tamil
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poemsTRANSCRIPT
ந�றிைண
Natrinai is traditionally accepted as being the earliest of the eight Tamil anthologies. The word means
‘good thinai’ or ‘good land’ - ந�ல திைண. It is in Akam thinai, and it has 400 poems from nine
to 12 lines, by 192 poets. The poems range from 9 to 12 lines. However, poem 238 has 8 lines and 7
poems (64, 110, 221, 241, 372, 379, and 393) have 13 lines. It is missing poem 234. In addition, it has an
invocatory poem by ெப��ேதவனா�, which was added in the 8th century, many centuries after
the poems, by the compiler. It has poems in all the five akam thinais – marutham, mullai, kurinji, neydal
and pālai. The compiler remains anonymous, but the anthology was completed under the patronage of
the Tamil king ப�னா� த�த பா��ய� மாற� வ�தி, who composed poems 97 and
301 in the collection. The compiler is unknown. “Linguistically speaking, there is hardly a single Sanskrit
loan word in the entire collection”, writes Dr. Martha Ann Selby.
ந�றிைண - 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 17, 22, 27, 28, 30, 33, 38, 45, 52, 54, 60, 61, 64, 70, 79, 86, 90, 95,
97, 98, 100, 102, 105, 110, 111, 118, 119, 124, 136, 147, 149, 150, 152, 162, 169, 172, 175, 176, 180,
182, 184, 191, 195, 199, 200
ந�றிைண 1, கப�ல�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட� ெசா�ன%
நி�ற ெசா�ல� ந&� ேதா' இன)ய�
எ�'� எ� ேதா+ ப�,- அறியலேர;
தாமைர0 த� தா% ஊதி, ம2மிைச3
சா�தி� ெதா�0த த&� ேத� ேபால,
-ைரய ம�ற, -ைரேயா� ேக�ைம;
ந&� இ�' அைமயா உலக� ேபால0
த� இ�' அைமயா ந� நய�% அ�ள)
ந' 6த� பச0த� அ!சி3
சி'ைம உ'பேவா? ெச7- அறியலேர!
He is truthful in speech, eternal in sweet friendship,
and inseparable in our love and embrace.
My friendship with my esteemed man
is like a bee collecting cool pollen from the lotus
flower, carrying it to the tall sandal trees,
and making sweet honey.
Just as the world cannot live without water,
I cannot exist without him.
He loves me, is gracious, and fears that
separation will bring pallor to my forehead.
Will he even consider doing that silly act?
He does not know to do that! Translated by Vaidehi
க�0%ைர – ெசா�லிய ெசா�லிலி��% மா'படாதவ�. இன)ைமயாக9
பழ � த�ைம:ைடய�. எ� ேதா+கைள எ�'� ப�,த� அறியாதவ�.
(வ��)தாமைர9=வ�� ள)�3சியான மகர�த0தாதிைன0 %ைள0% எ�0%,
உய��% நி� � ச�தன மர0தி� உ3சிய�� ெகா��ேபா7 ேச�0% ைவ0த
இன)ய ேதைன9ேபால(தாமைர0தா%-தைலவன)� உ+ள�, ச�தன மர�-
தைலவ�ய�� உ+ள�, ேத� – இ�வ,� அ�-) நி3சயமாக உய�வ�ைன
உைடய% உய��ேதாராகிய தைலவ,� ந>-. ந&� இ�றி இ?@லகமான%
சிறAகவ�யலா%. அ%ேபால, அவ� இ�றி நா� சிற0தலி�ைல. அவ��
ந�ம2% ெகா�ட வ��9ப0தி� காரணமாக க�ைணேயா� நட9பவ�.
அ9ப�ய��Aக, ப�,வதா� ந� மண� வ &B� ெந�றிய�� ஏ�ப�� பசைல
பட�வத� அ!Bதைல:ைடய அவ�, ப�,த� எ�ற சி'ைமயான ெசயைல3
ெச7ய நிைன9பாேரா? அ?வா' ெச7த� ADட அறியாதவ� அவ�!
ெசா�ெபா�+ வ�ளAக� – நி�ற ெசா�ல� – மா'படாத ெசா�லிைன
உைடய�, ந&� - நிைல0த, ேதா�' இன)ய� – இன)ய த�ைம:ைடய�,
எ�'� எ� ேதா+ – எ�'� எ� ேதா+கைள, ப�,- அறியலேர – ப�,வத�
அறியாதவ�, தாமைர0 த� தா% -தாமைர மல,� ள)�3சியான
மகர�த0தாதிைன, ஊதி – %ைள0%, ம2 – ேமலிட�, மிைச – ேமேல, சா�தி�
ெதா�0த – ச�தனமர0தி� ேச�0%ைவ0த, த&� ேத� ேபால – இன)ய ேத�
ேபால, -ைரய –உய�@, ம�ற - நி3சயமாக, -ைரேயா� – உய��ேதா�,
ேக�ைம -ந>-, ந&� இ�' – ந&� இ�லா%, அைமயா– சிற9பாகாத, உலக�
ேபால – உலக0ைத9 ேபால, த� இ�' – அவ� இ�லா%, அைமயா –
சிற9பைடயா, ந� – ந�ைம, நய�% அ�ள) – வ���ப� க�ைணேயா�, ந'
6த� – மண� வ &B� ெந�றி, பச0த� அ!சி – பசைல பட�� எ�பத�
அ!சி, சி'ைம உ'பேவா- சி'ைமயான ெசயைல3 ெச7த�
நிைன9பாேரா, ெச7- அறியலேர- ெச7த� அறியாதவேர
ந�றிைண 3, இளEகீரனா�, பாைல திைண - தைலவ� த� ெந!சிட�
ெசா�ன%
ஈ� ப��% உய@� வா� ெபா� ெந�! சிைன9
ெபா, அைர ேவ�ப�� -+ள) ந&ழ�
க>டைள அ�ன இ>� அரE இைழ0%
க�லா3 சிறாஅ� ெந�லி வ>� ஆ��
வ�� ஏ� உழவ� ெவ� Iைன3 சீJ�3
Bர� Iத� வ�த உர� மா7 மாைல
உ+ள)ென� அ�ெலேனா யாேன உ+ள)ய
வ�ைன I�0த�ன இன)ேயா+
மைன மா� Bடெரா� பட� ெபா�% எனேவ.
A hen-eagle broods, sick
in the great branches
lifted to the sky,
in a neem tree
with cracked trunk and dotted shade
where unschooled children
scratch their squares
on a rock
flat as a touchstone
and play marbles with gooseberries
in that wilderness
with fierce little settlements
of marauders,
the bow their only plow,
and as evening comes creeping in,
sapping my strength, what can I do
but think of her,
who is sweet as a deed
long wished for and done,
standing there
in this hour of memories
in front of a house lamp
blazing. Translated by A.K. Ramanujan
ஈ� ப��% – female eagle one who has given birth, உய@� – grieve, வா� – sky, ெபா�
– lifted, ெந�! சிைன9 – big branches, ெபா, – cracked, dry, அைர – tree trunk,
ேவ�ப�� -+ள) ந&ழ� – neem tree’s dotted shade, க>டைள – touchstone, அ�ன – like
(rock), இ>� – write, அரE – square, இைழ0% – scratch, க�லா3 சிறாஅ� –
unschooled kids, ெந�லி வ>� ஆ�� – play marbles with gooseberries, வ�� – bow, ஏ� –
plow, உழவ� – உழவ�, ெவ� Iைன3 சீJ�3 – fierce little settlements, Bர�Iத�
வ�த – from wasteland first, உர� – strengths, மா7 மாைல – dark evening, உ+ள)ென�
– I’m thinking, அ�ெலேனா – what can I do, உ+ள)ய - thought, வ�ைன I�0த�ன –
deed wished done, இன)ேயா+ – sweet girl, மைன – house, மா� – big, Bடெரா� – with
blazing flame, பட� – spread, ெபா�% எனேவ – at that time
ந�றிைண 4, அ�Kவனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%
கான� அ� சி' �A கட� ேம� பரதவ�
ந&� நிற -�ைனA ெகா� நிழ� அைசஇ
த� ெப�� பர9ப�� ஒ� பத� ேநாAகி
அ� க� அ,� வைல உணA � %ைறவெனா�
அலேர அ�ைன அறிய�� இவ� உைற வாMAைக
அ,ய ஆ � நமA எனA Dறி�
ெகா��� ெச�வ�ெகா� ேதாழி உமண�
ெவ� க� உ9ப�� ெகா+ைள சா�றி
கண நிைர கிள�A � ெந� ெநறி3 சகட�
மண� ம�0% உர'� ஓைச கழன)A
க�E கா� ெவ� � ெவOஉ�
இ�E கழி3 ேச�9ப�� த� உைறவ�� ஊ�Aேக.
If we tell the lord of the shores
…..where the fishermen from the small village
…..near the seaside grove
…..rest under the thick shade of the blue
…..punnai trees drying their nets,
…..and waiting for the right time to go to the sea,
that our life here will become difficult
if mother knows about the affair,
will he take us, my friend, to his town
where salt merchants cry out the price
of white salt,
and flocks of black-legged, white herons
fly away in fear
to the large, brackish-water ponds
on hearing the sounds of their wagon
wheels grinding the sand on the long path? Translated by Vaidehi
கான� – seashore grove, அ� சி' � – beautiful village, கட� ேம� பரதவ� –
fishermen who go on the seas, ந&� நிற -�ைனA ெகா� நிழ� அைசஇ – rested on the
blue colored punnai tree shade – Laurel Tree, Mast wood Tree, Calophyllum inophyllum, த�
ெப�� பர9ப�� ஒ� பத� ேநாAகி – look for the perfect time, அ� க� அ,�
வைல – beautiful nets with fine meshes, உணA � – dries, %ைறவெனா� – with the lord
of the seaport, அலேர அ�ைன அறிய�� – if mother hears the rumor, இவ� உைற
வாMAைக அ,ய ஆ � நமA – the life led here will become difficult for us, எனA
Dறி� ெகா��� – if we say that, ெச�வ� ெகா� ேதாழி – will be take us along my
friend, உமண� ெவ� க� உ9ப�� ெகா+ைள சா�றி – salt merchants call out the
price for white salt, கண நிைர கிள�A � – big flocks move away, ெந� ெநறி – long path,
சகட� – wagon, மண� ம�0% உர'� ஓைச – sound of rubbing on the sand, கழன) –
field, க�E கா� ெவ� � – white herons/egrets/storks with black legs, ெவOஉ� –
fear, இ�E கழி3 ேச�9ப�� – to the vast/black backwaters, த� உைறவ�� ஊ�Aேக –
in the town that he resides
ந�றிைண 6, பரண�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� த� ெந!BA ெசா�ன%
ந&� வள� ஆ�ப� P�-ைட0 திர+ கா�
நா� உ,0த�ன மத� இ� மாைம
வைள அ�ன ஏ�% எழி� மைழA க�
திதைல அ� � ெப�� ேதா+ 'மக>
எ7த3 ெச�' ெச9-ந�9 ெபறிேன
இவ� யா� எ� வ+ அ�ல+ Iனாஅ%
அ0தA மிழி� ெகா� KA வ�ைள கன)
எறி மட மா� வ�சி ஆ �
வ� வ�� ஓ, கான� நாறி
இ�� ப� ஒலிவ�� D�த�
ெப�� ேப%'வ+ யா� வ�தன� எனேவ.
Her delicate beauty is like the fiber-removed
stem of a white water lily,
her moist eyes are like purple water-lilies that rise up,
and the waist of this dark beauty has yellow beauty spots.
If there is a messenger to talk to this pretty young girl
with rounded shoulders,
she without malice will not ask, “who is he?”
In the strong-bowed king Ori’s fragrant forests,
frolicking deer eat ripe curved-nose kumizham fruits
that grow along the forest paths.
The girl with thick black hair
will be happy, if she knows that I have come. Translated by Vaidehi
ந&� வள� ஆ�ப� - white water-lily growing in the water, P�-ைட திர+ கா� – stem
with hollow, நா� உ,0த�ன – like the fiber removed, மத� இ� மாைம – beautiful dark
color, வைள அ�ன – like the purple water-lily, ஏ�% – lifted, எழி� – beautiful, மைழA
க� – moist eyes, திதைல அ� � – yellow beauty spots under her waist, ெப�� ேதா+
– large shoulders, 'மக> – young girl, எ7த3 ெச�' – to give a message, ெச9-ந�9
ெபறிேன – if somebody would talk to her, இவ� யா� எ� வ+ அ�ல+ – she’ll not ask,
‘who is he’, Iனாஅ% – without hatred, அ0தA – forest path, மிழி� – kumizham tree’s,
ெகா� KA – curved nose, வ�ைள கன) – ripe fruit, எறி மட மா� – for the playful
innocent deer, வ�சி ஆ � – will become food, வ� வ�� ஓ, – king Ori with a strong
bow, கான� – forest, நாறி – fragrance, இ�� – black, ப� ஒலி வ�� D�த� –
thick flowing hair, ெப�� ேப%'வ+ – will be very happy, யா� வ�தன� எனேவ – if
she knows that I have come
ந�றிைண 9, பாைல பா�ய ெப�Eக�Eேகா, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�
தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%
அழிவ�ல� IயQ� ஆ�வ மாAக+
வழிப� ெத7வ� க� க�டாஅE
அலமர� வ�0த� த&ர யாழ நி�
நல ெம� பைண0 ேதா+ எ7தின� ஆகலி�
ெபா,9 =� -�கி� அழ� தைக ஒ� Iறி
BணE அண� வன Iைல அணE ெகாள0 திமி,
நிழ� கா�ேதா'� ெந�ய ைவகி
மண� கா�ேதா'� வ�ட� ைதஇ
வ��தா% ஏ மதி வா� எய��ேறாேய
மா நைன ெகா�தி மகிM ய�� ஆQ�
ந'� த� ெபாழில கான�
'� ப� ஊர யா� ெச�Q� ஆேற.
On our path,
cuckoos will prick mango buds and
sing happily in the fragrant cool groves;
faultless and curious travellers
will think that you are a goddess.
My pain and distress will end if I
embrace your fine, bamboo-like shoulders.
There are a few towns on our way.
Whenever there is heavy shade,
we can rest for a long time;
whenever we see sand,
you can make sand dolls.
There are punku trees with
parched-rice-like flowers
and glowing, bright tender sprouts.
My lover with sparkling white teeth,
and beautiful breasts with yellow spots!
Do not worry! let us go soon. Translated by Vaidehi
அழிவ�ல� IயQ� – those who do faultless things, ஆ�வ மாAக+ – anxious people,
வழிப� ெத7வ� – god that is worshipped, க� க�டாஅE – like they saw with their
eyes, அலமர� வ�0த� – distress and sorrow, த&ர – to end, யாழ – an expletive, நி� –
your, நல ெம� – fine delicate, பைண0 ேதா+ – bamboo-like shoulders, could also be wide
shoulders, எ7தின� ஆகலி� – if I attain, ெபா,9 =� -�கி� – punku tree with
parched rice-like flowers, அழ� – glowing, தைக – beautiful, ஒ� – bright, Iறி – tender
sprouts, BணE – yellow spots, அண� – beautiful, வன Iைல – full breasts, அணE
ெகாள0 – fascinates others, shocks others, திமி, – spread, நிழ� கா�ேதா'� –
whenever shade was seen, ெந�ய ைவகி – stayed for long, மண� கா�ேதா'� –
whenever sand was seen, வ�ட� ைதஇ – made sand dolls, வ��தா% – do not feel sad,
ஏ மதி – lets go soon, வா� எய��ேறாேய – one with white teeth, மா நைன – mango
tree buds, ெகா�தி மகிM ய�� – happy kuyils prick, ஆQ� – sing, ந'� த� –
fragrant and cool, ெபாழில கான� – groves, '� ப� ஊர – small few towns, யா�
ெச�Q� ஆேற – (on the) way we go
ந�றிைண 11, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�
ெசா�ன% – She tries to comfort the heroine when she is distressed
ெப7யா% ைவகிய ேகாைத ேபால
ெம7 சாய�ைன அவ� ெச7 றி ப�ைழ9ப
உ+ள) ெநா%மல� ேந�- உைர ெத+ள)தி�
வாரா� எ�R� -லவ� உ>ெகாள�
ஒழிக மாள நி� ெந!ச0தாேன
-ண, ெபா�த = மண� அைடகைர
ஆழி ம�Eகி� அலவ� ஓ�ப�
வலவ� வ+- ஆ7�% ஊர
நில@ வ�,�த�றா� கானலாேன.
Your body is distressed like an unworn wilted garland,
since you missed the tryst that he suggested.
