நாலாயிரத் திவ்வியப் பிரபந்தம்

பாடல்கள்

1. 1பல்லாண்டு பல்லாண்டு பல்லாயிரத்தாண்டுMany years, many years, many thousands of years, many crores and hundreds of thousands of years; O dark-hued lord of the strong wrestling shoulders, may your red feet stay red and safe.
2. 2அடியோமோடும்நின்னோடும் பிரிவின்றிஆயிரம்பல்லாண்டுA thousand long years to you, without parting from us your servants; long years to the lady who lives on your right breast, and to the blazing discus and the Panchajanya conch.
3. 3வாழாட்பட்டுநின்றீருள்ளீரேல் வந்துமண்ணும்மணமும்கொண்மின்If your hearts are enslaved to the world, come and take your clay and your scents and be gone; we will not let you into our company. We bear no blame for seven generations; we will sing long life to him who laid waste Lanka in battle.
4. 4ஏடுநிலத்தில்இடுவதன்முன்னம்வந்து எங்கள்குழாம்புகுந்துBefore the leaf is laid on the ground, come quickly and join our company with a mind that is willing; you who have the heart to sing 'Namo Narayanaya' until country and town know it, come and sing long life with us.
5. 5அண்டக்குலத்துக்கதிபதியாகி அசுரரிராக்கதரைTo the lord of the universe who uprooted the asuras, the demons and the clan of the arrogant; you who belong to the clan of servants, come bow at his feet, speak his thousand names, leave your old clan behind and sing him long life.
6. 6எந்தைதந்தைதந்தைதந்தைதம்மூத்தப்பன் ஏழ்படிகால்தொடங்கிFrom our father, his father, his father's father and their elder father, seven generations back, we have ruled in unbroken line; at the evening hour of the Thiruvonam festival, to him who took the lion's form and destroyed the enemy, we sing long life until every bond is cut.
7. 7தீயிற்பொலிகின்றசெஞ்சுடராழி திகழ்திருச்சக்கரத்தின்The seal of the sacred discus that blazes in fire is our authority, and by it we rule house after house; to the mighty wielder of the discus who spun it so that a thousand shoulders of the deceiving Banasura poured blood, we sing long life.
8. 8நெய்யிடைநல்லதோர்சோறும் நியதமும்அத்தாணிச்சேவகமும்Giving me good rice with ghee, my daily service, a place at his own dais, a bracelet for the wrist, a necklace for the neck, rings for the ears and fine sandal for the body, he can make me a pure soul; to him I sing long life.
9. 9உடுத்துக்களைந்த நின்பீதகவாடையுடுத்துக் கலத்ததுண்டுWe are the servants who wear the yellow robe you have worn and cast off, eat what you have eaten and set aside, and wear the tulasi you have worn; we set the directions right, and at the Thiruvonam festival we sing long life to him who lies on the dark serpent.
10. 10எந்நாள்எம்பெருமான் உன்தனக்கடியோமென்றெழுத்துப்பட்டO my lord, on the very day the letters were written that we are your servants, our house received its freedom and we were saved; the auspicious day has dawned; you bent the bow in Madurai and leapt upon the head of the five-hooded serpent: we sing you long life.
11. 11அல்வழக்கொன்றுமில்லா அணிகோட்டியர்கோன் அபிமானதுங்கன்Like the son of the lord of fair Kottiyur, that steadfast one free of any quarrel, I too, O Tirumal, am your old servant; I praise many names with 'Namo Narayanaya' in every good way, and, O pure one, I sing you long life in every way I can.
12. 12பல்லாண்டென்றுபவித்திரனைப்பரமேட்டியை சார்ங்கமென்னும்The word that Vittuchittan of Villiputtur lovingly spoke as 'long life' to the pure one, the supreme lord, the wielder of the bow Saranga; those who recite it as an auspicious year will surround the supreme self with 'Namo Narayanaya' and praise him for long years.
13. 13வண்ணமாடங்கள்சூழ் திருக்கோட்டியூர்When Kannan, the Kesava, was born in Kottiyur ringed with painted mansions, oil and scented powder were flung from either side until Kannan's courtyard swirled with it.
14. 14ஓடுவார்விழுவார் உகந்தாலிப்பார்Some run, some fall, some shout for joy, some go asking where our lord has gone; some sing, and some dance while many drums beat: that is what Ayarpadi became.
15. 15பேணிச்சீருடைப் பிள்ளைபிறந்தினில்When the cherished child of good fortune was born, people came in to look and went out again; they said there is no one like him, and that from Thiruvonam he will rule the world.
16. 16உறியைமுற்றத்து உருட்டிநின்றாடுவார்They roll the curd pot about the courtyard and dance; they scatter good ghee, milk and curd; their thick soft hair comes loose, and the people of Ayarpadi lose all their senses.
17. 17கொண்டதாளுறி கோலக்கொடுமழுSome carry the conch and the fine sharp axe, some lie on beds of palmyra leaf; some have teeth like jasmine buds; the celestials crowded in and sported in the ghee.
18. 18கையும்காலும்நிமிர்த்துக் கடாரநீர்Stretching his hands and feet, gently rubbing him with the water from the pot, smoothing his tongue with fresh young turmeric, she asked him to open his mouth, and inside the baby's mouth she saw all seven worlds.
19. 19வாயுள்வையகம்கண்ட மடநல்லார்The simple good women who saw the worlds inside his mouth said he is no cowherd's son but a great god, a noble child of good fortune, the wondrous one, and they rejoiced.
20. 20பத்துநாளும்கடந்த இரண்டாநாள்When the ten days had passed and the twelfth day came, victory banners were hung in every direction, and the cowherds lifted up the child who bears the great Mandara mountain, and rejoiced.
21. 21கிடக்கில் தொட்டில்கிழியஉதைத்திடும்If he lies down he kicks until the cradle tears; if you lift him he digs into your side; if you fold him close he leaps at your belly; I have grown thin for want of any rest, my girl.
22. 22செந்நெலார்வயல்சூழ் திருக்கோட்டியூர்Of the birth of Narayana, the lord who dwells in Kottiyur among fields of ripe paddy, Vittuchittan who wears the shining thread has spread these twelve songs; those who know them have no sin.
23. 23சீதக்கடல் உள்ளமுதன்னதேவகிThe helpless baby whom Devaki, sweet as the nectar within the cool sea, sent to Yasoda of the flower-like hair, seizes his own lotus feet and sucks them; come and see, O coral-lipped ones, come and see.
24. 24முத்தும்மணியும் வயிரமும்நன்பொன்னும்As though pearls and rubies, diamonds and good gold were set and worn upon the head, so everywhere the ten toes match the feet of the sapphire-hued lord; see it, O bright-browed ones, come and see.
25. 474மார்கழித் திங்கள் மதி நிறைந்த நன்னாளால்It is Margazhi, and this is the good day when the moon is full. You who wear fine ornaments, you who wish to go and bathe, come! Rich young girls of Gokulam, so full of wealth: the son of Nandagopa, whose sharp spear deals harshly with the wicked; the young lion of Yasoda with her lovely eyes; the one with a body dark as a rain cloud, red eyes and a face like the sun and the moon; Narayana himself will give us the drum. Let us bathe so that the world praises us, O maidens.
26. 475வையத்து வாழ்வீர்காள் நாமும் நம் பாவைக்குச்You who live in this world, hear the things we will do for our vow! We will sing the feet of the Supreme who sleeps gently on the milk ocean. We will not eat ghee, we will not drink milk, and we will bathe at the first light of dawn. We will not line our eyes with kohl, nor wear flowers in our hair. We will not do what the elders do not do. We will not go about speaking evil of others. We will give generously, alms to the worthy and food to ascetics, as much as we can. Thinking of the way to be saved, we will rejoice, O maidens.
27. 476ஓங்கி உலகளந்த உத்தமன் பேர் பாடிIf we sing the name of the noble one who rose up and measured the worlds, and bathe declaring our vow, then all the land will be free of harm and rain will fall three times each month. Carp will leap among the tall, thick red paddy. Spotted bees will sleep in the lovely blue lilies. Great, generous cows will fill pot after pot with milk for anyone who goes in without hesitation, sits and draws on their full udders. Wealth that never leaves will fill the land, O maidens.
28. 477ஆழி மழைக் கண்ணா ஒன்று நீ கை கரவேல்O lord of the rain, deep as the sea, do not hold anything back! Go into the ocean, draw up its water, rise roaring into the sky, and grow dark like the form of the Lord who is first cause of the ages. Flash like the discus in the hand of Padmanabha with his mighty, lovely shoulders; stand and thunder like his right-whorled conch; and without delay pour down on the world, like the rain of arrows from his bow Sarngam, so that all may live. Then we too will bathe in Margazhi and rejoice, O maidens.
29. 478மாயனை மன்னு வடமதுரை மைந்தனைத்The wondrous one, the son of everlasting northern Mathura, the one who plays at the ghats of the pure, wide Yamuna, the beautiful lamp that rose in the cowherd clan, Damodara who brought glory to the womb of the mother who bore him: if we come pure, scatter pure flowers and worship him, sing him with our lips and think of him in our hearts, then the faults that are past and those yet to come will burn away like cotton thrown into fire. Let us speak his name, O maidens.
30. 479புள்ளும் சிலம்பின காண் புள்ளரையன் கோயிலில்Listen, the birds are singing! Don't you hear the great sound of the white conch calling in the temple of the Lord of Garuda, king of birds? Child, wake up! He drank the poison from the breast of the demoness, and kicked the deceitful cart-demon so that it fell apart; he is the seed of all things, who sleeps on the serpent in the flood. The sages and yogis, holding him in their hearts, rise slowly and say 'Hari', and that great sound has entered our hearts and cooled them, O maiden.
31. 480கீசு கீசு என்று எங்கும் ஆனைச்சாத்தன் கலந்துDon't you hear the black drongo birds chattering 'keesu keesu' to each other everywhere, you silly girl? Don't you hear the sound of the curd as the cowherd women, with their fragrant hair, churn it with their rods, their arms moving and the coin necklaces and charm chains at their throats jingling? O leader among girls! Do you just lie there listening as we sing of Kesava, who is Narayana's very form? O radiant one, open the door, O maiden.
32. 481கீழ்வானம் வெள்ளென்று எருமை சிறுவீடுThe eastern sky has turned white. Look, the buffaloes have spread out to graze for a little while. The other girls were all setting off with only the vow-ground in mind; we have stopped them from going and have come to stand here and call you. Eager girl, get up! If we sing of the one who split open the horse-demon's mouth, the God of gods who destroyed the wrestlers, and go to serve him and receive the drum, he will cry 'Ah! Ah!' in pity, consider our needs and give us his grace, O maiden.
33. 482தூமணி மாடத்துச் சுற்றும் விளக்கெரியத்Cousin, daughter of my uncle, sleeping on your bed in the mansion set with pure gems, with lamps burning all around and incense wafting! Open the latch of the jewelled door. Aunt, won't you wake her? Is your daughter dumb? Or deaf? Or just lazy? Or is she under a spell, held fast in some great guarded sleep? Let us say his many names again and again: the great wonder, Madhava, the Lord of Vaikuntam, O maiden.
34. 483நோற்றுச் சுவர்க்கம் புகுகின்ற அம்மனாய்Lady, who has kept the vow and entered heaven to enjoy its bliss! Will those who will not open the door not even give an answer? Narayana, whose crown bears the fragrant tulasi, is the holy one who will give us the drum if we praise him. Long ago, because of him, Kumbhakarna fell into the jaws of death. Did Kumbhakarna lose to you and hand over his great sleep to you? You who are so very drowsy! You rare jewel! Come with clear wits and open the door, O maiden.
35. 484கற்றுக் கறவைக் கணங்கள் பல கறந்துGolden creeper of the faultless cowherds, who milk many herds of cows with their calves and go out to war to break the strength of their enemies! You with a waist like a hooded serpent from its mound, you peacock of the woods, come out! All your friends and kin have come into your courtyard and are singing the name of the one coloured like a rain cloud. Rich girl, why do you sleep without stirring or speaking, O maiden?
36. 485கனைத்து இளங் கற்றெருமை கன்றுக்கு இரங்கிSister of a man so blessed in wealth that his buffaloes with young calves low and, thinking of their calves, let milk flow from their udders on their own, wetting the house until it turns to mud! With the dew falling on our heads, we stand holding your door and sing of the one dear to the heart, Rama, who in his anger destroyed the king of southern Lanka. Won't you open your mouth? At least get up now. What a long sleep this is! Every household knows about it, O maiden.
37. 486புள்ளின் வாய் கீண்டானைப் பொல்லா அரக்கனைக்Singing the fame of the one who split the beak of the bird-demon and plucked off the heads of the evil rakshasa as if they were weeds, all the girls have gone and entered the ground of the vow. Venus has risen and Jupiter has gone to sleep. Look, the birds are singing! You whose eyes are like a bee in a flower, will you lie in bed instead of plunging into the cold water till you shiver? Girl, on this good day give up your trickery and join us, O maiden.
38. 487உங்கள் புழைக்கடைத் தோட்டத்து வாவியுள்In the pond in the garden behind your house, the red water lilies have opened their mouths and the white night lilies have closed theirs. Look! The ascetics in robes the colour of brick dust, with their white teeth, have gone to blow the conch in their holy temple. Girl, you said you would come and wake us first; get up! You have no shame! You who are so good with words! Let us sing of the lotus-eyed one whose great hands hold the conch and the discus, O maiden.
39. 488எல்லே இளங்கிளியே இன்னம் உறங்குதியோ'Hey, little parrot, are you still sleeping?' 'Girls, don't call so sharply; I'm coming.' 'You're clever with words; we've known your sharp tongue for a long time.' 'You're the clever ones; all right, let it be me then.' 'Hurry up and come out; what else do you have to do?' 'Has everyone come?' 'They have; come and count them yourself.' Let us sing of the wondrous one who killed the mighty elephant and who can destroy the enmity of his enemies, O maiden.
40. 489நாயகனாய் நின்ற நந்தகோபனுடையO guard of the mansion of Nandagopa, who stands as our leader! O guard of the gateway hung with festoons and flags! Unbolt the jewelled door. The wondrous one, the sapphire-coloured Krishna, promised us cowherd girls a sounding drum only yesterday. We have come pure, to sing and wake him. Sir, do not refuse us with your words before anything else. Open this door that stands so firmly out of love, O maiden.
41. 490அம்பரமே தண்ணீரே சோறே அறம் செய்யும்Nandagopala, our lord, who gives away clothes, water and food in charity, wake up! Yashoda, our lady, tender shoot among all creeper-like women, lamp of the clan, awake! Lord of the celestials, who rose up through the sky and measured the worlds, do not sleep, wake up! Balarama, rich one with feet bearing anklets of red gold, do not sleep, you and your younger brother, O maiden.
42. 491உந்து மத களிற்றன் ஓடாத தோள் வலியன்Nappinnai, daughter-in-law of Nandagopa, who owns elephants in rut and has shoulders of strength that never retreat! You with fragrant tresses, open the door. See, the cocks are crowing everywhere! See, flocks of cuckoos have called again and again from the madhavi bower! You whose fingers hold a ball, so that we may sing your beloved's names, come gladly and open the door with your red lotus hand, your fine bangles jingling, O maiden.
43. 492குத்து விளக்கெரியக் கோட்டுக்கால் கட்டில் மேல்With the standing lamp burning, on the couch with ivory legs, upon the soft fivefold bed, you lie with your head on the breast of Nappinnai whose hair is crowned with clusters of flowers; O you of the flower-adorned chest, open your mouth and speak! You with wide eyes lined with kohl, you will not let your husband rise however long it gets. You cannot bear to be apart from him even a little. That is not in your nature, and it is not fitting, O maiden.
44. 493முப்பத்து மூவர் அமரர்க்கு முன் சென்றுMighty one who goes ahead of the thirty-three gods and removes their trembling, wake up! You who are upright and powerful, spotless one who brings burning heat to enemies, wake up! Nappinnai, gracious lady, Sri herself, with soft breasts, red lips and slender waist, wake up! Give us a fan and a mirror, and give us your husband too, and let us bathe right now, O maiden.
45. 494ஏற்ற கலங்கள் எதிர் பொங்கி மீதளிப்பSon of Nandagopa, who owns countless great generous cows that pour milk without stopping until the vessels held beneath them overflow, awake! Steadfast one, great one, radiance that took form and stood in this world, wake up! Just as your enemies, their strength gone, come helpless to your gate and fall at your feet, we too have come, praising you, O maiden.
46. 495அங்கண் மா ஞாலத்து அரசர் அபிமானLike the kings of this vast and beautiful earth who come with their pride broken and gather in crowds below your throne, we too have come and gathered here. Like a lotus half open like the mouth of a little bell, will your red eyes not open on us little by little? If you look on us with both your lovely eyes, as if the moon and the sun had risen together, the curse upon us will fall away, O maiden.
47. 496மாரி மலை முழைஞ்சில் மன்னிக் கிடந்துறங்கும்Like a noble lion that sleeps in a mountain cave through the rainy season, then wakes, opens its fiery eyes, shakes out its fragrant mane on every side, stretches, roars and comes out, so you, dark as the kaya flower, come out here from your chamber, sit on your glorious, finely made lion throne, and graciously look into the purpose for which we have come, O maiden.
48. 497அன்று இவ்வுலகம் அளந்தாய் அடி போற்றிYou who measured this world long ago, praise to your feet! You who went there and destroyed southern Lanka, praise to your might! You who kicked the cart demon Sakata to pieces, praise to your fame! You who flung the calf demon as a throwing stick, praise to your anklet! You who lifted the mountain as an umbrella, praise to your goodness! Praise to the spear in your hand that conquers and destroys enmity! Praising your valiant deeds again and again, we have come today to receive the drum. Have mercy, O maiden.
49. 498ஒருத்தி மகனாய்ப் பிறந்து ஓர் இரவில்Born as the son of one mother, and on that same night hidden and raised as the son of another; Kamsa could not bear it and plotted harm, and you foiled his design and stood like fire in his belly, O Nedumal of boundless love! We have come begging for you. If you give us the drum, we will sing of your wealth worthy of Sri and of your valour, our sorrow will end, and we will rejoice, O maiden.
50. 499மாலே மணிவண்ணா மார்கழி நீராடுவான்Mal, beloved one, sapphire-coloured one! If you ask what we need for the Margazhi bath, as our elders kept it, here it is: conches like your milk-white Panchajanya, whose sound makes the whole world tremble; very large drums; singers of Pallandu; beautiful lamps; flags; and a canopy. You who lay on a banyan leaf, grant us these, O maiden.
51. 500கூடாரை வெல்லும் சீர்க் கோவிந்தா உந்தன்னைப்Govinda, glorious one who wins over even those who will not join you! The reward we receive for singing you and getting the drum must be one the whole land praises: we will wear many ornaments, bangles, armlets, ear studs, ear flowers and anklets; we will wear new clothes; and after that, with milk rice drowned in ghee that runs down to our elbows, we will sit together, eat and be refreshed, O maiden.
52. 501கறவைகள் பின் சென்று கானம் சேர்ந்து உண்போம்We follow the cows into the forest and eat there; we are of the cowherd clan, with no knowledge at all. The only merit we have is that you were born among us. Govinda, who lacks nothing! Our bond with you here cannot be ended, even if anyone tries to end it. We are children who know nothing; out of love we called you by small names; do not be angry with us. Lord, give us the drum, O maiden.
53. 502சிற்றஞ் சிறுகாலே வந்து உன்னைச் சேவித்து உன்Listen to why we come in the very early dawn to worship you and praise your golden lotus feet: you were born in a clan that lives by grazing cattle, so you cannot refuse our intimate service. Govinda, we did not come just to receive a drum today. For all time, for seven times seven births, we will be bound to you alone; we will serve only you. Turn away all our other desires, O maiden.
