United in love!

Today, 30th September, is World Translation Day.

I believe that, this is one poetry which deserves to be appreciated for years to come by many. And this is a sample of the wealth of knowledge and humility of the poet, who had such a brilliant idea, but not the desire to publicise his name.

There are two major elements that comprises the crust of earth. Water and Land.

The element of water is widely considered the flowing element and represents change, travel, search for destiny etc.

Whereas the element of land represents the stability, patience, finality or even a finite object.

The element of water exists in many forms such as ocean, river, falls, stream, lake, rain and so on.

And the land exists as soil, mud, sand, stone, rock, mountain and so on. The larger it is, the flexibility is reduced, while smaller the particle, it’s unusable for modified purpose. They can be used as is or with minor changes.

Usage of water is as wide as it’s form. And each usage relies upon few or just one form. For e.g., ocean is good for transporting through ships but useless for drinking directly. Also, existence of each form is restricted by the area of it’s existence. A falls can’t exist in plain and not ocean on top of mountain.

Another interesting feature is most of the water forms exist above land, though source of water is below land, apart from rain.

It’s born out of land, nurtures land, floods land, and consumes two third of earth’s crust.

Seems neither exist without the other. And also one overpowers the other at each stage.

But do they ever be at par?

Yes, when the land is mud/red soil and water is rain. They both lose themselves and they adorn a new form, of mud, which is neither liquid not solid.

Thus, merged the heart of two, in love, inseparable and into one, by losing itself. And together they could be created into new formations, which isn’t possible to be attained by either water or soil independently.

This is the example given by an anonymous poet to describe love. And the richness of the thought paved way to name the poet after this example.

யாயும் ஞாயும் யாரா கியரோ,
எந்தையும் நுந்தையும் எம்முறைக் கேளிர்,
யானும் நீயும் எவ்வழி யறிதும்,
செம்புலப் பெயனீர் போல,
அன்புடை நெஞ்சம் தாங்கலந் தனவே.

-செம்புலப் பெயனீரார்.

What is my mother to yours?
How is my father related to yours? Although you and I knew not
each other in any way,
just as red earth and pouring rain:
the love-filled hearts merged.

(Kuruntokai – 40)

[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuṟuntokai]

A single line that has such a depth of meaning. This keeps amazing people for generations and still going to live for long.

I’m taking my blog to the next level with #MyFriendAlexa campaign by the team BlogChatter.

Bridging the gap!

Fortunate are those who know to read, and even more are those who can, in more than one language.

My mother tongue is Tamil, but my mother’s language is English, even though she loves Tamil. So, I’m introduced to literature of English and Tamil at a very early stage.

As much as I love reading in both languages,I love to write in both as well. Since, most of my communication is required to be in English, writing in English has become more common than my mother tongue.

My blog wasn’t started on an impulse. I first decided on the tag line, “aZhagiya salanangal“, then on the name “Ripples”. Also the very first post I conceived for my blog was in Tamil, which can be read here and I eventually translated it into English, here.

The reason I shifted to English is for two reasons. First, my Tamil audience is so limited, that there is no point writing solely in English is understandable to them. Secondly, my respect for the language is the highest and I don’t use it in vain. So I started writing in Tamil, only after a long thought process and for the content very close to my heart.

I mean no disrespect for English, as that’s the first language I prefer to communicate with a stranger and that’s the language that has given my words a global audience!

To find a balance between my passion for writing in my mother tongue and for reaching global audience, I stepped into translation. And that opened a whole new horizon for me.

I started translating only on my blog and for my own work, but later extended it to translate movie lyrics, just so, those who weren’t able to understand Tamil could understand the beauty of the works in Tamil. That led me to working and becoming co owner of the site, lyricaldelights.com

This venture has led me to take my passion to next level, when I started translating the works is my favorite poet in Tamil, Bharathiyaar. The project is still a work in progress, but what’s done so far can be found here.

I’m not sure whether I would be this content if I was able to write in just one language. But being the bridge between the two has made me even more purposeful and content.