You are hurt by the slanderers who talk ill about you
and you sulk thinking that your lover will not come.
Destroy such thoughts from your heart.
When the moonlight spreads on the seashore grove
he will come in his chariot,
riding beside the waves on the shore
that is filled with flowers and sand,
as his charioteer handles his bridle with caution
protecting the crabs on the ground. Translated by Vaidehi
ெப7யா% – not worn, ைவகிய – lying around, ேகாைத ேபால – like a garland, ெம7 –
body, சாய�ைன – you are distressed, அவ� ெச7 றி – the secret meeting (tryst) that he
indicated, ப�ைழ9ப – misssed, உ+ள) – thinking, ெநா%மல� – slanderers, ேந�- – long
(too much), உைர - words (gossip), ெத+ள)தி� – clearly, வாரா� – he will not come,
எ�R� – and so, -லவ� – sulk, உ>ெகாள� – do not do that, ஒழிக மாள – destroy
(such thoughts), நி� ெந!ச0தாேன – your heart, -ண, ெபா�த – wave filled, = –
flowers, மண� – sand, அைடகைர – seashore, ஆழி ம�Eகி� – near the seashore,
அலவ� – crabs, ஓ�ப� – protecting, வலவ� – charioteer, வ+- – bridle, ஆ7�%
ஊர – carefully ride, நில@ வ�,�த�றா� கானலாேன – the moonlight spread on the
seashore grove
ந�றிைண 12, கயமனா�, பாைல திைண – ேதாழி தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%
wood apples were placed in pots to remove stale buttermilk odors
வ�ள� பழ� கம�� கம� S� ழிசி9
பாச� தி�ற ேத7 கா� ம0த�
ெந7 ெத, இயAக� ெவள)� Iத� IழE �
ைவ -ல� வ��ய� ெம7 கர�% த� கா�
அ, அைம சில�- கழ&இ ப� மா�
வ, -ைன ப�ெதா� ைவஇய ெச�ேவா+
இைவ கா� ேதா'� ேநாவ� மாேதா
அள)யேரா அள)ய� எ� ஆய0ேதா� என
6�ெமா� வர@ தா� அயர@�
த� வைர0% அ�றி:� கQM�தன க�ேண.
Wood apple fragrance
in the buttermilk pots
rounded like full pregnancy,
their noisy, churning rods
tied to posts,
and reduced by the circling ropes,
are the first sounds as dawn arrives.
She hides her body well
and removes from her feet
beautiful, jingling anklets,
and places them along with her
well-decorated ball.
“Whenever they see these, they’ll be sad”,
she thinks about her pitable friends,
and tears come to her eyes
even though she desires to leave with you. Translated by Vaidehi
வ�ள�பழ� கம�� – wood apple fragrance spreads, கம� S� ழிசி9 – fully pregnant
(women’s stomach-like) round pot, பாச� தி�ற – ropes reduced, ேத7 கா� ம0த� –
churning rod has thinned, ெந7 ெத, இயAக� – churning to make butter, ெவள)� – the post
to which the rope is wound, Iத� IழE � – first sounds, ைவ -ல� வ��ய� – early
morning hours, ெம7 கர�% – hiding her body, த� கா� – her feet, அ, அைம சில�-
– beautiful jingling anklets, கழ&இ – removes it, ப� மா� – many splendor, வ, -ைன
ப�ெதா� – with the decorated ball, ைவஇய – placed it, ெச�ேவா+ – when she went (to do
that), இைவ கா� ேதா'� ேநாவ� மாேதா – they’ll be pained, அள)யேரா – will be
sad, அள)ய� – pitiable ones, எ� ஆய0ேதா� – my friends, என – so, 6�ெமா� வர@ –
going with you, தா� அயர@� – feel sad, த� வைர0% அ�றி:� – even though she
wants to leave, கQM�தன க�ேண – there are tears in her eyes
ந�றிைண 17, ெநா3சிநியமEகிழா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�
ெசா�ன%
நா+ மைழ தைலஇய ந� ெந�E �ற0%
மா� கட� திைரய�� இழித�� அ�வ�
அக� இ�E கான0% அ� அண� ேநாAகி
தாEக@� தைகவைர நி�லா ந&� Bழ�-
ஏ�% எழி� மைழA க� கQMதலி� அ�ைன
எவ� ெச7தைனேயா நி� இலE எய�' உ� என
ெம�லிய இன)ய Dறலி� வ� வ�ைர�%
உய�,R� சிற�த நாT� நன) மற�%
உைர0த� உ7�தனேன ேதாழி சார�
கா�த+ ஊதிய மண� நிற0 %�ப�
த&� ெதாைட நர�ப�� இமி��
வா� ேதா7 ெவ�ப� மா�- அணE எனேவ.
Early morning rains that fell
on his fine, lofty mountains
flowed down like dark ocean waves.
The waterfalls in the wide big forest
is where we used to meet,
and it hurt me to see that beautiful spot.
Unable to tolerate my pain,
tears flowed down from my beautiful
wet eyes.
“Why are you crying?”, mother asked,
“Let me kiss you, my daughter with splendid
teeth”, she said with tender words.
I almost forgot to guard my more
precious-than-life shyness and started
to tell her that the reason for my sorrow
was that I missed the chest of
the man from the mountain country
where bees that swarm kānthal flowers
sing like sweet yāzh strings.
However, I caught myself before I said anything
and stopped, my friend. Translated by Vaidehi
நா+ மைழ தைலஇய – early morning rains fell, ந� ெந�E �ற0% – fine tall
mountains, மா� கட� திைரய�� – dark ocean waves, இழித�� அ�வ� – falling
waterfalls, அக� இ�E கான0% – wide big forest, அ� – nearby, அண� – beautiful,
ேநாAகி – looked, தாEக@� தைகவைர நி�லா – unable to tolerate, ந&� Bழ�- –
water poured, ஏ�% எழி� மைழA க� – lifted beautiful wet eyes, கQMதலி� – since it
cried, அ�ைன – mother, எவ� ெச7தைனேயா – what did you do, நி� இலE
எய�' – your splendid teeth, உ� என – I’ll kiss, ெம�லிய இன)ய Dறலி� –
uttered tender sweet words, வ� வ�ைர�% – went fast, உய�,R� சிற�த – better than
life, நாT� – shyness, நன) – lot, மற�% – forgot, உைர0த� – said, உ7�தனேன –
avoided it, ேதாழி – my friend, சார� – mountain slopes, கா�த+ ஊதிய மண� நிற0
%�ப� – the bees that swarm kānthal flowers (purple water lilies), த&� ெதாைட நர�ப��
இமி�� – like the music of the sweet stringed yāzh, வா� ேதா7 – sky high, ெவ�ப� –
man from the mountain country, மா�- – chest, அணE எனேவ – reason for sorrow
ந�றிைண 22, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி
தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%
ெகா�3சி காA � அ�Aக� ைப� திைன
I�% வ�ைள ெப�� ர� ெகா�ட ம�தி
க�லாA க�வெனா� ந� வைர ஏறி
அEைக நிைறய ெஞமி�A ெகா�� த�
திைர அண� ெகா�� க@+ நிைறய IAகி
வா� ெபய� நைன�த -ற0த ேநா�ப�ய�
ைக ஊ� இ�Aைகய�� ேதா�'� நாட�
வ�தன� வாழி ேதாழி உலக�
கய� க� அ�ற ைப% அ' காைல
பVள� திரEகிய ெந�லி�
ந+ெள� யாம0% மைழ ெபாழி�தாEேக.
He has come back,
the man from the country
where in the mountain range’s millet field
that is guarded by a mountain girl,
a female monkey, along with her crude mate
climbs the fine mountain,
steals huge clusters of mature millet spikes,
crushes it with her palms,
collects the grain and stuffs her cheeks
curving them along with her jaws,
and as rain pours down,
their wet bodies
appear like austere ritualists
who eat food with their hands.
His arrival in the middle of the night
is like seeing rain in a mature paddy field,
in a world whose ponds have dried up.
May you live long, my friend! Translated by Vaidehi
ெகா�3சி காA � அ�Aக� ைப� திைன – the fresh millet that the mountain girl
protects in the ranges, I�% வ�ைள ெப�� ர� – mature huge clusters, ெகா�ட
ம�தி க�லாA க�வெனா� – the female that took it, along with its crude male, ந� வைர
ஏறி – climbed on the fine mountain, அEைக நிைறய – full in its palm, ெஞமி� ெகா��
– crushed, த� திைர – gathered it together, அண� – upper jaw, ெகா�� க@+ நிைறய
– filled its curved cheeks, IAகி – stuffed, வா� ெபய� நைன�த -ற0த – their backs got
wet when it rained, ேநா�ப�ய� – those who do penances (wet after dipping in the streams and
ponds), ைக ஊ� இ�Aைகய�� ேதா�'� – appears like they were eating with their
hands, நாட� – man from such country, வ�தன� – came, வாழி ேதாழி – may you live long,
my friend, உலக� கய� க� அ�ற ைப% அ' காைல – when the world’s ponds have
lost their wetness/waters, பVள� திரEகிய ெந�லி� – in the rice field with mature grains,
ந+ெள� யாம0% மைழ ெபாழி�தாEேக – like the rain that came in the middle of the
night
ந�றிைண 27, டவாய�� கீர0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�
ெசா�ன%, தைலவ� ேக> �ப�யாக
ந&:� யாR� ெந�ந� =வ��
6� தா% உைறA � வ��ன� ஓ9ப�
ஒழி திைர வ,0த ெவ� மண� அைடகைரA
கழி SM கான� ஆ�ய% அ�றி
கர�% நா� ெச7த% ஒ�' இ�ைல உ�� என)�
பர�% ப�ற� அறி�த�'� இலேர ந�'�
எவ� றி0தன+ ெகா� அ�ைன கய� ேதா'
இற ஆ� இனA � ஒலி9ப Bறவ�
கழி ேச� ம�Eகி� கைணA கா� ந&�
க� ேபா� =0தைம க�� 6� பல
சி' பாசைடய ெந7த�
'ேமா ெச�' எனA Dறா ேதாேள.
Yesterday you and I played
in the seaside grove surrounded
by backwaters,
in the sand bars brought to the
shores by the dashing waves,
chasing bees that swarm
on the tiny pollen of flowers.
Other than playing,
we did not do anything in secrecy.
If we had, everyone would have
known about it.
It’s good nothing happened.
What does mother think,
the one who does not
ask us to go and pluck
blue waterlily flowers
with thick long stems,
blooming like eyes,
among many small leaves in ponds
where heron flock feed
on shrimp and cry near
shark-infested backwaters? Translated by Vaidehi
ந&:� யாR� ெந�ந� – yesterday you and I, =வ�� 6� தா% உைறA �
வ��ன� ஓ9ப� – chased bees that swarm flower pollen, ஒழி திைர வ,0த ெவ�
மண� – white sand that the dashing waves brought, அைடகைர – sand bars, கழி SM
கான� – seashore grove surrounded by backwaters, ஆ�ய% அ�றி – other than playing,
கர�% நா� ெச7த% ஒ�' இ�ைல – did not do anything in secrecy/hiding, உ��
என)� பர�% ப�ற� அறி�த�'� – if there was anything, everybody would have known
about it, இலேர ந�'� – good there is nothing, எவ� றி0தன+ ெகா� அ�ைன –
what does she think, கய� ேதா' – in all the ponds, இற – prawns, ஆ� இனA �
ஒலி9ப – feeding herds of herons/storks/cranes sound, Bறவ� கழி ேச� ம�Eகி� – in the
brackishwaters where there are sharks, கைணA கா� ந&� – extending their thick stems, க�
ேபா� =0தைம க�� – on seeing the flowers that bloom like eyes, 6� பல சி'
பாசைடய ெந7த� – waterlilies with many small leaves, 'ேமா ெச�' எனA Dறா
ேதாேள – one who does not ask us to go and pluck
ந�றிைண 28, I%D�றனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�
ெசா�ன%
எ� ைகA ெகா�� த� க� ஒ�றி:�
த� ைகA ெகா�� எ� ந� 6த� ந&வ�:�
அ�ைன ேபால இன)ய Dறி:�
க+வ� ேபாலA ெகா�ய� மாேதா
மண� என இழித�� அ�வ� ெபா� என
ேவEைக தாய ஓE மைல அ�Aக0%
ஆ� கைழ நிவ�த ைபE க� KEகி�
ஓ� மைழ கிழிA � ெச�ன)
ேகா� உய� ப�றEக� மைலகிழேவாேன
Even though he takes my hands
and presses them to his eyes;
takes up his own hands,
strokes my good forehead
and speaks sweet words like a mother,
he’s a thief, a cruel man,
that lord of the mountains
where the hills have tall peaks
and on the summits
the tall, swaying stems
of the bamboo with green nodes
cleave passing clouds
on the ranging mountain slopes
spread with golden kino flowers
where waterfall drop
like a stream of sapphires. Translated by Martha Ann Selby
எ� ைகA ெகா�� த� க�ஒ�றி:� – even though he takes my hand and presses
them to his eyes, த� ைகA ெகா�� எ� ந� 6த� ந&வ�:� – takes his own hands and
strokes my good forehead, அ�ைன ேபால இன)ய Dறி:� – speaks sweet words like a
mother, க+வ� ேபாலA ெகா�ய� மாேதா – he’s a cruel man like a thief, மண� என
இழித�� அ�வ� – sapphire colored flowing waterfalls, ெபா� என ேவEைக தாய –
gold like vengai flowers spread, ஓE மைல அ�Aக0% – on the tall mountain range, ஆ� –
swaying, கைழ – bamboo, நிவ�த – tall, ைபE – green, க� – bamboo node, KEகி� –
bamboo, ஓ� மைழ – passing clouds, கிழிA � ெச�ன) – sloping summit, ேகா� –
mountain, உய� – tall, ப�றEக� – mountain, மைலகிழேவாேன – lord of the mountains
ந�றிைண 30, ெகா�றனா�, ம�த� திைண- ேதாழி பர0ைதய,ட� ெச�Q�
தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%
க�டென� மகிMந! க�� எவ� ெச7ேகா!
பாண� ைகய% ப�-ைட3 சீறியாM
யாண� வ��� இ�ெமன இமி��
ஏ� த� ெத�வ�� எதி�3சி ேநாAகி நி�
மா�- தைலAெகா�ட மாண�ைழ மகள)�
கவ� ஏI�ற ெவ7% வ &M அ,9 பன)
கா� ஏI�ற ைபத� காைல
கட� மர� கவ�M�ெதனA கலEகி உட� வ &M-
பல� ெகா+ பலைக ேபால
வாEக வாEக நி�' ஊE அஞ� நிைலேய.
Lord! I saw you!
But what can I do about it?
When you walked on the beautiful street
where bees hum like the music
from the bard’s small lute,
women wearing elegant jewels were
waiting for you.
They who had hugged your chest before,
wanted you back again.
They shed tears and pulled you toward them
like a bunch of ship-wrecked people
fighting for a single wooden board
to save their lives.
What a pitiable situation? Translated by Vaidehi
க�டென� மகிMந – உ�ைனA க�ேட� தைலவேன, க�� எவ�ெச7ேகா
– க�� எ�ன ெச7வ%, பாண� ைகய% ப�-ைட3 சீறியாM – பாணன)�
ைகய�� ந�ல சி' யாM, யாண� வ��� இ�ெமன இமி�� – வழைமயான
வ��9ேபா� இ�ெமன ஒலிA �, ஏ�த� ெத�வ�� – அழகான ெத�வ��,
எதி�3சி ேநாAகி நி� – ந& வ�வைத எதி�9பா�0%, மா�- தைலAெகா�ட –
மா�ைப த�வ�Aெகா�ட, மாண�ைழ மகள)� – ஆபரணEக+ அண��த
ெப�க+, கவ� ஏI�ற ெவ7% – கவைலயா� மிக@� வ��தி, வ &M அ,9
பன) – க�ண &� வ�>�, கா� – கா�', ஏI�ற ைபத� காைல – அதிகமாக
அ�0த ெபா�%, கட�மர� – மரAகல�, கவ�M�ெதனA – கவ�ழ, கலEகி உட�
வ &M- – கலAக0%ட� யாவ�� (கடலி�) வ�ழ, பல� ெகா+ பலைக ேபால –
பல�� ப�'� பலைகைய9ேபா�, வாEகவாEக நி�' – உ�ைன ப��0%
இ�0%, ஊE அஞ� நிைலேய – ப,தாபமான நிைலைமேய
ந�றிைண 33, இளேவ>டனா�, பாைல திைண - ேதாழி ெசா�ன%
ப� Bட� அைட�த ப வா7 ெந� வைர
Iர�- ேச� சி' � பர�த மாைல
-ல�- D>��T� -�ெல� ம�ற0%
க�Qைட ப�வ�� கQழி த�%
நிைற ெபய� அறியாA ைற ஊ� அ�லி�
%வ� ெச7 ஆைட ெச� ெதாைட மறவ�
அத� பா�0% அ� � அ!Bவ� ெநறிய�ைட
இற9ப எ�Tவ� அவ� என)� ம'0த�
வ�Qவ� ெகா�ேலா ெம� இய� நா� என
வ��I' கிளவ�ய+ எ� Iக� ேநாAகி
ந� அக வன IைலA கைர ேச�-
ம� -ன� பர�த மல� ஏ� க�ேண.
