Gopalakrishna Bharathi

31. Pulayar Poosai Podum Deivangal
[Gods normally worshipped by people of Nandanar]

Ragam: Yadhukula Khambodhi
Thalam: Yekam

Veeran, Irulan, Katteri,
Veriyan, Nondi, Chamundi,
Thoori thoondi, Nallannan,
Thotiya chinnan, Pethannan

English Translation (names - so as such)

Veeran, Irulan, Katteri,
Veriyan, Nondi, Chamundi,
Thoori thoondi, Nallannan,
Thotiya chinnan, Pethannan

32. Yellai Pidariye
[Argument between Nandanar and his caste people]

Ragam: Neelambari

Iru chol alankaram

Yellai pidariye,
Yethir yethiraka vandhu,
Kollayul aavalai,
Kolladi

Chollinum adangatha
Jyothi paramananda,
Thillai nayagarai,
Dhevar ariyaaro.

English Translation

Oh ferocious goddess of border,
Come opposite to one another,
Enter the backyard,
And gladly be there.

The flame of divine joy,
Which cannot be described by words,
Is the Lord of Chidambaram,
Does not the devas know this.

33. Thirunalai Povar Indha
[Periya Kizhavan praises Nandanar to his caste people]

Ragam: Nada nama kriyai
Thalam: Aadhi

Thirunalai povarindha cherikkum oorukkum,
Yarukkum periyavan thirunalai povaar,
Oru tharamagilum siva Chidambaram yendru,
Uraithideer yenru unmai kooriya.

English Translation

Thirunalaipovar is the greatest of,
This slum as well as village,
At least once tell "Shiva Chidambaram",
He told which is the truth.

34. Thathi Puli Poala
[Nandanar telling others to tell name of Lord Shiva]

Ragam: Mohanam
Thalam: Thisra laghu

Thathi puli pol thandi kuthippar,
Muthamiduvathu poala mukathai kadippar

English Translation

Like a tiger he would jump hither and thither,
And trying to kiss you, he will bite your face.

35. Arahara Shiva Shiva
[His caste people singing, after being afraid of him]

Ragam: Nadha Nama Kriyai/mohanam
Thalal Ekam/Thisra laghu

1. Arahara Shiva shiva Ambalavanaa,
Thillai ambala desika nadhaa

2. Puram monndru yeritha ponnambalavane,
Kariyuri portha karunakarane

3. Anudhinam andrul aadiya padaa,
Pizhai porutharulum Punniyam thaa thaa.

English Translation

1. Arahara Shiva Shiva, God who lives in temple,
OH lord who is the teacher living in Chidambaram temple

2. Oh God of the golden temple who burned three cities,
Oh merciful one who covers himself with elephant hide.

3. Oh God who daily danced with his feet inside there,
Please pardon my mistake and give me blessings.

36. Parthu Pizhayungal
[Nandanar tells his people]

Ragam: Yadhu kula Khambodhi
Thalam: Roopakam

Pallavi
Parthu pizhayungal, neengal parthu pizhayungal

Charanam
1. Parthu pizhayindha chothu thuruthiyai,
Yethi thozha vendaam kathu pogum munne

2. Aathimathi choodum koothanidam maya,
Choothirathai indha chethirathulladai

3. Vethirupeer, kalam kathiruppan shiva,
Sathirathai, jnan nethgirathaal uthu

4. Moolakkarai thaandi melakkarai vandhu,
Palai kudiyiruntha nalukkul varramal;

5. Bala Krishnan thozhum kola padangalai,
Melukku mel nadi chala kaliyara

English Translation

Pallavi
Please see carefully, you please see carefully

Charanam
1. Before your death do not praise and salute
This jar of food and see carefully

2. See the illusory trick of the dancer, who wears,
The River and the moon, inside the temple

3. Stare carefully using the eye of wisdom,
The principle of Lord Shiva and relax and wait
4. After crossing the basic fire, come to Mela Karai,
Without coming to the place where lived,

5. See the pretty feet which are saluted by Bala Krishna,
Desire and desire it and become happy.

37. Namakkini Bhayamethu
[Nandanar further tells his caste people]

Ragam: Gowlibanthu
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 holds the deer and axe,
Who kicked the God of death for Markandeya, is there,

Charanam
1. When Shiva who is the divine ever lasting joy,
Who is divine for this world and the other worlds, is there,

2. When there is Parama Shiva 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.

38. Thillai Veliyile
[Nandanar telling with sorrow]

Ragam: Yamuna kalyani
Thalam: Aadhi

1. Thillai veliyle kalanthu kondaal avvanivar thirumbiyum varuvaaro,
Yellai kanda per ini piravaarendru iyambuvathu ariyaaro

2. Pendu pillaigal verum kootam athu pei churakkai koottam,
Kandu kolluvaar periyor arivil Kanaka sabhai yinattam

3. Thiruvadirayil darisanam kaana thedi thiriyaaro,
Arithagiya indha manidam kidaithaal aananthamadayaaro.

4. Kunchithapadathai kandaal ozhiya kurayathu neengaathe,
Sanchithara vinayadhikaludadiya sadamum thangaathe.

5. Cheriyidayile kudiyirunthaal intha chenmavum tholayathe,
Chidamabaram poven padam peruven, thadai cheyvathu mariyathe,

6. Iravum pakalum ozhiyaa kavalai iruppthu sukhamoda,
Inbam perugum paramananda vellam amizhndhu nee poda.

English Translation

1. Those who go and stay in Chidambaram, would they ever come back,
And would they not tell that those who see its border will never have any birth

2. Wife and children are but a crowd of wild bottle gourd,
Those who know this are great and in wisdom they are like the golden stage of Chidambaram.

3. Would not people search and roam for the sight during Arudra Darsanam,
And would they not be happy that they were born as human beings.

4. Unless I see that dancing bent feet, my wants would not be fulfilled,
And this body which has played with accumulated Karmas will not be able to bear
5. If one stays in a slum, this cycle of birth would not go,
I will go to Chidambaram, I will get salvation, do not block my going.

6. Is it pleasure to have worries all through day and night,
You go and get drowned in the water of divine joy.

39. Thillai Thalam: Yendru Cholla
[Nandanar continues telling]

Ragam: Saamaa
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Thillai Thalam: yendru cholla thodanginaal,
Illai piravi piniyum pavamum

Anupallavi
Cholla thagu midhuve, Shivalokam,
Yell athanaya aram cheyyil amogham,

Charanam
1. Aagama Veda Purana Chathiram,
Arunthavam purivarkku aruliya pathiram,
Aalayayam ayirathu yettil nethiram,
Ananda thandavamadiya chethiram

2. Kanathiladum animavbathiya chithiyum,
Gaganathil amarum vinnandarkal vethiyum,
Inayillatha guna chathira bhakthiyum,
Ihathil thane varum Shiva pada mukthiyum.

3. Parama ragasiyam ondru parkkalaam,
Bala Krishnan kavi pada ketkalaam,
Karuma vinaigal adangalum pokkalaam,
Kasadarkku mukthiyum mundakkalaam

English Translation

Pallavi
If you start telling the name "Chidambaram temple",
There is no disease of re births and sins

Anupallavi
Even if we do good things of the size of sesame,
It would lead to great things and,
It is proper to tell that it is the land of Shiva.