54. 503வங்கக் கடல் கடைந்த மாதவனைக் கேசவனைத்Madhava, Kesava, who churned the ocean where ships sail: how the cowherd girls with moon-like faces and fine jewels went and worshipped him and received the drum there, Kothai, daughter of Pattarpiran of lovely Puduvai who wears a garland of cool fresh lotuses, told in this garland of Sangam Tamil. Those who recite all thirty verses here in this way without fail will receive grace everywhere from the glorious Thirumal with four mountain-like shoulders, red eyes and a beautiful face, and they will rejoice, O maiden.
55. 504தையொரு திங்களும் தரைவிளக்கித்All through the month of Thai I cleaned the ground and drew cool mandala patterns; in the first days of Masi I adorned the street with lovely fine sand, adding beauty to beauty. O Ananga Deva, bodiless god of love, asking 'Will I be saved?', I worshipped you and your younger brother. Ordain me for the Lord of Venkatam, who holds in his hand the discus that spits fierce fire.
56. 505வெள்ளைநுண் மணற்கொண்டு தெருவணிந்துI adorned the street with white fine sand, bathed at the ghat before the white dawn, fed the fire with twigs that have no thorns, and with effort I keep my vow to you, Kamadeva. Fit your flower arrows that drip honey, write on them the name 'Sea-coloured One', and shoot me so that I enter the target called 'He who split the bird's beak'.
57. 506மத்தநன் னறுமலர் முருக்கமலர்With fresh fragrant datura flowers and murukku flowers, I bow at your feet three times a day. So that I do not, with a burning heart, call you 'one with no truth in him' and revile you with words, fit your arrows of clustered flowers, write on them the name 'Govinda', and ordain that I enter the lamp called the wise Lord who dwells at Venkatam.
58. 507சுவரில் புராணநின் பேரெழுதிச்I wrote your ancient name on the wall, and drew and showed you your flags with the makara fish, your horses, maidens waving the whisk, and your sugarcane bow, see, Kamadeva. From girlhood my breasts have grown with longing; I have dedicated them by solemn vow to the Lord of Dwaraka alone and kept them in worship. Ordain me to him quickly.
59. 508வானிடை வாழுமவ் வானவர்க்குIt would be like a jackal roaming the forest coming in and stepping over and sniffing the offering that Vedic priests set apart in sacrifice for the gods who live in the sky. My breasts have risen in the thought that they are for the Supreme One who bears the discus and conch. If there is any talk of them being for mortal men, I will not live, see, Manmatha!
60. 509உருவுடை யாரிளை யார்கள்நல்லார்With beautiful, young, good women and those skilled in reciting the Veda, I receive you in the street every day, and on the day of Panguni I keep my vow properly, Kamadeva. He has the colour of a cloud full of rain, the colour of the kaya flower, the colour of the karuvilai flower. Grant that from his lovely lotus face he looks at me properly with his blessed eyes.
61. 510காயுடை நெல்லொடு கரும்பமைத்துக்Setting out paddy with its grain, sugarcane, lumps of jaggery, rice and beaten rice, with the mantras of truthful Vedic priests, I worship you, Manmatha. So that Trivikrama, who once measured the worlds, may touch me with his blessed hands, grant my slender waist and full breasts the highest fame on earth.
62. 511மாசுடை யுடம்பொடு தலையுலறிMy body unwashed, my hair dry without oil, my lips pale, eating only once a day: radiant, mighty Kamadeva, take note of the vow I keep. There is one thing to say here. So that my womanhood gains its highest purpose, grant me this fortune: that they say of me, 'She presses the feet of Kesava Nambi.'
63. 512தொழுதுமுப் போதுமுன் னடிவணங்கித்Bowing three times a day at your feet, I strew pure flowers and worship and praise you. If I am not granted to live serving, without fault, the one coloured like the milk ocean, I will weep and weep, distraught, and cry out 'Amma!' That will bring you great shame. It will be like yoking a plough-ox, driving it hard, and then chasing it away without feeding it.
64. 513கருப்புவில் மலர்க்கணைக் காமவேளைக்Bowing at the feet of Kamavel, who bears the sugarcane bow and flower arrows, she prayed, 'Allot me to the gem-coloured one who broke the tusk of an elephant so it screamed, and split open the bird's beak.' Those who master this loving, sweet Tamil garland of Kothai, daughter of Vishnuchittan, king of Puduvai where mansions like mountains shine, will reach the feet of the lord of the celestials.
65. 514நாமமாயிர மேத்தநின்றNarayana, praised by a thousand names! Nara! If we could have you as our aunt's son, our rightful bridegroom, our torment would end. Saying it is the season when Kama comes, we made ready the street on the day of Panguni. Sridhara, you who make mischief! Don't come and ruin our little houses.
66. 515இன்றுமுற்றும் முதுகுநோவWe sat all day today till our backs ached building this little house. Look at it well with your eyes, and soothe the longing we have. Our First Cause, who that day lay asleep as a baby on a banyan leaf! That pity for us never rises in you is only our own sin.
67. 516குண்டுநீருறை கோளரீ.மதLion who dwells in the deep sea! You who freed the elephant from the crocodile's grip! Don't torment with your side glances us who swoon at the sight of you. We sifted the fine silt of the river with our bangled hands and toiled hard. You who lie on the sea of clear waves! Don't come and ruin our little houses.
68. 517பெய்யுமாமுகில் போல்வண்ணா.உன்றன்,You coloured like a great raining cloud! Your words and your deeds fill us with dizzy love. Is your face a magic spell to bewitch us? Because we are only tender little girls, we will say nothing to hurt you. Lord with eyes like red lotuses! Don't come and ruin our little houses.
69. 518வெள்ளைநுண்மணல் கொண்டுசிற்றில்With white fine sand we sifted and drew patterns in the street so our little house would be lovely. Even if you rub them out, our heart only runs to you and melts; we have no anger at all, see. Madhava, you thief! Kesava! Are those not eyes in your face, the very eyes that melt us?
70. 519முற்றிலாதபிள் ளைகளோம்முலைWe are little girls not yet grown, our breasts not yet formed. Every day you come and climb on our little houses and have your bit of fun; we have not learned such games at all. Hero who dammed the sea, destroyed the rakshasa clans entirely and made Lanka a battlefield! Don't torment us.
71. 520பேதநன்கறி வார்களோடிவைIf you said these things to grown women who know the difference, it would be very sweet. What do you gain by troubling us little girls who know nothing at all? You coloured like the great sea of waves! We beg you in the name of your wives. You who built the bridge to Lanka! Don't come and ruin our little houses.
72. 521வட்டவாய்ச்சிறு தூதையோடுWith little round-mouthed pots, little winnowing fans and sand, we play happily. What do you gain by destroying our little houses? Don't touch us and kick and trouble us, see, you who hold the shining discus in your hand! You know how unpleasant it is when even jaggery turns bitter, don't you, sea-coloured one?
73. 522முற்றத்தூடு புகுந்துநின்முகங்Coming into the front yard, showing your face and smiling, must you ruin our minds along with our little houses, Govinda? You who strode over the whole earth and grew tall till you touched the sky, and measured it all! If you grab us and pick a quarrel, what will those standing nearby not say?
74. 523சீதைவாயமு தமுண்டாய்.எங்கள்'You who drank the nectar of Sita's lips! Don't ruin our little houses!' These are the prattling words of the little cowherd girls playing in the street. Those who master the Tamil that came from the lips of Kothai, daughter of Vishnuchittan, lord of Villiputhur where those whose work is the Veda live, will reach Vaikuntha without any lack.
75. 524கோழி யழைப்பதன் முன்னம்We came to plunge and bathe before the cock crowed. The sun with his wheeled chariot has risen. You who sleep on the serpent bed! In our helplessness we have suffered greatly. We will never come to this pond again. My friend and I bow to you. Graciously give back our clothes.
76. 525இதுவென் புகுந்ததிங் கந்தோ.What is this that has happened here, alas! How did you come to this pond? Mal, with a crown of tulasi sweet with honey! Mayan! Our nectar! It is not proper, so we will not do what you ask. Clever boy, don't be in a hurry! You who leapt and danced on the serpent! Give us our clothes from the kurundham tree.
77. 526எல்லே யீதென்ன இளமைOh, what boyish mischief is this! If our mothers see, they won't let us out again. You don't think this is wrong; you sit up in the blossoming kurundham tree. You who destroyed Lanka with your bow! We'll give you whatever you want. We'll go before many people see us. Graciously give back our silks.
78. 527பரக்க விழித்தெங்கும் நோக்கிப்In this spring where many plunge and bathe, we look around everywhere with wide eyes. See how our tears swirl, flowing and never stopping! You who have no pity at all! Lord who destroyed Lanka! Now we know you will become king of the monkeys. Give us our clothes from the kurundham tree.
79. 528காலைக் கதுவிடு கின்றKayal fish bite at our legs, and vaalai fish swim among them. If my elder brothers seize their spears and chase you, what kind of game will that be! Don't sit up in the tree with so many of our pretty little garments. Beautiful dark Lord! Give us our clothes from the kurundham tree.
80. 529தடத்தவிழ் தாமரைப் பொய்கைத்The stems of the lotuses blooming in the pond twine round our legs, and we suffer as if stung by a poisonous scorpion. Our king, skilled at the dance of tossing up pots! Give up all your tricks and graciously give back our silks.
81. 530நீரிலே நின்றயர்க் கின்றோம்We stand in the water and grow faint. You have done what is not just. Our village is very far away. You who know all the ages! Our love is for you alone. If our mothers see, they won't let us be. Let our silks go. Don't sit up in the blossoming kurundham tree.
82. 531மாமிமார் மக்களே யல்லோம்We are not your aunts' daughters, for you to take such liberties. Everyone else has already gone. You who sleep the long night of yoga with eyes like pure flowers closing! This is not good for our safety. We tell you this firmly. Tender shoot of the cowherd clan! Give us our clothes from the kurundham tree.
83. 532கஞ்சன் வலைவைத்த வன்றுThe day Kamsa spread his net, you escaped in the pitch-black night and came here to grieve the hearts of us maidens standing here. Yashoda, who should scold you so you'd be afraid, lets you roam free as a boy and does nothing. Shameless one, who drank the milk of the treacherous demoness! Give us our clothes.
84. 533கன்னிய ரோடெங்கள் நம்பிThis garland of ten pasurams, sung to sweet music by Kothai, daughter of Pattarpiran, king of Puduvai ringed with golden mansions, tells of the play of our Nambi, the dark Lord, with the maidens. Those who master it will enter Vaikuntha and live there with Madhava, who abides forever.
85. 534தெள்ளி யார்பலர் கைதொழும் தேவனார்,The divine one whom many clear-minded sages worship with folded hands, the bountiful Mal, the bridegroom of Thirumaliruncholai: if he will let me press his feet where he lies at rest, then koodal, close your circle!
86. 535காட்டில் வேங்கடம் கண்ண புரநகர்,Vamana, who dwells joyfully and untiring at Venkatam in the forest and in the city of Thirukkannapuram: if he will come running, take my hand and unite me with himself, then koodal, close your circle!
87. 536பூம கன்புகழ் வானவர் போற்றுதற்The son worthy of the praise of the gods who themselves praise Brahma, born of the lotus; the great son of Devaki, whose bright forehead is beautiful; the prince of Vasudeva, rich in glory: if he comes, then koodal, close your circle!
88. 537ஆய்ச்சி மார்களு மாயரு மஞ்சிட,While the cowherd women and cowherd men were stricken with fear, he climbed the tall blossoming kadamba tree and leapt into the pool, and danced upon Kaliya who lived there. If that dancer comes, then koodal, close your circle!
89. 538மாட மாளிகை சூழ்மது ரைப்பதிHe sought out the city of Mathura ringed with mansions and palaces, came into the middle of its fine street, and kicked the great musth elephant wearing its frontlet. If he will come and be with me, then koodal, close your circle!
90. 539அற்ற வன்மரு தம்முறி யநடைHe who learned to walk in such a way that the strong marudhu trees broke and fell; he who destroyed Kamsa through Kamsa's own treachery; the victorious king of shining Mathura: if he comes, then koodal, close your circle!
91. 540அன்றின் னாதன செய்சிசு பாலனும்,Sisupala, who did him wrong that day; the tall standing marudhu trees; the bull; the bird; and Kamsa with his victorious spear and might: he who struck them all down long ago, if he comes, then koodal, close your circle!
92. 541ஆவ லன்புடை யார்தம் மனத்தன்றிHe will not dwell anywhere but in the hearts of those with eager love; he is the guardian of fragrant Dwaraka; he is the cowherd who plays as he grazes the calves. If he comes, then koodal, close your circle!
93. 542கொண்ட கோலக் குறளுரு வாய்ச்சென்று,He went in the beautiful dwarf form he had taken, and long ago, at Mahabali's great sacrifice, took the heavens and the earth for himself with a single step. If he comes, then koodal, close your circle!
94. 543பழகு நான்மறை யின்பொரு ளாய்,மதம்He who is the meaning of the four ancient Vedas; he who saved the elephant streaming with musth; our beautiful one; the youth who lives in the hearts of the adorned cowherd women: if he comes, then koodal, close your circle!
95. 544ஊடல் கூட லுணர்தல் புணர்தலை,Sulking, union, understanding and embrace: these stages of love, like the cowherd women whose full fame endures for ages, were sung before the koodal by Kothai of the lovely tresses. For those who master these ten songs, there is no sin.
96. 545மன்னு பெரும்புகழ் மாதவன் மாமணிMadhava of great and lasting fame, coloured like a sapphire, the youth with the jewelled crown: because I loved him, my conch bangles slip off my wrists; I have a case against him for it. Cuckoo who lives in the bower of punnai, kurukkatthi, nyazhal and serundhi trees! Instead of sitting and chattering all the time, quickly call so that my coral-lipped one comes.
97. 546வெள்ளை விளிசங் கிடங்கையிற் கொண்டThe spotless one who holds the white resounding conch in his left hand will not show me his form. He enters my heart and makes me melt, and every day he gives me just enough life to watch me writhe and dance. Cuckoo who joyfully sings, picking at champak blossoms dripping honey! Don't just sit softly twittering; call so that my Lord of Venkatam comes.
98. 547மாதலி தேர்முன்பு கோல்கொள்ள மாயன்With Matali holding the reins at the front of the chariot, the Mayan loosed a rain of arrows on Ravana so that his heads fell, cut off again and again. I see that leader coming nowhere. Cuckoo who lives together with your beloved, listening to the kaamaram melody of spotted bees in the grove where blossoms spread fresh fragrance! Call so that my dark ruby comes.
99. 548என்புரு கியின வேல்நெடுங் கண்கள்My very bones are melting. My long spear-like eyes have not closed for many days. I have fallen into a sea of sorrow and drift about, finding no boat called Vaikuntha. You too know the sickness of being parted from one you love, cuckoo! Call so that the holy one whose flag bears Garuda of golden form comes.
100. 549மென்னடை யன்னம் பரந்துவிளையாடும்Because I long to see the golden feet of him who dwells in Villiputhur, where swans of gentle gait spread out and play, my two eyes, like fighting carp, will not sleep. I will make my pretty parrot, whom I raised feeding sweet rice and milk, your friend, cuckoo! Call so that he who measured the world comes.
101. 550எத்திசை யுமம ரர்பணிந் தேத்தும்Because Hrishikesa, whom the gods of every direction bow to and praise, presses hard on me, I have lost the beauty of my pearl-white smile, my red lips and my breasts. Young cuckoo who sleeps in a lovely spot in the grove of clustered blossoms! If you call so that my Truth comes, I have nothing to repay you with but my bowed head.
102. 551பொங்கிய பாற்கடல் பள்ளிகொள் வானைப்In my longing to be united with him who sleeps on the surging milk ocean, my breasts swell and throb with eagerness and torment my very life. Lovely cuckoo! What use is it for you to stay hidden? If you call so that he whose hands hold the discus, conch and bright mace comes, you will earn great merit.
103. 552சார்ங்கம் வளைய வலிக்கும் தடக்கைச்The skilful one with great hands that bend and draw the Sarnga bow is the right match for me. The secret pact we made when we were at home, only he and I know. Little cuckoo, picking at red shoots in the mango grove full of honey-sweet fruit! If you quickly call Thirumal here, just watch what I do with him!
104. 553பைங்கிளி வண்ணன் சிரீதர னென்பதோர்I am caught in a noose called Sridhara, coloured like a green parrot. Cuckoo who lives in the grove where shining bees hum! Listen carefully to this: either call so that he who bears the conch and discus comes, or bring back my golden bangles. If you want to live in this grove, you must surely do one of the two.
105. 554அன்றுல கம்மளந் தானை யுகந்தடி-Because he who measured the world that day, my husband whose servant I am, presses hard on me, the southern breeze and the moon pierce through me and torment me. I do not know why it should be so. Cuckoo, don't you also stay in this grove all the time and break me. If you don't call today so that Narayana comes, I will chase you away from here.
106. 555விண்ணுற நீண்டடி தாவிய மைந்தனை'Black cuckoo, call so that my sea-coloured one, the young hero who strode up till he touched the sky, comes before my eyes!' These words were spoken with longing by the maiden with spear-like eyes. Those who master this garland of words, open to all, sung by Kothai, daughter of Pattarpiran, king of Puduvai whose people chant the four Vedas with melody, will be among those who say 'Namo Narayanaya'.
107. 556வாரண மாயிரம் சூழவ லம்செய்து,Surrounded by a thousand elephants, Narayana Nambi comes walking in procession; to receive him they set out full golden pots and planted festoons on every side. I dreamed it, my friend!
108. 557நாளைவ துவைம ணமென்று நாளிட்டு,They fixed the day, saying 'Tomorrow is the wedding.' Under the lovely pandal built with areca palms in flower, a young bull named Madhava, Govinda, strong as a lion, came in. I dreamed it, my friend!
109. 558இந்திர னுள்ளிட்ட தேவர்கு ழாமெல்லாம்,All the hosts of the gods, with Indra among them, came and asked for me as the bride and consulted together; they dressed me in the new wedding saree, and Andari, the goddess Durga, placed the wedding garland on me. I dreamed it, my friend!
110. 559நாற்றிசைத் தீர்த்தங்கொ ணர்ந்துந னிநல்கி,They brought holy waters from the four directions and sprinkled them well; many virtuous Brahmins raised their voices in blessing; and with the pure one wearing a flower garland, they tied the protective thread on me. I dreamed it, my friend!
111. 560கதிரொளி தீபம் கலசமு டனேந்தி,Lovely young women came out to receive him, carrying lamps bright as the sun and sacred pots; and the king of Mathura, wearing his sandals, entered so that everything shook around him. I dreamed it, my friend!
112. 561மத்தளம் கொட்டவ ரிசங்கம் நின்றூத,The drums beating, the lined conches blowing, under the pandal hung with rows of pearl strings, my cousin Nambi Madhusudana came and took my hand. I dreamed it, my friend!
113. 562வாய்நல் லார்நல்ல மறையோதி மந்திரத்தால்,Men of truthful speech chanted the good Vedas and mantras, spread the green-leaved darbha grass and set the sticks around the fire; and he, like a great fierce elephant, held my hand and walked round the sacred fire with me. I dreamed it, my friend!
114. 563இம்மைக்கு மேழேழ் பிறவிக்கும் பற்றாவான்,He who is our refuge for this life and for seven times seven births, he who owns us, Narayana Nambi, held my foot in his beautiful red hand and set it on the grinding stone. I dreamed it, my friend!
