Home
Downloads
Search
Site Index
Contact UsGopalakrishna Bharathi
Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Aadiya Padam
Aadiya Padame
Aadiya Padathai
Aadum Chidambaramo
Aarukku Ponnambalavan
Aarukku Than Theriyum
Ananda Koothadinaar
Arivudayor
Ayye Metha Kadinam
Chathe Vilagi Irum
Chidambaram
Chinthanai Cheythu
Darisikka Venum Chidambarathi
Deva Jagan Nadha
Gana Nadha
Gopura Darisaname
Indha Prathapamum
Innavum Sandeha Padalamo
Irakkam Varamal
Jnayam Thano Neer
Kai Vidal Aagathu
Kanaka Sabapathi Darisanam
Kanaka Sabhapathikku
Kanden Kali Theernthen
Karanam Kettu Vadi
Kunchitha Padathai Thaarum
Manathu Adanguvathaal
Mathadellam Poruppen
Mathavame
Mosam Vanthathe Sami
Namakkini Bhayamethu
Nanda Unakkindha Mathi
Nandan Charithiram Anandam
Nandanar Charithram
Natanam Aadinar
Padhame Thunai Iyane
Paduvai Maname
Parkka Parkka Thigattumo
Peyandi Thanai
Piravatha Varam Thaarum
Pitham Theliya Marunthu
Podhum Podhum Ayya
Sabapathikku Veru Daivam
Sankaranai Thuthithadu
Shambho Gangadhara
Shiva Loka Nadanai Kandu
Shivakama Sundari
Thandai Thai Irundal
Thandava Darisinam Tharum
Thillai Chidambaram
Thillai Thalam Yendru Cholla
Thillai Thillai Yendraal
Thillayai Kanda Pothe
Thiruvadi Sharanam
Thirvathirai Darisanathirkku
Thondarai Kankilame
Unathu Thiruvadi
Varuvaro Varam Tharuvaro
Vazhi Maraithirukkuthe
Vedam Padithathum
Yedho Theriyamal
Yenneramum
Yeppo Tholayum Indha
Yeppo Varuvaro
Aadiya Padam
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Yadukula Khambhoji
Thalam: Aadi
Pallavi
Aadiya pada darisanam kandal-Aanandam penne
Anupallavi
Thediya porululm kooda varathu-therinthu parade penne
Charanam
Manthira Thanthiram mazhalayum cherum-varum chila kalam thangal,
Anthakarana thiru kadal adangi aathal ozhithal, indira jalam
English Translation
Pallavi
If you see the dancing feet - you would be joyous, girl
Anupallavi
Oh girl understand that that money earned will not come with you
Charanam
Chants, tricks and lisps can be accumulated and would come for some time,
But if in the ocean of the holy mind, there is no tide, it is great magic.
Aadiya Padame
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Asaveri
Thalam: Mishra Chapu
Pallavi
Aadiya padame gathi yendru yengum,
Thediyum kangilen padhi avan
Anupallavi
Nadu pugazhndhidum Thillai Chidambara,
Nadhan sabhai thulanga veda geetham muzhanga
Charanam
Bhakthiye arul yendru varum dasan-
Gopala Krishnan thozhum natarajan,
Shakthi Shivakami magizh nesan-sarva,
Sakshiyay nirainthidum jagatheesan,
Vethi perugiya madanai vendravan,
Vedan echilai vari undavan,
Athi malayai marbil kondavan,
Anchezhuthu uruvagi nindravan.
English Translation
Pallavi
Thinking that the dancing feet is my only redemption,
I could not find his city in spite of search everywhere
Anupallavi
For The shining of the stage of the Lord of Chidambaram (thillai),
Which is praised all over the world, where the chant of Vedas is heard
Charanam
For the king of dances who is worshipped by Gopala Krishna,
Who is convinced that devotion only is grace,
The one who gives joy to Goddess Shakthi in the form of Shiva kami,
The lord of the world who is witness to everything,
The one who won over the victorious God of love,
The one who swallowed the leftover food of the hunter,
The one who wears the fig garland on his chest,
And the one who stood as the five lettered Namasivaya.
Aadiya Padathai
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Asaveri
Thalam: Thisram
Pallavi
Aadiya padathai tharum, Ummai,
Thedi vanden, idho parum parum
Anupallavi
Nadu pugazhndu thozhum Shivakami manoharane, thillai,
Natarajare, umathu kayai vidamatten kanum parum
Charanam
Paathiramallavo Balakrishnan pani harane, Chidambara,
Kshethra darasisaname veedu cherkum yendru ariyeno,
Mathirai pozhudum ummai marakka yen manathu,
Varathu yendru ariveer, thothiram panna matten,
Adilenna sukham, ambalam thanil kanum
English Translation
Pallavi
Give me your dancing feet,
See, see, I have come in search of you.
Anupallavi
Oh stealer of the mind of Shivakami whom the world praises,
Oh king of dance of Chidambara, see, I would not leave your hand
Charanam
Oh Hara, is not Balakrishna's job is of becoming your devotee,
Do I not know that seeing temple of Chidambaram would lead to salvation,
Do you not know that my mind cannot forget you even for a second,
I would not praise you for I do not find pleasure in it of seeing you in the temple.
Aadum Chidambaramo
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Behag
Thalam: aadi
Pallavi
Aadum Chidambaramo, Ayyan,
Koothadum Chidambaramo
Anupallavi
Adum Chidambaram anbar kalikkave,
Nadum Chidambaram Namashiva yendru
Charanam
1. Yarum ariyamal ambala vanan ara shiradiyar
Parkka, Sevadi thooki nindru,
2. Bala Krishyna potrum, pani mathi sadayinar,
Thalam: Maddalam poda Thatha thai yenave.
English Translation
Pallavi
Is it the dancing Chidambaram
Is it the Chidambaram where our Lord Dances.
Anupallavi
It is the dancing Chidambaram, for entertaining devotees,
It is the Chidambaram where people desire to say Namashivaya
Charanam
1. Lord shiva without anyone knowing,
Dances lifting his feet so that good devotes see it.
2. The lord with crescent in his hand
Who is appreciated by Lord Bala Krishna,
Along with the drums keeping the beat,
Dances making sound Thatha thai.
Aarukku Ponnambalavan Krupai
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Bhairavi
Thalam: aadhi
Pallavi
Aarukku ponnambalavan krupai yirukkutho,
Avane periyavanaam
Anupallavi
Parukkul veedugal, maadugal, aadugal,
Panam irundhal avan periyavan aavano
Charanam
1. Veda puranangal odhinadhal yenna,
Velai choozh pani matharal yenna kariyam,
Sadanaiyagavadhu oru naalum,
Mannasai, pennasai, ponnasai pollathathu
2. Banan madangal adangave cheytha,
Gopalakrishnan dinam thozhum ponnambala,
Vanan yendru aatharavai virumbadhavan,
Vanavaragilum thanavan chinnavan.
English Translation
Pallavi
He who has the grace of the God of the golden temple,
Is the only one who is great.
Anupallavi
In this earth, if one is having houses, cows,
Goats and money will he become great.
Charanam
1. What if one has learnt all Vedas and Puranas,
What is the use of being surrounded by several maids and ladies,
For these will never become achievements,
The desire for land, women and gold are dangerous.
2. He who does not desire the support of,
The God of the golden temple who was worshipped,
By Gopalakrishna who destroyed the pride of Bana,
Even if he is a god is a very small one.
Aarukku Than Theriyum
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Deva Manohari
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Aarukku than theriyum avar mahimai,
Ambala nataka madiya perumai
Anupallavi
Parukkul mandhargal kanbathu thollai,
Pathanjal panniya punyam illai
Charanam
Balakrishnan panitheum prathapam,
Pathidum perkkillai - punya, pavam,
Seela guna maruvum Jnana ppradheepam,
Deva manohara magiya roopam.
English Translation
Pallavi
Who knows about his power and greatness,
The fame of his dancing in the temple.
Anupallavi
In this world what people see are only troubles,
And not the good divine work done by Patanjali
Charanam
The greatness that is done by Bala Krishna,
Is not available for those who see it- good and bad
Characters which lead to light of wisdom,
Is but his divine and pretty form.