Charanam
1. Agamas, Puranas, Vedas and Sasthras,
Is the thing which is available to people doing great penance,
And this which is the eye of thousand eight temples,
Is the temple where the dance of joy was done.

2. The occult powers like Anima which rock you in a second,
The victory of the Devas who have assembled in the sky,
The matchless devotion to Guru and Sastras,
Would bring salvation in this world itself.

3. You can see a very great secret,
You can hear the poem of Balakrishnan,
You can completely lose the Karma of previous births,
And also grant salvation to very bad people.

40. Ayye Oru Chedhi Kelum
[Caste people complain to the master of Nandanar]

Ragam: Chenchurutti
Thalam: Aadhi

Ayye oru chethi kelum, yen ayye,
Ayye, oru chethi kelum, ungal,
Adumai kkara parayan nadathai yellam,
Vara vara kettu pochu,
Vazhakkamillatha padi pazhakkamiitan

English Translation
Oh sir, please hear a news,
Oh sir, please hear the news about,
The conduct of your slave, the Parayan
For slowly that has become very bad,
Unusually he started knowing me.

41. Cheithi Solla Vandhom

Ragam: Dwijavanthi/Sankarabharanam
Thalam: Yekam

Pallavi
Chethi cholla vandhom, Nandanaar,
Chethi cholla vandhom

Anupallavi
Chathi muraimai periyathavan namakku,
Uthavathavan yendru oru mathamai therinthu

Charanam
1. Udattai asaithu munu munuppan avan,
Oon urakkathinayum thurappan, naangal,
Athatti pesinaal adippan, pon,
Ambala vananai padippan ayye

2. Yerai pidithe chathu uzhuvaan, manathu,
Yengi thalladiye vizhuvaan, yengal,
Cheriyai paarthe azhuvaan, Shiva,
Chidambaram yendre thozhuvaan iye.

English Translation

Pallavi
We have come to tell the news of Nandanar

Anupallavi
He does not know the customs of the caste,
And when we came to know, he is of no use to us,

Charanam
1. He will move his lips and mutter some thing,
He will completely forsake food and sleep,
If we chide him, he will beat us, and sir,
He wil read about the God of golden temple.

2. He would hold the plough and plough,
Getting sorry he would fall down,
He would see our slums and cry,
And Sir, he will salute saying Shiva Chidambaram

42. Nandanaarum Vandhaar
[Nandanar comes to meet his Master]

Ragam: Sankarabaranam
Thalam: Aadhi

Thukkada
(To sing fast)

Nandanaarum vandhaar, vegu,
Sondhamana thangal iyarai kana

Anga muzhuthilum neeru poosiye,
Arahara Shiva shiva yendru pesiye,
Sankai yarum thirukaikalai veesiye,
Sami sami yendru thannai yesiye.

English Translation

Nandhanar came there, to see,
His Iyer who was very close to him

Applying holy ash all over his body,
And keeping on chanting "Ara Hara Shiva, Shiva"
Waving his divine hands which used to remove doubts,
And calling him self "Sami, Sami."

43. Thillai Ambala Thalam: Ondru
[Nandanar starts telling his Master]

Ragam: Useni
Thalam: Roopakam

1. Thillai ambala Thalam: ondr irukkuthaam, adhai kanda perkku,
Chanana marana piniyai karukkuthaam.

2. Uyarntha sikara kumbham theriyuthaam, adhai parthavarkku,
Ullam kulira karunai puriyuthaam.

3. Pannavar ayan malum thedumaam, antha thillai kattil,
Pambu pulikku narthamadunnaam.

4. Ariya Brahman yezhuthai thallumaam thanai adainthavarkalai,
AAnanda muzhukatti kollummam.

5. Poi darisathor punniya saliyaam, sathu darma rajan,
Puram pogaamal thadutha veliyaam.

6. Uruvillatha guruvoondrirukkuthaam athu moolakanalai,
Oothi ezhuppi kaana urukkuthaam.

7. Uruvamakiya veliye varukuthaam, athu naan maraikatkum,
Unarvillatha kakshi tharuguthaam.

8. Poi varuga utharam thaarume, thangal ponnadi thool,
Pothuven thirukannal paarume.

English Translation

1. It seems there is a temple called Chidambaram and those people who see it,
Gets the disease of birth and death destroyed.

2. It seems there we can see a very tall spire and to those who see it,
Get their mind cool and it seems it shows great mercy on them.

3. In that Chidambaram forest where poets, Vishnu and Brahma search,
The snake dances to the tiger.
4. To those who go and reach there it seems it will change the rare writing of Brahma,
And will drown completely in joy.

5. Those who go and see it are blessed people and it is a fence,
That prevents god of death from entering the town.

6. It seems there is a Guru there without any form, and that blows,
The basic fire and makes you melt to see it.

7. And it comes out with a form and shows itself to the four Vedas,
And makes itself to be seen without any feelings.

8. Please give me permission to go and return and by my divine eyes,
I will praise the dust of your golden feet.

44. Darisikka Venum Chidambarathai

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 for ever the sorrow of birth cycle (I have to se..)

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..)

45. Aadiya Padathai Kaanaare

Ragam: Churutti
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Aadiya padathai kaanare,
Piranthu aanandam poonare

Anupallvi
Nadum thai poorana poosathile, thillai,
Nayakanaar guru varathile mandrul

Charanam
Chenum chadai punal bhoomiyile chotta,
Sevithu Naradar padiye kitta,
Konam kizhindhu, anda golavum mutta,
Gopalakrishnan maddalam kotta.

English Translation

Pallavi
Please see the feet that dances,
And get enjoyment due to your birth.

Anupallavi
On the well wished Poosam star of the thai month,
The lord of Chidambaram and on a Thursday

Charanam
Water from his made up tufted hair falling on the ground,
Sage serving him and moving closer,
With tearing of the sky and all planets dashing,
And with drums played by Gopalakrishna.

46. Utharum Tharum Ayye Yenakku
[Nandanar asks his master for permission to go to Chidambaram]

Ragam: Thodi
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Uththaram tharum, ayye, yenakku,
Oruvarum illai naan paragathiyadaya

Charanam
1. Vithaikal katthathum illai, yanoru,
Pathiyir chendru para gathiyadaya

2. Kuthangal yethanai kodiyen cheythen,
Athanayum poruthu aadaravaaga

3. Pendu pillai yendru peyanai polave,
Kandu kalithu kaalam kazhithavanukku

4. Thillai chidambarathai darisithu vandhu ungal,
Yellayai kathu kondirikkeren ayye.

English Translation

Pallavi
Oh Lord, please give me permission,
As there is no one to help me to get salvation

Charanam
1. I have not learnt any knowledge, so,
I cannot travel in devotion and get salvation.