115. 564வரிசிலை வாள்முகத் தென்னைமார் தாம்வந்திட்டுMy brothers, with their lined bows and bright faces, came and kindled the fire, set me in front of it, placed my hand on the hand of Achyuta, lion-faced Narasimha, and poured the puffed rice into the fire. I dreamed it, my friend!
116. 565குங்கும மப்பிக் குளிர்சாந்தம் மட்டித்து,Smeared with kumkum and anointed with cool sandal paste, we went in procession through the auspicious streets; I rode with him on an elephant, and they bathed us in fragrant water. I dreamed it, my friend!
117. 566ஆயனுக் காகத்தான் கண்ட கனாவினை,This is the dream she dreamed for the cowherd. Those who master this pure Tamil garland of ten, sung by Kothai, daughter of the lord of Villiputhur, praised by the Veyar clan, will be blessed with good children and rejoice.
118. 567கருப்பூரம் நாறுமோ கமலப்பூ நாறுமோ,Does it smell of camphor? Does it smell of the lotus? Are his beautiful coral-red lips sweet? I long to know the taste and fragrance of the mouth of Madhava, who broke the elephant's tusk. Tell me, white conch of the ocean!
119. 568கடலில் பிறந்து கருதாது, பஞ்சசனன்Born in the sea and caring nothing for it, you grew up in the body of the asura Panchajana; then you went and settled on the high ground of the hand of the Lord of the ages, and now your form roars so that the evil asuras are thrown into distress, good conch!
120. 569தடவரை யின்மீதே சரற்கால சந்திரன்,Like the autumn moon rising on the full-moon day over a great mountain, you too have settled and sit enthroned in the hand of Vasudeva, king of northern Mathura, beautiful great conch!
121. 570சந்திர மண்டலம்போல் தாமோத ரன்கையில்,Like the orb of the moon, you have climbed into Damodara's hand with no gap between you, and you seem to be whispering mantras into his ear, right-whorled conch! Even Indra is no match for your wealth.
122. 571உன்னோ டுடனே யொருகடலில் வாழ்வாரை,Those who lived with you in the same sea, no one ever thinks of them as 'so-and-so, of such worth', see. But you, Panchajanya, drink every day the nectar of the lips of Madhusudana, who stands as king!
123. 572போய்த்தீர்த்த மாடாதே நின்ற புணர்மருதம்,Without ever going to bathe at holy waters, you climbed and settled in the hand of him who brought down the twin marudhu trees; and you are able to plunge and bathe in the sacred water of the mouth of red-eyed Mal, who is himself the holiest water even for those far away, right-whorled conch!
124. 573செங்கமல நாண்மலர்மேல் தேனுகரு மன்னம்போல்Like a swan that drinks honey and rests on a freshly opened red lotus, you climb into the lovely palm of Vasudeva, with red eyes and dark body, and take your rest there. King of conches! Your good fortune is beautiful indeed.
125. 574உண்பது சொல்லி லுலகளந்தான் வாயமுதம்,If you eat, it is the nectar of the lips of him who measured the world; if you sleep, it is in the hand of the sea-coloured one. An army of women is raising a great outcry against you. Panchajanya, you do so many unfair things!
126. 575பதினாறா மாயிரவர் தேவிமார் பார்த்திருப்ப,While his sixteen thousand queens look on, if you alone go in and drink, as one takes honey into the mouth, the nectar of Madhava's lips, which belongs to all of them in common, won't they quarrel with you, rich and great conch?
127. 576பாஞ்சசன் னியத்தைப் பற்பநா பனோடும்,Kothai, daughter of Pattarpiran of fitting fame from bountiful Puduvai, made Panchajanya a close kinsman of Padmanabha in these ten Tamil verses. Those who can study them and sing their praise will be among the Lord's close ones.
128. 577விண்ணீல மேலாப்புClouds spread over the sky like a blue canopy! Has my Thirumal of Venkatam, where clear waters flow, come along with you? Is it any glory to him to break the womanly heart of one who faints away, her tears dripping onto her breast?
129. 578மாமுத்த நிதிசொரியும்Great clouds that shower great pearls and wealth! What word is there from Thaadaalan of Venkatam, who has taken the dark colour? Entering the fire of love and caught in its blaze, am I to stay here in the middle of the night as a target for the southern breeze?
130. 579ஒளிவண்ணம் வளைசிந்தைMy glow, my bangles, my mind, and my sleep: all these he took because of my simple trust, and went away leaving me ruined. Gracious clouds! Singing the virtues of my Govinda of Venkatam, with its cool waterfalls, I will keep myself alive.
131. 580மின்னாகத் தெழுகின்றClouds that rise with lightning in your bodies! Go to him of Venkatam, glorious with Thirumagal dwelling on his chest, and tell him of my longing: that day after day my young breasts yearn to embrace his golden body.
132. 581வான்கொண்டு கிளர்ந்தெழுந்தGreat clouds that rise up, taking hold of the sky! You who gather, climb and pour down on Venkatam so that the honey-filled flowers scatter! If he who tore open Hiranya's body with his sharp claws will give back the slipping bangles he took from me, tell me.
133. 582சலங்கொண்டு கிளர்ந்தெழுந்தCool clouds that rise up laden with water! You who spread out, climb and pour down on Venkatam, hill of him who took the earth from Mahabali! Tell Narayana of my aching sickness: he entered me, hollowing me inside like a wood-apple eaten from within, and took away my beauty.
134. 583சங்கமா கடல்கடைந்தான்Cool clouds of him who churned the great sea full of conches! This is my petition, falling at the feet of red-eyed Mal of Venkatam: if one day he comes and stays with me, so that the kumkum paste on my breast is smudged away, then my life will stay. Tell him that.
135. 584கார்காலத் தெழுகின்றDark clouds rising in the rainy season! I keep saying the name of him of Venkatam who came forth in times of war and fought, and I am falling like an old erukku leaf swept into floodwater. In all this long time, will he not grace me with his word even one day?
136. 585மதயானை போலெழுந்தGreat clouds that rise like elephants in musth! You who make Venkatam your home! What word is there from him who lies on the serpent? If people say, 'Forgetting that he is everyone's refuge, he tormented a tender girl like a creeper,' will the world still respect him?
137. 586நாகத்தி னணையானைThis is the petition in the message that the maiden with the lovely forehead, who loves him who lies on the serpent, sent by the clouds to the lord of Venkatam. Those who keep in their hearts and recite this Tamil of Kothai, daughter of the king of Puduvai who never strays from the joy of God, will become his devotees.
138. 587சிந்துரச் செம்பொடிப்போல்As if red vermilion powder had been scattered, the red velvet mites have risen and spread all over Thirumaliruncholai. Will I ever escape the snare of him with the beautiful shoulders, who that day planted Mount Mandara and drew out the sweet rich nectar?
139. 588போர்களி றுபொரும்மாIn the lovely flowering woods of Maliruncholai, where war elephants clash, the jasmine creepers spread like garlands show their white smiles. The flowers of the rainy season stand there and mock and laugh at me; I cannot bear it. My friend! To whom shall I complain of the trouble his garland has caused me?
140. 589கருவிளை யொண்மலர்காள்.Bright karuvilai flowers! Kaya flowers! You show me the glow of Thirumal's form. Tell me some way I might be saved. Nambi of Thirumaliruncholai, with strong shoulders where Thirumagal plays: is it just that he should get in among my lined bangles and seize them by force?
141. 590பைம்பொழில் வாழ்குயில்காள்.Cuckoos who live in the green groves! Peacocks! Bright karuvilai flowers! Fresh kalam berries! Fragrant blossoms of the poovai flower! You five great sinners! What does the colour of my Lord who stands in beautiful Maliruncholai have to do with you?
142. 591துங்க மலர்ப்பொழில்சூழ்Swarms of bees hanging on the flowers, like the beautiful form of the red-eyed dark cloud who stands in Thirumaliruncholai ringed by groves of tall flowers! Pools full of blossoms! Red lotuses that dwell in the pools! Tell me of a refuge.
143. 592நாறு நறும்பொழில்மாTo the Nambi of Maliruncholai, with its fragrant groves, I vowed and pledged a hundred pots of butter. I also pledged a hundred full pots of akkaravadisil, sweet rice. Will he of ever-rising glory come today and accept them?
144. 593இன்றுவந் தித்தனையும்If the Lord who stands in Thirumaliruncholai, where the southern breeze is fragrant, comes and appears in the heart of this servant, and comes today and graciously eats all these, I will give a hundred thousand for every one, and after that I will serve him still.
145. 594காலை யெழுந்திருந்துRising in the morning, the flocks of dark sparrows sing an enchanting song that tells of Mal's coming. Is it true? The Lord of the Solai hill, our Lord of Dwaraka, the Lord who lay on the banyan leaf: it is his word they are speaking.
146. 595கோங்கல ரும்பொழில்மா-In Maliruncholai, with its groves where the konku blooms, I hang in waiting together with the konrai blossoms that hang from the trees like golden garlands. When will the sound of the conch he blows, held to his lovely flower-like face, and the twang of the string of his Sarnga bow, reach me?
147. 596சந்தொடு காரகிலும்This is about the beautiful Lord standing in Maliruncholai, with its river Silambaru that comes rushing down carrying sandalwood and dark agil, striking against its banks. Those who master these ten verses of pure Tamil, gathered and sung by Kothai, whose hair is thick with bees, will reach the feet of Thirumal.
148. 597கார்க்கோடல் பூக்காள். கார்க்கடல்Kaantal flowers of the rainy season! The sea-coloured one dressed you in battle array and sent you out against me; where has he gone? To whom shall we complain now? Alas, that I should have a heart that keeps running after his beautiful tulasi garland!
149. 598மேற்றோன்றிப் பூக்காள் மேலுலGlory lilies! Don't burn us like the fierce flame of the discus that rises in the right hand of the Lord of the Vedas, the light that shines high above the upper worlds. Are you going to place us among those whose names are struck off and cast aside?
150. 599கோவை மணாட்டி. நீயுன்Lady Kovai creeper! Don't take our life with your ripe red fruits. We fear Azhagar of the beautiful lips. Even he who lies on the serpent has come to have two tongues, like his serpent. And it is shameless me to whom this has happened.
151. 600முல்லைப் பிராட்டி.நீயுன்Lady Mullai! Don't bring us sorrow with your smiles. Noble lady, I come to you for refuge. If even the word of the prince who cut off the nose of the rakshasi of the woods turns out false, would not my own birth be in vain?
152. 601பாடும் குயில்காள். ஈதென்னSinging cuckoos! What song is this? If the lord of the good land of Venkatam grants us a life, then come and sing. If he of the fluttering Garuda flag comes, shows grace and is united with us, we will call you and listen to your songs.
153. 602கணமா மயில்காள். கண்ணபிFlocks of great peacocks! I fall at your feet, you who dance a grand and lovely dance like the beautiful form of Kannapiran. See: this is the state in which the bridegroom, who sleeps age after age on the serpent with spreading hoods, has left us!
154. 603நடமாடித் தோகை விரிக்கின்றGreat peacocks who dance and spread your plumes! I, a sinner, have no strength left even to watch your dancing. Govinda, who dances with the pots, has ruled over us unjustly and taken us as his own property. Is that one thing not enough for you now?
155. 604மழையே. மழையே. மண்புறம்Rain! Rain! I melt away like the wax that runs out of a mould coated outside with clay. Can you make the beautiful Lord who stands in good Venkatam embrace me, so that he is held within my heart, and then pour down on me and drench me?
156. 605கடலே. கடலே. உன்னைக்Sea! Sea! He churned you and stirred you up, entered within you and drew out your essence. In the same way the Mayan enters within me and draws out my essence. Will you tell him who lies on the serpent all my sorrows?
157. 606நல்லஎன் தோழி. நாகMy good friend! The Supreme who lies on the serpent is rich and great; we are small mortals, what can we do? If Vishnuchittar of Villiputhur brings his own Lord here by the means he knows, then we shall see him.
158. 607தாமுகக்கும் தம்கையில் சங்கமே போலாவோ,You who wear fine jewels! Is the conch bangle on my hand, which I cherish, not like the conch in his hand, which he cherishes? Thiruvarangar, who rests on the serpent bed with its fire-breathing hoods, will not even look at my face! Amma! Amma!
159. 608எழிலுடைய வம்மனைமீர். என்னரங்கத் தின்னமுதர்,Lovely mothers! My sweet nectar of Arangam, beautiful of hair, beautiful of lips, beautiful of eyes, beautiful with the lotus rising from his navel, my Lord: he has made my slipping bangles slip right off.
160. 609பொங்கோதம் சூழ்ந்த புவனியும் விண்ணுலகும்,Our Lord, who rules the earth girdled by the surging sea and the heavens too, so that nothing anywhere falters; the rich one of Thiruvarangam who holds the sceptre: will he not end the trouble of my curved bangles?
161. 610மச்சணி மாட மதிளரங்கர் வாமனனார்,Arangar of the mansions and walls, Vamana, the fresh young god, once came begging and received water as a gift. If he is still short in his begging and has set his heart on my lovely bangles, will he not come along this street?
162. 611பொல்லாக் குறளுருவாய்ப் பொற்கையில் நீரேற்று,Our Lord, who in a deceptive dwarf form received water in his golden hand and measured all the worlds for himself, who lies on the serpent bed in cool Arangam where good people live, seems to be one who would take away even what little lies in the hands of those who have nothing.
163. 612கைப்பொருள்கள் முன்னமேHe took what was in my hands long ago. The rich one of Thiruvarangam, where the Kaveri's water tumbles through the fields, is beyond the reach of any thing and of those who stand on their own effort, and stands as the meaning of the words of the four Vedas. Now he has taken my true possession, my very self.
164. 613உண்ணா துறங்கா தொலிகடலை யூடறுத்து,Without eating, without sleeping, cutting a way across the roaring sea, bound by love for a woman: all the hardships he once went through, the rich one of Thiruvarangam, ringed by strong walls, no longer remembers. He thinks only of his own comfort.
165. 614பாசிதூர்த் துக்கிடந்த பார்மகட்கு, பண்டொருநாள்Long ago, for the Earth Goddess lying covered in moss, he came as a boar, caring nothing for dignity, water streaming down his muddy body. The radiant god, the rich one of Thiruvarangam: the words he spoke to her then cannot be moved by anyone. They will never be moved.
166. 615கண்ணாலங் கோடித்துக் கன்னிதன்னைக் கைப்பிடிப்பான்,Sisupala, who had the wedding finery prepared and was firmly set on taking the maiden's hand, lost his glory and was left gaping. Right there the lover of women took her hand and carried her away. The town he loves is Arangam.
167. 616செம்மை யுடையVishnuchittar must have heard the great true word that the perfect Thiruvarangar once gave: 'He delights in those who delight in him.' If that word turns false between the two of them, who will ever uphold it again?
168. 617மற்றிருந் தீர்கட் கறியலாகாYou who stand apart cannot understand the love called Madhava. Whatever you say to me, who has that love, is the talk of the dumb to the deaf. Take me to the outskirts of Mathura, where the Nambi, who left the mother who bore him and grew up with another mother, came to the arena where the wrestlers fought.
169. 618நாணி யினியோர் கருமமில்லைThere is nothing left to be ashamed of; the neighbours on all sides already know. If you want to treat me without delay and make me as I was before, know this: if I see the Mayan who came as a young brahmachari and measured the world, my sickness will turn. If you truly want to save me, take me to Ayarpadi.
170. 619தந்தையும் தாயுமுற் றாரும்நிற்கத்Once people start saying, 'With father, mother and kin all there, she went off alone,' it is hard to guard against that blame. The Mayan keeps coming to show me his form. So take me at midnight to the doorstep of Nandagopala, who has a son that stirs up trouble, brings disgrace and makes mischief.
171. 620அங்கைத் தலத்திடை யாழிகொண்டான்Saying, 'I will open my eyes to no face but the face of him who holds the discus in his palm,' I bound my eyes with a red band of cloth. I am ashamed to see petty men. Look at these breasts: they will go out for no one but Govinda. Take me away from living here, to the bank of the Yamuna.
172. 621ஆர்க்குமென் நோயி தறியலாகாMothers! No one can understand this sickness of mine; don't fret over it in vain. It will be cured only if the one called the sea-coloured strokes me with the remedy his own hand knows. Take me to the bank of the pool where he climbed the kadamba tree standing by the water, leapt onto Kaliya's head, and danced there as if on a battlefield.
173. 622கார்த்தண் முகிலும் கருவிளையும்The cool dark cloud, the karuvilai, the kaya flower and the lotus drag me along, saying 'Go to Hrishikesa's side.' Take me to Bhaktavilochanam, where, sweating, hungry and weary, as he ate the food he had asked for, he gazed long at those who brought it, as if to say, 'What love is this!'
174. 623வண்ணம் திரிவும் மனங்குழைவும்My colour fading, my heart melting, my pride gone, my lips pale, no wish to eat, wasting away within: all this will ease only if the one called the colour of the sea puts his cool tulasi garland on me. Take me to the Bhandira banyan, where Baladeva overcame Pralamba and crushed his strength.
175. 624கற்றினம் மேய்க்கிலும் மேய்க்கப்பெற்றான்He was blessed to graze herds of calves; he became one of a forest-dwelling clan; he was caught and tied to a mortar. You sinners! Is that something for you to mock? Instead of repeating what you have heard and earning blame, take me to Govardhana, which he held up as a victorious umbrella, stopping the rain so the cattle might live.
176. 625கூட்டி லிருந்து கிளியெப்போதும்The parrot in its cage calls 'Govinda! Govinda!' all the time. If I scold it and withhold its food, it cries out louder, 'He who measured the world!' So that you do not earn great blame in the land, lose your good name and hang your heads, take me to Dwaraka, which shines ringed by mansions with lofty tops.
177. 626மன்னு மதுரை தொடக்கமாகThis garland of fine words, sung to sweet music by Kothai, daughter of Vishnuchittan, king of Puduvai where golden mansions shine, tells of the resolve of the girl with long tresses, who wished her kin to carry her from ever-lasting Mathura all the way to rich Dwaraka. For those who can sing its praise, their place is Vaikuntha.
178. 627கண்ண னென்னும் கருந்தெய்வம்I lie here, grown used to the sight of the dark god called Kannan. Don't stand outside and make fine speeches to me; it is like squeezing tamarind into a wound. Bring the yellow garment from the waist of the Lord who does not know a woman's pain, and fan me with it so that my wilting eases.
179. 628பாலா லிலையில் துயில்கொண்டI am caught in the net of the Supreme who slept on the banyan leaf. Don't say whatever you like to me; it is like stitching a wound with a spear. Bring the cool dark tulasi of the pot-dancer who grazed the cattle with a stick as a cowherd and who lies at Thirukkudanthai, and put it on my curling hair.
180. 629கஞ்சைக் காய்ந்த கருவல்லிStruck through the heart by the arrow of his side glance, from the dark one who in anger destroyed Kamsa, I have lost my footing and melt away. He alone will not say to me 'Do not fear.' If he gives, without deceit, the forest garland he wears on his chest, bring it and roll it over my chest.
181. 630ஆரே யுலகத் தாற்றுவார்Who in this world could bear this? The dark bull that plunders and eats in Ayarpadi has trampled me, and I lie weak and broken. Bring the water that wells in the nectar mouth of him who is like nectar one never tires of, make me drink it before I dry up, and take away my weariness.
182. 631அழிலும் தொழிலு முருக்காட்டான்Whether I weep or worship, he will not show me his form; he alone will not say 'Do not fear.' He has embraced me, plunged into me, entered me, and circles round and round within and will not leave. Bring the water from the holes of the flute that tall Mal plays as he comes behind the herd through the leafy grove, and stroke my face with it to cool it.