Ananda Koothadinaar
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Kalyani
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Ananda koothadinaar Ambalam thanile, ponnambalam thanile
Anupallavi
Ananda koothadinaar,ayanum, malum padinaar,
Andarangamaga chinditha perkku arul thanthom thanthom yendru,
Thonthom thonthom yendru
Charanam
1. Pathanjali mamuniyai nokki,
Partha perkal kurai pokki,
Itham ahitham yendra arivai neeki,
Ekamaka kaalai thooki
2. Madhala thala madhira muzhanga,
Valarum pramatha ganangal ilanga,
Tha thmi thakkida thom yendru ilanga,
Sabhayum thulanga, sathangai kulunga,
3. Balakrishnan paniyum padhan,
Partha perkal vara prasadhan,
Jnalam pugazhum seela bodhan,
Nambi dhoothan, ambikai nadhan
English Translation
Pallavi
He danced with joy in the temple,
In the Golden temple
Anupallavi
He danced with joy,
Lord Brahma and Vishnu sang,
Saying that those who pray him sincerely,
Would be given, would be given,
Freedom from troubles, freedom from troubles
Charanam
1. He danced facing sage Patanjali, He removed the problems of those who saw it,
He removed the difference between good and bad happenings,
And danced, lifting one feet up.
2. With the beating sound of drums making keeping loud beat,
With his Pramatha Ganas becoming happy,
Keeping to the beat Tha thim thimikida thim,
With the audience coming in to rapture,
And with his anklets making sound he danced
3. The God whose feet is worshiped by Balakrishna,
The God who is easy to please and grants boons to all those who see,
The god whose good conduct is praised by all the world,
The Emissary of Subrahmanya and the Lord of Parvathi danced.
Arivudayor
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Chakravaa
Thalam: Jhampa
Pallavi
Arivudayar panidhudum Thillai,
Ambala vanane yennai aalai
Anupallavi
Marai mudiyum thethi ariya mudale,
Manikka vachagar vazhthu kannudale.
Charanam
Kanavilum ninaivilum visayadi, samsara kadalil azhundinen, karai era vazhi kaneen.
Manam irangi arul cheythida venum, mayan Gopalakrishnan, vanangum malar padane,
Unnai marathida ppomo, un adiyargalin unmayai innamum unara markedalamo,
Manaivi makkal dhana dhanyam endritta maya valaikkul chikki mayanginen, thayanginen.
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh God of Chidambaram who is saluted by the wise,
Please rule over me.
Anupallavi
To know the date of destruction of Vedas,
Manikka vachagar praised you.
Charanam
I sunk in the sea of domestic life after playing in the dream and wake up state,
And did not found any way to climb up, so take pity and shower your grace,
Oh God whose flower feet is worshipped by the enchanter Gopalakrishan,
Can I ever forget you, is it proper to forget the truth about your devotees,
Being caught in the enchanting net of wife, sons, charity and richness,
I lost my sensation and started becoming diffident.
Ayye Metha Kadinam
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Punnagavarali
Thalam: Aadhi
[This song is the reply given by Nandanar to his landlord when the latter, recognizing the great devotion of Nandanar, asks him to teach the secret of attaining Godhead. It is extremely complex and on my request Sri Lakshman Ragde sent me its meaning. I tried to understand it by reading what Sri Lakshman wrote and this is the result. I am also giving the meaning sent by Sri Ragde from rasikas.org below my translation. Millions of thanks to Sri Lakshman Ragde. May God bless him.]
Pallavi
Ayye metha kadinam, umakku adimai, ayye metha kadinam
Anupallavi
Poyyatha Ponnambalthu ayya irukkumidam,
Naiyantha manitharkku uyyathu kandu kollum
Charanam
1. Balakrishnan paninthidum seela guru Chidambaram,
Mele vaitha vasayale kalan athru povadendru,
Chathiram nalla kshethiram, sar pathiram,
Jnana nethiram kondu, vasiyale.
Moolakanal vazhiye chuzhandru vara
Pujai panni paninthuttu, Mashara kundaliyai vittu
Aattume, manam moottume, melottume, vazhi kattume, indha,
Manabhimanam vittu thanagi ninravarkku,
Senathipathi pola jnathipathiyundu,
2. Parume, katti karume, ulle cherume, athu porume, ange,
Sangai arave nindru, pongi varum palundu,
Angam ilaipari kondu, thanga bommai polave,
Nillume, yethum chollume, jnanam chollume, yadhum vellume, indha,
3. Attangam panninalum, nettangu panniyathu,
Kittathu, kitti vara ottathu, muttiyathu,
Payum munai theyume, athu oyume, ulle thoyume, veda,
Manthirathile pottu yendirathile parru nee,
Thanthirahileyum illai, anthathile ava,
Daname, athu daname, bala veename, pesaa moname, antha
4. Muppazhum thandi vandhu, appale nindravarkk,
Ipparvai kidayathu, appal thiru nadanam,
Aaduvaar, Thalam: poduvaar, anbar kooduvaar, isai paduvaar, ithaikk,
Kandarum kidayathu, vindarum chonnathillai,
Andanda kodiyellam monray chamainthirukkum,
Allavo parayan chollavo, ange chellavo. Neram aguthallavo.
English Translation
Pallavi
Sire, it is very difficult, I am but your slave,
It is very difficult for me to explain
Anupallavi
The place which the unfailing lord of the golden temple lives,
Can be easily understood by those humans who are strong.
Charanam
1. The religious books say that the fear of God of death,
Is not there, due the salutation with devotion that Balakrishnan does,
To the most holy teacher of Chidambaram,
Due to the fact that it is a great temple and he being a good receiver.
If one sees Him by his inner eye of wisdom through the arch surrounding the God,
By the path of primeval fire which surrounds it,
And worship Him and bow to Him, and leaves away the baser instincts,
Which are in his Kundali, which will shake him and also surround him like a cloud,
He would leave his pride and dignity and stand firmly,
And he would become a captain of wisdom like a commander in chief.
2. Understand this, protect this truth, assimilate it within yourself, that is all that is sufficient,
All your doubts will then vanish and by drinking the ebbing milk of understanding,
All your body and mind would get relaxed and you would stand like a golden doll,
You will start understanding everything, become wise and be a victor over everything.
3. Even if you undergo great strain by yogic methods, it would go away,
It Would not be available, would not allow you near it,
And whatever little that touches you would make the mind blunt,
It would get exhausted and would disappear within you,
You would neither get it by recitation of Vedic chants,
Nor would you be able to get it through Yanthras,
Not even by thanthric practices and in the end,
All achievements would be of no use,
And it Would become your weakness and be a useless silence.
4. To those who stand outside crossing the three useless divisions of life,
This vision is not there for he would dance, keep rhythm by beats,
Audiences will gather and would sing songs,
There are no one who have seen this, and those have felt have not revealed it,
And there all crores of universes would have joined together.
Should this be told to you by one belonging to a debased caste.
Sir, the time is getting late, shall I go there.
Meaning of the song as given in rasikas.org:
P: Oh, my master, it is very difficult. I am your slave, and it is very difficult for me to explain.
A: The presence of the all-pervasive, and unfailing Lord of the golden hall can be understood by (and obvious to) those who have a strong devotion. (naiyAda manidar = those who are not weak)
C1: Balakrishnan (GKB's mudra) loves the supreme lord of Cidambaram. Because of that love there is no fear of death (kAlan=agent of death, yaman). That is the general dictum. Cidambaram is a great place and a fitting one at that. If one uses the eye of wisdom (jnAna nEtram) the image of the Lord with the scorching flame (around the arch; vAsi= ornamental arch over the idol) will manifest itself and if you worship Him, the kuNDali (the mystic circle in the interior of the underbelly??) will enhance your standing and show the path to salvation. When one renounces pride/dignity and material attachment to people and things (mAnAbhimAnam) then they will attain superior status.
C2: You please hold on to such truth. Then it will blend with you and that is enough. Then all your doubts/fears (sangai) will disappear. Consuming such milk (of worship) your bodily fatigue will disappear and the body will become like a golden doll (tanga bommai). That will confer you the required wisdom which can conquer everything.