2. How many crimes I have done but,
Please pardon them for that with support to me.

3. Like a mad man I saw and enjoyed the existence,
Of wife and children and spent my time.

4. I will go and see the Chidambaram (town) and
Then come back and guard your boundary,

47. Parayaa Nee Chidambaram
[Master berates Nandanar]

Ragam: Mohanam                                      Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Paraya nee, Chidambaram cholla padumodaa, poga padumoda, adaa

Anupallavi
Ariyathanam ini chonnal, adippen, kooliyai pidippen, paavi

Charanam
Chidambaram yenpathai vidu, Cheradiyile vandhu padu,
Padathir pidungi nathai nadu, Karuppannanukke Bali kodu.

English Translation

Pallavi
Hey Paraya, should you utter the word Chidambaram,
Should you go there, hey,

Anupallavi
If you tell such ignorant things, I will beat you, withhold your pay, Hey sinner

Charanam
Leave out Chidambaram, Come and lie down on this mud,
Pick suitable plants from nursery and transplant, Give sacrifice only to Karuppannan.

48. Aandikku Adimai Karan
[Nandanar tells that he is a slave of the God only]

Ragam: Chenchurutti                                 Thalam: Roopakam

Pallavi
Aandai kku adimaikkaran allave naan,
Aandaikku adimai karan allave.

Anupallavi
Moondru lokavum padaithu alithidum,
Aandavar kothadimai kkaran

Charanam
1. Aasai kayithil aadi varum pasu,
Pasam aruthavarkku adimai kkaran,

2. Thillai velikalan thollai kanderi,
Theri thelipavarkku adimai kkaran

3. Sitha pirai yaninthu ambalathadiya,
Padam panibavarkku adimai kkaran
English Translation

Pallavi
I am not a slave of the land lord,
Not a slave

Anupallavi
I am a permanent slave to the God,
To the God who makes the three worlds.

Charanam
1. I am the slave to him who cuts off,
Attachments of beings made by the rope of desire

2. I am a slave to those who pass and become clear,
After suffering in the in the area round Chidambaram.

3. I am a slave to those who before the feet,
Of Him who wearing the moon danced in the temple.

49. Cheri Muthum Shiva Bhakthi

Ragam: Yadu kula Khambodhi/Shankarabharanam               Thalam: Thisralaghu

Cheri muthum Shiva Bhakthi pannum padi,
Vittayaamadi ittayyam, indha,
Chedhi cholla vendum, yendringe nee,
Vanthayo, Agamagizhndhayo

English Translation

It seems you allowed the entire slum,
To praise devotion to Lord Shiva and put the basis,
Did you come here to tell the news,
Have you become extremely happy inside you.

50. Nandaa Oru Chethi Sollaren
[Master continues telling]

Ragam: Kalyani                                           Thalam: Aadhi

Nanda, oru chedhi cholluren, kel,
Nanda, oru chedhi cholluren, kel,
Nanda, oru chedhi cholluren, kel,
Indha pangu thondriya naal mudhalai,
Sondha muri, yezhuthi koduthu nee,
Vandha parayan allavo, maranthai

English Translation

Nanda, I will tell you a news,
Nanda, I will tell you a news,
Nanda, I will tell you a news,
Ever since cultivation started here,
Have you not written agreement of slavery,
And has become a parayan here. Did you forget?

51. Chidambaram Pogathe Chonnen
[Master tells him to do his job in the field instead of going]

Ragam: Nadha Nama Kriyai                                 Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Chidambaram pogathe, Chonnen

Anupallavi
Chidambaram ponaal, idham peralam yendru,
Chedhi chollurai, undhan chadikku adukkumo

Charanam
Mathai pidungi nanni nadavenum,
Nanjai vayalai chathe uzha venum.

English Translation

Pallavi
I told you not to go to Chidambaram

Anupallavi
You are telling the news that, if you go to Chidambaram,
You would get comfort, Is it suitable to your caste.

Charanam
You have to pick the good seedlings and properly transplant,
You have to properly plough the paddy fields.

52. Bhakthi Panni Kondirunthal
[Nandanar replies his master]

Ragam: Chenjurutti                                                            Thalam: Roopakam

Pallavi
Bhakthi panni kondirunthaal mukthi peralaame

Anupallavi
Yethisayum yevvuyirkkum mavvuyirai nirainthirukkum,
Vathu vendru ambalavan malaradiye dinam thorum.
Charanam
1. Kattazhagi charanidam kadalathu poale,
Kadugi varum kandrarugil kapilayathu poale,
Katta aria thuni kidayaa kasadanoru kale,
Kavalanaar padam varugil kalippadanai poale,
Kandu murai keezha kalam kkandariyaar Madhu mayakkam,
Karpanayaam yi prapanchor panam,
POal oppi migum (Bhakthi..)

2. Thayadikkil paal kudikka thazhvuthal thiruttantham,
Chadalam porukkamal tuyar tharukilm yekantham,
Aayirumthu vazhuthil indha mayai upa santham,
Aagumendru sadanangal vazangudhu Vedantham,
Kayam janikkathirukka kandu kola venum yendraal nesamudan,
Kasupanam pasamathu masarave (Bhakthi..)

3. pachai marathani poale pathinthu manam naadi,
Balakrishnan paniyum ponnambalanai kondaadi,
Yichai yozhinthy iym pulankalaam porikal vaadi,
Yekanthamaana pari pooranathai thedi,
Achamaranthu iru vizhiyilaana Ananda neer karai purala,
Arane, tripurane Gangadharane, paraparane yendru (Bhakthi..)

English Translation

Pallavi
Get engaged in devotion, and you can attain salvation

Anupallavi
To all souls in all directions, becoming that thing which,
Is the soul of that direction is the feet of the lord of the temple
And so daily (get engaged.)

Charanam
1. Like the love of a very pretty woman to a spy,
Like the monkey near the calf which comes near,
The useless one who does not have even half the cloth to wear,
Enjoying the feet of the protector which comes near,
Seeing which, went into a stupor of alcohol, which he was not used to,
This imaginary world is like the money of words. (to all souls..)

2. Hugging mother to drink milk when she beats is what we see,
The sorrow caused by not able to bear this body is loneliness,
The illusion of these several births is peace,
Giving away things which we hope to get is philosophy,
If we want this body not to be born again,
We should get rid of our attachment to money. (to all souls..)

3. Fixing yourself like the nail in a living tree and coming to the mind,
And praising the God of the golden temple whom Balakrishna worships,
Leaving out desires, Making the senses dull,
Searching for the completeness in solitude,
Forgetting to fear, with tears of joy ebbing out of the divine eyes,
Calling Hara, Tripura, Gangadhara, Divine among divines (to all souls..)

53. Thillai Chidambarathai
[Nandanar continues telling]

Ragam: Aarabhi                                                       Thalam: Aadhi

(To sing fast)

Pallavi
Thillai chidambarathai oru tharmakilum,
Darisithu vaa vendru thaaram tharum ayye

Anupallavi
Thillai chidambarathai kandaal piravi pini,
Illai yendru periyaa cholla kettirikkiren

English Translation

Pallavi
Sir please tell me to see at least
Once Chidambaram and return.