183. 632நடையொன் றில்லா வுலகத்துIn this world where there is no fairness at all, I have been trampled by the hooves of that cruel, harsh Thirumal, the son of Nandagopa, and I cannot even turn on my side. Bring the dust from the footprints where that cowherd has trodden, and smear it on my body, from which life will not depart.
184. 633வெற்றிக் கருள கொடியான்றன்In this world that does not honour the one with the victorious Garuda flag, the mother who bore me has raised me in vain, bitter as neem. So that every lack and fault may be removed, take my faultless breasts and bind them tight against the beautiful bamboo-like shoulders of that young prince.
185. 634உள்ளே யுருகி நைவேனைI am melting and wasting away inside, and that plundering rascal Govardhana will not even ask, 'Is she alive or not?' If I see him, I will tear out by the roots these breasts that are of no use to anyone, fling them at his chest, and so put out my burning.
186. 635கொம்மை முலைக ளிடர்தீரக்If I do not do some small service for Govinda in this very life, so that the ache of my full breasts may end, what use is any penance I might go and do somewhere else later? If one day he holds me to his perfect chest, good; or if he looks at my face, tells me the truth and sends me away, that too would be very good.
187. 636அல்லல் விளைத்த பெருமானைThese words of longing and deep desire were spoken about the Lord who caused her such distress, the bright lamp of Ayarpadi, by Kothai, the glorious daughter of Vishnuchittan, Nambi of Villiputhur, whose brows put the bow to shame. Those who can sing their praise will not sink in the sea of sorrow.
188. 637பட்டி மேய்ந்தோர் காரேறு'Did you see a dark young bull, grazing wherever he pleases, like a younger calf beside Baladeva, going by here playing as he likes?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, sweetly turning back his beloved cows, giving them water, letting them loose and playing!'
189. 638அனுங்க வென்னைப் பிரிவுசெய்'Did you see Govardhana, that young bull smelling of the cowshed, who left me to grieve and plunders Ayarpadi?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, standing and playing, his forest garland glittering, like a cloud with lightning mingled with hosts of stars!'
190. 639மாலாய்ப் பிறந்த நம்பியை'Did you see going by here the Nambi born as love itself, the bridegroom who bewilders us, the one who tells lies that don't hold together?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, coming beneath a canopy made of the wings of Garuda, son of Vinata, shielding him from the sun spread above!'
191. 640கார்த்தண் கமலக் கண்ணென்னும்'Did you see the Lord who plays, binding me with the long rope of his cool dark lotus eyes and dragging me along?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, standing and playing, beaded with sweat, like a spotted young elephant draped in a coverlet of pearls!'
192. 641மாத வன்என் மணியினை'Did you see Madhava, my jewel, the Lord who, like a boar that slipped out of the net, gives us nothing at all to hold on to?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, his yellow garment hanging low, coming down the street and filling it, like a great dark young rain cloud!'
193. 642தரும மறியாக் குறும்பனைத்'Did you see the rascal who knows no dharma, the unsuitable one whose lovely curved brows are like the Sarnga bow in his hand?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, dark of body and red of face, like the rays spreading over the eastern mountain at sunrise!'
194. 643பொருத்த முடைய நம்பியைப்'Did you see the Nambi who is fitting in every way, dark inside just as he is outside, that great dark cloud who stood there and failed our hopes?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, coming with a great throng around him, like the sky filling and swelling with eager hosts of stars!'
195. 644வெளிய சங்கொன் றுடையானைப்'Did you see the one with the matchless white conch, the one in the yellow garment, Thirumal so full of grace, the one who holds the discus?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, standing and playing, his fragrant flowered locks gleaming on his broad shoulders, as if joyful bees had settled everywhere!'
196. 645நாட்டைப் படையென்று அயன்முதலாத்'Did you see the spotless one who plays, who brought forth Brahma and the others, told them to create the world, and gave them the cool great lotus of his navel for a home?' 'We saw him in Brindavan, coming back from the hunt, having gone into the forest and struck down Dhenuka, the elephant and the bird together!'
197. 646பருந்தாட் களிற்றுக் கருள்செய்தThese are the words of Kothai, daughter of Vishnuchittan, telling how the Supreme, who showed grace to the elephant with mighty feet, was seen in Brindavan on this earth. Those who keep them in their hearts as medicine and live by them will remain forever beneath the feet of the Lord of the great feet, never to be parted.
198. 647இருளிரியச் சுடர்மணிக ளிமைக்கும் நெற்றிOn the beautiful, lofty white bed called Ananta, king of serpents, a great light whose thousand spotted hoods are set with blazing gems that drive away the darkness; in the great city of Thiruvarangam, where the clear-watered Ponni strokes his feet with her wave-hands; there lies the dark gem, the tender one. When will the day come when my two eyes see him and rejoice?
199. 648வாயோரீ ரைஞ்ஞூறு துதங்க ளார்ந்தThe red fire breathed out by the fiery serpent with its coiled body and a thousand mouths spreads above everywhere like a canopy of never-fading flowers. Beneath it, in fragrant Arangam, lies the wondrous Lord on the serpent bed, like a heap of kaya blossoms. When will the day come when I hold the Manathoon pillar and praise him with my whole mouth?
200. 649எம்மாண்பின் அயன்நான்கு நாவி னாலும்Brahma of every glory praises him with four tongues, and with four faces and eight lovely eyes looking every way, worships him sweetly; that Brahma was born from the lotus navel of this Lord, bright as red gold. When will the day come when I, with the devotees, approach the feet of this Lord who lies on the serpent bed in beautiful Arangam, and offer flowers there?
201. 650மாவினைவாய் பிளந்துகந்த மாலை வேலைThe Lord who joyfully split the jaws of the horse-demon Kesi; the sea-coloured one; my Kannan; the bull of the cowherds who held up a mighty hill and saved the cows; the leader of the gods; the sweet poetry of beautiful Tamil and that Sanskrit too; the king who lies on the serpent bed in Arangam, where the unattached gather. When will the day come when my tongue praises him fully and my hands, strewing freshly picked flowers, fold in worship?
202. 651இணையில்லா வின்னிசையாழ் கெழுமி யின்பத்Tumburu and Narada, with their matchless sweet-toned lutes, bow and praise him; Brahma on his ancient lotus worships him without pause with hymns from the flawless ancient Vedas. In walled Arangam, rich with jewelled towers and mansions, he lies on the serpent bed, the sapphire-coloured Lord. When will the day come when I see him and bow my head?
203. 652அளிமலர்மே லயனரனிந் திரனோடு ஏனைBrahma on his honeyed flower, Shiva, Indra and the throngs of other gods, the apsaras, and the throngs of clear-minded sages all race ahead from every direction, strewing flowers, to reach Arangam with its groves of honeyed blossoms, where the sea-coloured Lord sleeps upon the serpent. When will the day come when my heart melts completely on seeing his lotus eyes and his face, radiant as the moon?
204. 653மறந்திகழு மனமொழித்து வஞ்ச மாற்றிRid of a wicked mind, rid of deceit, the five senses mastered, the heavy burden of sorrow cast off, praising him at the six times of day, they stand firm on the endless ancient path: devotees whose minds shine with dharma. He is their refuge, the wondrous Lord of radiant hue who lies on the serpent bed in beautiful Arangam by the Ponni. When will the day come when I see him and stand with my eyes brimming with tears?
205. 654கோலார்ந்த நெடுஞ்சார்ங்கம் கூனற் சங்கம்The beautiful long bow Sarnga, the curved conch, the killing discus, the fierce mace, the victorious bright sword, and Garuda, the fierce bird of victory swift as the wind: all these stand guard around him as he lies on the serpent bed in Thiruvarangam, ringed by groves and long fields full of fish. When will the day come when I, burdened with heavy karma, see Thirumal, find the joy of union with him, and truly live?
206. 655தூராத மனக்காதல் தொண்டர் தங்கள்Throngs of devotees with unending love in their hearts gather, sing his many glories, weep with a joy that never fills, tears pouring like rain, melting as they remember and praise him; in Thiruvarangam the grand drums sound like the ocean. When will the day come when I see the Lord with the battle discus lying on the serpent bed, leap for joy and roll on the ground?
207. 656வன்பெருவா னகமுய்ய அமர ருய்யSo that the great heavens may thrive, the gods may thrive, the earth may thrive and the people on earth may thrive; so that heavy sorrow may leave and unfailing joy may grow; so that devotees glad at heart may live: beautiful Arangan lies with love, facing south. When will the day come when I see the great joyful company of devotees in his holy courtyard, and sit with them, one with them?
208. 657திடர்விளங்கு கரைப்பொன்னி நடுவு பாட்டுத்Out of a longing to see his fill of the Lord whose dark form shines like the ocean, lying on the serpent bed in Thiruvarangam in the middle of the Ponni with its sandy banks, Kulasekhara, the generous king of Koodal, with his valiant army under shining umbrellas and his victorious bright sword, composed this Tamil garland of ten in flowing verse. Those who master it will reach the feet of Narayana, radiant with goodness.
209. 658தேட்டரும்திறல் தேனினைத்தென்Arangan of the south, the honey whose strength cannot be reached by seeking; the Lord with an unfading forest garland on the chest where Sri dwells. Praising him, minds overflowing with love, they take to dancing, cry out to him and grow faint: if one can see the gathering of such true devotees, that alone is the fruit of having eyes.
210. 659தோடுலாமலர் மங்கைதோளிணைHis embrace of the shoulders of the lady who dwells in the many-petalled flower; the bright arrow with which he pierced the tall sala trees; his grazing of the cows: thinking only of these, the devotees dance, sing and call out 'Arangaa!'. If we may bathe in the dust of their feet, what use is the desire to plunge and bathe in the waters of the Ganga?
211. 660ஏறடர்த்ததும் ஏனமாய்நிலம்Taming the bulls; coming as the boar and lifting up the earth; long ago, as Rama, crushing the enemy; measuring the world: saying and singing these, the devotees' tears flow like the great, rich river Ponni and turn the courtyard of Arangan's temple to mud. That rich mud, pressed by their red feet, I will wear on my head as an ornament.
212. 661தோய்த்ததண்தயிர் வெண்ணெய்பாலுடன்He ate the set curd, the butter and the milk all together, and the cowherd mother saw it and bound him: 'our Lord with the bound shoulders!' Becoming devotees of Arangan, they call out 'Narayana!' until their tongues are scarred, and bow in worship until their bodies are scarred, rejoicing. My heart, praise and bless the red feet of such devotees.
213. 662பொய்சிலைக்குர லேற்றெருத்தமிThe king who broke the necks of the bellowing bulls and dragged the fighting serpent; Arangan of the south, with great strong walls wrapped in radiance; that true dark cloud bearing a bow. Those in whose hearts he stands shining get goosebumps all over; just thinking of them, my own heart and body thrill.
214. 663ஆதியந்தம னந்தமற்புதம்He is the beginning and the end, endless and wondrous, the Lord of the celestials. So that even sinners without the devotion to wear his flower feet on their heads may be saved, his devotees go about everywhere showing them the flawless good path, and love only Arangan, our Lord. In every birth, my heart will love such devotees.
215. 664காரினம்புரை மேனிநல்கதிர்A form like massed clouds, a smile white as radiant pearls, red lips, a chest adorned with necklaces: Arangan, the one rare great flame. Those whose hearts reach out to him and are joined with him stand there with tears welling and flowing. My heart becomes devoted to the two feet of such people.
216. 665மாலையுற்றக டல்கிடந்தவன்He who lies in the ocean at dusk; whose great mountain-like chest, where Sri dwells, wears a fragrant tulasi garland that bees burrow into; the lotus-eyed one. Smitten with love for him, his devotees rise, sing of his feet and wander about, mad for Arangan our Lord alone. My heart is smitten with love for the lives of such devotees.
217. 666மொய்த்துக்கண்பனி சோரமெய்கள்சிTears gathering and pouring down, bodies thrilling, longing, growing faint, they stand exhausted; they fold their hands, dance, rise, dance and sing and worship; becoming devotees of Arangan, my father and master, they are mad for him alone. They are not mad. All the others are the ones who are completely mad!
218. 667அல்லிமாமலர் மங்கைநாதன்Kulasekhara, whose mind is ever set on endless service to the true devotees of Arangan, Lord of the lady of the lily; guardian of Kolli, lord of Koodal, king of Kozhi: those who master the sweet Tamil garland he sang will become servants of the servants.
219. 668மெய்யில் வாழ்க்கையை மெய்யெனக் கொள்ளும்இவ்I will not join with this world that takes an unreal life to be real. I call out, 'My Lord! Arangaa!' I am lost in love for my Thirumal and wholly his.
220. 669நூலி னேரிடை யார்திறத் தேநிற்கும்I will not join with this world that stays by the side of women with waists as thin as thread. Dancing, calling out, 'Arangaa!', love for my Thirumal has risen up in me and I am wholly his.
221. 670மார னார்வரி வெஞ்சிலைக் காட்செய்யும்I will not join the people of this earth who serve the cruel striped bow of Kama. I am mad for the one with necklaces on his chest, Arangan, who rests on Ananta, the good Narayana, the destroyer of Naraka.
222. 671உண்டி யேயுடை யேயுகந் தோடும் இம்I will not join this world that runs about wanting only food and clothing. See, I am crazed with love for the one who dwells in all the worlds, Arangan, whose mouth sucked the breast of the fierce demoness!
223. 672தீதில் நன்னெறி நிற்கஅல் லாதுசெய்I will not join with those who follow other kinds of 'justice' instead of standing on the flawless good path. I am mad for the first cowherd, Arangan, the bridegroom of the lovely lady who dwells in the lotus.
224. 673எம்ப ரத்தரல் லாரொடும் கூடலன்I will not keep company with those who are not our own, the devotees. I do not count even the life of the heavens as anything. For all seven births, I am mad for my Lord of the city of Arangam, the Lord of the immortals.
225. 674எத்தி றத்திலும் யாரொடும் கூடும் அச்I have given up that mind which would cling to anyone in any way at all. I call out, 'Red-eyed Thirumal! Father! Arangaa!' I have become mad for my Lord alone and am wholly his.
226. 675பேய ரேயெனக் கியாவரும் யானுமோர்To me, everyone is mad; and to everyone, I too am mad. What is the use of talking about it? I call out, 'Cowherd! Arangaa!' I have become mad for my Lord alone and am wholly his.
227. 676அங்கை யாழி யரங்க னடியிணைKulasekhara, lord of the Kongu people, became a matchless great madman whose mind rests on the two feet of Arangan with the discus in his lovely hand. Those here who master the words he spoke will suffer no harm at all.
228. 677ஊனேறு செல்வத் துடற்பிறவி யான்வேண்டேன்I do not want a human birth with wealth that only fattens the flesh. I want nothing but the chance to serve the one who conquered the seven bulls. Let me be born as a heron living in the Koneri pool on Venkatam, the hill of the Lord who holds the curved conch in his left hand.
229. 678ஆனாத செல்வத் தரம்பையர்கள் தற்சூழI do not want the wealth of ruling heaven with apsaras of endless riches around me, nor wealth, nor a kingdom on earth. Let it be my fate to be born as a fish in a pool on Thiruvenkatam, among groves of honey-filled flowers.
230. 679பின்னிட்ட சடையானும் பிரமனு மந்திரனும்At the long gate of Vaikuntha, which even Shiva with braided locks, Brahma and Indra cannot enter though they crowd close, let me hold the golden vessel that the Lord of Venkatam, bearer of the lightning-bright round discus, uses, and so be allowed to go in with him.
231. 680ஒண்பவள வேலை யுலவுதண் பாற்கடலுள்So that I may see the two feet of the wondrous Lord who sleeps in the cool ocean of milk, where waves with bright coral roll, let me have the good fortune of standing as a champak tree on Venkatam, where swarms of bees hum their melodies.
232. 681கம்பமத யானை கழுத்தகத்தின் மேலிருந்துI do not want the pleasure and wealth of riding on the neck of a rutting elephant tethered at its post, nor this kingdom. Let me have the penance to stand as a bush on the beautiful Venkatam hill of my Lord, the Master.
233. 682மின்னனைய நுண்ணிடையா ருருப்பசியும் மேனகையும்Urvasi and Menaka with waists as fine as lightning, their songs and their dances: I will not care for these. On Venkatam, where swarms of bees hum 'thenna thenna', let me have the rare penance of being a golden pot there.
234. 683வானாளும் மாமதிபோல் வெண்குடைக்கீழ் மன்னவர்தம்I do not care for the wealth of sitting enthroned as king of kings, celebrated under a white umbrella like the full moon that rules the sky. Let my wish be to flow as a forest stream on the hill of Thiruvenkatam, among groves of honey-filled flowers.
235. 684பிறையேறு சடையானும் பிரமனு மிந்திரனும்He makes complete whatever is lacking in the great sacrifices duly performed by Shiva with the crescent in his matted hair, by Brahma and by Indra; he is the Veda itself. On his Thiruvenkatam hill, with its fragrant cool groves, let me have the lot of lying as a path.
236. 685செடியாய வல்வினைகள் தீர்க்கும் திருமாலேThirumal, who clears away strong karma that spreads like weeds! Tall one! Lord of Venkatam! At the threshold of your temple, where devotees, gods and apsaras pass and walk, let me lie as a step and gaze upon your coral lips.
237. 686உம்ப ருலகாண் டொருகுடைக்கீழ் உருப்பசிதன்Even if I ruled the world of the gods under a single umbrella and won Urvasi with her beautiful gold-clad waist, I would not care for it. On the golden hill called Thiruvenkatam, belonging to my Lord with lips of red coral, let me be anything at all.
238. 687மன்னியதண் சாரல் வடவேங் கடத்தான்றன்Longing to see the golden red feet of the Lord of northern Venkatam with its lasting cool slopes, Kulasekhara of the sharp, battle-tried spear bowed down and spoke this carefully wrought Tamil work. Those who master it will be fitting devotees.
239. 688தருதுயரம் தடாயேலுன் சரணல்லால் சரணில்லைEven if you do not stop the sorrow you send me, I have no refuge but your feet. Lord of Vitruvakodu, ringed by groves of fragrant flowers! Like a baby that, even when its own mother pushes it away in anger, cries thinking only of her love, so have I been.
240. 689கண்டா ரிகழ்வனவே காதலன்றான் செய்திடினும்Like a woman of good family who knows no one but the man who married her, even if he does things that onlookers scorn; Lord of Vitruvakodu with walls that touch the sky! Even if you do not accept me as yours, I will go on speaking only of your feet with their ringing anklets.
241. 690மீன்நோக்கும் நீள்வயல்சூழ் விற்றுவக்கோட் டம்மாஎன்Lord of Vitruvakodu, ringed by long fields where fish look up! Even if you do not look my way, I have no support but holding on to you. Like subjects who live looking to the sceptre of their garlanded king, even if he ignores them and brings them every hardship, so have I been.
242. 691வாளா லறுத்துச் சுடினும் மருத்துவன்பால்Like a patient whose love for the physician never fails, even when he cuts with a blade and cauterises, so, Lord of Vitruvakodu, even if by your mysterious will you give me sorrow that does not leave, I, your servant, will look only to your grace.
243. 692வெங்கண்திண் களிறடர்த்தாய் விற்றுவக்கோட் டம்மானேYou who subdued the strong elephant with fierce eyes! Lord of Vitruvakodu! Where else could I go and be saved, except by reaching your two feet? I have become like the great bird that flies out everywhere over the wave-tossed sea, finds no shore, and comes back again to the ship's mast.
244. 693செந்தழலே வந்தழலைச் செய்திடினும் செங்கமலம்Even if red fire itself comes and gives off heat, the red lotus will not open except to the hot-rayed sun in the sky. So too, Lord of Vitruvakodu, even if you do not take away my bitter sorrow, my heart will not melt for anything but your endless glory.