Today is World Literacy Day! And I dedicate this post to everyone who’s taking a step forward to make the world a little more wider with knowledge!

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa

An initiation

Few long years ago, when I’ve started taking baby steps into the world of literature, an initiation happened. And the details are….

Bharathi was introduced to me even before I started crawling.. For my favorite lullaby was the song written by him.. In the early class, for school competition, I frequently dressed up as Bharathi and secured prizes every time. So that’s the prologue for this following incident.

My dad was leisurely lying next to me and we both were chattering away. Across us, on a line, two cloth hangers were hanging empty and swaying. They were sort of perpendicular to each other. A hit on the left edge, made them sway on the right edge. Hence, they were on some kind of perpetual motion.

My dad pointed it out and said, see they were chattering and playing with each other. It was fun to me, to see how that non-living thing came to life.

And that’s when my dad picked up a small bound pink book and read out something in the perfect voice to amaze a kid with those little sound effects.

It was about, how two strings hanging from rooftop are given name, life, romance and how they alternate between life and death, by the power of wind.

And without even recognising, I fell in love. With the wondrous words of Bharathi for its simplicity and the imaginable story believable by the kid. And also it felt so important, even though I couldn’t fathom the profound meaning of it, by then.

To this day, whenever I see something fluttering in the wind, I remember that day, when I kept looking at him, as he kept reading out the story, in awe, for the story, for Bharathi, for the time well-spent, for changing something mundane forever.

Just like, as the drop of stone, has no inclination of how far the ripples caused by it can reach, that day had nothing extraordinary to know, it’s going to impact my life huge decades later. For that was the same prose-poetry, I took up for translating and felt a pride for my translated work. 

The story, original + translation available here.

So what do you remember of the first step into a long journey?

Ahoy! Five years on board!

My blog did cross a pompous milestone of Five Years! And this is the first year, it had gone by without me blowing the trumpet for it..

I recently revamped the looks of my site. And thought of cleaning up my past posts. Since I am yet to grow strong within to call crap as crap, my old silly posts still stay, for now.. But I had better success with my drafts and this one needed to be posted on my blog..

I wrote this for my 100th post.. But I am much closer to my 500th right now.. So I have changed over those 100s of posts and might also claim to have grown a teensy bit.. Yet in the depth of my hearts, I still have a high pride of my blog and here below is one such pompous trumpet blowing post.. Reserve your judgements, till you read it till the very end..

---

Written on Feb 8, 2016

Now go grab a cup of coffee or chai and some refreshments so you won’t sleep in between this long post of ramble.. 😉

This is my 100th post!

It had taken a very long journey of two years to cross the two-thirds, while just one month was enough to complete the last one-third.

I have successfully managed to post a day on every day so far, in spite of the times I was inclined to not write up the next. I wanted to post daily, not out of some challenge or someone dared me to! I took this up voluntarily for a personal reason and this seems to work beautifully.

Now is the time to take a look back, so I would know what I have come across, so I could reassure myself that, I could go further and reach where I want to reach!

I had updated my Facebook page’s ‘About me’ as follows. Do take note that it was written more than a year back.

The ultimate love verse!

A #Mahakavi song describing the love of a mother to her child, soulfully rendered by #BombayJayashree

 

Poet: Subramanya Bharathi
Singer: Bombay Jayashree
Movie: Kuttram kadithal
Singers: Rakesh Raghunanthan, Yazhini
Music director: Shankar Rengarajan

சின்னஞ்சிறு கிளியே கண்ணம்மா! செல்வக் களஞ்சியமே!
என்னைக் கலி தீர்த்தே உலகில் ஏற்றம் புரிய வந்தாய்!

chinnanjiRu kiLiyae kaNNammaa! selvak kaLanjiyamae!
ennaik kali theerthae ulagil aetRam puriya vandhaai!

Oh juvenile parrot, my Kannamma! You are the bountiful repository of all the wealth!
You brought me immense happiness and prosperity, you came to elevate my stature in this world!