Anupallavi
I have heard elders saying that
If we see Chidambaram, then these is no disease of birth

54. Chidambara Darisanama
[Master tells Nandanar]

Ragam: Mukari                                                         Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Chidambara Daraisanama, nee yathai,
Chinthikkalama, Parayaa
Chidambara Darisanama

Anupallavi
Chidambara Darisanam, chathur marayorkal
Cherikku podaa, Nalai vada

Charanam
Chollathe, inge nillathe,
Chollathe, chollathe, chollathe
English Translation

Pallavi
Seeing the lord at Chidamabaram,
Oh Paraya, should you ever think about it,

Anupallavi
The seeing of Chidambara lord is for the four Veda Brahmins,
You go to the slum, You come tomorrow.

Charanam
Do not tell anything, do not stand here,
Do not tell anything, anything, anything.

55. Pitham Theliya Marunthu
[Nandanar salutes the Brahmin and tells him]

Ragam: Chenchurutti                                                         Thalam: Roopakam

Pallavi
Pitham theliya marunthu ondru irukkuthu, perinbam yendrulle

Anupallavi
Matha marunthugal thindraalum ullukku,
Valle valle-Iye adimai

Charanam
1. Pambum puliyum mey padu pattu thedi parthu payirittathu,
Paar alantha thiru mayanum vedanum parthu kalitha thundu,
Parvathi yenru oru sematti adhil padhiyai thindarthu undu,
Innam pathiyirukku parayaa, neeyum poy paar yendrutharam tharum theerum
2. Pathu disayum paravi padarnthaalum parthu pidiyaare,
Thathi kuthikkum thalangal podum thandai chilambu konjum,
Thithikkum theno, chenkarumbo nalla chithamudayaake yen,
Chithathai katti izhukkuthu, ange chendraal podum, Kandal theerum.

3. Urai chonnalum ippavam tholayum, oozhvinai oodu arukkum,
Perai kondadi pulambukiraar vegu perkalukku pizhaippu,
Charu narai thirai theerkkum marunthu, chathiyai paarathu innam,
Theratha noykal padaitha yenakku theerum theeru iye, adimai.

English Translation

Pallavi
There is a medicine to cure madness,
Called the divine joy within

Anupallavi
Even if this slave takes other medicines,
They do not come, do not come, Oh Lord
Charanam
1. This was searched found out and cultivated by after great effort by the snake and the tiger,
And this has been seen and enjoyed by Lord Vishnu who measured the world as well as Brahma,
And a great lady called Parvathi has once eaten half of it,
And Oh debased one there is half more left,
Please Lord Give me salvation and give it to me.

2. Though it has spread in all the ten directions, people cannot find it out,
And when the beats are played Thathikku theem, then his belled anklets will lisp,
Is it the sweet honey, is it the red sugarcane for the people with good mind,
And it is pulling my mind and if I go and see it will get over.

3. Even if we tell the name of the place then this sin will get destroyed and the karma will be cut off,
And to those who praise the name and shout in sorrow, it provides job for many,
And it is a medicine which cures the pretty progress of age and it will not bother about caste,
And diseases which are not curable would be cured for me oh sir, to this slave.

56. Chidambaram Pogaamal
[Nandanar continues his submission]

Ragam: Chenjurutti
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Chidambaram pogaamal, iruppeno naan,
Janmathai venakki keduppeno naan.

Charanam
Bhakthiyum manamum porunthinathu ange,
Sathiyam chonnen, sadavum inge,
Asayum nesavum anandam ange,
Pesalum pasamum pidathalum inge

English Translation

Pallavi
Will I stay without going to Chidambaram,
Will I waste and spoil this life

Charanam
There my mind and devotion are there,
I am telling the truth, my dead body only is here,
Desire, love and joy are there,
Talking, affection and prattling are here.

57. Asai Nesaragum Thozhare Kelungal
[Nandanar tells his caste people]

Ragam: Maanji
Thalam: Chapu

Pallavi
Aasai nesaragum thozhare kelungal.

Anupallavi
Pesum deivangal undo,
Esan allal namakku,

Charanam
Aayan mayan andru,
Adi mudi kaanatha
Neyan azhal uruvai,
Nindra ninmalan allal

English Translation

Pallavi
Oh very dear friends, please hear

Anupallavi
Are there talking Gods,
Except Our God to us

Charanam
At that time Vishnu and Brahma,
Could not his feet or head
And one who loves took the form of fire,
And stood there, except him (oh dear friends..)

58. Margazhi Matha Thirivadirai
[Nandanar tells them about the upcoming Arudra Darisana festival in Chidambaram]

Ragam: Navarosu
Thalam: Aadhi

1. Margazhi matha thiruvadirai naal vara pokuthayye.
Manathai punnaka pannamal oru tharam poi vaa yendru chollayye
Kattai yirukkayil Chidambaram poi nann kana venumayye,
Kasadanakilum aasai vilayuythu, un kalukku kumbidayye.

2. Kalil nakamulaitha naal mudhal umakku adumai karanaye,
Kala pasathaal katti kodaamal kappathidum ayye,
Ullam kaalil vellelumu aada, odi uzhaithen ayye,
Undathum uranginathum mandri veru ondrum kaanilen ayye
3. Yettum, irandum ariytha pedai than yeliyeno nayye,
Innam thaai vayithil ullanukaamal idam kattidum ayye,
Vellai veluthidum thanneer kudithidum veriyon naan ayye,
Mediniyil naan naayinum kadayen vazhi vida venum ayye

4. Danam thavangal ondrum kaanatha adiyenonayye,
THalara vidavum vendaam oru kodi darumam undu ayye,
Allum pagalum ungal aadarvaale aaleginen ayye,
Anbudane nalla gathi peruvai yendru anuppa venum ayye.

English Translation

1. The Arudra star of month of Margazhi (December - January) is going to come,
Please without wounding my mind allow me to go and return, Oh sir,
When the body is alive I have to go to Chidambaram and see, Oh sir
Though I am a fool, I have desire and so I salute your feet, Oh sir.

2. From the time that nails grew in my feet, I was your slave, Oh sir,
And I have not been shown to the rope of the god of death, oh sir,
And till the white bone on the sole of my feet I worked for you, Oh sir,
And except eating and sleeping, I did not see any other thing, Oh sir.

3. I the poor one is a simpleton only knowing eight and two, oh sir,
And even now I am not entering the womb of my mother and showing places, Oh sir,
I am a boor who whitens things, and drinking water, Oh sir,
In this world I am baser than the dog, please give me way, Oh my sir..

4. I am a poor man who does not know charity or penance, oh sir,
Please do not allow me to suffer and you will one crore blessings, Oh sir,
Day and night, due to your support I grew up, Oh sir,
And Oh sir, with love say that I will get salvation and send me.

59. Madu Thinnum Pulaya
[Master Chides Nandanar for wishing to attend the festival]

Ragam: Yadhu Kula Khambhodhi
Thalam: Aadhi

Madu thinnum pulaya, Unakku Margazhi thirunalo,
Thedi yeduthai, yaridathe poi theendathe podaa.

English Translation

Oh Pulaya who eats cattle, Is the festival of Margazhi meant for you,
Did you search for it? Go away without tainting us.

