருவிலோ இல்லை சோதையின் திருவிலோ

kOsalai than karuvilO illai sOdhaiyin thiruvilO

Anupallavi

ஓங்கு புகழ் அரசும் ஆநிரை காத்திடும் ஆயரும்

Ongu pugazh arasum Anirai kAtthidum Ayarum

யாங்கணும் காலால் உதைத்ததாய் கேட்டதில்லை

yAngaNum kAlAl udhaitthadhAy kEttadhillai

Charanam 1

பெண்ணென்று அறிந்தும் கல்லான அகலிகையைக் காலால் இடறினேன் என்றீர்

peNNendRu aRindhum kallAna agaligaiyaik kAlal idaRinEn endRIr

மண்மிசை வாழ்வோரும் சாபவிமோசனம் தந்திடவே என்றார்

maNmisai vAzhvOrum sAbavimOchanam thandhidavE endRAr

பூதேவியை உதைத்தே கங்கையை வரவழைத்தீர்

bUdhEviyai udhaitthE gangaiyai varavazhaitthIr

ஆதரித்தே அருந்திட நீர் தந்தீர் என்றார்

AdharitthE arundhida nIr thandhIr endRAr

Charanam 2

மாதவன் காலால் காளிங்கன் மேல் நடமிட்டதேனோ

mAdhavan kAlAl kALingan mEl nadamittadhEnO

யாதவர் குலம் காத்திடவேயென யாவரும் சொன்னார்

yAdhavar kulam kAtthidavEyena yAvarum sonnAr

மல்லனாய் வந்தே காலாலுதைத்தே கம்சனை வதைத்தீர்

mallanAy vandhE kAlAludhaitthE kamsanai vadhaitthIr

அல்லன போகவும் நல்லன நிலையவும் அவ்வண்ணம் செய்தீர் என்றார்

allana pOgavum nallana nilaiyavum avvaNNam seidhIr endRAr

Charanam 3

ஏய்த்தே எக்களித்தே மஹாபலியைக் காலால் அழுத்தினீர்

EytthE ekkaLitthE mahAbaliyaik kAlAl azhutthinIr

மாய்த்தே அகந்தையிருள் அகற்றினீர் என்றார்

mAytthE agandhaiyiruL agatRinIr endRAr

பரிவுடன் பரதனின் சிரமேல் குறடிட்டு ஆண்டிடச் செய்தீர்

parivudan bharadhanin siramEl kuRadittu Andidach cheidhIr

அறிவுடையோரும் அன்பர்க்கருளும் அமலனின் செயலதுவே என்றார்

aRivudaiyOrum anbarkkaruLum amalanin seyaladhuvE endRAr

குடும்பம் என்றவுடன் குறட்டோடு நிறுத்தினீர் உம் சுய

kudumbam endRavudan kuRattOdu niRutthinIr um suya

உரு தெரியும் எமக்கே திருமலையோனே

uru theriyum emakkE thirumalaiyOnE

Translation

Pallavi

Lord Vishnu, where did you learn this art form of kicking? Was it in Kausalya’s womb when you were baby Rama, or was it in Yashoda’s body when you used to play as the child Krishna?

Anupallavi

You have taken many forms, as a famous king and as a shepherd taking care of cattle. No matter the form, I have never heard of anyone engaging in this nasty habit of kicking another person.

Charanam 1

Even though you knew that the stone in your path was actually Ahalya, you stated that you tripped on a stone. The earthlings said that your act was a deliverance from her past curse. You placed your foot on the universe and pierced it with your toe, knowing that you kicked Goddess Bhoodevi. This act caused the river Ganges to flow. Of course, people here justified it as an act of support for drought-ridden communities, offering them drinking water and saving lives.

Charanam 2

What is the reason Madhava, for you to stomp on the head of the snake Kalinga? Everyone here said that you did this to save the Yadhava clan of cowherds. You, oh Krishna, were also a part of this clan and saved them from the venomous snake. You came to fight and killed Kamsa by placing your foot on his chest. Everyone said that you drove away evil and established a righteous path in the universe.