245. 694எத்தனையும் வான்மறந்த காலத்தும் பைங்கூழ்கள்However long the sky forgets to rain, the green crops keep looking to the great dark cloud as it rises. Like them, Lord of Vitruvakodu, even if you do not take away my real sorrow, I, your servant, will keep my whole mind set on you.
246. 695தொக்கிலங்கி யாறெல்லாம் பரந்தோடித் தொடுகடலேJust as all the rivers that gather, shine, spread and flow cannot stay outside but must enter the sea, so, you of the colour of a radiant cloud, Lord of Vitruvakodu, I will enter nothing but your shining glory. O holy one.
247. 696நின்னையே தான்வேண்டி நீள்செல்வம் வேண்டாதான்Just as wealth itself comes seeking the one who wants only you and does not want great riches, so, Lord of Vitruvakodu who holds the discus bright as lightning, whatever your mysterious will may bring, I, your servant, will stand wanting only you.
248. 697விற்றுவக்கோட் டம்மாநீ வேண்டாயே யாயிடினும்'Lord of Vitruvakodu, even if you do not want me, I will take no one else as my support': so said Kulasekhara, leader of an army with victorious spears, who longed for the Lord's feet. Those who master these ten fine Tamil verses will never reach hell.
249. 698ஏர்மலர்ப் பூங்குழ லாயர்மாதர்In this village with so many cowherd girls with lovely flower-decked hair, though you knew very well that I have no wish but to embrace your chest, I believed your lie and stood till dawn on the long sand bank of the Yamuna, cringing and shivering in dew cold as driving rain, Vasudeva, watching for you to come.
250. 699கொண்டையொண் கண்மட வாளொருத்திSeeing a girl with a hair-knot and bright eyes churning curd in the house to the east, you said, 'Let me churn it, quickly,' and slipped in with a sly glance. Her bee-haunted flowery hair came down and swayed, her bright face broke into a sweat, her red lips trembled: the way you churned that cool curd, Damodara, I know it for certain.
251. 700கருமலர்க் கூந்த லொருத்திதன்னைக்You glance from the corner of your eye at one girl with dark flowers in her hair; right there you set your heart on another; you talk sweetly to a third; you give a simple girl a false promise of meeting; and you go off with a girl with curling tresses. Yet you are not true to her either. You who broke the marudu trees! As you grow up, your tricks grow too.
252. 701தாய்முலைப் பாலி லமுதிருக்கத்Though there was nectar in your own mother's milk, you crawled and toddled off, put your mouth to the demoness's breast and drank poison, so that others mocked you as mad. While I waited with deep love, you went and enjoyed yourself thoroughly with the very messenger I sent you. That too suits your crooked ways!
253. 702மின்னொத்த நுண்ணிடை யாளைக்கொண்டுTaking a girl with a waist fine as lightning, in the thick darkness through my street, with a gold-like cloth drawn over your head, you went along; I saw it and stood there. I also saw you signalling with your eyes and beckoning with your hand to another girl who caught your eye. Why did you leave her and come here? Go back there, Nambi!
254. 703மற்பொரு தோளுடை வாசுதேவாVasudeva, with shoulders made for wrestling! How did I, of such heavy karma, fall asleep! In the middle of tonight you left me on the soft bed and went off, and you have come back after spending that night and the next day with other women. Why have you come to my side? My Lord, please rise and go.
255. 704பையர வின்னணைப் பள்ளியினாய்You who lie on the hooded serpent bed! We are not the girls we used to be. Nor are we the kohl-eyed, bright-eyed girls you like. Stop coming and lingering in our lane. Seeing your red garment, your lovely face, your lips red as ripe fruit and your hair, I was fooled once; that is enough. Don't talk your tricks; just go, Nambi.
256. 705என்னை வருக வெனக்குறித்திட்You told me to come and named the place, then went to meet her in the shade of the flowering jasmine bower, and when you saw me you were flustered and fell apart. Even if you run off now, holding your golden garment in your hand and pretending to be afraid, if you ever come into my hands here again one day, I will settle my anger.
257. 706மங்கல நல்வன மாலைமார்வில்With an auspicious forest garland shining on your chest, a peacock feather in your hair, a bright new cloth tied at your waist and clusters of flowers tucked in your ears, you came along mingling with fragrant-haired girls, playing your flute so sweetly. Won't the sweet music of your flute come one day to play for us too?
258. 707அல்லி மலர்த்திரு மங்கைகேள்வன்The young cowherd girls who longed for the husband of Sri, the lady of the lily, spoke these words at night in their lovers' quarrel, half in scorn. Kulasekhara, lord of the city of Kolli and king of Koodal, set them to sweet music in this Tamil garland of ten. Those who can sing it will know no sorrow.
259. 708ஆலை நீள்கரும் பன்னவன் தாலோ'Sweet as the long sugarcane fed to the mill, thalo! Wide lotus-eyed one, thalo! Colour of the sea, thalo! Like a young elephant calf, thalo! My son with long fragrant hair, thalo!' Saying this again and again, singing you to sleep with my mouth full of it: that fortune I never had. I have become the lowest of mothers.
260. 709வடிக்கொ ளஞ்சன மெழுதுசெம் மலர்க்கண்Your red lotus eyes lined with kohl gazing sweetly up at something above; your tiny red flower feet and little dark legs drawn up; like a baby rain cloud full of water; all your little red fingers folded tight into your palm: I never got to see you lying like that. Alas, Kesava! I am undone, undone!
261. 710முந்தை நன்முறை யுன்புடை மகளிர்In the good old custom, the women of your clan took turns sitting you on their laps and asked, 'My little father! Great light of our clan! Young bull who steals the beauty of the rising clouds! Who is your father?' And you pointed with your red finger and the corner of your eye. Nanda had that joy. Our lord Vasudeva, without such good fortune, did not.
262. 711களிநி லாவெழில் மதிபுரை முகமும்Kanna! Your face like a joyful, radiant moon, your strong hands, chest and firm shoulders, your dark hair with tender flowers, your crescent brow, your wide lotus eyes: today I drink in the joy of your youth with my eyes. But the boundless joy of your childhood, when you thought of her as your mother, I lost. Sinner that I am, my life will not stay in me.
263. 712மருவு நின்திரு நெற்றியில் சுட்டிThe ornament on your holy forehead swaying as you give me a kiss with your mouth; seeing your form so like your father's and feeling my heart grow cool; you standing in a little temper, finger in your small red mouth, saying your words: unlucky as I am, I had none of these. The divine lady Yashoda had them all.
264. 713தண்ணந் தாமரைக் கண்ணனே கண்ணாCool lotus-eyed Kanna! Crawling, getting up, with tottering steps, playing in the red dust of the ground, then coming to settle on my chest: alas, I never had that. Nor did I get to eat the leftovers of the food you scooped into your mouth with all your pretty little red fingers. O, how cruel my karma is! What did my mother bear me for?
265. 714குழக னேஎன்றன் கோமளப் பிள்ளாய்Handsome one! My tender child! Govinda! Nestled in my palms like a tender young shoot overflowing with beauty, one hand fondling one breast, now and then babbling and smiling softly, the breast in your mouth, your two lovely eyes gazing up at my face: that look too I have lost, I have lost.
266. 715முழுதும் வெண்ணெ யளைந்துதொட் டுண்ணும்Your little lotus-bud hand dipped all over in butter as you ate; the way you shrank back when she was about to beat you with the pretty rope; your red mouth smeared with white curd; your crying; that frightened look; the twisting of your pretty little red mouth; your folded hands begging pardon: Yashoda, who saw all these, saw the very height of joy.
267. 716குன்றி னால்குடை கவித்ததும் கோலக்Holding up the hill as an umbrella; linking hands in the lovely kuravai dance; the dance with the pots; throwing the calf-demon at the wood-apple tree; trampling Kaliya's head with your feet: of all these victorious, delightful games of a child, I, your servant, did not get to see even one, there, to cool my heart. If there is any way to see them now, grant it to me.
268. 717வஞ்ச மேவிய நெஞ்சுடைப் பேய்ச்சிThe demoness with deceit in her heart withered and fell, scorched until her sinews and veins stood out, as you sucked her poison-filled breast; alas, so you grew, showing your grace. Dark cloud who took away Kamsa's days, my father! I am the lowest; carrying breasts for nothing, with no refuge, I simply stayed alive. How fitting: you found yourself a good mother!
269. 718மல்லை மாநகர்க் கிறையவன் றன்னைThis is the lament of divine Devaki, who never saw the endless childhood deeds of the wondrous Lord, who sent the king of the great city of wrestlers, Mathura, to the heavens and then came to her here. Kulasekhara, guardian of Kolli, who wears the feet of Thirumal on his crown as a lovely ornament, sang this Tamil garland set to fine music. Those who master it will soon reach Narayana's world.
270. 719மன்னுபுகழ் கௌசலைதன் மணிவயிறு வாய்த்தவனேYou who were born of the jewel-like womb of Kausalya, whose fame lasts forever! You who sent the crowns of the king of southern Lanka flying! My dark gem of Kannapuram, ringed by great, fine, never-breached walls set with red gold! My sweet nectar! Raghava, sleep now, thalelo.
271. 720புண்டரிக மலரதன்மேல் புவனியெல்லாம் படைத்தவனேYou who created all the worlds upon the lotus flower! You who bent your bow so that the arrow pierced the chest of mighty Tataka! My dark gem of Kannapuram, who wins the hearts of all who see you! Master of all eight directions! Raghava, sleep now, thalelo.
272. 721கொங்குமலி கருங்குழலாள் கோசலைதன் குலமதலாய்Darling child of the clan of Kausalya with fragrant dark hair! Noble son-in-law of Janaka of great and lasting fame! Son of Dasaratha! My dark gem of Kannapuram, richer in holy waters than even the Ganga! Sweet nectar of our clan! Raghava, sleep now, thalelo.
273. 722தாமரைமே லயனவனைப் படைத்தவனே தசரதன்றன்You who created Brahma upon the lotus! Great son of Dasaratha! Bridegroom of Maithili! My dark gem of Kannapuram, where swarms of bees sing in the Kamaram melody! Master of the bow with its arrows! Raghava, sleep now, thalelo.
274. 723பாராளும் படர்செல்வம் பரதநம்பிக் கேயருளிGiving the vast wealth of ruling the earth to young Bharata, you went into the harsh forest with your younger brother of endless love! You with a mountain-like chest full of glory! King of Thirukkannapuram! My son of Dasaratha with a long garlanded crown, sleep now, thalelo.
275. 724சுற்றமெல்லாம் பின்தொடரத் தொல்கான மடைந்தவனேYou who went into the ancient forest with all your people following behind! Rare medicine for those who have no one! Lord of the city of Ayodhya! My dark gem of Kannapuram, where the learned live! Sri Rama, who accepted the word of your younger mother, sleep now, thalelo.
276. 725ஆலினிலைப் பாலகனா யன்றுலக முண்டவனேYou who once, as a baby on a banyan leaf, swallowed the world! You who killed Vali and gave the kingdom to the younger monkey, Sugriva! My dark gem of Kannapuram, where the wind washes gems up on the shore! Lord of the city of Thiruvali! King of Ayodhya, sleep now, thalelo.
277. 726மலையதனா லணைகட்டி மதிளிலங்கை யழித்தவனேYou who built a bridge of hills and destroyed walled Lanka! You who churned the wave-tossed ocean and gave nectar to the gods! My dark gem of Kannapuram, where those skilled in the arts live! Master of the bow! Hero! Sri Rama, sleep now, thalelo.
278. 727தளையவிழும் நறுங்குஞ்சித் தயரதன்றன் குலமதலாய்Darling of the clan of Dasaratha, whose fragrant locks are full of opening buds! You who bent a single bow and destroyed walled Lanka! My dark gem of Kannapuram, where red water lilies bloom beside the weeds! You who are so gracious to your younger brothers! Raghava, sleep now, thalelo.
279. 728தேவரையு மசுரரையும் திசைகளையும் படைத்தவனேYou who created the gods, the asuras and the directions! You who sleep in the city of Arangam so that all may come and bow at your feet! My dark gem of Kannapuram, where the good river Kaveri flows! Master of the fierce bow with its arrows! Raghava, sleep now, thalelo.
280. 729கன்னிநன்மா மதிள்புடைசூழ் கணபுரத்தென் காகுத்தன்This Tamil garland, which said 'thalelo' at the feet of my Kakutstha of Kannapuram, ringed by great, fine, never-breached walls, was sung by Kulasekhara of the royal umbrella, master of the battle-tried spear. Those who master these ten carefully wrought verses will be fitting devotees.
281. 730வன்தாளி னிணைவணங்கி வளநகரம்The prosperous city bowed at your strong feet and praised you as you stood ready to be crowned; you were about to sit on the throne. 'Go to the long forest,' she told you, my Rama! Listening to the word of Kaikeyi, who was a mother to you, I myself, my good son, made you rule this world so well!
282. 731வெவ்வாயேன் வெவ்வுரைகேட் டிருநிலத்தைHearing the cruel words of a cruel mouth, not wanting the wide land, you quickly left behind the victorious elephants with ichor, the chariots and the horses, and went to the forest, with the jewelled lady whose long eyes are like an oiled spear and your younger brother walking behind. How did you walk, my Rama! My lord, what shall I do!
283. 732கொல்லணைவேல் வரிநெடுங்கண் கோசலைதன்Child of the line of Kausalya, whose long lined eyes are like a killing spear! You with mountain shoulders fit for wrestling, who bear the bent bow! You have learned the way to melt the heart of me, a man of hard deeds. Before, you slept on a soft bed; will you now go and learn to sleep on a bed of stone in the shade of trees in the wide forest? Kakuttha, dark king!
284. 733வாபோகு வாஇன்னம் வந்தொருகால்Come! Go! Come once more, see me, and then go! You who broke the bow of Shiva, rider of the bull, for her with flowers in her hair and lovely shoulders like bamboo! My son who melts the heart of me, a man of hard deeds! Today as you go into the long forest where wild beasts roam, how does my heart stand here without splitting in two?
285. 734பொருந்தார்கை வேல்நுதிபோல் பரல்பாயPebbles piercing like spear tips in an enemy's hand, blood flowing from your soft feet, choosing a forest no one would choose, the sun burning, hunger growing fierce: today you go, son of a great sinner! I listened to the word of that dreadful sinner born the daughter of the Kekaya king. What shall I do, alas, a man of hard deeds!
286. 735அம்மாவென் றுகந்தழைக்கு மார்வச்சொல்Not hearing the loving word 'Amma' you would joyfully call me, not holding your jewelled chest pressed close to mine, not hugging you, not smelling the crown of your head, not seeing your soft gait like an elephant calf's or your lotus face: I have lost my lord, my son, and I, lowly one, still live!
287. 736பூமருவு நறுங்குஞ்சி புஞ்சடையாய்ப்His fragrant flowered hair turned to matted locks, wearing a garment of grass where fine silk once was, without ornaments, the beauty of his limbs changed: is my son, with shoulders that are a refuge, to go to the forest that I myself should go to now? You who know the pure Vedas, is this right? Sumantra! Vasishtha! You tell me!
288. 737பொன்பெற்றா ரெழில்வேதப் புதல்வனையும்Sending to the forest the beautiful son, like the Veda itself, of Kausalya who bore that golden child, and his younger brother, and my gentle daughter-in-law, like a myna bird, with a waist slender as lightning; bringing blame on your own son who does not side with you; and sending me too to the high heavens: what did you gain, Kaikeyi? You live on happily in this wide world!
289. 738முன்னொருநாள் மழுவாளி சிலைவாங்கிOnce, taking the bow of the axe-bearer Parasurama, you destroyed all his tapas. Counting as nothing yourself, your own worth and your mother's grief, holding me and my word as true, you went to the forest, my father! King with long arms! May I have you as my son in all seven births!
290. 739தேன்நகுமா மலர்க்கூந்தல் கௌசலையும்Kausalya, whose hair holds flowers dripping honey, and Sumitra grieve in heart. Because of the cruel one who listened to the cruel hunchbacked maid Manthara, you today chose the forest and left this prosperous city. I too leave it, and choosing the heavens, I go, king of the line of Manu!
291. 740ஏரார்ந்த கருநெடுமால் இராமனாய்When the beautiful dark Mal went to the forest as Rama, Dasaratha, with great mountain shoulders wearing garlands, could not bear it and lamented. Those who master this glorious garland of Tamil on that lament, sung by Kulasekhara of the royal umbrella, skilled with the sharp spear, king of Kozhi, will not walk the path of evil.
292. 741அங்கணெடு மதிள்புடைசூ ழயோத்தி யென்னும்In the beautiful city called Ayodhya, ringed with fair tall walls, he appeared as a light illuminating the whole world, a lamp for the line of the sun; the hero who saved all of heaven; Rama, a dark rain cloud with long red eyes; our one first Lord, our Perumal, in Thiruchitrakootam in the city of Thillai: when will be the day I see him till my eyes are cooled?
293. 742வந்தெதிர்ந்த தாடகைதன் உரத்தைக் கீறிTearing open the chest of Tataka who came against him, he loosed one arrow so her blood poured out; he guarded the sacrifice of the sage Vishvamitra, master of mantras; the young hero who took the lives of the mighty rakshasas: see him! In Thiruchitrakootam in the city of Thillai, ringed by lush cool groves of red shoots and smiling flowers, praised by the three thousand Brahmins, he is the Lord seated on the jewelled throne.
294. 743செல்வரிநற் கருநெடுங்கண் சீதைக் காகிச்For Sita with beautiful long dark eyes lined with red, he broke the bow of the angry bull-rider; he took the fierce bow from Parasurama, bearer of the axe, and won, subduing the foe of the spear-bearing kings; the hero Rama, with the fierce bow in his great hand, in Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai ringed by long high walls that enemies fear: I bow to the feet of those who bow to him.
295. 744தொத்தலர்பூஞ் சுரிகுழல்கை கேசி சொல்லால்By the word of Kaikeyi, whose curled hair holds clusters of blossoms, he left the ancient city; Guha, full of devotion, ferried him across the Ganga; he went into the forest, gave Bharata his sandals and the kingdom, and stayed at Chitrakuta. Today, the people of this earth who get to see him at Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai, as much as their eyes desire: even the gods are not their equal.
296. 745வலிவணக்கு வரைநெடுந்தோள் விராதைக் கொன்றுHe killed Viradha, whose mountain shoulders could bend any strength; he received the lined bow given by Agastya, the great sage of rich Tamil; he cut off the nose of the rakshasi whose glance put deer to shame; he took the lives of Khara and Dushana; he bent his bow and shot so the deer fell. Because those who can bow their heads, fold their hands and praise him at Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai walk upon it, this earth is blessed with tapas.
297. 746தனமருவு வைதேகி பிரிய லுற்றுத்Parted from his beloved Vaidehi, he grew weak with grief; he raised Jatayu to Vaikuntha; he made friends with the monkey king of the forest; he killed Vali; and to humble the rakshasa king of Lanka, he had the city burnt by Maruti. Rama, the Lord who dwells sweetly in Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai: I have praised the feet of those who praise him.
298. 747குரைகடலை யடலம்பால் மறுக வெய்துHe shot the roaring sea with his mighty arrow till it churned; he built a bridge and crossed by it to the other shore; he took the sweet life of the king of Lanka along with his rakshasas of flaming long spears; he gave the kingdom to that king's brother; and he dwells happily with Thirumagal. To wear on my head the feet of him who reigns at Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai: other than that kingship, I will count no kingship as kingship.
299. 748அம்பொனெடு மணிமாட அயோத்தி யெய்திHe reached Ayodhya of tall jewelled mansions of fine gold and took up the kingdom; from the mouth of Agastya he heard the great ancient story of those he had slain; and he heard his own story from the children with coral-red lips born of the princess of Mithila for the world's good. He is our Lord in Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai. We who drink his story with our ears and our eyes will not care even for nectar now.