60. Chidambaram Poven Nalai
[Nandanar says that he will go to Chidambaram the next day]

Ragam: Behag
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Chidambaram povean nalai,
Chidambaram povean naan

Anupallavi
Chidambarm povean theri theliven,
Paar pugazh thillai padangalai paadi

Charanam
1. Oru tharam chonnal ulagangal uyyum,
Iru vinai payankal illai yennalum

2. Paadhi rathriyil panmarai othi,
Vediyar pothi vilangiya thillai

English Translation

Pallavi
I will go to Chidambaram tomorrow,
I will go to Chidambaram

Anupallavi
I will go to Chidambaram, become happy become clear,
By singing the world famous songs of Chidambaram.

Charanam
1. If we tell once, the worlds would be saved,
And the birth - death cycle would never be there.

2. The Chidambaram where several Vedas,
Were chanted by Brahmins who praised Chidambaram.

61. Gopura Darisaname

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

62. Maankuyil Kooviya
[Description of Chidambaram]

Ragam: Sankarabaranam                                     Thalam: Adhi

Maankuyil kooviya cholaikalum,
Vaavi koopa thadakangalum,
Thoonkathir mandala methayum,
Sorna sabesan thuja maramum.

English Translation

Gardens in which cuckoos sing on mango tree,
With lakes, wells and ponds,
The two storey houses decorated by pure awns,
And the flag post of the golden lord of the stage.

63. Nanda Unakkindha Mathi
[Brahmin Master telling Nandanar]

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 chide 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.

64. Thadakam Ondru
[Ganesha digs a tank for Nandanar]
[Lord Ganesha digs a well overnight for the slum and ploughs the land of the master]

Ragam: Mohanam
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Thadagam ondru undakkinaar Gana nayakar

Anupallavi
Sada maguda dharan sambhaviyudan vara,
Sakala munivar mana thamarayum malara,
Kadakshmaga guhan Ganapathiyudan manna,
Kadhale varunthunna podhave yuchithamenna.

Charanam
Gandhamulaviya thamarai poothu kathikkami kuthithidum seka,
Kandavaraal ulu vaikkanam angu kudhikka,
Sundara mikuntha paravaikal muzhuthilum choozha,
Soma suriyakal sukhamudan vandhu thaazha,
Vindhayudan pala velvi anthanarkal cheyya,
Vilangu sankinam uyya, kalangamilla mathu uyya

English Translation

Pallavi
Lord Ganesha made a lake

Anupallavi
With the tufted Lord Shiva and Parvathi coming,
With lotus like mind of all sages opening,
BY sight Lord Subramanya and Ganapathi digging,
For the absolute betterment of animals and shell insects.

Charanam
With the scented lotus flower jumping,
With eyes of those who see becoming pleased,
With pretty birds completely surrounding it,
With sun and moon happily coming down,
With many yagas being done by Brahmins,
With conches living, with chaste women winning

65. Kalai Yedamal
[The crop for the landlord is raised without water and weeding]

Ragam: Nata Bhairavi
Thalam: Roopakam

Kalai yedaamal, Chalam vidamal,
Kadhir oru muzham kaanumam,
Kalikkuthu payir irukkuthu,
Kattu kattaga thonnumam.

English Translation

Without weeding, without water,
The bunch of paddy would be eighteen inches long,
It plays, the crop is there,
It looks like bunches and bunches.

66. Nandanare Undan Perumai
[What was told by Brahmin master to Nandanar who recognizes his greatness]

Ragam: Begda                                                         Thalam: Chapu

Pallavi
Nandanare undan perumaio indru kanden,
Naan yen vinayai vinden

Anupallavi
Vindhayai kuriyaamal, vizhalan naan ariyamal,
Veembukku kachu katti veesinen, yennai aalum (Nanda..)
Charanam
Ariya manathil yelelo yetho pesi undhan,
Arumayai theliyaamal ponenee, metha.

English Translation

Pallavi
Oh Nandhanar, I have seen your greatness today,
And I have got over my fate

Anupallavi
Without seeing the divinity, I who am a fool, without knowing,
Just for nothing I unnecessarily did it, Oh Nandhanar

Charanam
With my ignorant mind, by talking some nonsense,
How come I did not know your value,

67. Yezhai Paarppan
[Brahmin master tells further]

Ragam: Yathu kula Khambodhi
Thalam: Aadhi

Dandakam

Yezhai parppan cheythidum pizhayai,
Yethu kollathe,
Naan Inamariyathavan, pin puthi karan,
Yenpathum poyyo

English Translation

Master: Please do not bother about,
The mistake done by this poor Brahmin

I am one who does not understand properly,
And one acts without thinking, Is this a lie.

68. Nanda Nee Shiva Bhakthan
[Master of Nandanar praises him]

Ragam: Nadanama kriyai
Thalam: Chapu

Pallavi
Nandaa nee Shiva Bhakthan,
Nambaamale mosamaanen, naan pithan

Charanam
1. Bhoomikkul nee oru chithan, indha,
Bhoomikku naan oru chathira para chithan,
Kamikkule vegu mathan unnai,
Kandu darisithor anaivarum muthan.

2. Padithum yenna, yengal vedam, adhil,
Parthathu illi indha Bhagawan nar geetham,
Yeduthu chonnai chila bodham, athil,
Yerkkamar pochuthu yen pidivatham.

3. Thevittatha sokam appa nee, undhan,
Deka muzhuthilum Shivan thiru meni,
Pagayagiya oru kooni ppola,
Pazhuthen aanalum neeye Athma jnani

4. Bhava sagaram thandi chendrai ulle,
Parthu unarnthu paramanandam kondai,
Thavama muni ppola nindrai,
Thandava rayanai kannal nee kandai.

English Translation

Pallavi
Oh Nanda, you are a devotee of Shiva,
Without believing you, I being mad got cheated.

1. You are siddha in this earth and in here,
I am famous as an expert in shastras,
And I am one who is proud to be attached,
And all those who see you get detached.

2. What if I have studied our Vedas, in that,
I have not seen this good song of the god,
You chose and told me certain lessons,
Which was not accepted by me due to my adamancy.

3. You are the sorrow that never satiates and,
All over your body is the holy form of Shiva,
Like the enemy like that of Mandhara,
Though I am ripe, you only have realized the soul.

4. You have crossed the sea of karma and went inside,
Saw, realized and enjoyed the divine bliss,
You stood there like a great sage and,
Saw by tour eyes the Nataraja of Chidambaram.

69. Aarukku Than Theriyum
[Brahmin master telling Nandanar]

Ragam: Deva Manohari
Thalam: aadhi

Pallavi
Aarukku than theriyum avar mahimai,
Ambala nataka madiya perumai

Anupallavi
Parukkul manidhargal 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.

70. Aarukku Ponnambalavan Krupai
[Brahmin master telling Nandanar]

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.

71. Ayye Metha Kadinam
[When his master asks him to be his Guru, Nandanar replies]

Ragam: Punnagavarali
Thalam: Aadhi

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.

72. Chidambaram Poi Vaarumaia
[Brahmin master gives permission to Nandanar]

Ragam: Sama                                                          Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Chidambaram poi varum ayya,
Naan cheythathu yellam apacharamayya

Anupallavi
Chidambaram poveer, padam peruveer, vere
Chinthanai vendaam Nandane ini mel

English Translation

Pallavi
Please go to Chidambaram and return,
What I did was a mistake

Anupallavi
Go to Chidambaram, get salvation,
Oh Nanda do not have any other thought from now on

73. Chidambara Darisanam
[Nandanar wonders whether he will be able to see the God in Chidambaram]

Ragam: Mohanam
(Two words in one line)

Chidambara darisinam kidaikkumo, kidaikkum
English Translation

Would I be able to see God in Chidambaram,
Yes, you will be able to.