Charanam 3

With sarcasm, you pushed King Mahabali into the netherworld. The earthlings said that by killing Mahabali, you vanquished his ego. In a separate act, you placed your shoes on Bharata’s head and asked him to rule Ayodhya by proxy, until your stay in the forest was over. This was despite the fact that you had made it clear that you did not want anyone to disturb you during your time in the forest. Yet you did not punish Bharata for this transgression because he is your brother. Oh, Lord dwelling in the Thirumala Hills, I know your true self.

Author’s Note

This is a subtle nindhastuti on Lord Vishnu, who kicked people in his different avatars. This nasty behavior came to a screeching halt when it was time to deal with his favorite brother Bharatha. He was not annoyed by Bharata’s repeated insistence that Rama should return to Ayodhya. Rama had sworn before leaving the country that he would not return during this time, and commanded that no one should disturb him. Rama did not scold Bharata or express his displeasure in any way. Instead Rama blessed him and gave him his shoes, thereby allowing him to rule the country by proxy. Bharata placed Rama’s shoes on the throne in Ayodhya and ruled the country by proxy.

The Charanam 1 lines below imply that Vishnu’s foot is the source of the river Ganga.

பூதேவியை உதைத்தே கங்கையை வரவழைத்தீர்

ஆதரித்தே அருந்திட நீர் தந்தீர் என்றார்

The following references from various puranas corroborate this idea in Hindu mythology.

Did Vishnu puncture the universe to generate the Ganges? See below:

Vishnu punctured the universe to generate the Ganges

According to Vishnu Purana, the Ganges came out of the sweat from Vishnu’s foot. See below:

Vishnu Purana and the origin of Ganges

There is another legend associated with the origins of the river Ganges to Vishnu’s foot. In brief, Bhagvat purana Canto 5 Chapter 17 states that Vishnu, in his incarnation as Vamana, extended his left foot to the end of the universe. He pierced a hole in its covering with the nail of his big toe. Through the hole, the pure water of the causal ocean entered this universe as the Ganges river.

Charanam 3 line 1 refers to Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and his sending King Bali to Patala logam by stomping on his head. That scene is vividly described here:

Youth version of Vamana avataram of Lord Vishnu

kaNNanaik kANavE

கண்ணனைக் காணவே

Pallavi

கண்ணனைக் காணவே இரு கண்களும் போதுமோ

kaNNanaik kANavE iru kaNgaLum pOdhumO

பண்ணினைப் பாடியே பரவிட வாழ்நாள் போதுமோ

paNNinaip pAdiyE paravida vAzhnAL pOdhumO

Anupallavi

குழலிசை மன்னவன் உம்பர்தம் முன்னவன் கார்

kuzhalisai mannavan umbartham munnavan kAr

குழலசைவினில் கோபியர் மனம் கொய்தவன் (அக்)

kuzhalasaivinil gOpiyar manam koydhavan (ak)

Charanam

இடம் மாறியே வளர்ந்தவன் உறியடி பண்ணியே

idam mARiyE vaLarndhavan uRiyadi paNNiyE

அடம் செய்தவன் அகம்மிகு காளிங்கனின்

adam seidhavan agammigu kALinganin

விடம் நீக்கிடவே தன் மென்மலர்ப் பதம் நோக

vidam nIkkidavE than menmalarp padham nOga

நடம் புரிந்தவன் நங்கையர் ஹ்ருதய நாயகன்

nadam purindhavan nangaiyar hrudhaya nAyagan

Translation

Pallavi

Are two eyes adequate to glance at Lord Krishna? Is a lifetime adequate to extoll His divine glory?

Anupallavi

He is the king of the flute’s melody. He is the leader of all celestial beings. He stole the hearts of the gopi maidens with the sway of his anklets.

Charanam

He was brought up away from home. He was the mischief-maker breaking pots of butter hanging from rope swings, who relished creamy butter. He did not mind the pain to his lotus feet, as he danced on the head of the egocentric and venomous snake, Kalinga, to destroy him and detoxify the polluted water where he lived. He is domiciled in the hearts of all women.