My friend looks at my face and utters,
“I’m a weak person, and I don’t
have the strength to deny him the trip”.
She sobs between words and tears stream down
her flower-like beautiful eyes,
and fall on her breasts.
She fears that when the hot rays fold
into the widely split tall mountains
and the long evening hours speed,
he’ll sit alone in a hut on a rough land
in the parched wasteland, and
eat his left over grain meal after sunset
and drink water from dirty puddles.
The marauders wear red dyed clothes
on their strong bodies,
and eye the fierce paths at night. Translated by Vaidehi
ப� Bட� அைட�த – hot rays ended, ப வா7 – widely split , ெந� வைர – tall
mountains, Iர�- ேச� சி' � – gravel land hut, பர�த மாைல – spreading evening
time (after sunset), -ல�- – alone, sad, D>��T� – eat many, -�ெல� – grains,
ம�ற0% – common place, க�Qைட ப�வ�� – rock puddles ,கQழி த�% – give
muddied water, நிைற ெபய� அறியாA – does not know rains (parched land), ைற –
leftover , ஊ� – food, அ�லி� – be in contact, %வ� ெச7 ஆைட – red dyed clothing,
ெச� ெதாைட – strong body, மறவ� – robbers, அத� பா�0% அ� � – look at the path
at night ,அ!Bவ� ெநறிய�ைட – among the fearful paths, இற9ப எ�Tவ� – desires to
cross ,அவ� என)� ம'0த� -to deny him, வ�Qவ�ெகா�ேலா – I don’t have the
strength, ெம�லிய� நா� என – I’m a weak person, வ��I' – sobbing, கிளவ�ய+ –
she utters (words) ,எ� Iக� ேநாAகி – looks at my face, ந� அக வன, IைலA கைர
ேச�- – tears falling on her breasts, ம� -ன� – full stream, பர�த – spread, மல� –
flower, ஏ� – beautiful, க�ேண – eye
ந�றிைண 38, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�
ெசா�ன% – she says this when she sees the heroine in pain due to separation from her lover
ேவ>ட� ெபா7யா% வைல வள� சிற9ப
பா>ட� ெபா7யா% பரதவ� பகர
இ�� பன� த&� ப�ழி உ�ேபா� மகி��
ஆ� கலி யாண�0% ஆய�R� ேத� ெக�
ெம�ல� -ல�ப� ப�,ய�� -�ெலன
-ல�- ஆகி�ேற ேதாழி கலE ந&�
கழி SM பட9ைப கா�டவாய��
ஒலி கா ஓைல I+ மிைட ேவலி
ெப�ைண இவ�� ஆEக�
ெவ+ மண� பட9ைப எ� அ�Eக� ஊேர.
Unfailing abundance in their nets,
unfailing rains from the skies,
our flourishing fishermen sell fish,
drink toddy from the palmyra trees
and enjoy their lives.
Such is the happiness
in our grove-filled, loud Kāndavāyil town
that is surrounded by brackish waters.
It becomes sad if your man with
a fine chariot does not come,
and this slanderous town with its
palm fronds and thorn-fenced yards
with white sands and palm trees,
causes you grief. Translated by Vaidehi
ேவ>ட� – fishing, ெபா7யா% – unfailing, வைல வள� சிற9ப – abundance in the nets,
பா>ட� – clouds, ெபா7யா% – do not fail பரதவ� – fishermen, பகர – sell, இ�� – dark,
பன� த&� ப�ழி – palmyra liquor, உ�ேபா� மகி�� – drink and be happy, ஆ� – abundant,
கலி – bountiful, யாண�0% – new income, ஆய�R� – yet, ேத� ெக� – chariot owning,
ெம�ல� -ல�ப� – seashore lord, neythal land thalaivan, ப�,ய�� – if he separates,
-�ெலன – becomes sad, -ல�- ஆகி�ேற - gives grief, ேதாழி – friend, கலE ந&�
– brackish waters, கழி – salty land, SM – surrounding, பட9ைப – groves, கா�டவாய�� –
town called Kāndavāyil, ஒலி – noisy, கா – grove, ஓைல – palm fronds (leaves), I+ மிைட
ேவலி – thorny fence, ெப�ைண – female palm tree, இவ�� – grows, ஆEக� – there,
ெவ+ மண� – white sand, பட9ைப – grove, எ� அ�Eக� ஊேர – our slanderous town
ந�றிைண 45, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண - ேதாழி
தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%
இவேள கான� ந�ண�ய காம� சி' �
ந&� நிற9 ெப�E கட� கலEக உ+-A
ம2� எறி பரதவ� மகேள ந&ேய
ெந�E ெகா� 6டE � நியம KP�A
க�� ேத�3 ெச�வ� காத� மகேன
நிண3 Bறா அ'0த உணAக� ேவ��
இன9 -+ ஒ9-� எமA நல� எவேனா
-ல@ நா'%� ெசல நி�ற&ேமா
ெப� ந&� வ�ைள:+ எ� சி' ந� வாMAைக
6�ெமா� -ைரவேதா அ�ேற
எ�மேனா,� ெச�மQ� உைட0ேத.
This girl
lives in a village
near the shore,
a daughter of fishermen
who pierce and stir up the water
of the big blue sea
as they kill fish.
And you?
You’re from that old market town
where long banners shiver
in the breeze,
a beloved son
of a rich man
with fast chariots.
What is your beauty to us,
who want the dried meat
we slice from fat sharks
as we sit and scare off
flocks of birds?
We reek of fish,
so get ready to leave.
The good little lives
that we make for ourselves
from the fruits of the sea
are not like yours
and among us, too,
there are fine men to be had. Translated by Martha Ann Selby
இவேள – This girl, கான� – seashore, ந�ண�ய – nearby, காம� – desirable, சி' � –
village, ந&� நிற9 ெப�E கட� – blue colored big ocean, கலEக – கலEக, உ+ –
interior, -A – splash, ம2� – ம2�, எறி – cut into pieces, kill , பரதவ� மகேள – daughter of
the fishermen, ந&ேய – ந&ேய, ந&ேய – you, on the other hand, ெந�E ெகா� – long/tall
banner, 6டE � – shiver, நியம – market, KP�A – old town, க�� ேத�3 – fast chariot,
ெச�வ� – rich man, காத� மகேன – loving son, நிண3 Bறா – fat shark, அ'0த –
sliced, உணAக� – dried food, ேவ�� – request, இன9 -+ – flock of birds, ஒ9-� –
chase, எ மA நல� எவேனா – what is your beaty to us? (நல� – beauty)
-ல@ நா'%� – reek fish, ெசல நி�ற&ேமா – get ready to leave, ெப� ந&� – sea
வ�ைள:+ – yields, எ� சி' ந� வாMAைக – the good little lives, 6�ெமா�
-ைரவேதா அ�ேற – are not great like yours, எ�மேனா,� – among us, ெச�மQ�
உைட0ேத – have fine men
ந�றிைண 52, பால0தனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ� த� ெந!BA
ெசா�ன%
மாA ெகா� அதிர� =ெவா� பாதி,0
P0 தக>� எதி� மல� ேவ7�த D�த�
மண� கமM நா�ற� மWஇ யா� இவ+
BணE அண� ஆக� அைடய IயEகி
வ &E உவ�A கவவ�� ந&Eக� ெச�ேல�
ந&ேய ஆ+ வ�ைன சிற9ப எ�ண� நாX�
ப�,�% உைற வாMAைக -,�% அைமயைலேய
அ�- இைல வாழி எ� ெந!ேச ெவ� ேபா�
மழவ� ெப� மக� மா வ+ ஓ,
ைக வள� இையவ% ஆய�R�
ஐ% ஏ அ�ம இைய�% ெச7 ெபா�ேள.
My heart! You want to earn wealth.
You don’t understand the life of separation
from my beautiful girl who adorns her hair
with vine-grown, dark, wild jasmines and gold-sheet
like pāthiri flowers that are woven
together, spreading their full fragrances.
I will not leave the sweet embraces of
that girl with yellow beauty spots on her breasts.
Even if I earn wealth like that of the generous
great victorious charitable warrior king Ori,
that is not more than her love. Translated by Vaidehi
மாA ெகா� – dark vine, அதிர� =ெவா� – with wild jasmine, பாதி,0 – pāthiri flower,
P0 தக>� – pure gold sheet, எதி� மல� – place flowers opposite, ேவ7�த D�த� –
woven for the hair, மண� கமM – very fragrant, நா�ற� மWஇ யா� – fragrance mixed,
இவ+ – she, BணE – yellow beauty marks, அண� -beauty, ஆக� – breasts, அைடய
IயEகி – embrace, வ &E – increased, உவ�A கவவ�� – sweet embrace , ந&Eக�
ெச�ேல� – will not leave and go, ந&ேய – you, ஆ+வ�ைன சிற9ப எ�ண� – you want to
achieve wealth, நாX� – daily, ப�,�% உைற வாMAைக – a life with separation, -,�%
அைமயைலேய – don’t understand, அ�- இைல , வாழி எ� ெந!ேச – greetings, my
heart, ெவ� ேபா� – fierce battle, மழவ� – warriors, ெப� மக� – leader, மா – big, வ+
ஓ, – brave king Ori, ைக வள� – charitable hands, இையவ% ஆய�R� – if I get, ஐ%
ஏ அ�ம – it is not more, இைய�% ெச7 ெபா�ேள – that earned wealth
ந�றிைண 54, ேச�தE க�ணனா�, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ� ெசா�ன%
வைள ந&� ேம7�% கிைள Iத�ெசல2இ
வா9 பைற வ���ப�ைனஆய�R� P3 சிைற
இ�� -லா அ��%� நி� கிைளய� சிறி% இ��%
க�E கா� ெவ� � எனவ ேக�மதி
ெப�� -ல�ப��ேற சி' -� மாைல
அ% ந& அறிய�� அ�-மா� உைடைய
ெநா%ம� ெந!ச� ெகா+ளா% எ� ைற
இ�றாE உணர உைரமதி தைழேயா�
ெகா7 ைழ அ��ப�ய ம, ஞாழ�
ெத� திைர மண�9 -ற� ைதவ��
க�ட� ேவலி 6� %ைற கிழேவா�ேக.
O White heron with pure feathers
and black legs!
You love to dive into the ocean
with your relatives
and eat abundant fish.
Please listen to me!
This evening time brings me
great sorrow.
If you understand the reason,
you’ll be kind to me
and let him know how I feel,
the man from the port where
cold waves spray on the trunks
of young gnazhal trees,
and fences of screwpines with leaves
are easy to pluck for making clothes, abound. Translated by Vaidehi
வைள ந&� – surrounded water (ocean), ேம7�% – eat, கிைள Iத� – with relatives,
ெசல2இ – go, வா9பைற – fly and dive, வ���ப�ைன ஆய�R� – even if you desire, P3
சிைற – pure feathers, இ�� -லா – lots of meat – fish, அ��%� நி� கிைளய� – eat
with your relatives, சிறி% இ��% – stay a little bit, க�E கா� – blacked legged, ெவ�
� – white heron, எனவ ேக�மதி – and so hear me, ெப�� -ல�ப��ேற ,சி'
-� மாைல – hours of the painful evening, அ% ந& அறிய�� – if you understand,
அ�-மா� உைடைய – you will show kindness, ெநா%ம� ெந!ச� ெகா+ளா% -
without any reservations, எ� ைற – my complaint, இ�றாE உணர உைரமதி –
understand it and tell him, தைழேயா� – those who wear leaf clothing, ெகா7 – plucking, ைழ
– leaves, அ��ப�ய – growing, ம, – young, ஞாழ� – gnālal tree – a small tree growing in the
seashore – neythal land, tigerclaw tree, cassia sophera, ெத� திைர – cold waves, மண�9 -ற�
– on the base, ைதவ�� – hit against, க�ட� ேவலி – thāzhai, fragrant screw-pine fence,
6� %ைற கிழேவா�ேக – man of our port
ந�றிைண 60, PEகேலா,யா�, ம�த� திைண - ேதாழி ெசா�ன%
மைல க�ட�ன நிைல -ண�நிவ9ப��
ெப� ெந� ப� D>� எ�ைம உழவ
க� பைட ெபறாஅ% த� -ல� வ��ய�
க�E க� வராஅ� ெப�� த� மிள)� ைவய�
-க�ைவ அ,சி9 ெபா�ம� ெப�! ேசா'
கவ� ப� ைகைய க�ம மா�தி
ந&� உ' ெச'வ�� நா' I� அ�0த நி�
ந�நெரா� ேசறிஆய�� அவ�
சா:� ெந7தQ� ஓ�-மதி எ�மி�
மா இ�E D�த� மட�ைத
ஆ7 வைள D>�� அண�:மா� அைவேய.
Farmer who has many buffaloes
and many tall, mountain-like rice bins!
You wake up at the crack of dawn
without much sleep
and eat big shining pieces of cooked
black-eyed varāl fish
with big balls of fine rice.
When you go to plant paddy
grass in the water-filled fields,
please protect the drooping
waterlies.
The young girl with thick dark hair
wears them as beautiful bangles. Translated by Vaidehi
மைல க�ட�ன – like mountains, நிைல -ண� – put together, நிவ9ப�� – tall, ெப�
ெந� ப� D>� – many big rice bins, எ�ைம உழவ – farmer/plouhman owning buffaloes,
க�பைட ெபறாஅ% – not sleeping, த� – cold, -ல� – dawn, வ��ய� – early morning,
க�E க� வராஅ� – black eyed varāl fish, ெப�� த� – big pieces, மிள)�ைவய� –
shining as it is cooked, -க�ைவ – food, அ,சி – rice, ெபா�ம� – splendid, ெப�! ேசா'
– big rice balls, கவ� ப� – enjoy and eat, ைகைய - with your hands,க�ம – lots, மா�தி
– eat, ந&� உ' ெச'வ�� – water filled fields, நா' I� அ�0த – plant paddy grass,
நி� – your, ந�நெரா� – those who plant, ேசறி – go, ஆய�� அவ� – and there,
சா:� ெந7தQ� – bending neythal plants - purple waterlilies, ஓ�-மதி – protect, எ�மி�
– our, மா இ�E D�த� – dark thick hair, மட�ைத – young girl, ஆ7 வைள – beautiful
bangles, D>�� – weaves, அண�:மா� அைவேய – and wears them
ந�றிைண 61, சி'ேமாலிகனா�, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�
D'வைத9ேபா� ெசா�Qவ% - The friend utters these words knowing that the hero
listening to her. Indirectly she is urging him to come and marry her friend, by being the voice of the
heroine.
ேகளா7 எ�ல ேதாழி அ�க�
ேவணவா நலிய ெவ7ய உய�ரா
ஏ மா� ப�ைணய�� வ��திெனனாக
%ய� ம�E அறி�தன+ ேபால அ�ைன
%!சாேயா எ� 'மக+ எ�றலி�
ெசா� ெவள)9படாைம ெம�ல எ� ெந!சி�
ப� மைழ ெபாழி�த பாைற ம�Eகி�
சிர� வா7 உ�ற தளவ�� பர� அவ�
கா� ெக� நாட� பட��ேதா�A A
க�T� ப�ேமா எ�றிசி� யாேன.
Listen my friend!
Last night I was distressed with desire
for my lover and was in deep pain like
a female deer pierced by an arrow.
I sighed deeply and mother asked me
“are you not sleeping my little girl?”,
like she understood my sadness.