74. Kandamani Aaduthu
[Nandanar hears the temple bell of Chidambaram]

Ragam: Karahara Priya                                          Thalam: Roopakam

Pallavi
Kandamani aaduthu, kandu pini vaaduthu

Charanam
1. Mukthi mani theduthu, naduthu, kooduthu

2. Paravasam Aakuthu, pavangal pokuthu

3. Chanana maranathikal mohamum theernthathu.

English Translation

Pallavi
The big bell is swinging and seeing that all illnesses are fading

Charanam
1. It is searching for the gem of salvation, seeks it and joins with it

2. When we get enthralled, all sins go away

3. The end has come for birth, death and passion

75. Muthi Alikkum
[Nanda says that if one does not see God, his life is useless]

Ragam: Navarosu                                                   Thalam: Chapu

Muthiyalikkum, thirumoolatharai kandu,
Bhakthi pannathavargal, pamaran allavo,
Parukku Chumayachu,
Avan irundhum aarukkum sukam aachaa

English Translation

The one who does not go and see the God,
Is a very foolish one,
He is a burden to the world,
What pleasure did any one get by his being there?
76. Kaanatha Kanenna Kanno
[Nandanar further tells that even his eyes are useless]

Ragam: Nadhanama kriyai
Thalam: Chapu

Pallavi
Kanatha kannenna kanno,
Veenaana kanmayil kannathu punno.

Charanam
1. Chollum porulirantha thuriya vadivaagi,
Allum pakalum attha Ananda peroli

2. Pasiyamarunthalikkum parama rakasiyathil,
Asayamale aadum ambala nathanai

3. Oorarumariyamal oli kandu pisakamal,
Eerarukarkkondu yezhuppiya mandapam

4. Andathul adangatha aasai valayai pootti,
Pindathul adangiya perinba theppathai

5. Nasi naduvil irunthu naadane thanendru,
Pesamar pesiya perumayai oru nalum

6. Yennai yaan ariyen yendru ikazhnthidum peyanai,
Thannam thaniyanakki thaguvan yendru azhaitharai

7. Chothu thuruthi yithai chumanbthanaal yenna,
AAthi mathiyamchadayazhaganamarum koil

8. Seela kamala mukha Sivakami mana mugizh,
Kola kanakan thillai kuzhakan aadiya kothai

9. Balakrishnan thozhum padathai paninthoru,
Nalilum piravatha nava mikka vazhi thedi.

English Translation

Pallavi
Is it an eye at all, which has not seen,
Or that is a waste and is not an eye but an wound

Charanam
1. Not seeing that which cannot be described having the form of Thureeya,
Which is the great light of joy which does have day or night

2. Not seeing that lord of the temple who gives medicine never to become hungry,
And dances without any movement
3. Not seeing that hall erected on twelve pillars,
Which is not known to people, and does not err because of its light

4. Not seeing the float of great joy, which is not limited to the universe,
And by erecting the web of desire makes you limited to the body

5. Not seeing any day the fame which has not been heralded,
But made to realize as Lord from the centre of the nose

6. Not seeing those who termed as one suitable that mad man,
Who is me who is berating without realizing and becomes all alone

7. Not seeing this rare temple of the pretty one with moon,
And river on his tuft and what if we lift the pot of cooked rice. (not clear?)

8. Not seeing the dance of the lord of Chidambaram who has,
Taken the form which pleases the mind of Shivakami who has a lotus like face.

9. Not being able to salute the feet, which are saluted by young Krishna,
And search for the way to be not born for ever.

77. Darisanam Cheithare
[Nandanar sees the God of Chidambaram]

Ragam: Kalyani                                                       Thalam: Aada

Pallavi
Darisinam cheythare, Nandanar,
Darisinam cheythaare

Anupallavi
Daisinam cheythaar, then mazhai chorinthu,
Varisayudan avar vaazhi vaazhi yendru

Charanam
1. Kuthithu kuthithu kai kumbidu pottu,
Thuthithu thuthithu thaan thunbangal theera

2. Pothi pothi yendru ponnadi vanangi,
Parthu parthu paramanandam kondu

3. Acham maranthavar, arivil unarnthavar,
Ichai izhandavar ekakra chitharai

English Translation

Pallavi
Saw he the God, Nandanar,
Saw the god
Anupallavi
He saw God, showering rain oh honey,
In a line saying "Long live", "long live"

Charanam
1. Jumping and jumping, folding his hands in salutation,
Praying and praying so that his sorrows are destroyed.

2. Saluting the golden feet saying "I praise, I praise"
Seeing and seeing, attaining divine joy

3. With great concentration, forgetting fear,
Realizing in thought and forsaking desires.

78. Arahara Sankara Annale
[Nandanar addresses the Lord of Chidambaram]

Ragam: Navarosu
Thalam: Aadhi
Dandakam

Arahara Sankara annale Ambalatharane,
Naan undan adaikkalam yendru,
Urugi thudiyaaro, Anandam,
Perugi pathiyaaro

Muthiyalikkum thiru moola thanarai kandu,
Pathi pannathavan pamaranallavo.
Parukku chumayachu, avanirunthum,
Aarukku sukamachu

Mangayar mohamai mayangi dinam thorum,
Angam pulakithamai, avar idum yeval kondu,
Tholai kuzhaithare, anyayamai,
Nalayum kazhithare

Veesi nadantha meyyum poyyagave,
Osai adangum pothu oruvum angillai,
Thoosiyum pogathe, kadaruntha,
Oosiyum vaarathe

Siva Chidambaram yendru thillai veliyil nindru,
Bhava sagaram vendru parma padamadayum,
Thava neriporunthaare, porunthina,
Avarayum varunthaare

Chathiram kathaalum Chathur marai unarnthaalum,
Soothiram pethaalum chonnen, ahangaram,
Mathiram pokaathe, karunaikku pathiram aagathe.
Saranagathamendru sarnthu adi paniyaamal,
Varanasrama vidhi vazhivathirikkinum,
Sannathikal vidumo, Sravana,
Mannathikal padumo

Atta sithikal petha aandayiram kala,
Mattirunthaalum yen marana bhaya meythidum,
Natta chanmam aache manitha chanmam,
Yetti veenai poche

Muppazhum thaandi moola thee mooti kondu,
Appaale nindraal anandam kaanalaam,
Opparilayadaa ooduruvi,
Nirappar illayadaa

AAlam idar adakkiya ambala koothan,
Gopalakrishnan thozhum paramasivane,
Yendru paaddi padiyaaro paruvathil,
Thedi pidiyaaro.
English Translation

Oh Lord Sankara, Oh Hara, Oh king of the temple,
Would not people with emotion pray to you,
"I have surrendered to you" would they not with joy,
Emotionally sing to you?