C3: Even if one uses all his intelligence and resources at his disposal one may not attain godhead. All such efforts may only go to waste. One may not get it through recital of mandrams and the utilization of crafty strategies. Any achievement (avadAnam) is only abortive (not consummated). It is just a weakness. Even if one crossed all the three divisions (in life) of ethics, riches, and love one may not visualize the Lord. He dances, He keeps the rhythm, His devotees gather and sing. Nobody has seen such an occurrence (kaNDArum kiDiyAdu) and those who dissected (viNDAr) all this have not told others. It is all one enormous conglomerate. Should I, a lowly creature, explain this to you? Shall I go there (to Cidambaram), it is getting late.
That is the essence (perhaps vastly deficient in translation) of what nandan tells his landlord. Basically he tells the landlord it is difficult to explain devotion and one has to experience it internally. And then he seeks the permission of the vEdiyar to go to Cidambaram (which has been on his mind for a long time).
Chathe Vilagi Irum Pillai
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Bhoori Kalyani
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Chathe vilagi irum pillai, sannidhanam maraikuthaam, nee
Anupallavi
Nar thavam puriya nammidam, thiru nalai povar vandhirukkiraar
Charanam
1. Jathi muraimai pesuraan,thannai igazhndum yesuraan,
Kothila gunam udayon, kopam kondal thala mattom,
2. Veda kulathai pothuraan, virumbi virumbi yethuraan,
Bhoothalathil yivanai pola punniya purudan oruvanillai
3. Bakthiyil karai kandavan, parthu parthu undavan,
Chitham kurayil namathu chelvam muthum kurayum
English Translation
Pallavi
Please move a little son, it seems you are hindering,
The view of the sanctum, please move a little son
Anupallavi
ThiruNalai povar has come to do holy penance in front of us
Charanam
1. He talks of caste, he berates himself,
He is one with impeccable qualities,
If he gets angry, we would not tolerate
2. He praises the caste of the Vedas,
He with more and more desire prays,
In this whole world, there is,
No one man of great character like him
3. He has seen the other shore of devotion,
He has been very strict on what he eats,
And if his mind is pained then,
Our wealth will completely decrease.
Chidambaram
By Gopalakrishna Bharathiyar
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Begada
Thalam: Aadi
Pallavi
Chidambara arahara endru oru tharam,
Chonnal shiva padam kidaikkum, thillai
Anupallavi
Padam pera venum endrarku ithu vandri,
Illai mathu yeduvum, thollai thillai
Charanam
Nallunar vakkiya, Vedhiyar odhiya,
Naan maraigalum tudi na vizhaindhidum mandhiram,
Tillai Moovayiram per kaanum poojaikal,
Cheydha pin yavarum poojikkum mandiram.
English Translation
Pallavi
If you tell once Thillai Chidmabara, Ara hara,
Then you would go to Shiva's world.
Anupallavi
For those who want that state without problems,
There are no methods except this.
Charanam
Told by great people studied by learned Vedic Scholars,
This is the magic chant told by four Vedas to pray,
This is the chant which is performed by the,
Three thousand of Chidambaram and later,
Being chanted by everyone.
Chinthanai Cheythu
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Chenjurtutti
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Chinthanai cheythu kondirunthaal ungalukku,
Yentha vidhamum karai yeralaam, Shiva.
Charanam
1. Anthana munivarum indira amararum,
Vandhu paniyum avar vindhai por padathai
2. Kamanai yerithavan. Kalanai udaithavan
Somanai tharithavan thamarai padathai
3. Thamburu aninthidum thumburu naradarum,
Paninthidum ponnambala vananai
4. Vembiya thumbikkaruliya Balakrishnan,
Paniyum thiruvambala nadanai
English Translation
Pallavi
If you keep on thinking, then you can,
By some means, be able to succeed, about Shiva,
Charanam
1. His golden magical feet that is bowed to,
By Brahmins, sages and Devas
2. He who opposed God of love, He who kicked the God of death,
He who wears the moon, Think of his lotus feet
3. The God of the golden temple who is saluted by
Narada and Dumburu who used to wear Thanpura,
4. The divine God of the golden temple saluted by,
The Balakrishna who showered his grace on the elephant in trouble.
Darisikka Venum Chidambarathi
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Nada Nama Kriyai
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Darisikka venum, chidambarathi darisikka venum.
Anupallavi
Darisithavudan karisai pinikal arum,
Parisuthamagum mun maru suthamarave
Charanangal
1. Bhakthar paniyum thiru koothan sannidhi thozhuthu,
Yethi piravi thuyarathi yeppodhum (darisikka..)
2. Vedanai adiyavar, podanai munivarkal,
Nadanai karm kuvithu aadaravaagave (darisikka..)
3. Eesane puliyuril vasane, kanaga sabesane,
Yendru natarajanai pothri (darisikka...)
4. Kamathai akalpvar vamathindru, siva,
Namathai cholli artha samathil vandhu
5. Jnalam pugazhum avan malai aniyum ko,
Balakrishnan thozhum seela por padathai.
English Translation
Pallavi
I have to see Chidambaram, I have to see Chidambaram.
Anupallavi
As soon as I see all black diseases will go away from my body,
And get pure and to make it again clean (I have to see..)
Charanam
1. After saluting the divine dancer before whom the devotees salute,
Praying and for removing forever the sorrow of birth cycle (I have to see..)
2. The devotes with pain, the sages who teach,
With great respect are saluting the lord and (I have to see..)
3. After praising Lord Nataraja saying "Oh God,
Who lives in Puliyur, Of lord of the golden dance hall" (I have to see..)
4. After telling the name of Lord Shiva and standing by,
The side of sages who are away from passion at the mid night worship
5. To see his pure golden feet worshipped by Gopalakrishna,
Who wears a garland and who is praised by all the world (I have to see..).
Deva Jagan Nadha
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Kalyana Vasantham
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Deva Jagan nadha saranam mahaa,
Anupallavi
Devaa Sanakadhiyargal magizhum,
Moovayiravargal navaal thudi cheyyum
Charanam
Thilai maa nagar Shiva perumane,
Yellai illa inbam tharum thene,
Thollai vinai chanchalamum thane,
Illai yendru arul chey Cheemane
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh God, Lord of universe, I surrender to the great
Anupallavi
God who made the Sanaka sages happy,
And who was sung by the three thousand of Chidambaram
Charanam
Oh Lord Shiva of the great Chidambaram town,
Oh honey which gives rise to endless pleasure,
Oh Lord tell that troubles, fate and,
Vacillations of mind are not there.
Gana Nadha
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Mohanam
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Gana Nadha saranam, kathu arul,
Gana Nadha saranam
Anupallavi
Bana mar chedan thangiya paar meedinile,
Gunamar Nandan charithiram koora krupai kkan parum
Charanam
Chollum pranava moolaa, thooya vedantha nadha,
Thulangu munivar manathugal aruthu arul bodha,
Nalla modhaka mudhal nadi nugar vinodha,
Nayen chollum thamizhai nadi rakshikkum nada
English Translation
Pallavi
I surrender to the chief of Ganas with a request,
Please protect me and shower your grace,
I surrender to the chief of Ganas
Anupallavi
In this earth which is lifted by the great Aadhi sesha,
Please shower your merciful look,
So that I can sing the story of Nandan
Charanam
He who is the foundation of the word Pranava,
He who is the Lord of pure philosophy,
He who is the teacher who cuts off attachments,
In the minds of the well-known sages,
He who searches for and enjoys good Modhakas,
He who is the lord who protects the Tamil verses,
Written by me who is inferior to even a dog.
Gopura Darisaname
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Danyasi
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Gopura darisaname, yendan papa vimochaname
Charanam
1. Thapangal moondrum thaninthu vidum, nalla,
Shobhana mudan jothi vilangiya
2. Vinn anaithu melongiye kandu nar,
Kannulor kellam kakshi alithidum
3. Allum pagalum amarar thuthidum,
Thillaikku irayon dinamum magizhnthidum
English Translation
Pallavi
Seeing of temple tower, is my redemption from sin.
Charanam
1. That which subsides the three types of sufferings,
That along with auspiciousness shines like a flame,
2. That which is visible over the sky and that,
Which is visible to all those with good eyes
3. That which is without break prayed by devas,
And that which makes the God of Chidambaram happy.