பிள்ளைக் கனியமுதே! கண்ணம்மா! பேசும் பொற் சித்திரமே!
அள்ளி அணைத்திடவே என் முன்னே ஆடி வரும் தேனே!

piLLaik kaniyamudhae! kaNNammaa! paesum poR sithiramae!
aLLi aNaithidavae en munnae aadi varum thaenae!

You are a sweet child (comparing it to the nectar from a tender fruit), Oh Kannama! You are a golden painting that can talk!
You come dancing unto me so that I would pick and embrace you! Oh Honey!

ஓடி வருகையிலே கண்ணம்மா உள்ளம் குளிருதடி!
ஆடித் திரிதல் கண்டால் உன்னைப் போய் ஆவி தழுவுதடி!

oadi varugaiyilae kaNNammaa uLLam kuLirudhadi!
aadith thiridhal kaNdaal unnaip poai aavi thazhuvudhadi!

When you come running towards me! Oh Kannamma! My heart feels ecstatic  and appeased!
When I see you playfully wandering, my soul comes to hug you!

உச்சிதனை முகர்ந்தால் கருவம் ஓங்கி வளருதடி!
மெச்சி உனை ஊரார் புகழ்ந்தால் மேனி சிலிர்க்குதடி!

uchchidhanai mugarndhaal karuvam oangi vaLarudhadi!
mechchi unai ooraar pugazhndhaal maeni silirkkudhadi!

When I plant a kiss onto your forehead, my pride grows!
When the society applauds and appreciated you, my body is thrilled!

கன்னத்தில் முத்தமிட்டால் உள்ளந்தான் கள்வெறி கொள்ளுதடி!
உன்னைத் தழுவிடலோ கண்ணம்மா உன்மத்தம் ஆகுதடி!

kannathil muthamittaal uLLandhaan kaLveRi koLLudhadi!
unnaith thazhuvidaloa kaNNammaa unmatham aagudhadi!

When I kiss your cheeks, my inner self feels emotionally high (same as that from drinking alcohol) with joy
When I hug you, Oh Kannama! I feel elated!

உன் கண்ணில் நீர் வழிந்தால் என் நெஞ்சில் உதிரம் கொட்டுதடி!
என் கண்ணின் பாவையன்றோ? கண்ணம்மா! என்னுயிர் நின்னதன்றோ!

un kaNNil neer vazhindhaal en nenjil udhiram kottudhadi!
en kaNNin paavaiyandRoa? kaNNammaa! ennuyir ninnadhandRoa!

When I see tears trickling down your eyes, blood pours out of my heart,
you are the apple of my eyes, Oh Kannamma! isn’t my soul (life) yours!

Nobler than the Noblest!

வறுமை! நம் தேசத்தில்
  அது அறிவின் ஆபரணம்

vaRumai! nam thaesathil
adhu aRivin aabaraNam

Poverty! In our country
it is the ornament of intelligence

புலமைக்கு கிடைக்கும் முதல் விருது

pulamaikku kidaikkum mudhal virudhu

It is the first award given to poetic prowess

என்றும் பசிதான் கவிதையின் ரத்தம

endRum pasidhaan kavidhaiyin rathama

Always, hunger is the lifeblood of a poem

வறுமைக்கு பசிக்கும் போதெல்லாம்
  அது புலவனைத்தான் புசிக்கிறது

vaRumaikku pasikkum poadhellaam
adhu pulavanaithaan pusikkiRadhu

When ever hunger strikes poverty,
It feeds on the scholarly

புலவனின் கவிதையோ 
 பசியே வைக்கும் பந்தி

pulavanin kavidhaiyoa
pasiyae vaikkum pandhdhi

For the poet’s creation,
Hunger itself throws the feast,

கவிஞன் மனித ராசி என்றால் நான்
  மறுதலிப்பேன்

kavinjan manidha raasi endRaal naan
maRudhalippaen

If a poet were to be classified as being human,
I would deny

அவன் உயர்திணையைவிட
  உயர்ந்தவன்

avan uyardhiNaiyaivida
uyarndhdhavan

He is nobler than noblest,

எழுதும்போது
  வெளிச்சம் வேண்டியிருந்தால்
  அவனுக்கு
  விரல் மெழுகுவத்தி

ezhudhumpoadhu
veLichcham vaeNdiyirundhdhaal
avanukku
viRal mezhuguvathi

If there is need for light,
when penning a poem,
then his fingers
become the candle