Words didn’t come out of my mouth,
but quietly I said to my heart,
“how could I close my eyes when I am
separated from my man from the country
with splendid forests, heavy rains
and kingfisher-mouth like jasmine
that grow near rocks on gravel beds. Translated by Vaidehi
ேகளா7 எ�ல ேதாழி – listen my friend, அ�க� – yesterday night, ேவணவா –
increasing desire, நலிய – distressed, ெவ7ய – hot, உய�ரா – deep breath, sighed, ஏ – arrow,
மா� ப�ைணய�� – like a female deer ,வ��திெனனாக – when I was sad, %ய�
ம�E அறி�தன+ ேபால - like she understood my sadness, அ�ைன – mother,
%!சாேயா எ� 'மக+ எ�றலி� – aren’t you not sleeping my little daughter she
asked, ெசா� ெவள)9படாைம – words didn’t come out, ெம�ல எ� ெந!சி� – slowly
in my heart, ப� மைழ ெபாழி�த – heavy rains had fallen ,பாைற ம�Eகி� – near the
rocks, சிர� வா7 உ�ற – like the kingfisher’s mouth, தளவ�� – jasmine vine, பர�
அவ� – tiny gravel, கா� ெக� – splendid forest, நாட� – country man, பட��ேதா�A A
– those separated from him, க�T� ப�ேமா எ�றிசி� யாேன – could I close my eyes
(an sleep), I said
ந�றிைண 64, உேலா3சனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�
ெசா�ன% – when the friend
wants to send word (P%) to the hero.
எ�ன�ஆய�R� இன) நிைன@ ஒழிக
அ�னவாக இைனய� ேதாழி யா�
இ�னமாக ந0 %ற�ேதா� ந>- எவ�
மர� நா� உ�Aைக மைல உைற றவ�
அறியா% அ'0த சிறிய�ைல3 சா�த�
வறR�' ஆர I�Aகி ைபெயன
மர� வறிதாக3 ேசா��% உAகாE எ�
அறி@� உ+ளI� அவ� வய�� ெச�ெறன
வறிதா� இ ைள எ� யாAைக இன) அவ�
வ,R� ேநா7 ம��% அ�ல� வாரா%
அவண� ஆ க காதல� இவ� ந�
காம� பட� அட வ��திய
ேநா7 மலி வ�0த� காண�மா� எமேர.
However special he is,
let thoughts of him end.
Don’t feel sad my friend.
Why do we need the friendship
of the one who abandoned us?
The mountain men who wear hemp fiber
clothes have peeled sandal tree barks
that have dried out and wilted.
Their oozing sap, is like my
intelligence and heart that go toward him
even when my body has no feelings.
He will not be a cure to my illness
even if he comes back.
Let him stay there, my friend.
I hope that my relatives don’t see
my deep sadness and heavy sorrow. Translated by Vaidehi
எ�ன� ஆய�R� – however he is, இன) நிைன@ ஒழிக – let thoughts (of him) end,
அ�னவாக – for that, இைனய� – don’t feel sad, ேதாழி – friend, யா� – our,
இ�னமாக ந0 %ற�ேதா� – gave sorrow and parted us, ந>- – friendship, எவ� – why,
மர� நா� உ�Aைக – hemp fiber clothing, மைல உைற றவ� – mountain residing
kuravars, அறியா% – without knowing, அ'0த – cut, சிறிய�ைல – small leaved, சா�த� –
sandalwood tree, வறR�' – dried – no feelings, and sap oozed, ஆர – fully, I�Aகி –
destroyed, ைபெயன – slowly, மர� வறிதாக3 ேசா��% – tree dried and got sick looking,
உA ஆE – wilted there, எ� – my, அறி@� உ+ளI� – intelligence and heart,
அவ� வய�� ெச�ெறன – went toward him, வறிதா� – dried out , இ ைள – friend,
எ� யாAைக – my body, இன) அவ� – now his, வ,R� – if he comes, ேநா7 ம��%
அ�ல� – he won’t be medicine to my sickness, வாரா% – not come, அவண� ஆ க – stay
there, காதல� – lover, இவ� ந� – here our, காம� பட� – love affliction, அட
வ��திய – heavy sadness, ேநா7 – disease, மலி வ�0த� – lot of sorrow, காண�மா�
எமேர – (I hope) my relatives don’t see it
ந�றிைண 70, ெவ+ள) வ &தியா�, ம�த� திைண – தைலவ� ெசா�ன% ( � could be herons, egrets or storks)
சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக
%ைற ேபா அ'ைவ0 P ம� அ�ன
நிற� கிள� Pவ�3 சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக
எ� ஊ� வ�% எ� உ� %ைற0 %ைழஇ
சிைனA ெகள)�' ஆ�ைகைய அவ� ஊ�9 ெபய�தி
அைனய அ�ப�ைனேயா ெப� மறவ�ையேயா
ஆEக� த&� -ன� ஈEக� பரA �
கழன) ந� ஊ� மகிMந�A எ�
இைழ ெநகிM ப�வர� ெச9பாேதாேய.
O Small white heron! O Small white heron!
with bright white feathers looking
like shore-washed clothes,
Come to our town and search our ponds
for pregnant keliru fish,
and eat them until you are full.
Go to his town with fertile fields
and wide sweet waters
and kindly remember to tell my beloved man
that I am sad and afflicted with love,
and that my bangles are slipping away from my hand. Translated by Vaidehi
சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக – small white heron, சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக – small white heron,
%ைற ேபா – (taken to) water shores, அ'ைவ – garments, Pம� – washed ,அ�ன –
like, நிற� – color, கிள� – bright, Pவ� – feathers ,சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக – small white
pelican, எ� ஊ� வ�% – came to our town, எ� – our, உ�%ைற0 – drinking water shores,
%ைழஇ – search, சிைனA ெகள)�' – get the pregnant keliru fish, ஆ�ைகைய – full,
அவ� ஊ�9 ெபய�தி – move to his town, அைனய அ�ப�ைனேயா – with kindness
,ெப� மறவ�ையேயா – without forgetting, ஆEக� – there, த&� -ன� – sweet water,
ஈEக� – here, பரA � – spread, கழன) ந� ஊ� – good town with fields, மகிMந�A –
my loved one, எ� – my, இைழ ெநகிM – jewel (bangle) slipping, ப�வர� – sadness,
ெச9பாேதாேய – won’t you tell him
ந�றிைண 79, க�ணகனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ� ெசா�ன%
சிைற நா+ ஈEைக உைற நன) திர+வ &
Dைர ந� மைனA '� ெதா� மகள)�
மண� ஆ� கழEகி� அைற மிைச0 தாஅ�
ஏ� தரQ�ற இயA அ�E கவைல9
ப�,�ேதா� வ�% ந9-ணர9 -ண��ேதா�
ப�,த� SMதலி� அ,ய%� உ�ேடா
எ�' நா� DறிA காம� ெச9-%�
ெச9பா% வ��ேன உய�ெரா�� வ�த�'
அ�ம வாழி ேதாழி
யாதன)� தவ��A வ� காதல� ெசலேவ.
May you live long, my friend!
He wants to go
on the confusing difficult paths,
where,
honey that fresh eengai
flowers drop on the rocks below
look like molucca beans on sand
in the yards of fine houses with
roofs,
with which girls with small bangles play.
Is there anything more harsh
than separation from a loved one?
I want to tell him how I feel.
If I don’t tell him, my life will
not be a good one.
How can I stop him from going away? Translated by Vaidehi
சிைற – this side, nearby, நா+ ஈEைக – day’s fresh eengai உைற – (honey) drops, நன)
திர+ – filled, வ & – flowers, Dைர ந� மைனA – fine house with a roof, '� ெதா�
மகள)� – women with small bangles, மண� ஆ� கழEகி� – veriyattam kazhangu seeds,
அைற – rocks, மிைச – on it, தாஅ� – spread, ஏ� – beautiful, தரQ�ற – that yielded,
இயA – moving, அ�E கவைல – confusing curved paths, ப�,�ேதா� – those who are
separated, வ�% ந9-ணர9 -ண��ேதா� – embraced me with love, ப�,த� SMதலி� –
if separation happens, அ,ய%� உ�ேடா – is there anything more harsh, எ�' நா� Dறி
– if I say that, காம� ெச9-%� – tell that with love, ெச9பா% வ��ேன – if I don’t tell him,
உய�ெரா�� வ�த�' – my life will not be good, அ�ம வாழி ேதாழி – greetings my
friend, யாதன)� தவ��A வ� – how can I stop, காதல� ெசலேவ – lover’s going away
ந�றிைண 86, நAகீர�, பாைல திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன%
அறவ� வாழி ேதாழி மறவ�
ேவ� என வ�,�த க%9ப�� ேதால
பா��� ஒ9ப�� பக�ைற மல��
க�� பன) அ�சிர� ந�Eக கா�தகA
ைக வ� வ�ைனவ� ைத:- ெசா,�த
B,தக உ�வ�ன ஆகி9 ெப,ய
ேகாEக� வ� Iைக அவ�ழ ஈEைக
ந� தள)� நயவர 6டE �
I�றா ேவன)� I�ன) வ�ேதாேர.
My friend!
Your lover left in the very harsh
early dew season
when the round pakandrai flowers
that are as wide as spears of warriors
were in bloom, and you trembled.
If he thinks about you and comes back
in early summer
when the kongam flowers that look
like skilled artists-created
beautiful head ornaments bloom
and the elegant eengai sprouts sway,
he is a just man. May be live long! Translated by Vaidehi
அறவ� வாழி – long live the just man, ேதாழி – friend, மறவ� – warriors, ேவ� என
வ�,�த – spread like a spear, க%9ப�� ேதால – covered skin, பா��� – round, ஒ9ப��
– like, பக�ைற மல�� – pakandrai flowers, க�� பன) – harsh dew season, அ�சிர� –
early dew season, ந�Eக – tremble, கா�தக -seen, ைக வ� வ�ைனவ� – talented
hand-skilled man, ைத:- – created, ெசா,�த – made, B,தக – hair jewel, உ�வ�ன ஆகி9
– ெப,ய – big, ேகாEக� – kongam, வ� Iைக – closed buds, அவ�ழ – open, ஈEைக –
eengai, ந� தள)� – fine sprouts, நயவர – elegantly, 6டE � - swaying, I�றா
ேவன)� – early summer, I�ன) வ�ேதாேர – think of me and come
ந�றிைண 90, அ!சி� அ!சியா�, ம�த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�
ெசா�ன%, பாண� ேக> �ப�யாக – The urai written by the Tamil scholar S. V.
Subramanian and others state that the hero sends a message through the bard that he wants to return,
and the friend refuses the offer – the implication is that due to his quarrel with his concubine (the
dancer), he wants to return to his wife.
ஆ� இய� வ�ழவ�� அ�Eக� KP�
உைடேயா� ப�ைமய�� ெப�E ைக Pவா
வற� இ� -ைல0தி எ�லி0 ேதா70த
-கா9 -க� ெகா�ட -� =E கலிEகெமா�
வாடா மாைல %ய�வர ஓ�
ெப�E கய�' நாQ� இ�� பன� ப�ைணய�
=E க� ஆய� ஊAக ஊEகா+
அ�தன+ ெபய�� அ� சி� ஓதி
ந�D� ெப��� சி� வைளA 'மக+
ஊச� உ' ெதாழி� =ச� D>டா
நய� இ� மாAகேளா� ெகழ&இ
பய� இ�' அ�ம இ? ேவ�%ைட அைவேய.
During the dance festival
in this loud ancient town,
the poor washer-woman washes for many,
soaks the clothes in thin rice gruel
and rinses them.
The dancing girl wears soft fine clothes
washed by her,
dons a fresh flower garland that sways
as she runs,
sits on a swing with thick ropes made
with dark palmyra fibers
which is pushed by her friends.
She cries and moves away,
this young girl with soft hair and few bangles,
the one who is in pain because of the quarrel.
She is in the midst of undesirable people,
and the king’s dancing hall remains unused. Translated by Vaidehi
ஆ� இய� வ�ழவ�� – dance festival, அ�Eக� KP� – loud ancient town,
உைடேயா� – having, ப�ைமய�� – many, ெப�Eைக Pவா – non-stopping, வற�
இ� – without wealth, -ைல0தி – washerwoman, எ�லி – night, ேதா70த – soaked, -கா
– food, -க� – kanji, ெகா�ட – with, -� =E கலிEகெமா� – some fresh clothes,
வாடா மாைல – fresh garland, %ய� வர – swaying, ஓ� – run, ெப�E கய�' – big
rope, நாQ� – twisted, இ�� பன� – dark palmyra, ப�ைணய� – woven, =E க� –
flower-like eyes, ஆய� – friends, ஊAக – push, ஊEகா+ – does not swing, அ�தன+
ெபய�� – cried and moved, அ� சி� ஓதி – beautiful delicate hair, ந�D� – suffering,
weary ெப��� – woman , சி� – delicate or few, வைளA 'மக+ – young girl with
bangles, ஊச� – swing, உ' ெதாழி� – inherent business, =ச� D>டா – without quarrel,
நய� இ� மாAகேளா� ெகழ&இ – mixed with undesirable people, பய� இ�' –
without use, அ�ம – an expletive, இ? ேவ�%ைட அைவேய – this king’s dance hall,
assembly hall
ந�றிைண 95, ேகா>ட�பலவனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ெசா�ன%
கைழ பா� இரEக ப� இய� கறEக
ஆ� மக+ நட�த ெகா�� -, ேநா� கய��'
அதவ0 த&� கன) அ�ன ெச� Iக0
%70 தைல ம�தி வ� பறM PEக
கைழA க� இ�� ெபாைற ஏறி வ�ைச0% எ��%
றA 'மாAக+ தாள� ெகா>�� அA
�றக0த%ேவ � மிைள3 சீJ�
சீJேராேள நா' மய��A ெகா�3சி
ெகா�3சி ைகயக0த%ேவ ப�ற�
வ��0த� ஆகா% ப�ண�0த எ� ெந!ேச.
In the small well-guarded hamlet in the hills
where my girl with fragrant hair lives,
bamboo flutes and instruments create loud music
and kuravar children climb rapidly
on big boulders and clap to that beat,
as a sweet-fig colored soft-headed, red-faced,
strong young female monkey balances and sways
on the tightly twisted high rope,
that belonged to a dancing girl.
She holds my heart, and only she can release it. Translated by Vaidehi
கைழ – KEகி� (-�லாE ழ�), பா� இரEக – இைச ஒலிAக, ப� இய�
கறEக – பல வைக வா0தியEகX� IழEக, ஆ� மக+ நட�த – ஆ��
ெப�ண நட�த, ெகா�� -, ேநா� கய��' – ெப�� I'A �ட
வலிைமயான கய��றி�, அதவ0 த&� கன) அ�ன – அ0திய�� இன)ய
பழ0ைத9ேபா�ற, ெச� Iக0 – சிக9- Iக�, %70 தைல ம�தி – ப!B
(ேபா�ற) தைலைய உைடய ெப� ரEகி�, வ� பறM PEக – வQவான
>� ஆட, கைழA க� – KEகி� அ�கி�, இ�� ெபாைற ஏறி – ெப,ய
பாைறய�� ம2% ஏறி, வ�ைச0% எ��% – ேவகமாக எ��%, ற 'மாAக+ –
மைலய�� வா�பவ�கள)� சி'வ�க+, தாள� ெகா>�� – தாள�
ெகா>�வா�க+, அA �றக0த%ேவ – அ�தA �ற0திேல, � – வளமான,
மிைள சீJ� – காவQைடய சி�J�, சீJேராேள – சி�J,� உ+ளவேள, நா'
மய��A ெகா�3சி – ந' மனI+ள D�தைல@ைடய மைல நா>�9ெப�,
ெகா�3சி – அ�த9ெப�, ைகயக0த%ேவ – ைகயாேல, ப�ற� – ப�றரா�,
வ��0த� ஆகா% – வ��வ�Aக I�யா%, ப�ண�0த எ� ெந!ேச –
ப�ண�Aக9ப>ட% எ� ெந!B
ந�றிைண 97, மாற� வ�தி, I�ைல திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�
ெசா�ன%
அ��% ப� வ��9 -� வ��- வா7 -லரா
எ?வ ெந!ச0% எஃ எறி�தாE
ப�,வ�ல -ல�ப� 6வQ� ய�லிR�
ேத' ந&� ெகழ&இய யா' நன) ெகா�ேத
அதன)R� ெகா�ய+ தாேன மதன)�
%70 தைல இதழ ைபE �Aக0திேயா�
ப�0திைக வ�ர@ மல� ெகா+ள &ேரா என
வ�� SM வ>�ய+ தி,த��
த�டைல உழவ� தன) மட மகேள.
When the cuckoo
sings near me
in plaintiff notes,
the hurt is like a deep,
unhealed wound sore being
thrust with a lance.
Harsher than that is when the
river runs with abundant
clear water.