Indha Prathapamum
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Shudha Saveri
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Indha prathapamum, Indha vaibhogamum,
Yengengum kaanen Ayya
Anupallavi
Yenthentha velayum undhan sannidhi,
Yevarkalukkum undo Siva Kami Nesare
Charanam
Chandra Suriyar sakala Bhootha ganangal,
Chandeswarar, Dandi munthu Vidhyadharar,
Vandhu pothum ardha jama velai thanile,
Magizhum gopala Krishnan thudikkum natarajare
English Translation
Pallavi
This fame and this wealth,
I have never seen anywhere else sir.
Anupallavi
At all times your appearance in sanctum sanctorum, .
Is it available for all, darling of Goddess Shivakami
Charanam
Moon, Sun and all Bhootha Ganas,
Chandeswara, Dandi and also the Vidhyadharas,
Do come and praise you at the mid night worship,
Oh Nataraja who is worshipped by the happy Gopalakrishna.
Innavum Sandeha Padalamo
By Gopalakrishna Bharathiyar
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Keeravani
Thalam: Chapu
Pallavi
Innavum sandeha padalamo Isha
Anupallavi
Ponnambalam thannil thandavam aadiya,
POn kazhalai ninavil,
Vaikka theridhu naan
Charanam
Annamayamenum kosham thannile,
Andhanar mudal pulavar binnam arave thonudhe,
Anri bhedamondrum kanen,
Thannai arigindra thavame peridhendru daraniyil,
Gopala Krishnan sonnadellam marandu,
Maya chuzhilyile vizhundu uzhandru,
Kavizhnda niyai Shiva shiva nee.
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh God, should I suspect you even now
Anupallavi
Having known that you danced in the golden temple,
And with the memory of your golden anklets, in me,
Should I suspect you even now?
Charanam
In the Annamaya Kosha, I am seeing,
Differences between a Brahmin and lower caste,
But I do not find difference anywhere else,
Forgetting that Gopalakrishna told,
That the prayer of knowing oneself is the greatest,
And falling in the whirlpool of illusion,
And falling down, Oh Lord Shiva,
Should I suspect you even now?
Irakkam Varamal
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Behag
Thalam: Roopaka
Pallavi
Irakkam varamal ponadu yenna karanam, Swami
Anupallavi
Karunal kadal endru unnai,
Kadai kettu Nambi vandan
Charanam
Alam arundi, aadar uyirai adaritha unadu keerthi,
Balakrishnan padi dinamum Nataraja murthy,
Vazhi atthanai disaai yilum palichidum Shiva Chidambaram,
Vazhi athanaiyilum palichidum shiva paramenum,
Mozhi katravar vazhi thunai,
Muppozhudum marangane.
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh what is the reason why you did not get pity on me?
Anupallavi
Hearing the stories, I was thinking,
That you were an ocean of mercy.
Charanam
I have heard your fame of saving every one by drinking poison,
Because Balakrishnan daily sang about it,
Oh Shiva Chidambaram which shines in all directions all the way,
Oh Divine Shiva who shines everywhere all the way,
As told by those learned in language all the time.
Jnayam Thano Neer Chollum
By Gopalakrishna Bharathiyar
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Sankarabharanam
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Jnayam thano neer chollum, ooy - Nandanare,
Namma Jathikku adukkumo
Charanam
Cheriyilla vazhakkam - neer,
Cheythu kondu vandha pazhakkam-Indha,
Oorilengum athu muzhakkam - vegu
Uruthiyachuthu ozhukkam - ithu
English Translation
Pallavi
Please tell whether it is just, Oh Nandanar,
Will it be proper for our caste
Charanam
You have followed a practice not in our slum,
A practice that you have made of your own,
And this has spread throughout this village,
And this practice has become firm here.
(Is it just, Oh Nandanar.)
Kai Vidal Aagathu
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Malahari
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Kai vidal aagathu, Kama Dhenu allavo
Anupallavi
Mey vidum pothu nere vandhu, thillai,
Veliyayai katti nalla vazhiyil cherum yennai
Charanam
Aadhi anthamillatha un perumai,
Aararinthu thuthi cheyya vallavar,
Jothi ma marayum kanda Thillai endru,
Cholla kettathum illaya,
Naadhane un padha kamalangalai,
Nambi vandhavar bandam theerave,
Kaadhalodum Gopalakrishnan,
Kaviku arul purintha Natarajane yennai
English Translation
Pallavi
Since you are the wish giving cow, please do not leave me out
Anupallavi
When I am leaving my body, come personally,
Show me the temple of Chidambaram,
And do not leave me, who am following a good path
Charanam
Your greatness has no end or beginning.
And who can know you and sing your praises,
And have we not heard that this Chidambaram,
Is the light which even the great Vedas have not seen,
And Oh Lord, to those who have come believing in,
Your lotus like feet, cut off their attachments,
And Oh Nataraja, you who have with love helped the poet Gopalakrishnan,
Please do not leave me out.
Kanaka Sabapathi Darisanam
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Thanyasi
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Kanakasabapathi darisinam oru naal kandaal kali theerum,
Anupallavi
Sanaka maha muni kai thozhuthu yethiya,
Dinakara kodi thejomayamaakiya
Charanam
1. Manathi adangiya kalmasham pokkum,
Maya pini thanai marupadi vakkum,
Chanana marana samusarathai neekum,
Thiruvadi nizhalile koodiya yaarkkum,
2. Suruthi mudikaliulum cholli kondaadum,
Thooya oliyai oliyaakave koodum,
Daruma neriyum thavaraa thula naadum,
Thathikina thom yendru thandavam aadum
3. Parpala yochanai cheyvathu thollai,
Para gathiyadaya upaayavum illai,
Arputhamakave than oru chollai,
Aniyum Gopala Krishnan paniyum thillai.
English Translation
Pallavi
If we see one day the lord of the golden stage,
All our problems would be solved.
Anupallavi
Saluted and erected by the great sage Sanaka,
And having the splendour of billions of suns
Charanam
1. It would remove the accumulated dirt from the mind,
It would give a different shape to the disease of illusion,
It would remove the birth death, domestic life cycle,
To all those who have assembled in the shadow of that divine feet.
2. It would celebrate after telling in the end of Sruthis,
It would increase the light of the pure light,
It would try to reach your mind through just action,
And it would dance to the sound of Thathikina thom.
3. It is painful to do very many types of thought,
And there is no method of reaching salvation,
The Thillai which is worshipped by Gopalakrishna,
Is a wonderful word that he wears.
Kanaka Sabhapathikku
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Atana
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Kanaka sabhapathikku, namaskaram pannadi penne,
Anupallavi
Sanaka maha munivar pothum sannidhiyadi, kanne
Charanam
Veedhi valam vandhu melai gopura vassal nuzhaindhu,
Kadhaludan Shivakami kalikkum mandapam vandhu.
Madhavan Gopalakrishnan, vanangum ambalam arinthu,
Nadhane un adaikkalame yendru nani magizhndu, thalai kuninthu
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh Lass do salutations to the Lord of the golden stage
Anupallavi
Oh dear in the sanctum worshipped by great sages like Sanaka
Charanam
After circling the temple using the streets surrounding it,
Coming to the sanctum where Shivakami playa with him with love,
After understanding the temple which is being worshipped by Bala Krishna,
After becoming joyous with shyness and telling him that you are my hope and then with bent head.
Kanden Kali Theernthen
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Kalyani
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Kanden, kali theernthen,
Karunai kadale naan
Anupallavi
Nindren sannidhi arugil,
Nirmala amrutham unden,
Vendren pori pulangalai,
Vinnavar pothum piranai kanden
Charanam
Anadhi karpithamagiya mayaigal yavayum vendren,
Adhi aanandam konden, aanava malam vinden,
Manadhigalukku yettamal magimai porundhiya thillayil,
Mayan Gopala Krishnan thozhum mahadevan thirumeniyai kanden
English Translation
Pallavi
I saw him and put an end to all sufferings,
Oh ocean of mercy
Anupallavi
I stood near your sanctum,
I ate the very pure nectar,
I won control over my organs and wishes,
And I saw the God who is praised by the devas.