300. 749செறிதவச்சம் புகன்றன்னைச் சென்று கொன்றுHe went and slew Shambuka of severe tapas, and restored the life of the Brahmin's son; he received the ornament full of gems that the sage Agastya gave him; through his younger brother he sent Lavana to heaven; and at a sage's demand he parted from mighty Lakshmana. We have a heart that never forgets him who dwells in Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai, so we will meet no great sorrow any more.
301. 750அன்றுசரா சரங்களைவை குந்தத் தேற்றிOn that day he raised all beings, moving and unmoving, to Vaikuntha; he mounted Garuda, foe of the mighty serpents; he conquered the asuras; his four long shining arms appeared; all of heaven came out to meet him; and he went to his own abode and sat there in joy. Saying 'He who stands forever is this one', praise that Lord daily at Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai, and bow to him at all times, you devotees!
302. 751தில்லைநகர்த் திருச்சித்ர கூடந் தன்னுள்On him who sits with mighty Maruti at Thiruchitrakootam in Thillai, from his appearing as the son of Dasaratha of boundless glory to his entering his own world at the end: those who master these ten verses, a fine garland of Tamil sung by Kulasekhara of the royal umbrella, king of Kozhi, with a fierce army and a bright victorious sword, will reach the feet of Narayana, shining with every good.
303. 752பூநிலாய வைந்துமாய்ப்You are the five qualities in earth (sound, touch, form, taste and smell), the four in water, the three in fire, the two in the fine air, and the one quality of the sky above. You stand in each of them with its own different nature. Who is able to think of you as you truly are?
304. 753ஆறுமாறு மாறுமாயொYou became the sixes and the fives, and all the great things counted as two, three, seven, six and eight. You became the many different kinds of knowledge, truth and falsehood, and the five sense objects such as touch and sound. You are Maya, the wondrous one.
305. 754ஐந்துமைந்து மைந்துமாகிYou are the five senses of knowing, the five organs of action and the five subtle elements, and you are within all that is not these. First of gods, you stood as the five elements, the three (mind, intellect and ego) and the one primal nature. Having become all of these, you also stand in the highest heaven. Who can see you, who shines in five forms?
306. 755மூன்றுமுப்ப தாறினோடொYou became the three, the thirty-six, and the fives, the three Murthis, and all things counted by threes. You became the three lights that shine, a lamp that never flickers. My Lord, why did you come and enter my soul?
307. 756நின்றியங்கு மொன்றலாவுYou live as the soul within every one of the countless forms, both those that stand still and those that move, mingled within them. At no time can anyone measure what your nature is. You are the first. Are you not the first god who long ago brought forth four-faced Brahma from your navel?
308. 757நாகமேந்து மேருவெற்பைThe Meru mountain that holds up the sky, the earth borne by the serpent Adisesha, the sky itself, the rain water the sky holds, the cloud that holds the rain, fire and wind: you set these five in place and guard them, and you hold them all up as one. That nature belongs to you alone.
309. 758ஒன்றிரண்டு மூர்த்தியாYou became the three Murthis, sleep and waking, the three times, the ocean and the land. You became the three sacred fires, and Maya, you were born a cowherd. Can even Siva, who has three eyes, praise you as you deserve?
310. 759ஆதியான வானவர்க்குFor the first gods, and beyond the cosmic egg, you are the first of all the first ones. It is you who declare the end of time even for the lords of the heavens. Who can see you, who are the first, the very time behind all things?
311. 760தாதுலாவு கொன்றைமாலைSpotless one, your feet are worshipped in due form by Siva, with his red matted hair and his garland of honey-filled konrai flowers. The Vedic scholars of lasting fame, and those who perform sacrifice rightly with the chanting of hymns, all worship you in the proper way. That worthiness of worship rests in you alone.
312. 761தன்னுளேதி ரைத்தெழும்In the wide sea with its white waves, the waves gather and rise within the sea and sink back into it. In the same way, all things that stand and all that move are born and die within you, and they sink back into you. That nature is yours alone.
313. 762சொல்லினால்தொ டர்ச்சிநீYou are the flow of words, and you are the meaning the words point to. You are also the light that shines beyond what words can say. Brahma, who creates by the word of the Veda, came into being only because you created him. Who then can sum up your qualities in words?
314. 763உலகுதன்னை நீபடைத்திYou create the world. At the time of dissolution you draw it back and keep it within you. Then you are born again inside that very world. You are not bound to any one place. The world stands one with you, and yet you stand apart from it. So who in the world can know you as you are?
315. 764இன்னையென்று சொல்லலாவThere is nothing by which one can say 'you are such'. Yet those who have known the bond with you call you 'the husband of Pinnai of slender waist'. Your form taken for Pinnai, your names, your towns and all the rest: if one tried to think of them by one's own power, who could?
316. 765தூய்மையோக மாயினாய்துYou became pure yoga. You wear the garland of thulasi. First god, you became the tortoise and rested in the deep sea. We are not able to say fully what your name is. Yet are you not the one sung in the Sama Veda, the Lord who holds the discus?
317. 766அங்கமாறும் வேதநான்குYou dwell within the six limbs of the Veda and the four Vedas. You recline in the wide ocean on the serpent with red eyes, beneath its hoods, rich in glory. Are you not the Lord with the Sarnga bow, whose body shines white like a conch?
318. 767தலைக்கணத்து கள்குழம்புYou are the source of everything, from the mass of the finest dust to the bright things of every kind. Even when you come and stand so that the ranks of beings can see you, the long arts with their words, meanings and thoughts cannot grasp you. Your greatness is a greatness that makes itself known, like a mountain.
319. 768ஏகமூர்த்தி மூன்றுமூர்த்திYou are one form, three forms and four forms. You are the form of all good joy, the form of merit, and forms beyond count. You lie in the fair ocean on the serpent as your bed. First god, what is this, that beyond all that you also take embodied forms?
320. 769விடத்தவாயொ ராயிரமிAdisesha has a thousand mouths full of poison and two thousand eyes that blaze with fire. He has bliss that the poison cannot spoil, great radiance and gathered glory. His hoods spread above like a canopy. Why do you sleep on that serpent bed in the waters of the sea, O Lord the colour of the sea?
321. 770புள்ளதாகி வேதநான்குYou became a swan and taught the four Vedas. More than that, you split the beak of the bird demon Bakasura, you took the bird Garuda as your flag, and you ride that bird. Then why, Lord of the shining discus, did you love to lie in the sea on the serpent, the sworn enemy of that bird?
322. 771கூசமொன்று மின்றிமாசுWithout any shame you made the serpent your bed and lay in the waters of the sea, while the gods who praise you came and sang before you. Kesava, you who became the tortoise living in the moss-covered water: tell me plainly why you lay like that long ago, so that others could mock you.
323. 772அரங்கனே.த ரங்கநீர்கO Arangan! Long ago you churned the sea so that its waves were stirred. You wound the serpent around the Mandara mountain, so that the trees on it were worn away and the great earth shook, and you churned hard. When you did, what did the asuras standing there do? My father, who delighted in leading the monkeys, tell me this clearly.
324. 773பண்டுமின்று மேலுமாயொர்In the past, now and in time to come, you became a child, ate up the seven worlds and slept on a banyan leaf, first god. You wear the cool thulasi garland that bees stir. Your chest is where Sri, the lady of the lotus, comes to rest. You are the Lord of the Earth.
325. 774வானிறத்தொர் சீயமாய்வYou became a peerless lion of great splendour and dug your claws into the body of Hiranya with his curved, sharp teeth. Your fame spreads everywhere. Those who carry the four Vedas on their tongues worship you through true yoga. Are you not Padmanabha, who lies in the ocean of milk?
326. 775கங்கைநீர்ப யந்தபாதOur Lord, your lotus feet gave rise to the waters of the Ganga. In your lovely hands you hold the discus, conch, mace, bow and sword. God of gods, you came as a lion. Your chest is the lasting home of Sri, who sits on the soft lotus full of honey. Maya, your body is the colour of the sea.
327. 776வரத்தினில்சி ரத்தைமிக்கHiranya, swollen with pride from his boon, had sharp teeth. You laid your hands on his chest and drove in your claws. And you begged, too. What pretence is that? The very earth you begged for, you hide inside your belly. Kanna, who can see into your mind?
328. 777ஆணினோடு பெண்ணுமாகிYou became male and female, the bad and the good. You became food, sound and touch, a power of wonder that is not just one. You became the cowherd who tends the cattle, and you became falsehood and truth. Thief, you went hiding your greatness, as a young brahmachari who longed for a piece of land!
329. 778விண்கடந்த சோதியாய்விYou are the light beyond the sky and the shining form of knowledge. Lord who destroys sin, you live in the land beyond all description. With yoga beyond counting, you went begging as a young brahmachari and strode across the earth. Who can take the measure of you?
330. 779படைத்தபாரி டந்தளந்தThe earth you made, you lifted up as the boar, measured, swallowed and brought out again. You made the waters of the sea, built a bridge across it, lay in it, and long ago churned it. When Mali, Sumali and Malyavan pressed close, you loosed your weapons and sent them to the city of Yama. Maya, your great hands hold many weapons.
331. 780பரத்திலும்ப ரத்தையாதிYou are higher than the highest, the first. You lie on the serpent bed in the sea, and you rejoice in keeping the peerless lady Sri on your chest. More than that, you are born among human beings. Lord, form of knowledge, no one is able to say what your nature is.
332. 781வானகம்மும் மண்ணகம்மும்You ate the sky, the earth, the mountains and the seven seas as your food, and slept on a banyan leaf, lotus-eyed one. You wear the cool, fragrant thulasi garland full of honey. Are you not the victorious bowman who, as a boy, flicked a pellet at the hump of the hunchback Manthara?
333. 782காலநேமி காலனே.Death to Kalanemi! Lord of fame beyond counting! Long ago you swallowed all seven worlds and became a little child; such is your nature. Hero of conquering anger, you bent your bow so that the sea itself burned. You are the form who gives liberation to the hearts of the devotees who belong to you.
334. 783குரக்கினப்ப டைகொடுகுWith the army of monkeys you crossed over the roaring sea, and loosed fierce arrows so that the bodies of the rakshasas were destroyed. You are the first. When you begged, Mahabali gave you the earth, and without any pity you spread your feet out wide and measured it all. Are you not the one with feet like lotuses?
335. 784மின்னிறத்தெ யிற்றரக்கன்You shot fierce arrows so that the rakshasa with lightning-bright teeth fell, and then you showed grace to his younger brother and gave him the kingdom. Such is your greatness. Husband of Pinnai, the young woman of fair colour and sweet speech, Lord of lasting glory: are you not the lotus-eyed one with the golden hue?
336. 785ஆதியாதி யாதிநீயொYou are the first of all the first ones, and the source of the universe. So you are a light that no one needs to test, and you shine in that truth. You became the Veda, the sacrifice, the sky and the earth. Being the first of all, you were born a cowherd. What wonder is this wonder!
337. 786அம்புலாவு மீனுமாகிYou became the fish that swims in the water and the tortoise. You became the master of the eternal ones who bear the discus. With overflowing love you also became the child of a cowherd woman with a waist slender as a vine. How did you also become our own Lord, my Lord?
338. 787ஆடகத்த பூண்முலையYou became the child of Yashoda, whose breast was adorned with gold. You kicked the cart, killed the demon who came as a bird, and drank the milk from the cruel breast of the deceitful demoness Putana, ending her life. Then why did you go on to taste the nectar of love from the cowherd women with golden bangles?
339. 788காய்த்தநீள்வி ளங்கனியுThey say you are Kannan, whose hands knocked down the ripe wood-apples, bent the flowering kurundham tree that stood in the way, and split open the mouth of the horse demon. You drank the cowherd woman's milk, ate earth, ate butter, and then drank the demoness's milk too. Long before, you became the boar and Vamana.
340. 789கடங்கலந்த வன்கரிமLord, you broke the tusk of the mighty elephant streaming with musth, and danced on the poisonous serpent in a pool. Cloud-coloured one, you danced the dance with pots. Your chest wears the cool garland of thulasi. You are death to Kalanemi!
341. 790வெற்பெடுத்து வேலைநீர்கYou lifted a mountain and churned the waters of the sea. More than that, you lifted mountains to build a dam across the sea, and you broke the defences of Lanka, ringed by the sea and by walls like mountains. Are you not the cloud-coloured one who lifted a mountain and guarded the people from the rain?
342. 791ஆனைகாத்தொ ரானைகொன்றYou saved one elephant and killed another. More than that, you became a cowherd's child, grazed the cows and ate their ghee. You once guarded the cows with a mountain. And for Pinnai, whose eyes are lined with kohl and red streaks, you went long ago and tamed the bulls. What wonder is this wonder!
343. 792ஆயனாகி யாயர்மங்கைYou became a cowherd and longed for the bamboo-smooth shoulders of the cowherd girl Pinnai. Cowherd, you are in the sky and on the earth; who can know you? Maya, is this illusion, or is it your own ordering of things? You made even what was illusion vanish. All your doings are wonder upon wonder.
344. 793வேறிசைந்த செக்கர்மேனிSiva has a red body and lovely matted hair that holds the Ganga, and wears the crescent moon. A skull clung to his hand. Lord who went and tamed the bulls, tell me without hesitation why you filled that skull with flowing red blood.
345. 794வெஞ்சினத்த வேழவெண்மYou broke the white tusk of the furious elephant, and in anger you destroyed Kamsa. You measured the earth and took it. You are death to your enemies. You drew in the life of the demoness Putana, who came with deceit, together with her milk. Are you not the first god, dark as collyrium?
346. 795பாலினீர்மை செம்பொனீர்மைWhite as milk, the colour of red gold, green as moss, and the blue of the lily in a lovely pond where bees open the blossoms and roam: you filled the four ages with these four colours. Yet the world has hidden from itself this nature of Mal. What nature is that?
347. 796மண்ணுளாய்கொல் விண்ணுளாய்கொல்Are you on the earth? Are you in the sky? Are you beyond the reach of the thoughts we think as we stand bewildered on the earth? What wonder is this! Are you in the eyes of your devotees? Are you far away? Our holy one who lies on Ananta! Pure one, who wears the garland of wild thulasi!
348. 797தோடுபெற்ற தண்டுழாயOn your head sways the cool garland of thulasi, full of petals. You hold the conch and carry the discus, and ride the bird with beautiful wings. I, no better than a dog, have no claim to the good that the world has received. Even so, tell me the way to gain moksha and cut off death and birth.
349. 798காரொடொத்த மேனிநங்கள்Our Kannan, your body is like a dark rain cloud. Lord of the heavens! People say you lie on the serpent bed in the water. They also say you are not in any one place and have no limit at all. So tell me, a dog, the place where I can go, know you and bow down.
350. 799குன்றில்நின்று வானிருந்துYou stand on the hill, you sit in the heavens, you lie in the long sea. You strode across one earth, swallowed another, and as the boar dug up another. In good ages, Brahma created the good beings, and long ago you gave him his place among the gods. Are you not that first god?
351. 800கொண்டைகொண்ட கோதைமீதுThis is the town of the Lord who, as a boy, flicked a clay pellet at the hump of the hunchback with honey-dripping flowers in her hair, and laughed with joy inside. It is lovely Srirangam of cool waters, where cranes eat crabs and move off, valai fish leap, and kendai fish graze beside the blue lilies.
352. 801வெண்டிரைக்க ருங்கடல்சிOnce long ago a hero loosed arrows from his mighty bow so that the dark sea with its white waves turned red and burned. This is the town where he dwells. Crowds from all eight directions come and bow and bathe in its holy waters. It is fenced by groves loud with bees, and its fame lasts for ever. It is Srirangam.
353. 802சரங்களைத்து ரந்துவில்வHe shot his arrows, bent his bow and cut off and scattered the ten heads of the king of Lanka. That rich Lord lives for ever in this golden place, where the flowing water spreads out, carrying gold and pushing it along as it beats against the banks. People call it Arangam, the temple where four-faced Brahma worshipped.
354. 803பொற்றையுற்ற முற்றல்யானைThis is the town of the elephant-tamer who seized the full-grown elephant that came from the hills to fight him, and broke its tusk. It is lovely Srirangam of cool waters, where renunciants live all around, carrying the triple staff of mature bamboo with small knots, one-pointed in mind, free of every attachment.
355. 804மோடியோடி லச்சையாயSiva, the three-eyed one, came with his gathered army and his sons, but with Durga and in shame, as if under a curse, he fled from the fierce battle. Then the first Lord, Mal, cut off the thousand arms of Bana. The great temple where that Lord dwells bears the name Arangam, ringed by water.
356. 805இலைத்தலைச்ச ரந்துரந்திHe shot arrows with leaf-shaped tips and broke the defences of Lanka. He is the Lord who lives for ever at Arangam on the Kaveri. That river is born on a mountain top and comes down, pushing sandal trees along, tearing its banks and carrying saffron paste from them, rushing on in waves.
357. 806மன்னுமாம லர்க்கிழத்திYou are the beloved of Sri who sits on the great lotus, and of the Earth goddess. Then you also embraced the shoulders of Pinnai of the cowherds and married her. More than all that, you set your feet firmly in my mind and blessed me. Are you not the lotus-eyed Lord who dwells at Arangam, surrounded by the Kaveri?
358. 807இலங்கைமன்ன னைந்தொடைந்துHero, you went and slew the king of Lanka so that his heads broke and rolled on the ground and the world was shaken, and you won the victory. Are you not Mal who reclines at Thirukkudanthai, where men wearing the sacred thread, with the Veda on their tongues and learning that is true, walk around you in worship?
359. 808சங்குதங்கு முன்கைநங்கைYou rest on the breast of Pinnai, whose forearms carry conch bangles. You hold the discus that you once went and hurled, crushing your foes so their bodies were destroyed. Lotus-eyed one, you recline at cool Thirukkudanthai, where the water swells in which women with long, fragrant hair bathe.
360. 809மரங்கெடந டந்தடர்த்துBest of all, you walked between the trees so they fell, struck the maddened elephant on its forehead till its strength was gone, broke off one of its tusks and rejoiced. You split the horse's mouth, and your feet measured the earth. Are you not Mal who reclines at Thirukkudanthai, where the Vedic scholars receive their boons?
361. 810சாலிவேலி தண்வயல்தGopala, you live at cool Thirukkudanthai, with its cool fields fenced by paddy, its wide moats, its flowering groves and its handsome tall mansions. Hero with the bow in your hand, you bent your bow so that the heads of Kalanemi, Vakra, Khara and Mura went to join Yama.
362. 811செழுங்கொழும்பெ ரும்பனிபொAt Thiruvenkatam the rich, heavy dew pours down, and the tall bamboos bend, dry, and rise again to strike the sky. You stand there; you rise and you sit. Are you not Mal who reclines at Thirukkudanthai, with its honey-filled flowering groves and its rich, broad tanks?
363. 812நடந்தகால்கள் நொந்தவோDid your feet ache from all that walking? Did your body shake when you became the boar and dug up the trembling earth? With feet that crossed the forest paths of great shining mountains, you lie at Thirukkudanthai on the bank of the broad Kaveri. Rise from where you lie, sit up and speak to me, Kesava. Long may you live!
364. 813கரண்டமாடு பொய்கையுள்கGreat Lord of Thirukkurungudi, where in the pond the karandam birds play, the big fruit of the dark palmyra rolls and falls, and the valai fish leap! The lion who in anger split into two the single body of Hiranya with his thick shoulders, and rejoiced: it is you they speak of.