Much more harsher than that
is the farmer’s special,
delicate daughter who
calls out and sells
in her bee-swarming basket,
fresh kurukkathi flowers
with beautiful soft petals,
mixed with jasmine flowers
raised in the field. Translated by Vaidehi
அ��% ப� வ��9 -� – deep old sore, வ��- வா7 -லரா – scar that’s edges have
not dried up, எ?வ ெந!ச0% – painful heart, எஃ எறி�தாE – like a spear was plunged,
ப�,வ�ல -ல�ப� 6வQ� ய�லிR� – more than the cuckoo bird singing mournfully,
ேத' ந&� ெகழ&இய யா' – river that runs with abundant clear water, நன) ெகா�ேத – is
more harsher, அதன)R� ெகா�ய+ தாேன – the girl who is harsher than that, மதன)�
%70 தைல இதழ – beautiful soft top petals, ைபE �Aக0திேயா� ப�0திைக
வ�ர@ மல� ெகா+ள &ேரா என – mixed fresh kurukkathi and jasmine flowers, will you take,
வ�� SM வ>�ய+ – bee-swarming basket, தி,த�� – going around, த�டைல –
field, உழவ� தன) மட மகேள – the farmer’s special delicate daughter
ந�றிைண 98, பா��ய� உAகிர9 ெப�வ�தி, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ�
ெசா�ன%
எ7� I+ அ�ன பOஉ மய��எ�0தி�
ெச77�� ேமவ� சி' க> ப�றி
ஓE மைல வ�ய� -ன� ப[இய� வ &E ெபாறி
\ைழ 6ைழ:� ெபா�தி� தாழா%
பாEக�9 பAக0%9 ப�லி ப>ெடன
ெம�லெம�ல9 ப�றAேக ெபய��% த�
க� அைள9 ப+ள) வதி:� நாட�
எ�ைத ஓ�-� க� உைட வ�ய� நக�0
%!சாA காவல� இகM பத� ேநாAகி
இரவ�� வOஉ� அதன)R� ெகா�ேத
ைவகQ� ெபா��த� ஒ�லாA
க�ெணா� வாரா எ� நா� இ� ெந!ேச.
O man from the country where
a small-eyed pig with porcupine-quill-like
coarse neck hair
walks toward the wide millet field
in the tall mountain
anxious to graze, unaware of the big trap,
but walks back to his cave to sleep,
when he hears a lizard call from a nearly
toothbrush tree!
You come into my father’s well-guarded big house
when the guards are tired.
Harsher than that is when
my tired eyes are unable to close
during the day, and my soft heart is lost. Translated by Vaidehi
எ7� I+ அ�ன – porcupine hair like, பOஉ மய�� – coarse hair, எ�0தி� – in the
neck, ெச77�� ேமவ� – to eat, சி' க> ப�றி – small-eyed pig, ஓE மைல – tall
mountain, வ�ய� -ன� – wide field, ப[இய� – to catch, வ &E – big, ெபாறி – trap,
\ைழ – small path, 6ைழ:� ெபா�தி� – when entering, தாழா% – without delay,
பாEக�9 – toothbrush tree, பAக0%9 – nearby, ப�லி ப>ெடன – heard lizard calls,
ெம�லெம�ல9 ப�றAேக ெபய��% த� – slowly went back to his, க� அைள9 –
rock cave, ப+ள) – to sleep, வதி:� – lives, நாட� – country man, எ�ைத ஓ�-� – my
father fosters (my) virtue, க� உைட – with protection, வ�ய� நக�0 – big house, %!சாA
காவல� – sleepless guards, இகM பத� ேநாAகி – see when they are tired, இரவ��
வOஉ� – to come at night, அதன)R� ெகா�ேத – harsher than that, ைவகQ� – every
day, ெபா��த� ஒ�லா – unable to close, க�ெணா� – tired eyes, வாரா – doesn’t come
back, எ� நா� இ� ெந!ேச – my soft heart
ந�றிைண 100, பரண�, ம�த� திைண - பர0ைத வ�றலிய�ட� ெசா�ன%
உ+Xெதா'� ந ேவ� ேதாழி வ+உகி�
மா,A ெகாAகி� D� அல அ�ன
�� ந&� ஆ�ப� த� %ைற ஊர�
ேத� கமM ஐ�பா� ப�றி எ� வய��
வா� ேகா� எ� வைள ெவளவ�ய =ச�
சினவ�ய Iக0% சினவா% ெச�' நி�
மைனேயா> உைர9ப� எ�றலி� Iைன ஊ�9
ப� ஆ ெந� நிைர வ��லி� ஒ7:�
ேத� வ� மைலய� I�ைத ேப� இைச9
-ல� -, வய�,ய� நல� -, Iழவ��
ம� ஆ� க�ண�� அதி��
ந�னராள� ந�E அஞ� நிைலேய.
Whenever I think about it,
I laugh my friend.
The man
from the cool port
where waterlilies grow
in ponds deep like bills of
rainy-season storks,
pulled my honey-fragrant,
five-part braid and plucked
my white, bright bangles
from my hand
when we had a quarrel,
and made me angry.
I told him
that I was going to tell his wife
about what happened.
The man who wants it good,
trembled with fear
like the roaring
mud-packed, beautiful
tight drums of the dancers
who came from another land
to dance for king Malaiyamān,
who donates fine chariots
to those who come
to him after winning cattle herds
from the other side of town. Translated by Vaidehi
உ+Xெதா'� – whenever I think about it, ந ேவ� ேதாழி – I laugh my friend, வ+உகி�
– sharp claws, மா,A ெகாAகி� – rainy season stork, D� அல – sharp beak, அ�ன –
like, �� – pond, ந&� – water, ஆ�ப� – white waterlily, த� %ைற – cool port, ஊர�
– man from such town, ேத� கமM – honey fragrant, ஐ�பா� – five-part braid, ப�றி – held,
எ� – my, வய�� – with me, வா� ேகா� – white round, எ� வைள – bright bangles,
ெவளவ�ய – plucked, removed, =ச� – quarrel, சினவ�ய Iக0% – angry face, சினவா%
ெச�' – go without anger, நி� – your, மைனேயா> உைர9ப� – I’ll tell your wife,
எ�றலி� – I said that, Iைன ஊ� – edge of town, ப� ஆ – many cows, ெந� நிைர –
lots of cattle, வ��லி� – battle with arrows, ஒ7:� – win, ேத� வ� மைலய� –
Malaiyaman who gives fine chariots, I�ைத – ancient, ேப� இைச – great fame, -ல� -,
வய�,ய� – dancers who came from another land, நல� -, Iழவ�� – beautiful tight
drum’s, ம� ஆ� க�ண�� – mud packed eyes, அதி�� – sound, ந�னராள� – one
who wants it good, ந�E – tremble, அஞ� நிைலேய – distressed situation
ந�றிைண 102, ெச�ப�யனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� கிள)ய�ட� ெசா�ன% – She wants the bird to tell her lover that she’s alone in the millet field
ெகா�E ர� ைற0த ெச? வா79ைபE கிள)
அ!ச� ஓ�ப� ஆ� பத� ெகா��
நி� ைற I�0த ப��ைற எ� ைற
ெச7த� ேவ��மா� ைக ெதா�% இர9ப�
ப� ேகா> பலவ�� சார� அவ� நா>�
நி� கிைள ம�Eகி� ேசறி ஆய��
அ� மைல கிழேவா� உைரமதி இ� மைலA
கானA றவ� மட மக+
ஏன� காவ� ஆய�ன+ எனேவ.
O beautiful red-mouthed green parrot!
Do not fear me!
Eat as much as you want, and when satisfied,
take care of my desire.
I beg your favor with my clasped hands.
If you go to see your relatives in the nearby
mountains where jackfruit trees have many branches,
see the lord of the mountain
and tell him that the forest dweller’s innocent daughter
is waiting for him in the millet field. Translated by Vaidehi
ெகா�E ர� – curved millet stalks, ைற0த – reduced (by eating), ெச?வா79 ைபE
கிள) – red mouthed green parrot, அ!ச� ஓ�ப� – remove (your) fear, ஆ�பத� ெகா��
– take food, நி� ைற I�0த ப��ைற – once your need is satisfied, எ� ைற – my
need, ெச7த�ேவ��மா� – to take care, ைக ெதா�% இர9ப� – I plead with my
hands, ப� ேகா> பலவ�� – many branched jackfruit tree, சார� – mountain slopes, அவ�
நா>� – his country, நி� கிைள – your relatives, ம�Eகி� – nearby, ேசறி ஆய�� – if
you reach, அ� மைல கிழேவா� – lord of that mountain, உைரமதி – tell him, இ�
மைலA – this mountain, கானA றவ� மட மக+ – forest kuravar’s innocent daughter,
ஏன� காவ� ஆய�ன+ எனேவ – is in the millet field to protect
ந�றிைண 105, Iட0தி�மாற� , பாைல திைண – தைலவ� த� ெந!சிட�
ெசா�ன%
Iள) ெகா� வல�த I+ அைர இலவ0%
ஒள)� சிைன அதிர வ &சி வ�ள)பட
ெவ? வள) வழE � ேவ7 பய�� ம�Eகி�
க� நைட யாைன க�ெறா� வ��த
ெந� ந&� அ�ற நிழ� இ� ஆEக�
அ�! BரA கவைலய எ�னா7 ெந�! ேச�
ப>டைன வாழிய ெந!ேச >�வ�
ட வைர3 Bைனய மா இதMA வைள
வ�� ப� வா� ேபா% கம��
அ� சி� ஓதி அ�� பட� உறேவ.
Greetings to you, my heart!
The hot wind is blowing and
silk-cotton trees with thorns in their trunks
and dry vine twined around them,
are trembling as their branches break;
an elephant walking with her calf is distressed
with no water or shade in sight;
you are trying to cross this difficult path.
Your bond with the girl with eyes like
the blue waterlilies of Cheran’s mountain springs,
and delicate hair
filled with the fragrance of white buds
swarmed by bees, is precious. Translated by Vaidehi
Iள) ெகா� – dried creepers, வல�த – surrounded, I+ – thorny, அைர – trunk,
இலவ0% – silk-cotton tree’s, ஒள)� சிைன – branch, அதிர – tremble, வ &சி – blow, வ�ள)
– sounds, பட – break, ெவ? வள) – hot wind, வழE � – happen, ேவ7 பய�� –
bamboo filled, ம�Eகி� – area, க� நைட யாைன – fast walking elephant, க�ெறா�
வ��த – sad with calf, ெந� ந&� அ�ற நிழ� இ� – no water or shade for a long distance,
ஆEக� – there, அ�! BரA – difficult dry path, கவைலய – cuved paths, எ�னா7 –
you do not think, ெந�! ேச� – far away, ப>டைன – வாழிய ெந!ேச – may you live
long my heart, >�வ� – Cheran king, ட வைர – western mountains, Bைனய – springs,
மா இதMA வைள – dark leaf purple water-lilies, வ�� ப� – bees swarming, வா�
ேபா% கம�� – white bud fragrance, அ� சி� ஓதி – beautiful delicate hair, அ�� பட�
உறேவ. – precious increasing bond
ந�றிைண 110, ேபாதனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�ய�� தா7 ெசா�ன%
ப�ரச� கல�த ெவ� Bைவ0 த&�பா�
வ�, கதி�9 ெபா�கல0% ஒ� ைக ஏ�தி
-ைட9ப�� B�'� =� தைல3 சி' ேகா�
உ� எ�' ஓA - ப�ைழ9ப ெத� ந&�
I0% அ,9 ெபா�சில�- ஒலி9ப0 த0%�'
அ, நைரA D�த� ெச� I% ெசவ�லிய�
ப, ெமலி�% ஒழிய ப�த� ஓ�
ஏவ� ம'A � சி' வ�ைளயா>�
அறி@� ஒ�AகI� யா�� உண��தன+ெகா�
ெகா�ட ெகா� ந� � வற� உ�ெறன
ெகா�0த த�ைத ெகா�! ேசா' உ+ளா+
ஒ� ந&� 6ணE அற� ேபால
ெபா�% ம'0% உ�T� சி' ம%ைகயேள.
Her slightly grey-haired, wise foster mothers
used to carry glowing gold bowls
with sweet milk mixed with honey and follow her.
They ran behind her to the pavilion,
with their soft-headed small sticks
and forced her to eat.
My playful daughter’s golden anklets
filled with pearls from clear waters,
jingled as she jumped and ran away,
refusing the food they brought.
Her husband’s family has grown poor now.
She doesn’t think about the rich rice her father used to give,
softer than the delicate sand under running water.
She eats what she can,
that little girl with such great strength. Translated by Vaidehi
ப�ரச� கல�த – ேத� கல�த, ெவ� Bைவ0 த&�பா� – ெவ�ண�ற
Bைவயான இன)ய பா�, வ�, கதி�9 – ெப,ய பட��த, ெபா�கல0% ஒ� ைக
ஏ�தி – ஒ� ைகயா� ெபா�கல0ைத ஏ�தி, -ைட9ப�� B�'� – இட0தி�
B�'�, =� தைல – ெம�ைமயான தைல, சி' ேகா� – சி�ன க�-, உ�
எ�' ஓA - – சா9ப�� எ�' அத>�, ப�ைழ9ப , ெத� ந&� – ெதள)�த ந&�,
I0% அ,9 ெபா�சில�- – I0% நிர�ப�ய சலEைக, ஒலி9ப – ஒலிAக,
த0%�' – தி0%, அ, நைரA D�த� – சிறி% நைர0த D�த�, ெச� I%
ெசவ�லிய� – வயதான ெசவ�லி0 தா7மா�, ப, ெமலி�% ஒழிய – ப��னா�
ஓட இயலா%, ப�த� ஓ� – ப�த� அ�ேய ஓ�, ஏவ� ம'A � சி'
வ�ைளயா>� – ேவ��யைத ம'0% சி'9 ப�+ைள0தனமாக வ�ைளயா�,
அறி@� ஒ�AகI� யா�� உண��தன+ெகா� – எ9ப� அறி@�
ஒ�AகI� வ�தன, ெகா�ட ெகா�ந� � வற� உ�ெறன – ெகா�ட
கணவன)� ��ப� ஏMைம உ�றதா, ெகா�0த த�ைத ெகா�! ேசா'
உ+ளா+ – த�ைத ெகா�0த அR9ப�ய ேசா�ைற உ�ண மா>டா+, ஒ�
ந&� 6ணE அற� ேபால – அைச�% ஓ�� ந&� அ�ய�� உ+ள 6�ண�ய
மண� ேபால, ெபா�% ம'0% உ�T� சி' ம%ைகயேள – ம'0% அவ�
வ &>�� உ+ளைத உ�T� %ண�@ைடயவ+
ந�றிைண 111, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி
தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன% – The word ‘maral’ has two meanings - ’hemp plant’ and ‘tree’. It
means tree here. I have used S. V. Subramanian’s urai for this translation. In other songs, it means
hemp. The hemp fibers are used by the mountain people to make clothing.
அ0த இ�9ைப9 =வ�� அ�ன
%70 தைல இறெவா� ெதாைக ம2� ெபற&இய�
வ, வைல9 பரதவ� க� வ�ைன3 சிறாஅ�
மர� ேம�ெகா�� மா� கண� தைகமா�
ெவ� திற� இைளயவ� ேவ>� எ��தாE
திமி� ேம�ெகா�� திைர3 Bர� ந&�தி
வா+ வா73 Bறெவா� வய ம2� ெக��
நிண� ெப7 ேதாண�ய� இ மண� இழி த��
ெப�E கழி9 பாAக� க�ெலன
வ�ேம ேதாழி ெகா�க� ேதேர.
Brave fishermen kids
take their tightly woven nets
to catch many kinds of fish,
and prawns with heads as soft
as wasteland iruppai flowers.
They are like the strong youngsters who
climb on trees and raise their voices
to chase deer herds.
They climb on their boats
and brave the salty waves,
come back with a bountiful catch of fish
and sword-mouthed sharks,
and cut and place the flesh
on the spread sand.