Charanam
I won over all the illusions which were made in primeval times,
I became extremely happy, I broke the dirty thing called ego,
And I saw in Chidambaram that God who was praised by Bala Krishna,
Who has the great fame of being not reachable by the mind.
Karanam Kettu Vadi
By Goplakrishna Bharathiyar
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Poorvi Kalyani
Pallavi
Karanam kettu vadi Sakhi,
Kadalan chidambara Nathan innam varada
Anupallavi
Purana dayavu ulla Ponnambala durai,
Yen porumayai shodhikka marai mukham anadan,
Charanam
Kallalum villlum katti aditheno,
Kannappan seidadai kanavinil seydheno,
Chella manikku thoodhu senru va a endreno,
Cheyyada kariyam Cheyya muyandreno.
English Translation
Pallavi
Friend, Find out the reasons for my lover,
The Lord of Chidambaram not coming till now.
Anupallavi
Find out why the very ancient Lord of the Golden temple who is kind
Has done this vanishing, to test my patience
Charanam
Did I tie and beat him with stone and arrow?
Did I do what Kannappan did in his dream?
Did I send him as messenger to a house where he will not go?
Or did I do some acts which should not be done?
Kunchitha Padathai Thaarum
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Panthuvarali
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Kunchitha padathai thaarum,
Chanchala bhavathai theerum,
Anupallavi
Chenchilam pasaya, kanaka sabhai thanil,
Jenu thathakka, jenu thathimi, thimi thathom yendaraadiya
Charanam
Balakrishnan thozhum paadaa, mukthi,
Naalvarkku udaviya naadaa yenthan,
Mele krupai cheythu vethriyalithidum,
Athane kaathane suthane yithanai nirthanam cheythidum.
English Translation
Pallavi
Please give me your pretty feet,
And cure my feeling of doubts.
Anupallavi
In the Golden hall With the red anklets shaking dance,
Jenu thathakka, jenu thathimi, thimi thathom
Charanam
Oh God whose feet is worshipped by Balakrishna,
Oh Lord who helped four people,
Please shower your grace and give me victory,
Oh Atha, Oh saviour, Oh pure one who is dancing like this.
Manathu Adanguvathaal
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Gowli Bandhu
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Manathu adanguvathaal, muthi,
Maargam peralaagum.
Anupallavi
Anna nadayaal umai pakan, thiru chitha-
Ambala vanan Padaravindangalil
Charanam
Yengal Gopalakrishnan padam paadi,
Iyama Niyama vasanaigalkalir koodi.
Pongum Samadhi porinthida thedi,
Povathumillai irunthathu vaadi
English Translation
Pallavi
By controlling the mind,
We can get salvation.
Anupallavi
In the lotus like feet of the God of the temple,
Who is the consort of Uma who walks like a swan.
Charanam
After singing the praise of feet of Gopalakrishnan,
Merging with the characters of present and past births,
Would not go in search of methods to enter the Samadhi.
Mathadellam Poruppen
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Saveri
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Mathadellam poruppen,
Muthi naalum koduppen
Charanam
1,Bhakthanukku kutham cheythaal,
Adhai porukka maatten
2. Thidhkkendru avarai thudikka pesi,
Adikka porukka maatten
3. Pasikkuthu endru oruvan varugayil,
Pusikka porukka maatten
English Translation
Pallavi
I would tolerate everything else,
I would grant them salvation
Charanam
1. I would not tolerate
If you trouble my devotee.
2. I would not tolerate if you speak to him suddenly,
Make him suffer and then beat him
3. I would tolerate if you eat, when one comes,
Saying that he is hungry.
Mathavame
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Sama
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Mathavame oo guruvai,
Vandathu kaan vazhi vasamai
Anupallavi
Athavanai kanda pani pol,
Achuthu, yen kuraigalai theera
Charanam
Neelakandam yenduraithu yen,
Neramum siva kathai padikkum,
Seela guna thondar thiru,
Chevadi kanden yaan.
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh great penance has come,
As my teacher due to fate.
Anupallavi
Similar to the mist on seeing the sun,
It has come to remove my problems.
Charanam
Saying Neelakandam, I saw the divine feet of
Great savants of Lord Shiva, who
Always read the story of Lord Shiva.
Mosam Vanthathe Sami
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Aabhoghi
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Mosam vandathe Sami, intha
Anupalavi
Desam pugazh chirsabhayai kandu,
Chinthanai allal theera, sivane endru iramal
Charanam
Dasan Balakrishnan thazhndhu pothum,
Nataraja moorthi endru nambinene pavi,
Desam engum porul thedi alainthene,
Asai valayale azhindhu nondhene.
English Translation
Pallavi
Deceit has come oh God, this.
Anupallavi
Instead of seeing the divine hall, praised by the country,
So that trouble of worries get over and retire peacefully.
Charanam
When the slave Balakrishna was in trouble,
This sinner believed it is God Nataraja,
And I searched all over the country for wealth,
And got pained being caught in the web of desire.
Namakkini Bhayamethu
By Gopala Krishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Gowli bandhu
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Namakkini bhayamethu, thillai natarajan irukkum podhu
Anupallavi
Markandarukkaga maraliyai udaithitta,
Maan mazhu vendhum Mahadevan irukka
Charanam
1. Immai marumai mudhal yavukkum paramana,
Chinmayananda Shiva peruman irukka
2. Ariyayana mamararum aalam kanda anjammun,
Parivudane katha parama shivanirukka,
3. Trivikramanay varum thin mayan mamathayai,
Virivu kangalanakki vilakkum paran irukka,
4. Aadhisedanum maalum alaron lakkumiyum,
Kadalay thavam cheytha paranirukka
5. Iraniyanaal veri konda narasimmanai,
Tharaniyil rekshitha Sankaran irukkave
English Translation
Pallavi
From now on where is fear for us,
When the Nataraja of Chidambaram is there
Anupallavi
When Lord Mahadeva who olds the deer and axe,
Who kicked the God of death for Markandeya, is there,
Charanam
1. When shiva who is the divine everlasting joy,
Who is divine for this world and the other worlds, is there,
2. When there is Paramashiva who saved,
When Vishnu, Brahma and other Gods feared the Aalahala poison, is there
3. When there is the divine power which came as huge Skeleton.
Destroyed the pride of Lord Vishnu who came as Trivikrama, is there
4. When the God desiring whom Adhi sesha, Vishnu,
And Goddess Lakshmi did penance, is there
5. When there is Lord Shankara who saved on this earth,
Lord Narasimha, who became violent due to Hiranya, is there.
Nanda Unakkindha Mathi
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Mohanam
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Nandaa Unakkindha mathi thandathu aaradaa
Anupallavi
Antharangam sondhamay irundathu maranthu poy,
Vindhayay ninaindha thinno, andha velai puthi illai
Charanam
Kollai kattu nari pol pillai katti pesuvay,
Kallai katti kopam kondu chollai katti yesuven,
Thillai yendru chonna thellam illayindru pochutha,
Kallai yendru iyar chonna cholle nijamachuthaa,
Chithamum thelinthathaa, kaththalum parinthathaa,
Chattam chattam nallathu nallathu metha metha sandhosham.
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh Nanda, who ever gave you this thought
Anupallavi
Forgetting that you had a mind of your own,
Why these strange thoughts,for this is not wisdom
Charanam
You would talk showing your teeth like the homestead jackal,
I would become angry s and then how you a stone and berate you,
All that you told about Chidambaram, have they vanished,
Has the words of Brahmin not to learn has become true,
Has your mind become clear, has the shouting subsided,
Law and law is good. This is indeed a very happy news.
Nandan Charithiram Anandam
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Ragam: Sankarabharanam
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Nandan charithiram Anandam - aanalum athi-
Yandham bhakthi rasa kandam cholla, cholla
Anupallavi
Nandan Charithiram vegu andham-Shivanaarukku,
Chondham, tholayum bhava bandham, ketta perkku
Charanam
1. Yethu ivanaipole sadhu bhoomiyil,
Irukkthu arithu, iru kathu padaitha perkku
2. Vaadi manthu ilagi paadi-arakara vendru,
Aadi kanaka sabhai naadi cheruven yendra
3. Andar kondadum chozha mandalam thanai choozhndu,
Konda merkku nattil vinda aathanoor il vazhum
English Translation
Pallavi
The story of Nanda is full of joy but when telling,
It is full of the feeling of the nectar of devotion
Anupallavi
The story of Nanda is great as it is Lord Shiva's own,
And those who hear it will lose attachments and sins
Charanam
1. How come, this world has an innocent one like him,
And his story is joyful to all those with two ears
2. Getting dejected and later singing "Arahara",
Then dancing and saying he will reach the golden stage
3. In the village of Adanur in area surrounding in west of the
Very famous Chozha kingdom lived Nanda.