365. 814நன்றிருந்து யோகநீதிGod of gods, you go and dwell in the minds of those who sit steadily and attain the way of yoga, and you remove their evil deeds. You stand at Ooragam and sit at Padagam with its tall mansions like hills, and you lie at Thiruvekka. What nature is this?
366. 815நின்றதெந்தை யூரகத்திMy father stood at Ooragam; my father sat at Padagam; and he lay at Vekka in days before I existed. Back then I was not born. Since I was born I have not forgotten. His standing, his sitting and his lying are all within my heart.
367. 816நிற்பதும்மொர் வெற்பகத்திStanding on a mountain, sitting in the heavens, lying in the sea of great fine waves: all that was in the days before I existed. Now the wondrous one, who sleeps on Ananta, the First Being, Madhava, stands, sits and lies within my heart.
368. 817இன்றுசாதல் நின்றுசாதSome die today, some die a little later; no one in this world lives on for ever. You have seen this. Then, you lowly ones, why do you not think of the lotus feet that measured the world long ago, rise ever higher above the sky and become gods?
369. 818சண்டமண்ட லத்தினூடுYou will pass through the orb of the sun, gain moksha, and there above enjoy every day the bliss of a love that never ends. Let the fame of the holy one with lotus feet enter your ears. Drink it in, be freed from the sorrow your deeds have brought, and be saved.
370. 819முத்திறத்து வாணியத்திOf the three kinds of trade, these lowly ones do not know even one of the two good kinds. Drunk and confused, they pass by the good that was set before them. There is no other way to be saved by any path. If you want to be saved, praise the one who wears the fine garland of cool thulasi hanging in clusters, and live.
371. 820காணிலும்மு ருப்பொலார்செSome gods have no beauty of form to look at, no fame sweet to the ear, and no power to give boons however much you honour them. You foolish ones who take them as your refuge and live by them: will you not lovingly honour our First One and cut through the tangle of your births?
372. 821குந்தமோடு சூலம்வேல்கள்With spears, tridents, lances, javelins, maces and swords, the gods bound to Bana spread out and filled the sky. On the day you cut off the thousand arms of Bana who came to fight, only the immortals know the uproar that followed.
373. 822வண்டுலாவு கோதைமாதர்Bana grew angry and came to fight because of Usha, the girl with a garland where the bees hover. On the day you cut off his thousand arms, Siva with his ash-smeared body, his sons, his fever and Durga all ran. Siva saw it and was ashamed, and at his plea our Maya took pity on Bana.
374. 823போதில்மங்கை பூதலக்கிSri who sits on the lotus and the Earth goddess are his consorts. More than that, four-faced Brahma who dwells on the flower is his son. The son of that son is Siva, who keeps a woman in half his body and rides a bull. This is the truth that the Vedas speak. If you ask, there is nothing else to say.
375. 824மரம்பொதச்ச ரந்துரந்துLong ago our Lord, master of the gods, shot an arrow that pierced the trees, and shot an arrow that pierced Vali's chest so that he fell. Except for those he keeps in his gracious heart, even those who rule the heavens will not, in any way, gain joy that is full and lasting.
376. 825அறிந்தறிந்து வாமனனIf you come to know him well and bow at the feet of Vamana, knowledge will rise thick in you and your wealth will flourish. If you praise Mal who lies for ever amid the clear waves that roll and rise, your evil deeds will be torn out by the roots and their hold on you will be cut. This is the way of things.
377. 826ஒன்றிநின்று நல்தவம்செய்,Some do good penance with a single mind, age after age. They stand firm and think again and again of his qualities, until their hearts are pure. They go on and on, rising above the gods, and higher, and higher still. Apart from such people, who can see our red-eyed Mal?
378. 827புன்புலவ ழியடைத்தShut the paths of the base senses and seal them with lac. Open the good paths. Light the good flame of knowledge. Then a love rises that softens the bones, melts the heart and ripens the mind. Except by such love, who can see the Lord who holds the discus?
379. 828எட்டுமெட்டு மெட்டுமாயொHe stood as the eights, the sevens, and the eight, three and one: the first god. Those who bow to him with the eightfold distinctions and chant the eight syllables of his name are able to rule the heavens.
380. 829சோர்விலாத காதலால்தொWith a love that never tires and a mind whose bond never breaks, they bow with longing at the good feet of the spotless one who lies on the serpent bed in the water. Those who chant his eight-syllable name with love are able to rule the heavens.
381. 830பத்தினோடு பத்துமாயொHe became the tens, the seven and the nine. He is the good that the lands of the ten directions have received. He is the First One of matchless power, with his ten avataras. Except for those who are his devotees, can liberation be complete for anyone?
382. 831வாசியாகி நேசமின்றிDhenuka came as a donkey, without love, to fight you. You flung him up towards the good palm fruits with your raised shoulders, ended his days and made him nothing. Except for those who long for your feet, can anyone become immortal?
383. 832கடைந்தபாற்க டல்கிடந்துHe lies in the milk ocean that was churned. He destroyed Kalanemi. He came as Rama to help Sugriva, the younger brother of Vali who had beaten him, and shot so that the seven close-standing sala trees fell. He has come to Thiruvenkatam. Reach the feet of that Mal, and be saved every day.
384. 833எத்திறத்து மொத்துநின்றுLord, you are equal to all in every way, and your greatness rises ever higher. You sleep on the serpent bed in the great sea that holds three kinds of water. For those who stand with minds fixed on you and have let go of their bonds, joy comes in every way: here, there and everywhere.
385. 834மட்டுலாவு தண்டுழாயLord who wears the cool thulasi garland where honey flows! Even if I rose to the heavens and gained the never-failing joy of your golden feet, my joy would be this: the joy of love that ties my mind with the rope of the eight and the two, and keeps it there without release.
386. 835பின்பிறக்க வைத்தனன்கொHas the Lord of the discus kept me to be born again later? Or does he know the day he has fixed for me to stand firm and set my love on his feet? I am a dog with no love for him and no wisdom. What has our Lord kept in his heart for me?
387. 836நச்சராவ ணைக்கிடந்தLord who lies on the bed of the poisonous serpent! You are still able to pull away the mind I have set on your lotus feet and remove it. You truly have that power. So I know your maya. Maya, do not drive me into your bewilderment and confuse me.
388. 837சாடுசாடு பாதனே.சLord whose foot kicked the cart! Lord who danced on the strong neck of the serpent swaying in the pool! Lord whose hand holds the long conch! If I think every day of your red feet, why have you not truly made me free, Kanna?
389. 838நெற்றிபெற்ற கண்ணன்விண்ணிSiva with the eye on his forehead, Indra lord of the heavens, Brahma lord of good penance on the lotus, and all the other gods worship your feet in the ways they have learned. Lord! Veda! If I am to speak, I have held no attachment other than to you.
390. 839வெள்ளைவேலை வெற்புநாட்டிYou planted the mountain in the white ocean, used the serpent with white fangs as rope, and churned until the sea turned to slush. Long ago you became the tortoise beneath the mountain and gave the gods the nectar, the medicine that cures every inner ill. Other than our generous Lord, would I honour any other god?
391. 840பார்மிகுத்த பாரமுன்னொLong ago, to take away the heavy burden of the earth, you drove Arjuna's chariot. You worked your wonders, stood firm, slew and brought victory. You gave the heavens to the great chariot warriors and made the earth belong to the five brothers. Other than you, so rich in glory, would I honour any other god?
392. 841குலங்களாய வீரிரண்டிI was not born in any of the four varnas. I have not recited the good sciences with my tongue. I have not conquered the five senses. I have no good fortune. Holy one, my Lord, I have no refuge other than your shining feet.
393. 842பண்ணுலாவு மென்மொழிப்பFor Sita, whose soft speech is like music and whose large eyes are like weapons, you crushed countless rakshasas with fire. I have no eye but you, and no other kin who shares my life. Maya beyond counting, never take yourself away from within me.
394. 843விடைக்குலங்க ளேழடர்த்துCowherd, you tamed the seven bulls and embraced the fragrant shoulders of Pinnai, whose eyes are like conquering spears. You made the waters of the sea, built a bridge across it, lie in it, and long ago churned it. I have come to you for refuge. You must say to me, 'Do not fear.'
395. 844சுரும்பரங்கு தண்டுழாய்துI long for your feet, crowded with cool thulasi blossoms where the bees swarm, and I stand and bow to them. Have pity on me, you who live at Arangam! Sweet jaggery from the sugar cane! Kannan who lies in the sea! Rama with the bow, whose fierce arrows crushed even iron!
396. 845ஊனின்மேய ஆவிநீஉYou are the life within the body. You are sleep and you are waking. You are the five gifts of the cow, and the purity within them. You are the sky and the earth, and the riches of the bountiful sea. I am you. And more than that, you are my Lord, Rama!
397. 846அடக்கரும்பு லன்கள்ஐந்தI restrained the five senses, so hard to restrain, cut the bonds of my desires, and came to stand in your service. Even if you mean to let me go, and do not do what is true, and instead stir some other great desire in me, I have no eye but you who lie in the sea, my Lord.
398. 847வரம்பிலாத மாயைமாய.Maya of boundless wonder! Even if the seven worlds truly praised you for boundless ages, your fame would still be without bounds. Cut away my many births that have no bound, so that I may come and rest at your feet. Grant me this boon, lotus-eyed one!
399. 848வெய்யவாழி சங்குதண்டுYour glorious hands hold the fierce discus, the conch, the mace, the bow and the sword. Your chest is where Sri from the red lotus comes to rest. Lord! Cut away the sickness of this body full of phlegm. You yourself must give me the means by which I may come to you and be saved.
400. 849மறம்துறந்து வஞ்சமாற்றிI gave up cruelty, put away deceit, renounced the desires of the five senses, and have kept my longing for you alone, I who am like a dog. So that I may be freed from the great whirlpool of suffering where I am born and die, Maya, you must not forget to grant this to me.
401. 850காட்டினான்செய் வல்வினைப்பDriven by the fruit of strong past deeds, people set their minds and plan to do both good and evil; I have only heard of such things. Beyond that, husband of Pinnai, you have locked my soul to yourself. Do not remove me, whom you have locked within you, Lord the colour of the kaya flower!
402. 851பிறப்பினோடு பேரிடர்ச்To free us from birth and the great whirlpool of suffering, you give the knowledge that ends it, and lift even the lowly onto the shore. For that you have a boat: devotion to your feet, so rare to gain. Maya, so rare to gain, you must give that boat to me.
403. 852இரந்துரைப்ப துண்டுவாழிThere is one thing I beg of you. Long may you live, great one whose nature is to protect! If it is in your gracious mind to grant boons, then you must will it so: that my scattered mind becomes one and thinks without a break of your lotus feet of lasting glory.
404. 853விள்விலாத காதலால்With a love that never fades I keep your shining lotus feet in my mind and think of you. Tell me how the flaws and sickness of my body will be removed. Victorious hero who became the boar and plunged into the deep! Great one who dammed the leaping waters with mountains! Say one word to me.
405. 854திருக்கலந்து சேருமார்ப.Lord on whose chest Sri comes to rest! God of the gods of gods! Spotless one, you stand as the dharma taught in the Rig Veda. Your body is like a rain cloud heavy with water. Teach me how to say your name without stopping, until my whole body melts.
406. 855கடுங்கவந்தன் வக்கரன்கMaya, your great hands hold many weapons, and you split apart the heads of fierce Kabandha, Vakra, Khara and Mura. Whether I am lying, sitting, standing or moving, you must grant me a bond with your golden feet that follows them always and never breaks.
407. 856மண்ணையுண்டு மிழ்ந்துபின்னிYou swallowed the earth and brought it out again, then begged for it, received it and measured it. You became the conquering time, so that the earth has nothing in its eyes but you. Lotus-eyed one, on your chest dwells Sri, whose sweet speech outdoes music. The only form I can think of is your form.
408. 857கறுத்தெதிர்ந்த காலநேமிYou hold the discus that once cut down Kalanemi and sent him to Yama when he came at you in anger, and the conch, the mace, the bow and the sword. Long ago, to save the herds from harm, you held up the mountain. My heart has no love for anything but your glory.
409. 858காய்சினத்த காசிமன்னன்The king of Kasi with his burning anger, Vakra, Paundraka, the furious Mali and Sumali, Kesi and Dhenuka all fell and perished; your feet took their days. Except for those feet, I will tie the bond of my love nowhere at all, my Lord.
410. 859கேடில்சீர்வ ரத்தனாய்க்கெYour boons never lose their glory, but the boons of Brahma and Siva can fade. Even if I reached their worlds, or the land of thousand-eyed Indra, or even if I gained the joy of liberation and sat enthroned there, would I hold anything in my mind but the longing to be with you?
411. 860சுருக்குவாரை யின்றியேசுWith no one to make you small, you became small as Vamana. Having become small, with no one to make you great, you grew great as Trivikrama. Such is your nature. The hosts of sages with the Rig Veda on their lips praise you as the God of gods who cured the evil ways of the proud. I too have praised you.
412. 861தூயனாயு மன்றியும்சுPure one, and more than pure! Maya who wears the cool thulasi where the bees roam! All the bowing and praising that I, a dog, have offered you: you too, by your gracious will, bear with it, accept it and bless me. Lord the colour of the sea, you dwell on your serpent bed in the sea, and in the minds of your devotees.
413. 862வைதுநின்னை வல்லவாபThey say that even those who cursed you and reviled you as harshly as they could, and those who fought you in matchless battle and burned in the fire of your anger, were able to come and reach you. So, my Maya, take even the faults that I, a dog, have done as good, Lord of the world!
414. 863வாள்களாகி நாள்கள்செல்லThe days go by like swords cutting away at life. Weakened by sickness, we grow old, and the day of dying comes. So bow and praise him, my heart. We know well that being his servant is the true good. More than that, Mal's feet must give us the joy from which there is no return.
415. 864சலங்கலந்த செஞ்சடைக்கSiva, with water in his red matted hair and a dark throat, was shaken to his senses by the sin of the white skull of Brahma. To end his bitter sorrow, the Lord gave fragrant water from his garlanded chest. My heart, long may you live: think of the way to reach that Mal, so rich in glory and goodness.
416. 865ஈனமாய வெட்டுநீக்கிIf you want to shed the eight base flaws, rise up free of fault and rule the heavens, then bow and praise, my heart. Think of the feet of our father: he became knowledge, he became the sun, and as the boar he lifted the whole earth on a single tusk.
417. 866அத்தனாகி யன்னையாகிHe became our father and our mother and our Lord who rules us. To end our many births, some alike and some unlike, and to take us as his own, he who is ever free, Mukunda the giver of liberation, has come and entered within us. Then why, poor heart, do you lie in the sea of sorrow?
418. 867மாறுசெய்த வாளரக்கன்The hero who long ago reduced Lanka to ash and went and slew the hostile rakshasa with his sword, ending his days, and won the victory, has set me apart from the world and kept me within himself. So can Yama now divide me up and count the faults I committed before?
419. 868அச்சம்நோயொ டல்லல்பல்பிFear, sickness, distress, many births and old age: he changes the mind that holds these and the body that holds them, and lifts us up to heaven. He is Achyuta, the one who never lets go; of endless fame; without beginning or end; the Lord who lies on the poisonous serpent bed; the one whom the Vedas sing.
420. 869சொல்லினும்தொ ழிற்கணும்தொIn word and in deed, in a love whose bond never breaks, by night and by the good day, at evening and at morning: Lord of Sri who sits on the fresh lotus with its soft petals, I have embraced your lotus feet and worn them in my heart without ever parting from them, and I have not turned back.
421. 870பொன்னிசூழ ரங்கமேயLord the colour of the kaya flower, who dwells at Arangam ringed by the Ponni! Maya, listen. On the vine of my soul, tangled with strong deeds, a shoot rose up. It became a bright, rich flower that stood thinking of your feet. Now it has come to stay, it has blossomed, and it stands everywhere without fading.
422. 871இயக்கறாத பல்பிறப்பிHe changed me from my many births that never ceased. Today the cloud-coloured Lord came, took me to be saved, drew near and mingled into me and I into him, and enchanted me with his love. Because he is the light that lasts for ever, my soul has cut away all its wandering and has gained the house of unending joy.
423. 872காவலிற் புலனை வைத்துக்We have put the senses under guard, leapt clear of the evils of the Kali age, and now roam about shouting over the very heads of Yama's servants. First One, who swallowed the three worlds and brought them out again! Know that this boldness is the pride of having learnt your name, you who dwell in the great city of Arangam.
424. 873பச்சைமா மலைபோல் மேனிA form like a great green mountain, lips like coral, red lotus eyes! Achyuta! Bull among the immortals! Tender shoot of the cowherds! Giving up the sweetness of saying this, even if I could go and rule Indra's world, I would not want that sweetness, O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
425. 874வேதநூல் பிராயம் நூறுEven if a person lives the hundred years the Vedas speak of, half of it goes in sleep. Of what remains, fifteen years pass in ignorant childhood. After that come illness, hunger, old age and sorrow. So I do not want birth, O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
426. 875மொய்த்தவல் வினையுள் நின்றுThough he stood in the midst of thick and powerful sins, Kshatrabandhu once attained the supreme state through a name of three syllables. Even after gaining our Arangan, the one mad with love, who takes pity on anyone who becomes his devotee so easily, alas, how is it that people still struggle on in birth after birth!
427. 876பெண்டிரால் சுகங்க ளுய்ப்பான்For the sake of pleasures through women they take on great trouble, and even while lying ill they waste and wear away only for the body. Instead of becoming servants of the one with a cool tulasi garland on his chest, singing and dancing, taking up his service and drinking nectar, how is it that these servants of the body love only plain rice!
428. 877மறம்சுவர் மதிளெ டுத்துYou build walls and ramparts through wrongdoing and gather only emptiness for the next world. You will not notice when this outer wall, the body, a leaky pot, comes tumbling down. Instead of serving Arangan, who stands as the wall of dharma that protects, you decorate the outer wall of the body, and end up lying there for birds to peck!
429. 878புலையற மாகி நின்றWould people who have learnt the scriptures properly even look at or listen to Buddhism, Jainism and such paths, which stand as lesser ways? Even if my head were cut off I would not say otherwise; this is the truth, sirs. The God who destroyed Lanka with his bow alone is God.
430. 879வெறுப்பொடு சமணர் முண்டர்If Jains, shaven ascetics and Sakyas who do not follow the Vedic way speak unbearable words about you out of hatred, the way is to go away from there, though even that leaves the heart sick. And if one were able to stand against them, the deed would be to cut off their heads right there; know this, O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
431. 880மற்றுமோர் தெய்வ முண்டேIs there any other god, you thoughtless people? Except when trouble strikes, you will not realise that he is the One. At the end you will know nothing else. There is no god but him. Bow at the two feet of my father, who grazed the herds of calves.
432. 881நாட்டினான் தெய்வ மெங்கும்Out of his good grace he set up gods everywhere. So that those who would be saved could be saved, he showed us Thiruvarangam. Listen, good sirs! While the one who rides Garuda stands right here, you sit looking for wealth in the lap of Jyeshtha, the goddess of misfortune!
433. 882ஒருவில்லா லோங்கு முந்நீர்Our hero, who with a single bow destroyed the king of the rakshasas in battle so that all the worlds girdled by the rising sea might live, dwells in the Big Temple, walled Thiruvarangam. You who lacked good fortune even in the womb! Without saying its name, you just waste your time!
434. 883நமனும்முற் கலனும் பேசWhen Yama and the sage Mudgala spoke together and those in hell heard them, hell itself became heaven. The Lord's names can do that. Yet without saying 'his town is Arangam', pitiable people sink in despair and suffer in worry, and that alone is what I grieve over.