pAvaiyarE pAvaiyarE

பாவையரே பாவையரே

Pallavi

பாவையரே பாவையரே பறந்தே வாருங்க

pAvaiyarE pAvaiyarE paRandhE vArunga

வந்து நம்ம பாலகிருஷ்ணன் லீலைகளைப் பாடுங்க

vandhu namma bAlakrishNan lIlaigaLaip pAdunga

Anupallavi

உரலோடு உருண்டு வளர்ந்த வரலாறோடு

uralOdu uruNdu vaLarndha varalAROdu

உறிகலத்தே வெண்ணை திருடிய கதையும் கூறுங்க

uRikalatthE veNNai thirudiya kadhaiyum kUrunga

Charanam

நச்சரவு மேல் நடமிட்ட விந்தைகளையும்

naccharavu mEl nadamitta vindhaigaLaiyum

மெச்சிடவே கிரி தாங்கிய திறனையும் சொல்லுங்க

mecchidavE giri thAngiya thiRanaiyum sollunga

ஈறு வந்திடும் இளம் வயதினிலே வாய் திறந்து

Iru vandhidum iLam vayadhinilE vAy thiRandhu

ஈரேழ் புவனத்தையும் காட்டிய அதிசயத்தைப் பாடுங்க

IrEzh bhuvanatthaiyum kAttiya adhisayatthaip pAdunga

Translation

Pallavi

Ladies, hasten and come running. Come and sing all the playful acts or sports of our young Krishna.

Anupallavi

Tell all the stories of his growing up such as rolling with the mortar to which he was tied and his stealing butter from the hanging pots and tracing all the history.

Charanam

Tell all the astonishing tales of his dancing on venomous snakes and commendable acts of supporting the Govardhana Mountain to protect his clan. Sing also the wonder he enacted by opening his mouth and showing the entire fourteen universes at the tender age when gum was still thickening to sprout a tooth.

engum edhilum

எங்கும் எதிலும்

Pallavi

எங்கும் எதிலும் நிறைவான் ஏழுமலையான்

engum edhilum niRaivAn EzhumalaiyAn

பொங்கும் கருணையாலென் அகமதில் உறைவான்

pongum karuNaiyAlen agamadhil uRaivAn

Anupallavi

ஓங்கும் புகழ் மறையின் உட்பொருளாவான்

Ongum pugazh maRaiyin utporuLAvAn

தீங்கும் துயரும் என்றுமே சகியான்

thIngum thuyarum endRumE sagiyAn

Charanam

வீங்கும் அகந்தையால் அரவுபிணை தனயனை மலை

vIngum agandhaiyAl aravupiNai thanayanai malai

முங்கும் என்றே ஆழியில் தள்ளிட கருடனால் காத்தான் அன்றோ

mungum endRE Azhiyil thaLLida garudanAl kAtthAn andRO

ஏங்கும் அடியார் மனமலம் போக்கியே என்றும்

Engum adiyAr manamalam pOkkiyE endRum

பாங்கும் பண்பும் பரிவாய் தருவான் பரந்தாமன்

pAngum paNbum parivAy tharuvAn parandhAman

Translation

Pallavi

The Lord of the Seven Hills, Srinivasa, is omnipresent and will reside in my heart with deepening compassion.

Anupallavi

He is the essence of the reputed scriptures. He will not tolerate evil or obstacles arising in the way of his devotees.

Charanam

The ego-centered demonic father made a calculation that a human body physically tied to a mountain would definitely sink it. He then ordered his guards to wrap venomous snakes around his son and tie him to a mountain and push him into the ocean. Did Lord Vishnu not send His vehicle, the eagle Garuda, and protect the child? This Supreme being, in his infinite compassion, will certainly remove evil thoughts from the minds of yearning devotees.

Author’s Note

The charanam of the song is based on the story of Prahlada and his father Hiranyakasipu. According to Vishnu Purana, the demon Hiranyakasipu could not listen to people saying the name of Hari or Lord Vishnu, due to his arrogance.

He tried multiple times using multiple methods to kill his own son. Because of Prahlada’s staunch devotion to Lord Vishnu, he emerged unscathed each time. Hiranyakasipu tried one last time to kill his child: his son would be tied to snakes and mountains, and then dumped into the ocean. His assistants executed the royal command. Per Vishnu’s command, Garuda arrived at the scene and emerged from the ocean with a severe splash that generated a tsunami. The snakes gave away the knots and ran away witnessing the arrival of their foe, the eagle. The mountains crashed by the impact of the tsunami. For details of all the challenges that the young devotee endured, see:

ஶ்ரீ விஷ்ணு புராணம், முதல் பாகம், ஶ்ரீமத் அழகியசிங்கர், வெளியிடுவோர்: ஶ்ரீ ந்ருஸிம்ஹப்ரியா ட்ரஸ்ட், நெ.30 வெங்கடேச அக்ரஹாரம், மைலாப்பூர் சென்னை 600004, இரண்டாம் பதிப்பு, பக்கம் 189 – 235.