Your lover will come in his chariot
with a loud noise from that seaside town. Translated by Vaidehi
அ0த – பாைல நில�, இ�9ைப9 =வ�� அ�ன – இ�9ைப9 =ைவ9 ேபா�',
%70 தைல – ெம�ைமயான தைல (உைடய), இறெவா� – இறா� ம2ெனா�,
ெதாைக ம2� ெபற&இய� – ப�ற ம2�கைள:� ப��9பத�காக, வ, வைல –
க>�ய வைல, பரதவ� க�வ�ைன3 சிறாஅ� – வலிைம:ைடய பரதவ3
சி'வ�க+, மர� ேம�ெகா�� – மர� ேம� ஏறி (maral has two meanings – jute
plant and tree), மா� கண� தைகமா� – மா� இன0ைத த�Aக, ெவ� திற�
இைளயவ� – வலிைம@ைடய சி'வ�க+, ேவ>� எ��தாE – ஒலிைய
எ�9ப�னா�ேபா�, திமி� ேம�ெகா�� – படகி� ஏறி, திைர3 Bர� ந&�தி –
உ9- ந&� அைலேம� ெச�', வா+ வா73 Bறெவா� – வாைள9ேபா�ற
வாையA ெகா�ட Bறாேவா�, வய ம2� ெக�� – நிைறய ம2ைன அ'0%,
நிண� – ஊ� (flesh), ெப7 ேதாண�ய� – ேதாண�ய�லி��% ெகா�� வ�%, இ
மண� இழித�� – பரவ�ய மணலி� பர9ப�, ெப�E கழி9 பாAக� – ெப,ய
உவ,9பாAக�, க�ெலன வ�ேம – ‘க�’ எ�ற ஒலிேயா� வ�ேம ேதாழி –
ேதாழி, ெகா�க� ேதேர – கட�கைர ஊரRைடய ேதேர
ந�றிைண, 118, பாைல பா�ய ெப�Eக�Eேகா, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�
ேதாழிய�ட� ெசா�ன%
அைடகைர மாஅ0% அலE சிைன ஒலிய0
தள)� கவ�� எ7திய த� ந'� ெபா%�ப��
ேசவெலா� ெகழ&இய ெசEக� இ�E ய��
-க�' எதி� ஆQ� = மலி காைல:�
அக�ேறா� ம�ற ந� மற�திசிேனா� என
இண� உ'- உைடவத�தைல:� -ண� வ�ைன
ஓவ மாAக+ ஒ+ அரA ஊ>�ய
%கிலிைக அ�ன %70 தைல9 பாதி,
வா� இதM அல, வ�� பட ஏ�தி
-% மல� ெத�@ெதா' 6வQ�
ெநா%மலா>�A ேநா� எ� ெந!ேச.
A red-eyed, black female cuckoo
unites with her male
and sings lovingly with him
on the fresh, sprout-covered
dense branches of a mango tree
in the cool, fragrant grove
on the sandy shores.
He left us when the flowers
were in full bloom,
and I am very sad that he forgot us.
Also, my heart aches
when I see the new flower vendor
as she calls out and sells
on all the streets,
fresh, white petaled pāthiri flowers,
swarmed by bees,
their soft tops looking like the
paint-filled brushes of skilled painters. Translated by Vaidehi
Meanings: அைடகைர – on the sand-filled shore, மாஅ0% அலE சிைன – mango tree’s
close branches, ஒலிய தள)� – thriving sprouts, கவ�� எ7திய – attained beauty, த�
ந'� ெபா%�ப�� – in the cool fragrant groves, ேசவெலா� ெகழ&இய – united/close with
its male, ெசE க� இ�E ய�� – red-eyed black kuyil, lark, -க�' எதி� ஆQ� –
sings back with desire, = மலி காைல:� அக�ேறா� – the one who left when flowers were
in full bloom, ம�ற – for sure or an expletive, ந� மற�திசிேனா� என – that he forgot us,
இண� – close, உ'- – lot or pālai tune, உைடவத� தைல:� – on top of feeling very sad ,
-ண� வ�ைன ஓவ மாAக+ – painters with trade skill, ஒ+ அரA – red paint, ஊ>�ய
%கிலிைக அ�ன – filled brush like, %70 தைல9 பாதி, – soft topped pāthiri flowers,
வா� இதM அல, – white petaled flowers, வ�� பட ஏ�தி – carrying (flowes) that bees
swarm, -% மல� ெத�@ெதா' 6வQ� ெநா%மலா>�A – the new lady who calls
out and sells new flowers in all the streets, ேநா� எ� ெந!ேச – my heart aches
ந�றிைண 119, ெப�E �J�கிழா�, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன% -as
the hero listens surreptitiously
திைன உ� ேகழ� இ,ய -னவ�
சி' ெபாறி மா>�ய ெப�E க� அடாஅ�
ஒ� ேகM வய9 -லி ப]உ� நாட�
ஆ� தர வ�தன� ஆய�R� பட9ைப
இ� IB9 ெப�E கைல ந� ேமய� ஆ��
ப� மல�A கா� யா�' உ�ப� க�E கைல
க��- ஆ>� வ�ைடேயா� தாவன உகX�
ெப� வைர ந&ழ� வ� வ� ளவ� அ�
Dதள� தைத�த க�ண�ய� யாவ%�
IயEக� ெப' வ� அ�ல�
-லவ� ெகாள &இய� த� மைலய�R� ெப,ேத.
Even if the man from the mountain
where a mountain dweller places a big rock
trap with a small device
to catch a boar that comes to eat his millet,
only to find a bright colored, strong tiger
get trapped,
has come back with love wearing a garland
woven with jasmine and koothalam flowers,
he will not get her embraces,
since her sulking is larger than his mountain
where sweet-faced monkeys graze on fine food
in the groves near the stream with many flowers,
black deer herds leap and romp around with
mountain goats in the vast mountain shade. Translated by Vaidehi
திைன உ� ேகழ� – pig that eat millet, இ,ய – wander, -னவ� சி' ெபாறி
மா>�ய – small trap device that the mountain dweller places, ெப�E க� – big rock, boulder,
அடாஅ� – trap, ஒ� ேகM வய9 -லி ப]உ� – bright colored strong tiger gets trapped,
நாட� – man from such country, ஆ� தர வ�தன� ஆய�R� – even if he came to give his
love, பட9ைப – grove, இ� IB9 ெப�E கைல ந� ேமய� ஆ�� – sweet faced
big male monkey grazes well and get full, ப� மல�A கா� யா�' – forest stream and many
flowers, உ�ப� – above, க�E கைல க��- ஆ>� – black deer herds, வ�ைடேயா�
தாவன உகX� – with mountain goats they romp around, ெப� வைர ந&ழ� – in the huge
mountain shade, வ� வ� – when he comes, ளவ� அ� Dதள� – wild jasmine and
koothalam woven together, தைத�த க�ண�ய� – wearing esteemed man, யாவ%�
IயEக� ெப' வ� அ�ல� – he will not get all that embraces, -லவ� ெகாள &இய�
த� மைலய�R� ெப,ேத – the sulking he has to deal is larger than his mountain
ந�றிைண 124, ேமாசி க�ண0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன% –
the friend is being the voice of the heroine in this poem. She is repeating what the heroine told her,
when the hero listens surreptitiously, to encourage him to come and marry her friend.
ஒ�' இ� காைல அ�றி� ேபால9
-ல�- ெகா�� உைற:� -�க� வாMAைக
யாR� ஆ�ேற� அ%தாR� வ�த�'
ந&Eக� வாழிய� ஐய ஈEைக
Iைக வ & அதிர� ேமா>� மண� எAக�
ந?வ� ேநா� ள�- அ��ெதன ெவ+ள)
உ�A ' ெகா+கல� க�9ப வ��9-ற0
ெத� ந&�A மிழி இழித��
த�ண &� தைதஇ நி�ற ெபா�ேத.
In the early morning hours
the black ibis cries sadly when
it is separated from its beloved.
I am living alone unable to bear
this misery.
Sir, greetings to you! If you don’t come
my desire is to die.
The eengai buds and jasmine flowers
are scattered on big sand dunes
where deers’ strong hooves press down
and create puddles of water.
The time has come for water bubbles to flow
from these pits, looking like melted silver
that is poured to make bowls. Translated by Vaidehi
ஒ�' இ� காைல – the morning when it was separated, அ�றி� ேபால – like the andril
bird, -ல�- ெகா�� உைற:� – living alone, -�க� வாMAைக – miserable life,
யாR� ஆ�ேற� – I am unable to bear, அ%தாR� வ�த�' – if he doesn’t come,
ந&Eக� வாழிய� – desire to die, ஐய – sir, ஈEைக – eengai shrub, Iைக – buds, வ & –
flowers (of the), அதிர� – wild jasmine, ேமா>� மண� எAக� – big sand mound, ந?வ� –
deer’s, ேநா� ள�- – strong hoofs, அ��ெதன – pressed down, ெவ+ள) – silver,
உ�A ' – melted, ெகா+கல� – bowl, க�9ப – like, வ��9-ற – with desire, ெத�
ந&�A மிழி – clear water bubble, இழித�� – flow down, த�ண &� தைதஇ – water filled,
நி�ற ெபா�ேத – when it stops
ந�றிைண 136, ந�றE ெகா�றனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�
ெசா�ன%
தி��% ேகா� எ� வைள ேவ�� யா� அழ@�
அ�� ப�ண� உ'ந�A ேவ>ட% ெகாடாஅ%
ம��% ஆ7�% ெகா�0த அறேவா� ேபால
எ� அ7 வாழிய பலேவ ப�ன)ய
மைல ெக� நாடெனா� ந�மிைட3 சிறிய
தைல9ப�,@ உ�ைம அறிவா� ேபால
ந&9ப ந&Eகா% வ,� வைர அைம�%
ேதா+ பழி மைறA � உதவ�9
ேபாA இ� ெபால� ெதா� ெசற&இேயாேன
I cried that I wanted skillfully
made armlets, and my father
who was like a good physician
who gives the right medicine,
gave them to me.
May he live long!
He gave me faultless gold armlets
that didn’t slip off, fitting
tightly on my shoulders,
as if he knew that I was separated
from my mountain country lover
who has been praised by many. Translated by Vaidehi
தி��% ேகா� – skillfully made ,எ� வைள – bright bangles, ேவ�� யா� அழ@� –
cried that I wanted, அ�� ப�ண� – incurable disease, உ'ந�A – affted one, ேவ>ட% –
desired, ெகாடாஅ% – not refusing that, ம��% ஆ7�% ெகா�0த அறேவா� ேபால
– like a good physician who checks and gives the right medicine, எ� அ7 – my father, வாழிய –
long live,பலேவ ப�ன)ய – many praise, மைல ெக� நாடெனா� – with the mountain
country man, ந�மிைட – between us, சிறிய – small, தைல9ப�,@ உ�ைம – separation
truth,அறிவா� ேபால – like he understood, ந&9ப – armlet, ந&Eகா% வ,� வைர
அைம�% – one that doesn’t slip, tight, ேதா+ – shoulder, பழி மைறA � – without blame,
உதவ� – helped, ேபாA இ� – faultless, perfect ,ெபால� ெதா� – gold armlets,
ெசற&இேயாேன – he gave it to me
ந�றிைண 147, ெகா+ள�பAகனா�, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�
ெசா�ன%
யாE ஆ வேமா அண� 6த� 'மக+
ேத� ப� சார� சி' திைன9 ெப�E ர�
ெச? வா79 ைபE கிள) கவர ந& ம�'
எ? வா73 ெச�றைன அவ� எனA Dறி
அ�ைன ஆனா+ கழற I� நி�'
அ�வ� ஆ�A � ெப� வைர நாடைன
அறியQ� அறிேய� கா�டQ� இலேன
ெவதி� -ைன த>ைடேய� மல� =A ெகா7%
Bைன பா7�% ஆ��'� இல� என நிைனவ�ைல
ெபா7ய� அ�ேதா வா70தைன அ% ேக>�
தைல இைற!சினேள அ�ைன
ெசல@ ஒழி�தைனயா� அள)ைய ந& -ன0ேத.
Your mother asked you angrily,
“my young daughter with a beautiful
forehead, when you went to the millet field
to chase red-mouthed, green parrots
from eating the tiny millets in the big spears,
where else happened?”, and you lied
without thinking,
“I with my bamboo-made rattle in my hand,
do not know the lord of the big mountains
with roaring waterfalls, I haven’t seen him,
or plucked flowers and played with him
in the springs”.
On hearing that, your mother bent her head in anger.
You destroyed your chances of going
to the millet field. You are pitiable. Translated by Vaidehi
யாE ஆ வேமா – what happened, அண� 6த� 'மக+ – beautiful forehead girl,
ேத� ப� சார� – honeycomb filled mountain slopes, சி' திைன – tiny millet, ெப�E
ர� – big spear, ெச? வா79 ைபE கிள) – red-mouthed green parrots, கவர – to take it,
ந& – you, ம�' – and, எ? வா73 ெச�றைன அவ� – where did you go from there?,
எனA Dறி – thus she asked, அ�ைன – mother, ஆனா+ கழற – asked angrily, I�
நி�' – standing before you, அ�வ� ஆ�A � – waterfall roaring, ெப� வைர – big
mountain, நாடைன – man from such country, அறியQ� அறிேய� – I don’t know,
கா�டQ� இலேன – I haven’t seen, ெவதி� -ைன – bamboo made, த>ைடேய� – I
was holding the rattle, மல� =A ெகா7% – pluck flowers, Bைன பா7�% ஆ��'�
இல� என – didn’t jump and play in the spring, நிைனவ�ைல – without thinking, ெபா7ய�
அ�ேதா – it is a lie, வா70தைன – you uttered, அ% ேக>� – on hearing that, தைல –
head, இைற!சினேள – bent and angry, அ�ைன – mother,
ெசல@ – going, ஒழி�தைனயா� – since it is destroyed, அள)ைய – pitiable, ந& – you,
-ன0ேத – to the millet field
ந�றிைண 149, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன% – the friend is
being the voice of the heroine in this poem. She utters this from where the hero can hear her, so that
he can come and marry the heroine.
சில�� பல�� கைடAக� ேநாAகி
KAகி� உ3சி3 B>� வ�ர� ேச�0தி
ம'கி� ெப��� அ�ப� P�ற
சி' ேகா� வல�தன+ அ�ைன அைல9ப
அல�தென� வாழி ேதாழி கான�
-% மல� த&��ய = நா' Oஉ3 Bவ�
க� மா� ப,ய கதM ப, கைடஇ
ந� நா+ வOஉ� இய� ேத�A ெகா�கெனா�
ெசல@ அய��திசினா� யாேன
அல� Bம�% ஒழிக இ? அ�Eக� ஊேர.
Greetings to you my friend!
Peering through the side of their eyes,
women in small and big groups look at me
raise their fingers on their noses
and spread gossip about me on our streets.
Hearing that, mother hit me with a swirling, small stick.
When my seashore lord comes at midnight
with his fast trotting colorful-maned strong horses
tied to his chariot
riding through the groves treading on fragant flowers,
I desire to leave with him.
Let this slanderous town get lost. Translated by Vaidehi
சில�� – few, பல�� – many, கைடAக� – side of their eyes, ேநாAகி – looking,
KAகி� உ3சி3 B>� வ�ர� ேச�0தி – put their pointing fingers on their noses, ம'கி�
– in the street, ெப��� – women, அ�ப� – gossip, P�ற – spread, சி' ேகா� – small
stick, வல�தன+ – she hit, அ�ைன – mother, அைல9ப – swirled,
அல�தென� – hit with it, வாழி ேதாழி – greetings my friend, கான� – seashore grove, -%
மல� – new flowers, த&��ய – touched, = நா' – flower fragrance , Oஉ3 – colorful,
Bவ� – manes, க� மா� – strong horses, ப,ய – trotting, கதM – fast, ப, – fast trotting,
horse (2 meanings), கைடஇ – riding, ந� நா+ – midnight, வOஉ� – will come, இய�
ேத�A – by the moving chariot, ெகா�கெனா� – with the lord of the seashore, ெசல@ –
leaving, அய��திசினா� யாேன – I desired, அல� – gossip, slander, Bம�% ஒழிக ,இ?
அ�Eக� ஊேர – this slanderous town
ந�றிைண 150, க�வ� இளம+ளனா�, ம�த� திைண - பர0ைத ெசா�ன% – Bards sometimes helped the hero get a concubine. They were messengers between the concubine
and the hero. They were also messengers between the hero and the heroine during his infidelity.
நைக ந� உைடய� பாண 6� ெப�மக�
மிைள வலி சிைதயA கள)' பல பர9ப�
அர� பல கட�த Iர� ெகா+ தாைன
வ�தி வாழிய பல என0 ெதா�% ஈ��
ம� எய�� உைடேயா� ேபால அஃ% யா�
எ�ன%� ப,யேலா இல� என0 த� நைடA
கலி மா கைடஇ வ�% எ� ேச,0
தா�� க�ண�:� கா>� ஒ�ைமய
ெந!ச� ெகா�டைம வ��ேமா அ!ச
க�Tைட3 சி' ேகா� ப�றிA
கத� ெப,% உைடய+ யா7 அ�Eகேலா இலேள.
Bard, your lord is a big joke!
Pandiyan king Vazhuthi
with his elephant forces and armies
destroyed many strong forts.
The small-region kings who
praised him saved their forts
from his victorious armies.
“I don’t feel sorry for them” he said
as he rode his proud trotting horse
into our settlement,
gave me garlands and flower strands
and took my heart.