Nandanar Charithram
[Musical Drama Story of Nandanar]
By Gopalakrishna Bharathi
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
In the Chozha country in a small village called Aathanoor, Nandanar was born in a dalit caste called Pulayan (seventh century?). He was living as a slave labourer to a Brahmin land lord along with his caste people. Since their caste was engaged in making of drum using animal skin (called Parai in Tamil), this caste also was referred to as Parayar. Apart from these Nandanar also made strings for string instruments like Veena and Yaazh and skin covering for instruments like Berigai. From very early age Nandanar was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, though his people worshipped village Gods like Karuppan, Chamundi etc. Once along with some of his people he went to a temple called Thiruppunkoor which was near his village. As Dalits, they were not supposed to enter the temple. Nandanar however wanted to have a glimpse of the God. The idol of the big bull Nandi which normally is in front of Lord Shiva, in Shiva temples was not allowing him to have a glimpse of Lord Shiva. When Nandanar requested, Lord Shiva made Nandi slightly move away and allow Nandanar to see his Lord. Nandanar was ecstatic. In Thirupunkoor he heard about the great Nataraja temple at Chidambaram. He wanted to go there and see the Lord. Daily he used to tell his people that he would go to Chidambaram temple the next day (Nalai poven in tamil) and people around him teasingly called him as Thiru Nalai Povaar, (The divine one who will go tomorrow). But for that he had to get permission from his master. His own caste people including the senior most member of his caste, called Periya Kizhavanar, were against the idea of Nandanar. His master also was not willing to permit him as he thought that it is against the caste norms prevailing at that time. But once he permitted him to go, provided he cultivated his huge cultivable land in one day. It is believed that as per instructions of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathi did it in a night. The master of Nandanar realized his mistake and even wanted to know about the Lord from him. The Deekshidars, the Brahmin priest of Nandanar received him and took him inside the temple in a palanquin. It seems Nandanar became a streak of light and joined the God.
It seems the story of Nandanar is mentioned in the Sthala Puranam of Chidambaram. He was included as one of the 63 Nayanmar (Devotees of Shiva) and his story is also written in the Periya Puranam, which gives the story of all these 63 saints.
Gopalakrishna Bharathi of the nineteenth century who was the well known composers of Music in Tamil of those days, has written a musical drama called "Nandanar Charithram", to be used to sing the songs and relate the story. This form is called Harikatha. Right from that time all the great exponents of Harikatha have made it a point to perform Harikatha of Nandanar Charithram. Some of those great ones were Thirupayanam Panchapakesa Bhagawathar, Embar Vijayaraghavacharyar, and Gayanapadu Keerthanapadu Saraswathi Bhai. Most of the drama companies during that time performed this as a musical drama. Two motion pictures were also taken. In the first Smt. K. P. Sundarambal acted as Nandanar and in the second, Sri M. M. Dandapani Desigar acted as Nandanar. I got first these songs from a booklet called "Nandan Charithra Keerthanaigal" published by Bhagwan Nama publications. This book did not contain all the songs of the Charithram and also they were not in a proper order. Then I could locate www.shaivam.org/siddhanta/sta_gkb_r.htm, where 124 songs which are supposed to constitute the story are given both in Tamil as well as English. It was obvious that they were not in order in which they occur and also, there were many compositions which did not belong to Nandanar Charithram. Further search made me locate a very learned book Nandanar Charithra Keerthanai, edited by Prof. Sangeetha Kalanidhi S. Ramanathan, published by the Trinity Music publishers, Madras. I have taken this book as the basis for my English Translation and this book contained 86 songs. From the book I realized that the author was more interested in giving notations to different songs has left out some stanzas from some of the songs, when the notation is the same. I could not find songs in the collection detailing of how Nandanar attained Mukthi. I have also checked the chronology of the songs by a wonderful article about the performance of Nandanar Charithhram by Sri. T. N. Seshagopalan (rasika.carnatica.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2910) and added one song to the collection of Sangeetha Kalanidhi. Srinivasan. I would be extremely grateful, if any one points out the omissions and commissions so that these things can be rectified. I believe that I have done this very minor Translation effort by the grace and blessings of Great Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram where I studied for three years.
Now I understand, thanks to a corresponadant in Rasika Priya, that the entire Nandanar Charithram with commentaries is available at: www.tamilvu.org/slet/l5100/l5100pd2.jsp?bookid=122&pno=8. Hope some of you who read this would be able to translate that book entirely in to English.
I. Nandanar Charithram Introduced
1. Nandan Charithiram Anandam
Ragam: Sankarabharanam
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Nandan charithiram Anandam - aanalum athi-
Yandham bhakthi rasa kandam cholla, cholla
Anupallavi
Nandan Charithiram vegu andham-Shivanaarukku,
Chondham, tholayum bhava bandham, ketta perkku
Charanam
1. Yethu ivanaipole sadhu bhoomiyil,
Irukkthu arithu, iru kathu padaitha perkku
2. Vaadi manthu ilagi paadi-arakara vendru,
Aadi kanaka sabhai naadi cheruven yendra
3. Andar kondadum chozha mandalam thanai choozhndu,
Konda merkku nattil vinda aathanoor il vazhum
English Translation
Pallavi
The story of Nanda is full of joy but when telling,
It is full of the feeling of the nectar of devotion
Anupallavi
The story of Nanda is great as it is Lord Shiva's own,
And those who hear it will loose attachments and sins
Charanam
1. How come, this world has an innocent one like him,
And his story is joyful to all those with two ears
2. Getting dejected and later singing "Arahara",
Then dancing and saying he will reach the golden stage
3. In the village of Adanur in area surrounding in west of the
Very famous Chozha kingdom lived Nandanar
2. Thirunalai Povan Charithiram
Ragam: Kamasu
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Thirunalai povan charithiram,
Theninum palilum iniyathu kandeer
Anupallavi
Chitham urugiya Siva yogikalukku,
Artham ithuvendre anuthinam paninthidum
Charanam
Medini pugazh aathanur vilangum,
Mathavavam purinthe sathanai perugiya
Anupallavi Pol
Bedam illathavan veda porulai virainthu
Odhum karunaikku nadanai paninthidum
English translastion
Pallavi
The story of Thirunalai povar,
Is sweeter than honey and milk, please see
Anupallavi
To the great devotees of Shiva, whose mind has melted,
Making them understand daily that this is the real meaning,
Charanam
Situated in Athanur, praised by the world,
And who attained great achievements by doing penance
Anupallavi Pol
Like the one who does not have differences,
Speedily learning the Vedas.
II. As told by Sage Upamanyu
3. Neechanai Piranthalum
Ragam: Yathukula Khambodhi Thalam: Chapu
Pallavi
Neechanai piranthalum pothum iyaa,
Neechanai piranthalum
Anupallavi
Asayudan Ambalavan adiyil irundhu yethum
Charanam.
1. Kothilaa thavangal purinthaalum - thangal,
Kulavanmai thavaraa perumai irundhaalum,
Vedamudi yaavum unarnthaalum, -mayai,
Vilakaathu oru naalum tholayathu thunbam.
2. Kalavu kolai cheythu vandhaalum-pazhi,
Kararudan yenneramum chernthu irunthalum,
Valam arave vaazhvu kettalum-nalla,
Manithan avanidammaga marali anukaathu
3. Yetha karumangal cheithaalum - yengum,
Kidayatha kodayali yena irunthaalum,
Gothira Keerthi migunthaalum - yengum,
Gopalakrishnan thozhum paadam ninaithu yethum.
English Translation
Pallavi
Sir, born as downtrodden is more than sufficient,
Born as a downtrodden.