Seeing the original God who gives salvation,
If one does not do devotion, he is very ordinary,
He is a burden to the world, and even if he exists,
To whom shall he bring comfort?

Losing their conscience due to passion to ladies,
With joyful sensation in the body, doing their work,
Bending their shoulders, they spend,
Their time in an unjust manner

After the body which used to walk becoming a lie,
When its sound subsides, there is no one there,
Even a speck of dust will not go and even a needle,
Which is broken will not accompany

Standing in the lawns of Chidambaram and telling,
"Shiva Chidambaram" and winning over Karma,
And getting salvation are the ones who are not saint like ones,
But even the saint like ones also would not become sad

Even if one learns shastras, or realize all the four Vedas,
Or get the Vedic Suthras I say, do not get pride,
And attain a condition when you are pitied upon

Without saluting his feet and telling I surrender to you,
If we completely follow the rules of Varnasrama,
Would we get out of the birth cycle or,
Would we able to hear the blessings

Even if we get the eight occult powers,
Even if we live one thousand long years,
We would be afraid of death thinking that,
We are losing our soul and also thinking,
That this human life has gone waste

If we cross three wastes and stand their after,
Lighting the basic fire, we would be able to see joy,
There would be no one comparable to us and
No one can enter between us and stand there

Singing about that dancer of the temple who stifled the poison,
Who is the Parama Shiva worshipped by Gopala Krishna,
And reading about him at the proper time, would they not be able to catch him.

79. Varugalamovayya Undhan
[Nandanar asks permission of God to enter the temple]

Ragam: Manji
Thalam: Roopakam /chapu

Pallavi
Varukulamavaiya undhan,
Arugil nindru kondadavum, padavum, , naan

Anupallavi
Parama krupanidhiyallavo, indha,
Parayanukku upacharam chollavo, undhan,
Paramanandha parkkavo, naan ange

Charanam
Bhoomiyil pulayanai piranthene naan,
Punniyam cheyyamal irundhene, yen,
SAmiyudan sannidhi vanthene - karai,
Kadanthene saran adainthene - thillai,
Varadhaa prithapamum paapavum theerave - naan

English Translation

Pallavi
Shall I come near you to stand near you
And praise you and sing about you,

Anupallavi
Are you not the treasure of divine mercy,
Shall I come over there,
To tell encouraging words to this downtrodden,
Or to see your divine dance of joy

Charanam
Did I not get born in this world as downtrodden,
Did I not remain not doing blessed deeds,
Did I not come in front of God,
Did I not cross the sea of Karma,
Did I not cross in to the shore, Did I not surrender,
Oh Lord of Chidambaram, for getting rid of the pity and sin,

80. Periyor Irukkumidam Thillai
[Nandanar tells about Chidambaram]

Ragam: Sindhu Bhairavi
Thalam: Aadhi

Periyor irukkum idam Thillai
Periyor irukkumidam,
Periyor irukkumidam,
Periyor, Periyor

Peyan iruppathu nyayamalla,
Peyan iruppathu nyayamalla,
Naano para Chathi,
Naano para chathi

Naadhan darisanam aadaravai,
Pannai padu paavi, indha,
Paaril iruppathu cheerallave.

English Translation

Chidambaram in a place where great people live,
Where great people live,
Where great people live,
Great people, great people.

It is not proper for a devilish fellow to be there,
It is not proper for a devilish fellow to be there,
I belong to Paraya caste,
I belong to Paraya caste,

Oh great sinner do not see the Lord,
With great respect,
It is not proper to live in the world.

81. Kanaka Sabesan
[Nandanar tells]

Ragam: Kamas                                                        Thalam: Roopakam

Pallavi
Kanaka sabesan chevadi,
Nan kandathillai,
Thillai kananka

Anupallavi
Kanaka sabhapathiyai kanda perai kandaal pothum,
Janana marana mokam theernthu, sivanai chera venum

Chorkattu
Thakanaka jamadai namadari thom thom tharikida thaa,
Dadhi mitha thida janu kida Thatha thathikina thom yendraadiya

Charanam
1. Allum pakalum indha vishaya anandathille muzhuki,
Arivu ketta matathu pol aanathum poyyo,
Palluyililum niraintha parnai Shiva jnanikale,
Parthathillai kettathillayo

2. Balakrishnan padum kavi,
Manida jathiliyil piranthu, mangayar mogathil vizhundhu,
Danam thavangali izhandhu, thannarasaka thirinthu.

English Translation

Pallavi
I have not seen the feet of the lord of the golden hall,
The lord of the golden hall of Chidambaram

Anupallavi
It is sufficient if we see people who have seen the Lord of the golden hall,
Our desire for birth and death cycle would get over and we would merge with Shiva

Chorkattu
Thakanaka jamadai namadari thom thom tharikida thaa,
Dadhi mitha thida janu kida Thatha thathikina thom dancing like this

Charanam
1. By getting drowned in the material happiness,
Becoming like an animal who lost his intelligence, is this true or false,
Even the sages of Shiva have neither seen nor heard,
That divine being who is in several beings,

2. The singing poet Balakrishna,
Born as a human being, falling in passion of women,
Forsaking charity and penance and wandering with great ego
82. Vaaramal Irupparo
[Nandanar feels apprehensive]

Ragam: Churutti
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Vaaramal irupparo, orukkal,
Varuvaaro naan ariyen

Anupallavi
Paaramal iruppeno, pathanjali munikku pon,
Padam kodutha Parameswaran naan

English Translation

Pallavi
Would he not come or would he come,
I do not know

Anupallavi
Would I stay without seeing that great God,
Who gave golden feet to sage Pathanjali.

83. Innum Vara Kaanene
[Nandanar is getting worried that the Lord has not come]

Ragam: Parasu
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Innum vara kaanene, yenna cheyguven, avar

Charanam
Innum vara kanen, thillai ponnambala vaanan,
Pannai nattu yennai, vaa vendru chonnavar maranthaaro

English Translation

Pallavi
What shall I do, he has not still come

Charanam
That God of the golden temple has still not come,
He told me after transplanting the crop, did he forget.

84. Ithu Nalla
[Nandanar says it is proper time]

Ragam: Danyasi
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Ithu nalla samyamayaa Rakshikka,
Ithu nalla samayamayya

Anupallavi
Ithu nalla samayamayya, rakshithalum,
Eesa, nadesa, mahesa, sabhesa

Charanam
Balakrishnan pothum padangalai katti,
Seelamulla mukthi servatharkku (ithu nalla..)

English Translation

Pallavi
This is the good time to save,
It is a good time

Anupallavi
This is the good time, please save me,
Oh God, Oh god of dance, Oh great god, Oh God of the hall

Charanam
Showing the feet that are praised by Balakrishna,
To get in to the good salvation, this is the good time.