Will that blame go away?
You’ll fear my angry mother who’s holding
a small bamboo stick with no compassion. Translated by Vaidehi
நைக ந� உைடய� - he’s a joke, பாண – bard, 6� ெப�மக� – your lord,
மிைள – fort, வலி – strong, சிைதய - ruined, கள)' பல பர9ப� – spread few
elephants,
அர� பல கட�த – victorious over many forts, Iர� ெகா+ தாைன – victorious army,
வ�தி – Pandiyan Vazhuthi, வாழிய பல என0 ெதா�% – praising that he’ll live long,
ஈ�� – here, ம� எய�� உைடேயா� ேபால – like those who still have their forts, அஃ%
யா� – for that, எ�ன%� ப,யேலா இல� – we don’t feel sad, என – thus, த� நைட
– cool trotting, கலி மா – proud horse, கைடஇ வ�% எ� ேச, – rode on it and came to our
settlement, தா�� க�ண�:� கா>� – showed me garland and flower strands, ஒ�ைமய
– independent, ெந!ச� ெகா�டைம – took my heart, வ��ேமா – will it leave, அ!ச –
(for you) to fear, க�Tைட3 சி' ேகா� ப�றி – holding small stick with nodes (bamboo),
கத� ெப,% – great anger, உைடய+ – she has, யா7 – mother, அ�Eகேலா இலேள – has no compassion, has no sadness
ந�றிைண 152, ஆல�ேப, சா0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ�
ெசா�ன%
மடேல காம� த�த% அலேர
மிைட = எ�Aகி� அல� த�த�ேற
இலE கதி� ம�Eகி எ� வ�B�- படர
-ல�- த�த�ேற -க�' ெச7 ம��ல�
எ�லா� த�தத�தைல:� ைபெயன
வட�ைத %வைல Pவ ட�ைப9
ெபைட -ண� அ�றி� உயE ர� அைளஇ
கE Q� ைகயற@ த�த�'
யாE ஆ ெவ�ெகா� அள)ெய� யாேன.
Love for her gave me this palm horse,
and scandal gave me
the densely petaled erukkam flowers.
The sun’s rays have become dull
and darkness has spread in the skies.
All these declare sorrow in this world.
The northern winds spray cold mist
and the male black ibis cries loudly
for his mate.
Night has given me helplessness.
What’s going to happen now? I’m pitiable. Translated by Vaidehi
மடேல காம� த�த% – love gave me this palm horse, அலேர – scandal, மிைட =
எ�Aகி� அல� த�த�ேற - gave densely formed erukkam flower blossoms, இலE
கதி� ம�Eகி – the splendid sun’s rays has got dull, எ� வ�B�- படர – darkness spread in
the sky, -ல�- த�த�ேற – gave sorrow, -க�' ெச7 ம��ல� – the world annouces
(to me), எ�லா� த�தத�தைல:� – all these have given, ைபெயன – slowly, வட�ைத
%வைல Pவ -northern winds spray old rain drops, ட�ைப9 – in the nest, ெபைட
-ண� அ�றி� – the andril bird (black ibis – Pseudibis papillosa)without his female, உயE
ர� அைளஇ – cries out in loud screeches, கE Q� ைகயற@ த�த�' – night gave
me helplessness, யாE ஆ ெவ�ெகா� – what is going to happen now, அள)ெய�
யாேன – I’m pitiable
ந�றிைண 162, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�
தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன% – The hero says this to the heroine who wants to go with him on his
trip
மைன உைற -றவ�� ெசE கா� ேபைடA
காம� %ைணய� ேசவ� ேசர
-ல�ப��' எ�த� -�க� மாைல0
தன)ேய இ�0த� ஆ�ேற� எ�' நி�
பன) வா� உ�க� ைபதல கQழ
6�ெமா� வ�வ� எ�றி எ�ெமா�
ெப�� ெபய�0 த�ைத ந&� -கM ெந� நக�
யா7 அ� நன) மிக மடைவ Iனாஅ%
ேவன)� இ�றி0 ேதாயா ெந� வ &M
வழி நா� ஊசலி� ேகாைட PA ெதா'�
%!B ப�� வ��� அ0த�
வ�ைல ஆ த� ஒ�Qேமா நினAேக.
“I will come with you”, you say
when you see the male pigeon
that lives in your house
join his red-legged mate with love
in the painful evenings
when you are alone.
Unable to bear the pain,
your kohl-decorated wet
eyes shed tears.
You have never been separated
from your mother and famous father
who live in a mansion.
Innocent young lady!
Does it suit you to go with me
through difficult paths in summer,
when aerial roots of white fig trees
sway in the breezes
and gently touch
the female elephants sleeping under them. Translated by Vaidehi
மைன உைற -றவ�� – pigeon that resides in the house, ெசE கா� ேபைட – red-legged
female, காம� %ைணய� ேசவ� ேசர – to joins his mate with love, -ல�ப��'
எ�த� -� க� மாைல – lonely, painful evening, தன)ேய இ�0த� – to be alone,
ஆ�ேற� – unable to hear, எ�' – thus, நி� – your, பன) வா� – wet, உ� க� – eyes
with kohl, ைபதல கQழ – crying with sorrow, 6�ெமா� வ�வ� எ�றி – “I will come
with you”, you said, எ�ெமா� – with me, ெப�� ெபய�0 த�ைத – very famous father,
ந&� -கM ெந� நக� – great big mansion, யா7 – mother, அ� – separated, நன) மிக
மடைவ – very innocent young lady, Iனாஅ% - without hatred, ேவன)� – summer,
இ�றி – white fig tree, ேதாயா – without touching (the earth), ெந� வ &M – straight hanging,
வழி நா� – hanging roots, ஊசலி� – swing, sway, ேகாைட – when wind blows,
PA ெதா'� – whenever it blows, %!B – sleeping, ப�� – female elephant, வ��� –
will blow on it, அ0த� – path, வ�ைல ஆ த� – to go fast, ஒ�Qேமா நினAேக –
does this fit you
ந�றிைண 169, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, I�ைல திைண –
தைலவ� ெசா�ன% (lizard calls - good omen)
I�ன)ய% I�0தன� ஆய�� ந�Rத�
வ�வ� எ�R� ப�வர� த&ர
ப��ெகா� வாழி ெந�! Bவ�9 ப�லி
பர� தைல ேபாகிய சிர� தைலA க+ள)
ம2மிைசA கலி0த வ & ந' I�ைல
ஆ� தைல0 %�வ�� ேதா� தைல9ெபய�A �
வ� ைக இைடய� எ�லி9 பWஇ
ெவ� ேபாM ைதஇய அலEக�அ� ெதாடைல
ம' ட� கம�� மாைல
சி' �9 பாAக0% எ� ெப� நகராேன.
I will finish my work that I came to do
and return home soon,
and her sorrow will be removed.
Long live the lizard on our tall walls
which announces the good news to her.
The wasteland here is filled
with pebbles and cactus
that are covered with
fragrant jasmines that
appear like kingfisher birds.
A smart goat herder plucks
white palm fronds at night
and weaves a garland,
and when he walks
on our settlement streets
the evenings are filled
with fragrance. Translated by Vaidehi
I�ன)ய% I�0தன� ஆய�� – when I finish what I came to do, ந�Rத� – good,
வ�வ� எ�R� – that I will return, ப�வர� த&ர – remove (her) sorrow, ப�� ெகா� –
will go away, வாழி – long live, ெந�! Bவ�9 ப�லி – lizard on tall walls, பர� தைல
ேபாகிய – pebbles filled area, wasteland, சிர� – kingfisher, தைலA க+ள) – cactus, ம2மிைச
– above, கலி0த – flourishing, வ & – flowers, ந' I�ைல – fragrant jasmine, ஆ� தைல0
%�வ�� – shaking head goats, ேதா� – herd, தைல9ெபய�A � – moving them (grazing),
வ� ைக – smart hands, இைடய� – cattle herder, எ�லி – at night, பWஇ – plucks,
ெவ� ேபாM – white palm fronds, ைதஇய – created, அலEக� – garland, அ� –
beautiful, ெதாடைல – garland, ம' ட� – in the streets, கம�� மாைல – fragrant
evenings, சி' �9 பாAக0% – small town settlement in the seashore, எ� ெப�
நகராேன – our big house
ந�றிைண 172, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ�
ெசா�ன%
வ�ைளயா� ஆயெமா� ெவ� மண� அ�0தி
மற�தன� %ற�த காM Iைள அைகய
ெந7 ெப7 த&� பா� ெப7% இன)% வள�9ப
6�மிR� சிற�த% 6?ைவ ஆ � எ�'
அ�ைன Dறின+ -�ைனய% நலேன
அ�ம நாT%� 6�ெமா� நைகேய
வ���தி� பாண� வ�ள� இைச க�9ப
வல�-, வா� ேகா� நரQ� இலE ந&�0
%ைற ெக� ெகா�க ந& ந�கி�
இைறப� ந&ழ� ப�ற@மா� உளேவ.
when I was playing with my friends
on the seashore,
we pressed a mature punnai seed
on the white sand
and forgot all about it.
That seedling thrived.
Mother fed it with ghee and milk
and raised it with love.
“It is your sister,
and she’s better than you”, she said.
I’m shy to laugh and play with you under this tree.
Lord of the thriving seaport with vibrant waves
where white conch shells sound
like the vilari tune of bards!
If you desire,
we can seek another shade tree. Translated by Vaidehi
வ�ைளயா� ஆயெமா� – வ�ைளயா>� ேதாழிகXட�, ெவ� மண�
அ�0தி – ெவ� மணலி� அ�0தி, மற�தன� – மற�% வ�>ேடா�, %ற�த
காM Iைள – (நாEக+) %ற�த Iைள:ைடய வ�ைத, அைகய – ெசழிAக,
ெந7 ெப7 த&� பா� ெப7% இன)% வள�9ப – ெந7:� இன)ய பாQ� ஊ0தி
இன)தாக வள�0%, 6�மிR� சிற�த% 6?ைவ ஆ � எ�' – உ�ைன
வ�ட3 சிற�த%, இ% உ� தEைக எ�', அ�ைன Dறின+ – -�ைனய%
நலேன – -�ைன மர0தி� சிற9- ஆ �, அ�ம நாT%� 6�ெமா�
நைகேய – உ�ேனா� சி,0%9 ேபச நாணமாக உ+ள%, வ���தி� –
வ���தி�, பாண� வ�ள� இைச க�9ப – பாண,� வ�ள,9ப� ேபா�,
வல�-, வா� – ெவ+ைள வல�-,, ேகா� நரQ� – சE ஒலிA �,
இலE ந&�0 – இலE �கட�, %ைறெக� – ெசழி9பான %ைற:ைடய,
ெகா�க – கட�கைர தைலவா, ந& ந�கி� – ந& வ���ப�னா�, இைறப� ந&ழ� -
உய��த (மர) நிழ�, ப�ற@மா� உளேவ – ேவ' உ+ளனேவ
ந�றிைண 175, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண - ேதாழி
தைலவ� ேக> �ப� தைலவ�ைய9ேபா� ேபசிய% – This is common in Sangam
poems where the friend is the voice of the heroine – she’s urging the hero to come and marry her
friend, and implies that she might be locked up at home by her mother
ெந�E கட� அைல0த ெகா�� திமி� பரதவ�
ெகா� ம2� ெகா+ைள அழி மண� ைவஇ
ம2� ெந7 அ>�A கிள)!சி� ெபா0திய
சி' த& வ�ளAகி� %!B� ந' மல�9
-�ைன ஓEகிய %ைறவெனா� அ�ைன
தா� அறி�த�ேறா இலேள பானா+
ேச,அ� ெப��� சி' ெசா� ந�ப�
B�வா� ேபால ேநாA �
அ� பா� அ�ன எ� பசைல ெம7ேய.
Fishermen catch fish in the wide ocean
and heap them on the shore with shifting sands.
At night they light small clay lamps
with fish oil and go to sleep.
Mother does not know about my affair
with the lord of the seashore.
She heard the village women talk ill of me,
and looked at my pallor-spreading
hot-milk-like body in the middle of the night
like she was scorching me. Translated by Vaidehi
ெந�E கட� – big ocean, அைல0த – caught, ெகா�� – curved, திமி� – boat, பரதவ�
– fishermen, ெகா� ம2� – fat fish, ெகா+ைள – (to) sell, அழி மண� – moving sands,
ைவஇ – put them in a heap, ம2� ெந7 – fish oil, அ>� – pour, கிள)!சி� – small mud
lamps, ெபா0திய – lit, சி' த& – small flame, வ�ளAகி� – light, %!B� – they sleep,
ந' மல� – fragrant flower, -�ைன – punnai tree, laurel tree, mastwood tree, ஓEகிய –
flourishing, %ைறவெனா� – lord from such port, அ�ைன – mother, தா� அறி�த�ேறா
இலேள – she does not know, பானா+ – midnight, ேச, – setllement, அ� ெப��� –
pretty women, சி' ெசா� – slanderous words, ந�ப� – believing, B�வா� ேபால
ேநாA � – looked at me like she’d burn me, அ� பா� அ�ன – like hot milk, எ� பசைல
ெம7ேய – pallor on my body
ந�றிைண 176, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, றி!சி திைண – பர0ைத
வ�றலிய�ட� ெசா�ன%
எ� நய�% உைறவ� ஆய�� யா� நய�%
ந�கின� வ�>ட% எ� நல0ேதா� அ? வய��
சா�ப�� அள)0த� அறியா% அவ> அவ+
காதல+ எ�Rேமா உைர0திசி� ேதாழி
நிைர0த யாைன Iக0% வ, க�9ப9
ேபா% ெபாதி உைட�த ஒ� ெசE கா�த+
வாைழ அ� சில�ப�� வ�- படA ைவஇ
யாM ஓ�0த�ன இ� ர� இன வ��
அ�வ� Iழவ�� பாெடா� ஒராE
ெம�ெமல இைசA � சார�
�ற ேவலி0 த� உைறவ�� ஊேர.
Tell me my friend,
Did I do the right thing?
I was being magnanimous and
sent the man who cares for me
to his wife who is nice to me.
Will the people in his town,
surrounded by mountains
bearing bright red lily
buds that open up like designs
on elephant faces,
where there are banana trees,
swarms of bees that create
sweet music like that of lutes,
and wateralls that roar down
with gentle sounds in
the mountain slopes,
know that I sent him there? Translated by Vaidehi
எ� நய�% உைறவ� ஆய�� – his wife being nice to me, யா� நய�% – I being nice,
ந�கின� – being nice, வ�>ட% – allowed, எ� நல0ேதா� – one who takes care of me,
அ? வய�� – there, சா�ப�� அள)0த� – give magnanimously, அறியா% – not knowing,
அவ> – them, அவ+ – her, காதல+ எ�Rேமா – will his wife know, உைர0திசி�
ேதாழி – tell me, my friend, நிைர0த – spread, யாைன Iக0% வ, க�9ப – like the
designs/lines on an elephant’s face, ேபா% – bud ready to open, ெபாதி – full, உைட�த – buds
opened, ஒ� ெசE கா�த+ – bright red malabar lily, வாைழ – banana trees, அ� –
beautiful, சில�ப�� – mountain slopes, வ�- பட – new, ைவஇ – crowded,spreading,
யாM ஓ�0த�ன – like yāzh music, இ� ர� – sweet voice, இன வ�� – swarms of
bees, அ�வ� Iழவ�� – roaring waterfalls, பாெடா� – with the sounds, ஒராE – there,
ெம�ெமல இைசA � – delicate sounds, சார� – mountain slopes, �ற – mountain,
ேவலி – fenced, த� உைறவ�� ஊேர – town where he lives
ந�றிைண 180, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ம�த� திைண – ேதாழி
ெசா�ன% – these are the frustrated words of the heroine’s friend who tries to make peace
between her sulking friend and the hero
பழன9 பாக� Iய�' KB ட�ைப
கழன) நாைர உைர0தலி� ெச�ெந�
வ�ர@ ெவ+ள,சிய�� தாஅ� ஊர�
பல�9 ெபற� நைசஇ ந� இ� வாரலேன
மாேயா+ நல0ைத ந�ப� வ�ட� ஒ�லாேள
அ�ன):� ெப,ய� அவன)R� வ��மிய
இ� ெப� ேவ�த� ெபா� கள0% ஒழி0த
-�ைன வ��ம� ேபால
எ�ெனா� கழி:� இ? இ�வர% இகேல.
The field pelican sucks red weaver ants
from their nests in the jackfruit tree
and they get scattered
along with their eggs in the fields,
looking like red rice mixed with white rice.
The man from that town with many desires
does not come to our house any more.