Saint Thyagaraja captured this episode, and the help of Lord Vishnu’s vehicle Garuda in this rescue operation, in his kriti Vinata Suta Ra Ra in ragam Husseni. This song is part of Thyagaraja’s opera “Prahlada Bhakti Vijayam”.

For the composition and translation see:

The Spiritual Heritage of Thyagaraja, C. Ramanujachari, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Madras 600004, Published 1958, Page: Text and Translation of the Songs Section, Page 155 -156.

See also the conversation between the ocean and Prahlada after the latter is saved by Garuda in yet another Thyagaraja kriti:

Prahlada salutes the ocean

naRumaNa mAlaiyOdu

நறுமண மாலையோடு

Pallavi

நறுமண மாலையோடு நிற்கும் சீதாராமரின்

naRumaNa mAlaiyOdu niRkum sIthArAmarin

திருமணக் கோலம் காண வாரீரோ

thirumaNak kOlam kANa vArIrO

Anupallavi

ஜொலிக்குமாடை ஆபரணமுடன் கொலுவிருக்கும்

jolikkumAdai AbaraNamudan koluvirukkum

ஜோடியை பரவசமாய் பாங்குடனே பாரீரோ

jOdiyai paravasamAy pAngudanE pArIrO

Charanam

ஆடாத ஆட்டமெல்லாம் அரம்பையர் ஆடிட

AdAdha AttamellAm arambaiyar Adida

கோடானு கோடி அமரரும் மலர் தூவ நாவால்

kOdAnu kOdi amararum malar thUva nAvAl

பாடாத தேவகானம் திசையெட்டும் பரவிட

pAdAdha dhEvagAnam dhisaiyettum paravida

தேடாத பொற்குவியல் நாடாமலே கைவசமானாற் போல்

thEdAdha porkuvial nAdAmalE kaivasamAnAR pOl

Translation

Pallavi

Please come and witness the wedding of Sita and Rama, standing with fresh and fragrant garlands.

Anupallavi

Aren’t you excited that this lovely couple is wearing dazzling outfits and jewelry, and looking so royal?

Charanam

Celestial damsels are performing unheard-of dances. Millions of immortal gods and demigods are showering the couple with flowers. Divine music reverberates in all eight directions. The sight of this couple appears as if one stumbled onto a stash of gold treasure that is within reach. Won’t you come and witness this wedding of Rama and Sita?

mAlai udanE pAmAlai

மாலை உடனே பாமாலை

Pallavi

மாலை உடனே பாமாலை புனைந்தே விடிகாலை அந்தி

mAlai udanE pAmAlai punaindhE vidikAlai andhi

மாலை திருமாலை நினைந்தே பணி

mAlai thirumAlai ninaindhE paNi

Anupallavi

பாலை கடைந்த தூயன் கனித்தோலை ஏற்ற நேயன்

pAlai kadaindha thUyan kanitthOlai EtRa nEyan

கோலை தரித்த ஆயன் சேலை நெய்த மாயன் நாமம் ஜபி

kOlai dharittha Ayan sElai neidha mAyan nAmam jabi

Charanam

மின்னல் இடியோடு அடைமழை பெய்ய குல

minnal idiyOdu adaimazhai peyya kula

இன்னல் போக்கியது போல் உன்துயர் பொடிக்கும்

innal pOkkiyadhu pOl unthuyar podikkum

அண்ணலின் திருப் பெயரை கருத்தினில் இருத்தி

aNNalin thirup peyarai karutthinil irutthi

எண்ணலின் பெரிதொன்றுண்டோ இந்த தாரணி தனிலே

eNNalin peridhondRuNdO indha dhAraNi thanilE

Translation

Pallavi

Every day at dawn and dusk, think of Lord Vishnu’s name and worship him with a garland of flowers, as well as a garland of poetic words.