Anupallavi
Praising the God of temple sitting below him
Charanam
1. Even if he does matchless penance, Even,
If he has the fame of not going below the greatness of his clan,
Though he understands the top of all Vedas, illusion,
Will never go away and the sorrow will not go
2. Though if he does theft and murder and though,
He is always in the company of criminals,
Though due to loss of wealth life is spoiled,
Becoming a man and never approaching him (born as downtrodden)
3. Even if proper work is being done,
Even if he is philanthropist who is difficult to get,
Even there is a great fame of clan, praise,
Be the one who worships the feet Gopalakrishna praises
IV. Description of Athanur Slum by Sage Upamanyu
[Story of Nandanar Starts]
4. Pazhanam Arunganayum
Ragam: Chenchurutti
Thalam: Aadhi
(Told by sage Upamanyu)
Pazhanam arunganayum pulai,
Padiyathu koorai veedu thanile,
Surayo padarnthirukkum, adhai,
Chuthilum naikkal kuarithirukkum
English Translation
Surrounded on all sides by paddy fields,
Poverty sang in that hut,
Over which bottle gourd plants spread,
And surrounding which dogs barked.
5. Aadanuril Oru Vedhiyarkkule
Ragam: Navarosu
Thalam: Aadhi
Adhanooril oru vedhiyarkkulle,
Adimaikkara parayan,
Soothum vetghum ondrum theriyathavan,
Parisudhamana bhakthan
English Translation
In the village called Aadanoor,
With the Brahmins,
There was a slave who belonged to Paraya caste,
Who was innocent not knowing how to deceive or argue,
And who was greatly pure devotee.
6. Vaar Irukkuthu
[Selling of Strings, Hide and Skin by Nandanar]
Ragam: Aananda Bhairavi Thalam: Thisra lagu
Vaar irukkuthu, thol irukkuthu, vaangi kolveere,
Maddalangal bherikaikkum veenaikkum,
Nalla irukki kattum visai
English Translation
The guts are there, the hides are there, please buy,
They are for small drums, big drums and for Veena,
Please tie them tightly for good music
Ragam: Useni Thalam: Thisralaghu
Vaar irukkuthu, thol irukkuthu, vaangi kolveere,
Maddalangal bherikaikkum veenaikkum,
Nalla irukki kattum visai
English Translation
The guts are there, the hides are there, please buy,
They are for small drums, big drums and for Veena,
Please tie them tightly for good music.
7. Sivane Deivam
[Conversation between Nandanar and his Pulaya Friends]
Ragam: Sudha saveri
Iruchol alankaram (Uthara prathyuthara tharu)
Sivane deivam Chidambarame kailasam,
Thavame perumai, dhana sampradhayam
Cheriye swargam, yeriye kailasam,
Mariyae deivam, madha sampradayam
English Translation
Only Shiva is God and Chidamaram is Kailasam,
Only penance makes you great and charity is the habit
The slum is heaven, the lake is Kailasam,
Mari is the only god, and religion is the habit.
8. Shiva Loka Nadanai Kandu
[Nandanar invites his friends to accompany him to see Lord Shiva]
Ragam: Nada Nama Kriya Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Shiva loka nadanai kandu sevithiduvom vaareer,
Anupallavi
Bhava bhayangalai pokki avar,
Parama padhathai koduppar, antha
Charanam
Manida jenmam alithar thannai,
Vananga karangal alithar,
Thenum palum pole chendru,
Theradiyil nindru kondu
English Translation
Pallavi
Come let us worship the Lord of Shiva Loka
Anupallavi
He has removed our sins and accumulated fate,
And has given us salvation and so
Charanam
He gave us the human birth,
He gave us hands to salute him,
And so like the honey and milk,
Let us stand in the chariot stand and,
9. Chendamarai Malar
[Nandanar tells them as to how worship is done in Shiva Temples]
Ragam: Yadhukula Kambhodi Thalam: Thisralaghu
Chenthamarai malar poom odai, mevia,
Cherintha matharkalattam cherintha Velur
Yenthai piraan pideka gorochannai,
Santhozhinthar mana vattam
English Translation
The canal with red lotus flowers is the stage,
Populated by good ladies is the good Velur
My Lord has applied musk,
The mind of those who were happy is dull.
10. Harahara Shiva Shiva Ambalavanaa
Ragam: Yamuna Kalyani Thalam: Aadhi
Harahara Shiva, Ambalavana,
Thillayambala desika nadhaa
English Translation
Oh Hara, Oh Hara, Oh God who lives in the temple.
Oh Lord teacher who lives in Chidambaram temple
11. Singaramana
[Ecstasy and Dance of Nandanar]
Ragam: Bhoori Kalyani Thalam: Thisra Laghu
Singaramana Pallu paadinaar,
Angam kulirnthu kondadinnaar
English Translation
He sang the pretty folk song.
And with a very happy mind appreciated it.
12. Thalam: Vandhu Veedhi Valam Vandhu
[Nandanar's Activities in Thiruppunkoor]
Raga Kedraram Thalam: Kanda laghu
Savayi
Thalam: vandhu veedhi valam vandhu kankal,
Chalam vandhu chorum, balam vandhathengal
Kulam suthamachu, manam venthu pochu,
Thalam: kandom yenru nilam kondu nindrar
English Translation
Coming to the place the eyes traveled over the streets
The water mixed cooked rice gave us strength,
Our clan became pure, our mind has become burnt
They stood on land saying that we have seen the place.
13. Sivaloka Nathan
[Nandi Hiding Sight of Lord]
Raga Kedraram Thalam: Kanda laghu
Savai
Sivaloka nathan thiru sannidhanam,
Malayagi Nandi maraithduthu inge,
Palakalam cheytha paazhvinai kuvindhu,
Malayaagi ippadi maraithato vendrar.
English Translation
The divine presence of the Lord of Shiva Loka,
Is being hidden by Nandi like a mountain,
They told, "Perhaps our karma accumulated for a long time,
Has become a mountain and is obstructing our sight."
14. Vazhi Maraithirukkathe
[Nandanar complaining to Lord]
Ragam: Malava Goula
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Vazhi maraithirukkathe malai pol oru,
Madu paduthu irukkathe
Anupallavi
Pavi parayan indha ooril vandhum than,
Pavathai theereno, padathil cherno,
Yereno Shiva loka nadhaa
English Translation
Pallavi
The way is hidden like a mountain by the one,
One Bull who is lying down on the way,
Anupallavi
This sinner Paraya, in spite of coming to this place,
Would he get his sins destroyed, Would he merge with his feet,
Would he not climb, Oh lord of Shiva Loka.
15. Chathe Vilagi Irum Pillai
[Lord Shiva tells his Nandi to move a little]
Ragam: Bhoori Kalyani
Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Chathe vilagi irum pillai, sannidhanam maraikuthaam, nee
Anupallavi
Nar thavam puriya nammidam, thiru nalai povar vandhirukkiraar
Charanam
1. Jathi muraimai pesuraan, thannai igazhndum yesuraan,
Kothila gunam udayon, kopam kondal thala mattom,
2. Veda kulathai pothuraan, virumbi virumbi yethuraan,
Bhoothalathil yivanai pola punniya purudan oruvanillai
3. Bakthiyil karai kandavan, parthu parthu undavan,
Chitham kurayil namathu chelvam muthum kurayum
English Translation
Pallavi
Please move a little son, It seems you are hindering,
The view of the sanctum, please move a little son
Anupallavi
Thiru Nalai povar has come to do holy penance in front of us
Charanam
1. He talks of caste, he berates himself,
He is one with impeccable qualities,
If he gets angry, we would not tolerate
2. He praises the caste of the Vedas,
He with more and more desire prays,
In this whole world, there is,
No one man of great character like him
3. He has seen the other shore of devotion,
He has been very strict on what he eats,
And if his mind is pained then,
Our wealth will completely decrease.
16. Oru Naalum
[Lord Shiva of Thiruppunkur Tells Nandhi]
Ragam: Sankarabharanam Thalam: Kanda Laghu
Oru naalum varaatha Bhakthan,
Thirunalaipovar yendra chithan,
Ulagengum prasitham, kandu nee,
Othungamal irunthathu un mel kutham
English Translation
The devotee who never comes,
Is the Siddha called Thirunalaipovar (Divine "Will go tomorrow")
And seeing him who is famous all over the world,
Your not moving from there is a crime on your part.