85. Vruthaa Janamache
[Nandanar feels that his life is a waste]

Ragam: Darbar
Thalam: Aadhi

(To sing fast)

Pallavi
Vruthaa janmamache, vanthum

Anupallavi
Sadaa iyan sannidanathil
Irundhu nithanam peraamal

Charanam
Mukthi yalithidum moorthiyai kandu,
Bhakthiyai panni palan adayaamal
English Translation

Pallavi
Even after my coming, life has been wasted

Anupallavi
Not been able to be always be in front of God,
And stay there and get peace

Charanam
Not able to see the God who gives salvation,
Show devotion to him and get results

86. Sannithi Varalaamo
[Nandanar asks whether he can come near to God]

Ragam: Sankarabharanam                                   Thalam: yekam
Dandakam

Pallavi
Sannithi varalamo,
Darisanam tharalamo

Charanam
Illara vaazhvaam pani moodi,
Irunthen andro miga vaadi,
Allum pakalum kondaadi,
Adiyen Kanaka sabhai naadi

English Translation

Pallavi
Can I come in front of God,
Would he give his sight to me

Charanam
After being covered by mist of domestic life,
I was remaining greatly faded,
After praising him day and night,
I desired to be in the golden hall.

87. Kanavo Ninaivo
[Nandanar tells about his dream]

Ragam: Kamas                                                        Thala Chapu

Pallavi
Kanavo, nanavo, kandathu veeno
Anupallavi
Manathil uruthi kolla
Vazhi yondrum kaanen

Charanam
Nithirai thanil vandhu,
Chithan uruvai vandhu,
Muthi tharuven yendru,
Nandi pesinathundu.

English Translation

Pallavi
Is it dream, is it real,
Has it been useless to have seen it

Anupallavi
I do not find any way,
To take a determination in my mind

Charanam
Coming in my sleep,
In the form of a sage,
The Nandi talked,
I would give you salvation.

88. Ambala Vaananai

Ragam: Aakiri
Thalam: Misra chapu

Ambala vaananai, then puliyaaraanai,
Nam panintheno archanai cheithu,
Kumbittiruntheno

English Translation

The God of temple belonging to the South tiger town,
Did I salute and worship
Did I bow before him

89. Kattai Kadai Thera Venume
[Nandanar wants to be along with the Lord of Chidambaram for ever]

Ragam: Karakara Priya                                          Thalam: Chapu

Pallavi
Kattai kadai thera venume
Anupallavi
Kanaka sabhapathi nadanam kandu kalikka vantha Nandan

Charanam
1. Kattai kadai therattumo, janmam,
Kettathallavo, ittamariyen

2. Muthiyalikkum pathiyile yen,
Chithambalavan chithamariyene.
English Translation

Pallavi
This body needs to get salvation

Anupallavi
The body of Nandan who has come,
To see and enjoy the dance of the lord of the golden hall

Charanam
1. Should this body get salvation, because,
Taking birth is bad, I do not know what I like

2. The devotion which leads to salvation,
Of the Lord of the temple of Chidambaram, I do not know my mind

90. Yenneramum

Raga Deva gandhari
Thala Aadi

Pallavi
Yenneramum un sannidiyile naan,
Irukka vendum aiya, Pon aiyah

Anupallavi
Thennam cholai thazhaikkum then puliyoor,
Pon ambalathu arase, yen arase.

Charanam
1. Disai engum pugazhum Siva gangayum,
Deva sabhayum Siva kami darisanamum,
Pasi yedathu partha perkku kalakkangal,
Paranthida magizhndu unnai padi kondu

2. Panchakshara padiyum, kodi kambamum,
Kovil azhagum, arithana ragasiyavum,
Anjal koorum veera manigal osayum,
Andhakkarana mayakkam teerndhu padi kondu

3. Sheelamaruvum theruvum thiru kootamum,
Devarulagil kidayatha vasiyamum,
Balakrishnan aniyum padam bhavamenum,
Bhayangal theerthu malrgal thoovi thozhuthu kondu

English Translation

Pallavi
I should always be in front of You,
Lord, my golden lord.

Anupallavi
My king, king of the golden temple,
Of the then Puliyoor where the garden of coconuts thrive

Charanam
1. To those who see without feeling hunger,
The all famous sacred waters of Shiva Gangai,
The stage of devas and the Goddess Shiva Kami,
Problems would fly away as they sing about you.

2. The step of Nama Shivaya, the flag post,
The prettiness of the temple, the rare secret of Chidambara,
The sound of the valorous bells which tells us the news,
Remove the coma of the mind as they sing about you.

3. The street housed by good characters, the crowd of devotees,
The attraction that is not there even in the heavens,
And the feet worshipped by Balakrishnan,
Would remove the fears of Karma,
And offer flowers and make one salute..

91. Bhakthikal Cheythaare
[Life of caste people after Nandanar]

Ragam: Yadhukula Kambodhi                             Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Bhakthikal cheythaare, Paramasivanaye Bhakthikjal cheythaare

Charanam
1. Bhakthikal cheythaar nathavam puri Nandan,
Chitha magizhnthida atthani perkaalum

2. Thoduppan Shiva kadhai padippan bhakthiyai,
Yeduppan thadiyondru adippan yendru anu dhinamum

3. Kallathavan inge chellathavan nandri,
Illathavan, pollathavan yendre
English Translation

Pallavi
They showed devotion, devotion to Lord Shiva

Charanam
1. They all showed devotion so that the mind,
Of Nanda who did great penance would become happy.

2. They would daily read the stories of Lord Shiva,
Fearing that Nanda would take a stick and beat them.

3. Thinking that the one who does not learn is useless,
And he is one without gratefulness and is a bad one.

92. Thiru Nalai Povarukku
[Mangalam song to end the story - Song wishing auspiciousness]

Ragam: Asaveri
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi
Thirunalai povarukkiu jaya mangalam,
THillai moovayiravarkku Shubha mangalam

Anupallavi
Irudigal ithuvarai darisithu athisayamena,
Irukara mudi misai maruva thudi saigena,
Paravum um pasam bramangal thuthidum,
Paramanadum ambalathil kadithidum.

English Translation

Pallavi
Victorious auspiciousness to Thiru Nalai Povar (he who will go tomorrow)
Good auspiciousness to the three thousand of Chidambaram

Anupallavi
The most wonderful thing seen till now by sages,
Raising music with two hands and praying,
Your affection spreads, and the divine joy,
Praised by Brahman, would dance in the temple.

93. Aadhi Madhyanthanukku Mangalam

Ragam: Saveri
Thalam: Chapu

Pallavi
Aadhi madhyanthanukku Mangalam, yengal,
Aananda nandanaarkku, Mangalam

Anupallavi
Pathi mathi, nadhiyum,
Pambum, pulyuriyum,
Chothi kuzhayaniyum,
Thulanga arul puriyum.

Charanam
1. Chakkarai, mukkani aval thamai nugar nadharukkum,
Sakala devar thamakkum, sakala vasukkalukkum

2. Pakkuvamai sangitham paadum sangeetharukkum,
Paar makkatkkum, pangaya pavayarkkum

English Translation

Pallavi
Auspiciousness to our God who does not,
Have either beginning or end,
Auspiciousness to the happy Nandanar.

Anupallavi
He who shines with grace,
With crescent and the river,
With snake and hide of tiger,
With shining ear studs.

Charanam
1. Auspiciousness to the lord who tastes,
The sugar, three types of fruits and beaten rice,
Auspiciousness to all devas and Vasus.

2. Auspiciousness to those musicians who sing well,
Auspiciousness to all people on earth and good women.