Anupallavi

He is the immaculate one who churned the milky ocean. As a good friend of Vidura, he accepted the skin of a fruit offered to Him. Vidura, dazzled by the radiance of His divine face, forgot that he threw away the fruit’s pulp and offered Him only peels. Lord Vishnu carried a wooden stick in his hand in his incarnation as a shepherd. He even wove a sari when a damsel in distress called out his name, asking for help. Chant His divine name.

Charanam

Is there anything greater than retaining His name in your thoughts and chanting it repeatedly each day? He will remove your sorrow just as he alleviated the troubles of his shepherd clan through torrential rainfall.

Author’s Note

The first half of Line 1 of anupallavi refers to the divine acts of Lord Vishnu. Devas and asuras, based on Lord Vishnu’s recommendations, churned the milky ocean to get the elixir. Vishnu became a base of physical support for the churning process. He assumed the form of a heavy tortoise carrying the heavy Mantara mountain on his back. The Vasuki snake became the rope and the celestial beings held on to the tail. The asuras held the head of the snake and churned the ocean. For further details, see:

ஶ்ரீ விஷ்ணு புராணம், முதல் பாகம், வெளியிடுவோர்: ஶ்ரீ ந்ருசிம்ஹப்ரியா ட்ரஸ்ட், நெ.30, வெங்கடேச அக்ரஹாரம், மைலாப்பூர், சென்னை 600004, இரண்டாம் பதிப்பு 2003, பக்கம் 95-107.

Second half of Line 1 of Anupallavi refers to a childhood act of Krishna. As a member of a cowherd family, Krishna was growing in the company of other children in the shepherd clan. Each day, he left with a small stick alongside cows and calves (see sloka 13.11 page 29 of reference below) to control the herd, and a flute to entertain the herd and his friends. Krishna enjoyed the company of the other kids and had fun playing his youthful pranks. All these Brindavan leelas of Krishna are described in:

ஶ்ரீமத் பாகவத ஸாரம், இரண்டாம் பாகம், உரை ஆசிரியர் அண்ணா, ஶ்ரீராமகிருஷ்ண மடம், மயிலாப்பூர், சென்னை 600004, கோவர்த்தனோத்தரணம், பக்கம் 22-47.

The first half of Line 2 of Anupallavi refers to Vidhura's bhakthi. During the visit to Hasthinapura –the Kaurava capital– to discuss a peace settlement with Duryodhana, Krishna turned down a request to eat at the palace. Instead, Krishna visited Vidhura’s home. Both Vidhura and his wife Sulabha did not expect this sudden visit from Krishna, and did not have food at home to serve this guest. During their conversation, Vidhura picked up some bananas from the kitchen and offered them to Krishna. Mesmerized by Krishna’s charm, Vidhura peeled the banana, threw away the pulp, and offered him the peels. Krishna enjoyed this offering steeped in devotion and love. For details, see:

Vidura’s Devotion to Krishna

The second half of Line 2 of Anupallavbi refers to a real magical act of Krishna. After the Pandavas lost their independence and their kingdom during the game of dice with the Kauravas, they also bet and lost their wife Draupadi. A venomous Duryodhana ordered Dushasana to bring her to the court and to disrobe her in the hall. A distraught Draupadi prayed to Lord Krishna and through his mystical powers, the sari that Dushasana was trying to remove became limitless. An exhausted Dushasana collapsed. Sections 68.40 through 68.49 on page 387 in the reference below describe Dushasana’s acts and Lord Krishna’s magical replenishment of the sari. For more details from his incident in the Kaurava court, see:

ஶ்ரீ மஹாபாரத ஸாரம், உரை ஆசிரியர் அண்ணா, ஶ்ரீராமகிருஷ்ண

மடம், மயிலாப்பூர், சென்னை 600004, பக்கம் 386-8.

Lines 1 and 2 of the charanam refer to Krishna protecting his shepherd clan from the wrath of Lord Indra by lifting the Govardhana Mountain with his finger and wielding it like an umbrella, so that the fierce rainfall would not hurt them. For details see:

ஶ்ரீமத் பாகவத ஸாரம், இரண்டாம் பாகம், உரை ஆசிரியர் அண்ணா, ஶ்ரீராமகிருஷ்ண மடம், மயிலாப்பூர், சென்னை 600004, கோவர்த்தனோத்தரணம், பக்கம் 71-7.

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