435. 884எறியுநீர் வெறிகொள் வேலைIf all the beings of this great earth, girdled by the wave-tossed, fragrant sea, would praise the Lord of the celestials who wears the fragrant tulasi garland, and if all the unthinking people would simply call out 'Arangam', would not all the hells where slaves of the senses live be overgrown with grass and disappear?
436. 885வண்டின முரலும் சோலைGroves where swarms of bees hum, groves where flocks of peacocks dance, groves where clouds drift above, groves where cuckoos call, groves where the Lord of the gods dwells: beautiful Thiruvarangam! Those arrogant ones who will not say its name, take away the rice they grab to eat and give it to the dogs.
437. 886மெய்யர்க்கே மெய்ய னாகும்To the true he is true; to the false, like luckless me, he is false: the Lord with Garuda on his banner. For those who wish to be saved, once they realise that he is the One, the beautiful Lord appears and cuts away every doubt. Is not his town Arangam?
438. 887சூதனாய்க் கள்வ னாகித்When I was a gambler and a thief, keeping company with rogues, sinking caught in the net of women's fish-like eyes, he called me, 'Come here', entered my mind, and made love for him swell within me. Is not the town of that beautiful Lord Arangam?
439. 888விரும்பிநின் றேத்த மாட்டேன்I cannot stand and praise you with longing; I am luckless and have no sense at all. Yet, so that my heart, hard as iron, would melt little by little, I found the sugarcane who has made his home in the great temple of Arangam, ringed by groves where bees settle, and my two eyes rejoice.
440. 889இனிதிரைத் திவலை மோதOur Lord, the lotus-eyed one who lies alone and reigns upon the cool waters where sprays of gentle waves break; Kannan, whose red lips are like ripe fruit. My eyes that have seen him shed tears like falling dew. Alas, what am I to do, sinner that I am?
441. 890குடதிசை முடியை வைத்துக்His crown laid to the west, his feet stretched to the east, his back turned to the north, his gaze turned south towards Lanka: seeing my father, the sea-coloured God, sleeping on the serpent bed like this, my body melts. Alas, people of the world, what shall I do?
442. 891பாயுநீ ரரங்கந் தன்னுள்The wondrous Lord who lies on the serpent bed in Arangam of flowing waters: his beautiful chest, his emerald form, his shoulders, his pure lotus eyes, his coral mouth with red lips, his glorious crown and his radiance. Having seen these, can devotees ever move away from them?
443. 892பணிவினால் மனம தொன்றிப்O old heart, which cannot settle in humility and live with resolve for coral-lipped Arangan! Tell me: the way the sapphire-like Lord lies in a temple like a great mountain of fine red gold, can one even think of it with the mind?
444. 893பேசிற்றே பேச லல்லால்Apart from repeating what has already been said, no one can grasp his greatness. He is not to be known except by those without fault. Apart from staying here bowing to him who dwells in the minds of the spotless, is there anything we can say? Foolish heart, you tell me.
445. 894கங்கயிற் புனித மாயIn Arangam of flowering groves, in the middle of the Kaveri, holier than the Ganga, where swelling waters spread and flow, I have seen how our Mal, our Lord, the Master, lies. Having seen it, how could I live forgetting it? Poor me, poor me!
446. 895வெள்ளநீர் பரந்து பாயும்Even after seeing how the thief lies in Arangam of spreading groves where floodwaters flow, and seeing his lovely lotus face, O heart, you must be very hard! You will not realise that he is the One. Loving deceit, you spend your days in your own deceit!
447. 896குளித்துமூன் றனலை யோம்பும்The brahmin's way, marked by bathing and tending the three sacred fires, I have given up; it is not in me. Nor am I a devotee of yours. Nambi! Sea-coloured Lord! What do I have to rejoice in? I cry out to you. Protect me and give me your grace, O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
448. 897போதெல்லாம் போது கொண்டுன்I do not adorn your golden feet with flowers at every hour. I do not speak of your blessed qualities in flawless words. My heart has not mingled with love and longing. So I have become a stranger to Arangar. Alas! Why was I born?
449. 898குரங்குகள் மலையை நூக்கக்When the monkeys pushed hills into the sea, the guileless squirrel dived into the water, rolled in the sand, and ran to help dam the waves. I am not even like that squirrel. With a heart as hard as wood, deceitful as I am, I do not serve Arangan, and I languish, pitiable.
450. 899உம்பரா லறிய லாகாThe radiant one, whom even the gods cannot know, came raging down upon the crocodile that lives on red flesh, for the sake of an elephant. Is there anything higher than our Lord? We, no better than dogs, not seeing our own smallness, not serving our Lord: why was I born?
451. 900ஊரிலேன் காணி யில்லைI have no town, no land, no other kin. And on this earth I have not even held on to the root of your feet, Supreme One! Lord with the radiance of dark clouds! My Kannan! I cry out. Master, who is there to be my refuge, O Lord of the great city of Arangam?
452. 901மனத்திலோர் தூய்மை யில்லைThere is no purity at all in my mind, not one sweet word in my mouth. In anger I look with hostility and spit out harsh words for nothing. You who wear a garland of wild tulasi! Thiruvarangan, ringed by the Ponni! My Lord who owns me! Tell me what refuge I have now.
453. 902தவத்துளார் தம்மி லல்லேன்I am not one of those who do penance, nor one of those with wealth. Like salt water, I am of no use even to my own people. I became a wretch bound entirely to red-lipped women. You have given me a wasted birth, O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
454. 903ஆர்த்துவண் டலம்பும் சோலைKannan, with a form like massed clouds, in beautiful Thiruvarangam whose groves ring with the noise of bees! Knowing no path at all to see you, the worst among men, a fool, I have come and stand here. A fool am I, a fool!
455. 904மெய்யெல்லாம் போக விட்டுLetting all truth go, caught among women with flowing hair, a worthless man who has bundled up every falsehood, I have come and stand here. My Lord! Arangan! Out of longing for your grace, I, a false man, have come and stand here. False am I, false!
456. 905உள்ளத்தே யுறையும் மாலைThough I have no awareness at all to think of Thirumal who dwells in the heart, I, a cheat, put on the costume of a servant and played at service. But realising that you dwell within and know everything that anyone thinks, I felt ashamed, and laughed at myself inwardly till my ribs ached.
457. 906தாவியன் றுலக மெல்லாம்My father, who once strode across and took the whole world entirely as his own! Red-eyed Thirumal! I will worship no one but you, firmly. My life! My nectar! My father, dear to me as my own life! Without you, what am I but a sinner? A sinner am I, a sinner!
458. 907மழைக்கன்று வரைமு னேந்தும்Young hero, who once held up the mountain against the rain! River of sweetness! I struggle, caught in the net of women whose glance is like a young deer's. Will you turn away without looking at me? It is you I am calling, Primal Lord! O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
459. 908தெளிவிலாக் கலங்கல் நீர்சூழ்Is not the radiant one who towers in Thiruvarangam, ringed by murky waters, both father and mother? Is not his grace easy to receive? Yet in my case my Lord does not say, 'Poor thing, he is our boy.' Oh! How cruel this is!
460. 909மேம்பொருள் போக விட்டுThose who let go of passing things, understand the truth deeply, know the way that is right for them, rein in the five senses, cut off every attachment at the root, and live sitting at your doorstep: it seems you love these 'lazy ones', O Lord of Arangam ringed by water.
461. 910அடிமையில் குடிமை யில்லாRather than reciters of the four Vedas who are strangers without the lineage of service to you, it seems you love devotees who love your feet with their thick anklets, even if they are born in the lowest of families: O you who wear tulasi on your crown! Lord of the great city of Arangam.
462. 911திருமறு மார்வ! நின்னைச்You with the Srivatsa mark on your chest! If people keep you shining in their thoughts and have minds united with you, then even if they have piled up deeds of killing and burning every creature on this great earth, they will not suffer the fruit of those terrible deeds, O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
463. 912வானுளா ரறிய லாகாIf people say, 'O heavenly one, whom even those in heaven cannot know!', if they say, 'O you whose crown bears a tulasi garland dripping with honey!', then even if they are people who do lowly, defiling work, if they give you what remains of their meal, is it not holy?
464. 913பழுதிலா வொழுக லாற்றுப்'You many reciters of the four Vedas, of flawless conduct and lineage! Even if they are of a low birth, if they are my devotees, worship them, give to them, receive from them.' So, it seems, you graciously ordained that they be worshipped as equal to you, O Lord of walled Thiruvarangam.
465. 914அமரவோ ரங்க மாறும்Even if they are brahmins by birth, leaders among their own people, who have thoroughly learned the six limbs and the four Vedas, if they revile your devotees, in the snap of a finger they become like outcastes right there, O Lord of the great city of Arangam.
466. 915பெண்ணுலாம் சடையி னானும்Shiva, who bears the Ganga in his matted hair, and Brahma did penance for countless aeons to see you, and stood abashed; yet, while the gods in heaven looked on in wonder, you came and gave your grace to an elephant. O you whose compassion never fails! Why do people not think of you as their refuge?
467. 916வளவெழும் தவள மாடKannan, who killed the great elephant fed on balls of rice in the great city of Madurai of white, prosperous mansions; Thirumal of Arangam: these simple little verses on him, spoken by Thondaradippodi of ancient glory, who served him till he wilted, how sweet they are to our Lord!
468. 917கதிரவன் குணதிசைச் சிகரம்வந் தணைந்தான்The sun has come and reached the peak of the eastern mountain. The thick darkness has gone and the lovely morning has come. All the great flowers have opened and their honey is flowing. Gods and kings have come, crowd upon crowd, and filled the whole quarter before you. The roar of the great herds of tuskers that came with them, the cow elephants and the drums, sounds everywhere like the surging sea. O Lord of Arangam, please rise from your sleep.
469. 918கொழுங்கொடி முல்லையின் கொழுமல ரணவிக்Here comes the east wind, sharpened as it brushes the rich blossoms of the jasmine creeper! The swans that slept on beds of flowers have risen, shaking their great wings wet with the falling dew. O Lord of Arangam, who ended the bitter suffering of the elephant that cried out in terror when the white teeth of the crocodile, with its jaws like a cave, sank into it: please rise from your sleep.
470. 919சுடரொளி பரந்தன சூழ்திசை யெல்லாம்Bright light has spread over every quarter around us. The glitter of the crowded stars has shrunk away. The cool moon, whose light once spread wide, has grown pale. The vast darkness has gone. In the green groves, the rich flower-sheaths of the areca palms split open and give out their fragrance, and the dawn wind blows keen. O Lord of Arangam, whose great and lovely hand holds the discus shining with power: please rise from your sleep.
471. 920மேட்டிள மேதிகள் தளைவிடு மாயர்கள்The music of the bamboo flutes of the cowherds, untying the young buffaloes on the high ground, mixed with the ringing of the bulls' neck-bells, has spread in every direction. Swarms of bees hum in the fields. O bull among the gods, whose striped bow destroyed the clan of the demons of Lanka! O our king of Ayodhya, mighty in battle, who guarded the great sage's sacrifice and saw it through to its closing bath! O Lord of Arangam, please rise from your sleep.
472. 921புலம்பின புட்களும் பூம்பொழில் களின்வாய்The birds are calling in the flowering groves. The night has gone; the dawn has come. The roar of the sounding sea in the east fills the air. The gods have come in, carrying mixed garlands and finely strung wreaths where joyful bees are humming, to bow at your two feet. So, O Lord, our master who dwells in the temple where the king of Lanka worships: please rise from your sleep.
473. 922இரவியர் மணிநெடுந் தேரொடு மிவரோ?Are these the twelve suns who came with their tall chariots set with shining gems? Are these the eleven Rudras who ride on bulls? Is this the six-faced Murugan who came on his peacock? The Maruts and the Vasus have come crowd upon crowd, with horses, dancing, singing and chariots, and the hosts of Skanda's army have poured in too: is this flood of beings before your temple, great as a mountain? O Lord of Arangam, please rise from your sleep.
474. 923அந்தரத் தமரர்கள் கூட்டங்க ளிவையோ?Are these the hosts of gods from the sky? Are these the sages of hard penance and the Maruts? Is this Indra, who has come with his elephant? O my Lord, at the door of your temple the Gandharvas press forward, the Vidyadharas push, and even the Yakshas stand dazed, waiting to worship your feet. There is no room left in the sky or on the earth: is this how things stand? O Lord of Arangam, please rise from your sleep.
475. 924வம்பவிழ் வானவர் வாயுறை வழங்கThe fragrant celestials bring the sacred durva grass and other auspicious things. The great sages have brought what is fit for the Lord to look upon first: great treasure, the wish-giving cow Kapila, a shining mirror and the rest. Tumburu and Narada have come in: are these they? The sun has risen, spreading his brilliant light. The darkness has left the sky and gone. O Lord of Arangam, please rise from your sleep.
476. 925ஏதமில் தண்ணுமை யெக்கம்மத் தளியேWith the music of faultless drums, the ekkam, the mattali, the yazh, the flute and the muzhavu filling every direction, the Kinnaras, the Garudas and the Gandharvas have sung songs all night long. The great ascetics, the gods, the Charanas, the Yakshas and the Siddhas all stand dazed, longing to worship your feet. So, to grant them your morning audience, O Lord of Arangam, please rise from your sleep.
477. 926கடிமலர்க் கமலங்கள் மலர்ந்தன இவையோ?Are these the fragrant lotuses that have bloomed? Is this the sun, risen out of the sounding sea? The women with waists slender as a drum have wrung out their curling hair, shaken it, put on their clothes and come up from the water. O Ranganatha, ringed by waters! This servant called Thondaradippodi, whose shoulders show the well-strung tulasi garland and the flower basket: have mercy on him as one worth pitying, and make him a servant of your servants. Please rise from your sleep.
478. 927அமல னாதிபிரா னடியார்க்He is the spotless one, the First Lord, the pure one who made me a servant of his servants, the king of the celestials, the Lord of Thiruvenkatam with its fragrant groves, the faultless, the stainless, the one who dwells in the heaven of justice, the Lord of Arangam within its long walls. His sacred lotus feet seem to have come of themselves and entered my eyes.
479. 928உவந்த வுள்ளத்தனா யுலகமளந் தண்டமுற,He rose with a glad heart and measured the worlds, his tall crown reaching the roof of the universe. He is Kakutstha, Rama, whose fierce arrows took the lives of the demons who came against him. He is the Lord of Arangam ringed by fragrant groves. My thoughts went to the red garment at his waist, and stayed there.
480. 929மந்தி பாய்வட வேங்கட மாமலை, வானவர்கள்,He stands on the great hill of Venkatam in the north, where monkeys leap, as the celestials offer worship; he reclines on the serpent bed in Arangam. His garment red as the evening sky, and above it the beautiful navel that gave birth to Brahma: are these not the sweet life of my heart?
481. 930சதுரமா மதிள்சூழிலங்கைக்He sent a single fierce arrow that made the ten heads of the king of Lanka, with its great square walls, fall; he is the one with the colour of the sea; he is the Lord of Arangam where sweet bees hum and great peacocks dance. The band upon his belly stands and moves about within my heart.
482. 931பாரமாய பழவினை பற்றறுத்து, என்னைத்தன்He cut away the hold of my heavy old karma and made me one he loves. Not content with that, he entered within me. I do not know what fierce penance I could have done for this. It is the chest of the Lord of Arangam, where Sri dwells and the necklace shines, that took me as his own.
483. 932துண்ட வெண்பிறை யான்துயர்He relieved the suffering of Siva, who wears the white crescent moon; he is the father who dwells in Arangam, ringed by groves where bees with lovely wings live. See: it is his throat, which swallowed the universes and those beyond them, the great earth within them and the seven great mountains, all of it, that saved me.
484. 933கையி னார்சுரி சங்கன லாழியர், நீள்வரைபோல்He holds the spiral conch and the flaming discus in his hands; his body is like a long mountain; my master wears a tall crown fragrant with tulasi; he is the wondrous one who reclines on the serpent bed in beautiful Arangam. His red lips, ah me, have stolen away my mind!
485. 934பரிய னாகி வந்த அவுண னுடல்கீண்ட, அமரர்க்குHe tore open the body of the huge demon who came against him; he is hard to reach even for the gods; he is the First Lord, the stainless one of Arangam. In his face, those great eyes, dark, wide and spreading, shining, streaked with red lines and long, have made me lose my wits!
486. 935ஆலமா மரத்தி னிலைமே லொருபாலகனாய்,As a small child lying on a leaf of the great banyan tree, he swallowed the seven worlds; he reclines on the serpent bed in Arangam. His dark blue form, wearing a necklace of beautiful great gems and a garland of pearls, whose beauty has no end, ah me, has taken away all the composure of my heart!
487. 936கொண்டல் வண்ணனைக்The one coloured like a rain cloud, the cowherd whose mouth ate the butter, the one who stole my heart, the king of the celestials, beautiful Ranganatha, my nectar: the eyes that have seen him will see nothing else.
488. 937கண்ணி நுண்சிறுத் தாம்பினால் கட்டுண்ணப்Rather than my father, the great Mayan who let himself be bound with a thin small rope full of knots, I turn to the Nambi of Thirukkurugur in the south. The moment I say 'Kurugur Nambi', it grows sweet on my tongue and nectar wells up in it.
489. 938நாவி னால்நவிற் றின்ப மெய்தினேன்,Saying his name again and again with my tongue, I found joy. Truly, I have taken hold of his golden feet. I know no other god but the Nambi of Kurugur. I will wander about singing the sweet music of his songs.
490. 939திரிதந் தாகிலும் தேவ பிரானுடை,Even as I wander singing, I will see the dark and beautiful sacred form of the Lord of the gods. This is the good I have gained by becoming the rightful servant of the Nambi of great and generous Kurugur.
491. 940நன்மை யால்மிக்க நான்மறை யாளர்கள்,Those learned in the four Vedas, great in their goodness, would think me lowly. That is why Sadagopan, my Nambi, has the nature of ruling over me as my mother and my father.
492. 941நம்பி னேன்பிறர் நன்பொருள் தன்னையும்,In the past I put my trust in other people's wealth, and in women too. Today, having become a lover of the Nambi of Thirukkurugur with its mansions of red gold, I, his servant, have been raised up.
493. 942இன்று தொட்டு மெழுமையு மெம்பிரான்,From today, through all seven births, my Lord has granted me the grace to stand and praise his glory. The Nambi of Thirukkurugur, with mansions tall as hills, will never scorn me. See for yourselves.
494. 943கண்டு கொண்டென்னைக் காரிமா றப்பிரான்,Maran, son of Kari, my Lord, saw me and took me as his own, and in his grace destroyed my strong old karma. I will proclaim the grace of Sadagopan, master of radiant Tamil, so that all eight directions may know it.
495. 944அருள்கொண் டாடு மடியவ ரின்புற,So that the devotees who celebrate grace might rejoice, he gave them the meaning of the rare Veda. Out of grace he sang a thousand sweet Tamil verses. See: in this world, his grace is the greatest thing of all.
496. 945மிக்க வேதியர் வேதத்தி னுட்பொருள்He sang the inner meaning of the Veda that the great Vedic scholars recite, and set it firm in my heart so that it stays. Is this not the fruit of the love with which I entered the service of Sadagopan, my Nambi, rich in every fitting virtue?
497. 946பயனன் றாகிலும் பாங்கல ராகிலும்Though I am of no use and not fit for him, he corrects me so my deeds become good, and takes me into his service: the Nambi of Kurugur, ringed by groves where cuckoos sing. I strive only for love of your mighty anklet-bearing feet.
498. 947அன்பன் தன்னை யடைந்தவர் கட்கெல்லாம்The Nambi of Kurugur in the south is the lover of the Lord, who is himself the lover of all who come to him. For those who trust these words that Madhurakavi spoke as Nambi's lover, their dwelling is Vaikuntam. See for yourselves.