The dark, beautiful girl will not let him in.
I am caught in the middle of their enmity
like the punnai tree that got destroyed
in the battlefield in the war between
two great kings, Anni and Thithiyan. Translated by Vaidehi
பழன9 பாக� – field jackfruit tree, Iய�' – weaver ants, KB – swarms, crowds, ட�ைப
– nest, கழன) நாைர – field pelican, உைர0தலி� – sucks, ெச�ெந� – red paddy, வ�ர@
– mixed, ெவ+ள,சிய�� – white rice, தாஅ� – scattered, ஊர� – man from such town,
பல�9 ெபற� – gets few of them, நைசஇ – desiring, ந� இ� வாரலேன – does not
come to our house, மாேயா+ – dark pretty girl, நல0ைத – welfare, ந�ப� – trusting, வ�ட�
ஒ�லாேள – will not let him in, அ�ன):� – a king called Anni, ெப,ய� – King Thithiyan,
அவன)R� வ��மிய – with their enmity, இ� ெப� ேவ�த� – two great kings, ெபா�
கள0% – big battle field, ஒழி0த – destroyed, -�ைன – punnai tree, வ��ம� ேபால –
like enmity, எ�ெனா� கழி:� – end with me, இ? இ�வர% இகேல – the hatred of
these two
ந�றிைண 182, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி
தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%
நில@� மைற�த�' இ�X� ப>ட�'
ஓவ0% அ�ன இடRைட வைர9ப��
பாைவ அ�ன நி� -றEகாA �
சிற�த ெச�வ0% அ�ைன:� %!சின+
ெக�0%9ப� ந� கல� எ�0%A ெகா�டாE
ந� மா�- அைடய IயEகி ெம�ெமல
க�டன� வ�க� ெச�ேமா ேதாழி
கீ�� ேமQ� கா9ேபா� ந&0த
வ'� தைல9 ெப�E கள)' ேபால
தமிய� வ�ேதா� பன)யைல ந&ேய
The moon has vanished
and it has become dark.
She is sleeping, your rich
mother who protects you like
Kolli goddess with a painting-like temple.
Let’s go and see him quietly, my friend.
He has come like a dry-headed, big elephant
who came away from his guarded stable,
and this is like getting back lost jewels.
Get rid of your sorrow. Translated by Vaidehi
நில@� மைற�த�' – the moon has gone, இ�X� ப>ட�' – it has become dark,
ஓவ0% அ�ன – painting like, இடRைட -in wide space, வைர9ப�� – temple, பாைவ
அ�ன – Kolli Pāvai like, நி� -றEகாA � – standing and protecting, சிற�த ெச�வ0%
– very rich, அ�ைன:� %!சின+ – mother slept, ெக�0%9ப� – to lose, ந� கல� –
nice jewels, எ�0%A ெகா�டாE – to take it, ந� மா�- – handsome chest, அைடய
IயEகி – to embrace him ,ெம�ெமல – quietly, க�டன� – let’s go and see, வ�க� –
come, ெச�ேமா ேதாழி – let’s go my friend, கீ�� ேமQ� – elephant pole ,கா9ேபா� –
one who protects, ந&0த – removed, வ'� தைல9 – dry head,ெப�E கள)' ேபால – like
a big elephant, தமிய� வ�ேதா� – he came here sad, பன)யைல ந& – get rid of your sorrow
ந�றிைண 184, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, பாைல திைண -
தைலவ�ய�� தா7 ெசா�ன%
ஒ� மக+ உைடேய� ம�ேன அவX�
ெச� மி ெமா7�ப�� D� ேவ� காைளய�
ெப� மைல அ�! Bர� ெந�ந� ெச�றன+
இன)ேய தாE நி� அவல� எ�றி� அ% ம�'
யாEஙன� ஒ�Qேமா அறி@ைடயVேர
உ+ள)� உ+ள� ேவேம உ�க�
மண� வாM பாைவ நைட க�ற�ன எ�
அண� இய� 'மக+ ஆ�ய
மண� ஏ� ெநா3சி:� ெத�றி:� க�ேட.
I am a mother with just one daughter.
Yesterday she left
with a smart strong young man
with a sharp spear
to cross the harsh wastelands
with tall mountains.
Wise men!
You ask me how I handle my sorrow!
My heart aches when I think of her.
How can I tolerate this pain,
when I think of her beauty with
kohl-rimmed eyes and delicate walk,
and when I see our verandah
and the beautiful nochi tree near it,
where my little girl played. Translated by Vaidehi
ஒ� மக+ உைடேய� – ஒ� மகைள:ைடய தா7 நா�, ம�ேன –
கழி@A றி9-, அவX� – அவX�, ெச� மி ெமா7�ப�� – ஆ�றQ�
வலிைமைய:� மி �த, D�ேவ� காைளய� – D�ைமயான ேவைல:ைடய
இைளஞேனா�, ெப� மைல – ெப,ய மைல, அ�! Bர� – க�ைமயான
பாைல நில�, ெந�ந� ெச�றன+ – ேந�'3 ெச�றா+, இன)ேய தாE நி�
அவல� எ�றி� – இன) எ9ப� உ� %�ப0ைத தாE வா7 எ�கி�ற&�க+,
அ% ம�' – அைத,
யாEஙன� ஒ�Qேமா - எ?வா' தாEக I�:ேமா, அறி@ைடயVேர –
அறி@ைடயVேர, உ+ள)� உ+ள� ேவேம – நிைன0தா� உ+ள� ேநா ேம,
உ�க� – ைமய�>ட க�, மண� வாM பாைவ – (க�) மண�யாக இ�A �
ெப�, நைட க�ற�ன – நைட பய��' நட�த%9ேபா�', எ� – எ�, அண�
இய� – அழகான3 சாயைல:ைடய, 'மக+ ஆ�ய – சி' மக+
வ�ைளயா�ய, மண� ஏ� ெநா3சி:� - அழகிய ெநா3சி மர0ைத:�,
ெத�றி:� க�ேட – தி�ைணைய:� க�ேட
ந�றிைண 191, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�
ெசா�ன% – the friend is being the voice of the heroine in this poem.
She says this in such a way that the hero could hear. He’s on the other side of a wall.
சி' வ & ஞாழ� ேத� ேதா7 ஒ+ இண�
ேந� இைழ மகள)� வா� மண� இைழ0த
வ�ட� பாைவ வன Iைல I�ற0%
ஒ� ெபாறி3 BணEகி� ஐ% பட0 தாஅ�
க�ட� ேவலிA காம� சி' �
எ�லி வ�த�ேறா ேத� என3 ெசா�லி
அல� எ��த�' இ? ஊேர பல�X�
எ� ேநாAகினேள அ�ைன நாைள
மண�9 = I�டக� ெகா7ேய� ஆய��
அண�A கவ�� உ�ைமேயா அ,ேத மண�A கழி
ந'� =E கான� வ�% அவ�
வ'� ேத� ேபாத� அதன)R� அ,ேத.
The honey-filled, bright small gnalal flowers
drop delicately on the breasts of the sand dolls
made by the beautifully-jeweled young girls,
and they appear like women’s beauty spots.
Gossip has started
in this small town with beautiful screwpine fences,
since my lover came riding his chariot last night.
I was with a few friends when mother looked at me
with questioning eyes.
If I am not sent out to cut the sapphire-like
blue mundakam flowers, my beauty will be distressed.
If he comes to the flower-filled fragant seaside grove
and leaves with an empty chariot, that would be even more painful. Translated by Vaidehi
சி' – small, வ & – flower, ஞாழ� – gnālal tree, tigerclaw tree, cassia sophera, ேத� ேதா7 –
honey filled, ஒ+ இண� – bright bunch, ேந� இைழ – perfect jewels, மகள)� – women, வா�
– long, மண� – sand, இைழ0த -filled, வ�ட� பாைவ – sand doll, வன – full, Iைல
– breasts, I�ற0% – front yard, ஒ� – bright, ெபாறி – dotted, BணEகி� – yellow splts,
ஐ% – delicately, பட0 தாஅ� – fall, க�ட� – thazhai, screwpine, ேவலி – fenced, காம�
– beautiful, சி' � – little town, எ�லி – night, வ�த�ேறா ேத� என3 ெசா�லி – that
the chariot came, அல� – gossip, எ��த�' – arose, இ? ஊேர – in this town, பல�X�
– among many, எ� ேநாAகினேள – looked at me, அ�ைன – mother, நாைள – tomorrow,
மண� – sapphire (colored), = I�டக� – mundakam flowers, thorn-bush, ெகா7ேய�
ஆய�� – if I don’t pluck, அண� – beautiful, கவ�� - (my) beauty, உ�ைமேயா அ,ேத
– will really become rare, மண� – beautiful, கழி – brackish waters, ந'� =E கான� –
fragrant flower-filled grove, வ�% – come, அவ� -his, வ'� ேத� – empty chariot, ேபாத�
– to leave, அதன)R� அ,ேத – is more painful
ந�றிைண 195, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� - ேதாழி
தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%
அ�ளாயாகேலா ெகா�ேத இ�E கழிA
�ைள ந&�நா7 ெகா� ம2� மா�தி
தி�ைலஅ� ெபா%�ப�� ப+ள) ெகா+X�
ெம�ல� -ல�ப யா� க��சிேன
க�ெல� -+ள)� கான�அ� ெதா��
ெந� அ, ெதா�வ� D� வா+ உ�ெறன
ப� இதM தயEகிய D�பா ெந7த�
ந&� அைல0 ேதா�ற� ேபால
ஈ,ய கQ�� ந& நய�ேதா+ க�ேண.
Lord of the seashore
where young otters eat fat fish
and sleep in mangrove tree hollows,
and birds make loud noises
in the grove-filled Thondi city!
Hear what I have to say!
Farmers cut rice stalks with sharp knives
and many-petaled blue waterlilies
float on the moving waves.
The eyes of the woman you love
is filled with tears and she cries a lot.
Please show some pity, and marry her. Translated by Vaidehi
அ�ளாயாகேலா – அ�+வாயாக (மன� -,வாயாக), ெகா�ேத – இ%
ெகா�யேத, இ�E கழிA – க�ைமயான உ9- ந&� ஓைட,
�ைள ந&�நா7 – இள ந&�நா7, ெகா� ம2� மா�தி – ெகா�0த ம2ைன உ��,
தி�ைல அ� ெபா%�ப�� – தி�ைல மர0தி� ெபா�தி�, ப+ள) ெகா+X� –
உறE �, ெம�ல� – I�ன)ைலயைச, -ல�ப – ெந7த� நில0தைலவேன,
யா� க��சிேன – எ�ைனA கா�பாயாக, க�ெல� -+ள)� – க� எ�ற
ஒலிேயா� பறைவக+, கான�அ� ெதா�� – கட�கைர ேசாைல நிைற�த
ெதா��, ெந� அ, ெதா�வ� – ெந�ைல அ'A � வ�வசாகிக+, D� வா+
உ�ெறன – D�ைமயான வாளா�, ப� இதM தயEகிய D�பா ெந7த� – பல
இதMக+ (உைடய) மல��த ெந7த�, ந&� அைல0 ேதா�ற� ேபால –
அைலய�� ம2% மித9ப% ேபால, ஈ,ய – ஈரமான, கQ�� – அ��, ந&
நய�ேதா+ க�ேண – ந& வ���ப�யவள)� க�ேண
ந�றிைண 199, ேப, சா0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�
ெசா�ன%
ஓE மண� உ�0த ெந� மா9 ெப�ைண
வ &E மட� ட�ைப9 ைபத� ெவ� �
ந+ெள� யாம0% உய@ேதா' உ�கி
அ+ள� அ�ன எ� உ+ளெமா� உ+ உைட�%
உெளேன வாழி ேதாழி வைள ந&�A
க�! Bறா எறி�த ெகா�� திமி� பரதவ�
வாE வ�ைச0 P��� ஊE ஊE ஆகி
வள) ெபாரA க�ைற தாஅ7 நள) Bட�
ந&� நிற வ�B�ப�� ம2ெனா� -ைரய
ைபபய இைமA � %ைறவ�
ெம7 ேதா7 IயAக� காணா ஊEேக.
May you live long, my friend!
A white heron sits in its nest
on the mature fronds
of a tall and dark palmyra tree
that stands in the sand dunes
draped in sand,
and cries for its mate
in the middle of the night,
breaking my heart,
that becomes mushy like mud.
Net-throwing fishermen
who catch fierce sharks
in the ocean that surrounds the land
throw their fishing rods to catch fish,
and when the wind blows,
the bright flames in their boats
look like the twinkling stars
in the blue-hued skies.
I don’t have the hugging embraces of my man
from this port town, and I’m still alive. Translated by Vaidehi
ஓE மண� – sand dunes, heaped sand, உ�0த – covered, ெந� மா9 ெப�ைண –
tall dark palmyra palm trees, வ &E மட� – mature frond, ட�ைப – nest, ைபத� – sad,
ெவ� � – white heron, ந+ெள� யாம0% – in the middle of the night,
உய@ேதா' – whenever it cries, உ�கி – (I) melt, அ+ள� அ�ன எ� உ+ளெமா�
– with my heart that is like mud – mushy, உ+ உைட�% – heart broken, உெளேன – I am like
this, வாழி ேதாழி – greetings my friend, வைள ந&� - (land) surrounded water, ocean, க�!
Bறா – fierce shark, எறி�த – throwing their nets, ெகா�� – curved, திமி� – boat, பரதவ�
– fishermen, வாE – curved, வ�ைச0 P��� – fishing rod with a gadget (mechanical),
ஊE ஊE ஆகி – in between, வள) ெபார – wind blowing, க�ைற – fullness, தாஅ7
-spreading, நள) Bட� – splendid flame, ந&� நிற வ�B�ப�� – blue colored skies, ம2ெனா�
– with the stars, -ைரய – like, ைபபய இைமA � – slowly twinkle, %ைறவ� – man from
such a port, ெம7 – body, ேதா7 – hugging, attached, IயAக� – embracing, காணா – not
having it, ஊEேக – there
ந�றிைண 200, Dட_� ப� க�ணனா�, ம�த� திைண – ேதாழி யவன)ட�
ெசா�ன% – the bard is the hero’s messenger
to the heroine after his infidelity, and he usually approachers the heroine’s friend with the message
க�ண� க>�ய கதிர அ�ன
ஒ� ர� ெநா3சி0 ெத,ய� S�
யா' கிட�த�ன அக� ெந�� ெத�வ��
சா' என 6வQ� I% வா7A யவ
ஈ%� ஆEக� 6வ�றிசி� மாேதா
ஆ�ப� அம�ற த&� ெப�� பழன0%9
ெபா7ைக ஊ�A 9 ேபாேவா7ஆகி
ைக கவ� நர�ப�� பRவ� பாண�
ெச7த அ�ல� ப� வ ைவ எய��'
ஐ% அக� அ� � மகள)� இவ�
ெபா7 ெபாதி ெகா�! ெசா� ஓ�-மி� எனேவ.
O Potter with ancient wisdom!
Wearing nochi garland
with bud clusters of buds
that are bright like the sun’s rays,
and standing
on this wide and long street
that appears like a river,
announcing the festivities of our town,
please announce this message for me.
If you go to the town with fields
with white waterlilies,
tell the women with delicate wide waists
and sharp teeth,
that the trained bard who plays lovely
lute music has caused a lot of pain
with his cruel words filled with many lies,
and that they need to protect themselves. Translated by Vaidehi
க�ண� க>�ய – buds tied, கதிர அ�ன – bright like the rays, ஒ� – bright, ர� –
flower bunch, ெநா3சி0 ெத,ய� S� – wearing a nochi flower garland, யா' கிட�த�ன
– appearing like a river, அக� ெந�� ெத�வ�� – wide and long street, சா' – festival, என
6வQ� – saying that, I%வா7A யவ - potter with ancient wisdom, ஈ%� – these,
ஆEக� – there, 6வ�றிசி� மாேதா – won’t you say this too, ஆ�ப� – water-lily
flowers, அம�ற – existing, த&� ெப�� பழன0%9 – sweet huge fields, ெபா7ைக –
ponds, ஊ�A 9 ேபாேவா7 ஆகி – go to that town, ைக – hand, கவ� நர�ப�� –
desirable yāzh, பRவ� பாண� – trained bard, ெச7த அ�ல� – caused the pain,
ப� வ – many, ைவ – sharp, எய��' – teeth, ஐ% அக� – delicately spread, அ� �
– waist , மகள)� – women, இவ� – he, ெபா7 – lies, ெபாதி – filled, ெகா�! ெசா� –
harsh words, ஓ�-மி� எனேவ – so, protect yourself