17. Mathadellam Poruppen
Ragam: Saveri Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Mathadellam poruppen,
Muthi naalum koduppen
Charanam
1, Bhakthanukku kutham cheythaal,
Adhai porukka maatten
2. Thidhkkendru avarai thudikka pesi,
Adikka porukka maatten
3. Pasikkuthu endru oruvan varugayil,
Pusikka porukka maatten
English Translation
Pallavi
I would tolerate every thing else,
I would grant them salvation
Charanam
1. I would not tolerate,
If you trouble my devotee
2. I would not tolerate if you speak to him suddenly,
Make him suffer and then beat him
3. I would not tolerate if you eat, when one comes,
Saying that he is hungry.
18. Kuthithaar Yekkalithaar
[Reaction of Nandanar on Seeing Lord]
Ragam: Maya Malava Gowla
Kuthithar, yekkalithar, ullam kalithaar,
Pallu padithar, kanneer vadithar, parkalai kadithar,
Oru tharam thudithar, iru tharam nadithaar,
Ippadi darisinam cheythaar Nandanar
Darisanam cheithaare
English Translation
Jumped, exulted, enjoyed by mind,
Read songs, shed tears, gnashed his teeth,
Once shivered, twice acted,
Nandanar saw the Lord like this,
He saw the Lord.
19. Nalai Pogaamal Iruppeno
[Nandanar Tells After Returning from Thiruppunkur]
Ragam: Maanchi / Sankarabharanam Thalam: Chapu
Nalai Pogamal iruppno, indha,
Natha narambai innum chumappeno?
English Translation
Would I be here without going tomorrow,
Would I carry this stinking bones further?
20. Kaanamal Irukkalakathu
[Nandanar Advises his Friends]
Ragam: Chakra Vakam Thalam: Misram
Joyful Exclamation
Kanaamal irukka laakathu, paazhum
kattai kadai thera, vendi irunthaal
English Translation
We should not be there without seeing,
If we need this bad body to attain salvation.
21. Yellorum Vaarungal
[Nandanar calls his friends and advises them]
Ragam: Kedaram Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Yellorum vaarungal,
Sukamirukkuthu paarungal neengal
Charanam
Nallor paninthidum thillai ambala,
Nadhan paadam paninthu kolvom
English Translation
Pallavi
All of you please come,
You please see that pleasure is there
Charanam
Let us go and bow before the feet of the Lord,
Of the Chidambaram temple which is saluted by good people.
22. Sivane Deivam
[Nandanar Tells how great people are like]
Ragam: Chenchurutti
Sivane deivam Chidambarame kailasam,
Thavame perumai, dhana sampradhayam
English Translation
Only Shiva is God and Chidamaram is Kailasam,
Only penance makes you great and charity is the habit
23. Thillai Ambalam Yendru
[Argument Between Nandanar and other Pulayas]
Nandanar (loudly) Thillayambalam yendru Cholla Chonnar
Pulayar (in a low tone) Kalla pechendru mella chonnar
English Translation
Nandanar (loudly) Told them to tell Chidambaram temple
Pulayar (low tone) Told in low tone "it is a lie"
24. Vaarungal Vaarungal
[Nandanar tells his caste people]
Ragam: Nelambar Talam Jambai
Pallavi
Vaarungal, vaarungal chonnen, Neengal, Vaayaadaithu odi varuveer yen munne.
Charanam
Ashtma chithikalai peralaam thillayil,
Ananda thandavan kovilai kandu,
Ishtamudan veedhi valam vandhu,
Inaiyadi thozhutarkku, Ini pirappillai.
English Translation
Pallavi
I said, please come, please come, please all of you come running silently before me
Charanam
In Chidambaram you can get the eight great occult powers,
There seeing the temple of the joyful dancer,
With love if one goes round the streets round the temple,
And salutes the pair of feet of god, he will not have another birth.
25. Paarpara Deivam
[Discussion between Nandanar and Pulayar]
[His caste people tell Nandanar that Brahmin God will not save them]
Ragam: Themmangu Style
Thalam: Adhi
Pulayar: Paarpara deivam athu balikkathu parayarai,
Kappatha maattathu, kai vidum, Nanda. , Nanda
Nandanar paarpaar, parayar paarathu, parithi poale,
Kappathum allavo kannuthale, anne anne
English Translation
Pulayar it is the God of Brahmins, It will not be effective for Parayar,
It will not protect, Oh Nanda, Oh Nanda and would forsake us
Nandanar Like the sun God it will not differentiate between Brahmins and Parayars,
Oh brother, Oh brother, it will protect us like an eye.
26. Jnayam Thano Neer Chollum
[Told by Periya Kizhavar - Grand Old Man]
[Periya Kizhavan (respected elder) of his caste tells Nandanar]
Ragam: Sankarabaranam
Thalam: Aadhi
Pallavi
Jnayam thaano neer chollum, oyi
Nandanare namma chathikku adukkumo
Charanam
1. Cheriyil illatha vazhakkam neer,
Cheythu kondu vantha pazhakkam, intha, .
Ooril yengum athu muzhakkam, vegu,
Uruthiyachuthe ozhukkam
2. Chidambaram yenkindra pechu,
Nangal cheythidum kariyam pochu, athu,
Madam pidithathu poal aachu,
Indha mandala parayarukku yechu ithu
English Translation
Pallavi
Oh sir, please tell whether it is just,
Oh Nandanar, would this be suitable for our caste.
Charanam
1. This is not a practice of our slum,
Which practice was the one brought by you,
And this is echoing in the entire village,
Has not this habit become greatly firm.
2. Due to the talk of Chidambaram,
We have all lost our jobs.
And it has become like madness in us,
And all people are berating the parayars here.
27. Parpara Chathiyunde
[Periya Kizhavan further tells Nandanar]
Ragam: Pinnagavarali.
Thalam: Aadhi
Paarpara chathiyunde yenna, padu padum uzhakkadum ange,
Namakkum thirunalo jnayamundo yenna mayamithu.
English Translation
Is there not the caste of Brahmin, And we are struggling to work there,
Is there festival for us, Is there justification, What a magic this is.
28. Chidambara Darisanam
[Nandanar tells Periya Kizhavan]
Ragam: Yamuna Kalyani
Talam: Aadhi
Dandakam
Chidambara darisinam kaanavidil,
Intha janma saphalyalam aamo,
Chenana marana samusaram perugave,
Cheytha vinaikal pomo.
English Translation
If you do not have darsan at Chidambaram,
Would this birth be successful,
When the birth, death and domestic life increase,
Would the accumulated karma go away.
29. Meesai Naraithu Poche
[Nandanar Tells Periya Kizhavan]
Ragam: Nadanama Kriyai Thalam: Ekam
Meesai nar aichu poche kizhavaa,
Asai naraikkalacho
Pasam varukalache, kizhavaa,
Pavam vilagi pocho.
English Translation
Your moustache has turned white, old man,
Has your desires turned white,
Time for love to come, old man,
Has the sins gone away.
30. Periya Kizhavan Varkiraan
[Periya Kizhavan understands Nandanar and becomes happy]
Ragam: Sankarabharanam Thalam: Roopakam
Pallavi
Periya kizhavan varukiraan, perananda kadal aadi
Charanam
1. Paraviya mayayil irundhu paar mudhal bhoothanal iynthu,
Periyavar yendru unarnthu, perinba labhathai adainthu
2. Padi pugazh nandanar magizhndu, parama shiva bhakthi purindhu,
Kodiyavan paavangal theernthu, kooni kurugi koni nadanthu
3. Nandanar chonna thathuvam arinthu, naan yenum ahambhavam izhandhu,
Bandha mayakkam muzhuthum thelinthu para veliyaagave ninainthu
English Translation
Pallavi
The big old man is coming after, bathing in the great ocean of joy.
Charanam
1. Understanding that the great Pancha Boothas,
Which have spread from illusion, are great,
And having got the profit of great joy,
2. The Nandhanar who became famous did great devotion to Lord Shiva,
Got rid of cruel sins, become very bent and walking bent and in slanted manner
3. Understanding the philosophy told by Nandhanar after loosing pride due to egoism,
Completely getting rid of family attachment and becoming clear, thinking it as the divine space.