பெருமூச்சியெல்லாம்
  அவனது
  பேனா புல்லாங்குழல்
  ராகஜாதியாய்
  ரசவாதம் செய்துவிடும்

perumoochchiyellaam
avanadhu
paenaa pullaangguzhal
raagaJaadhiyaay
rasavaadham seydhuvidum

All the deep breathes
turn melodic
due to the flute that is his pen

அவன் கண்ணீர்
  இறுகி .. இறுகி ..
  முத்துக்களாய் முதிர்ந்துவிடும்

avan kaNNeer
iRugi .. iRugi ..
muthukkaLaay mudhirndhdhuvidum

His tears, become denser by the tick,
and eventually trickle down like pearls

தன்னை
  நசுக்கி கொண்டு அவன்
  சிரித்து கொள்வான்

thannai
nasukki koNdu avan
sirithu koLvaan

He crushes himself (for his creation),
but sports a smile nevertheless,

சோகமே அவனது படுக்கை
  கவலையே அவனது தலையணை

soagamae avanadhu padukkai
kavalaiyae avanadhu thalaiyaNai

Suffering is his mattress,
Worry is his pillow,

அவனுக்கு தெரியும்
  விருச்சத்தை சுருட்டி
  விதையாக்கும் வித்தை

avanukku theriyum
viruchchathai surutti
vidhaiyaakkum vithai

He knows the art of
condensing a tree into a seed

பாரதி முதலில் பயந்தான் பிறகு
  பயம் அவனை கண்டு பயந்தது

baaradhi mudhalil payandhdhaan piRagu
payam avanai kaNdu payandhdhadhu

At first, Bharathi was afraid,
later fear was afraid of him,

தன்னை எரிக்க வந்த வறுமையை
  அவன் செரித்து விட்டான்

thannai erikka vandhdha vaRumaiyai
avan serithu vittaan

The poverty that came to burn him
Was (crushed into pieces) and digested by him

அவன்தான் சூரிய சொப்பனங்களில்
  சொக்கி கிடந்தானே
  இருட்டு அவனுக்கென்ன பொருட்டு ?

avandhaan sooriya soppanangaLil
sokki kidandhdhaanae
iruttu avanukkenna poruttu ?

For him, who was enthralled In the celestial dreams,
Would the darkness be of concern?

அவன்தான் நாளைய பூக்களின் மேல்
  நடந்து கொண்டிருந்தான்
  இன்றின் முட்கள் என்செய்யும் ?

avandhaan naaLaiya pookkaLin mael
nadandhdhu koNdirundhdhaan
indRin mutkaL encheyyum ?

For him, who was walking On the flowers of tomorrow,
What harm could today’s thorn bear?

நின்றது இந்தியா வா?
  இல்லை இருதயத்தின் ஒரு பாதியா ?
  சந்தேகத்தில் மனம் சலிந்தது

nindRadhu indhdhiyaa vaa?
illai irudhayathin oru paadhiyaa ?
sandhdhaegathil manam salindhdhadhu

Is it India that stopped?
Isn’t it half his heart?
His mind was weary with the confusion!

 தன் பேனாவை எண்ணியே
  பெரிதும் வருந்தினான்

than paenaavai eNNiyae
peridhum varundhdhinaan

He thought about his pen
and repented a great deal,

எதிரிகள் போர்களத்தையே
  திருடிவிட்டதாய் திகைத்தான்

edhirigaL poarkaLathaiyae
thirudivittadhaay thigaithaan

He was astounded
For he thought that the enemies
Stole the battlefield itself (Rather than waging war)

அவன் இமைப்பதற்கு
  இரண்டு நாள் ஆயிற்று

avan imaippadhaRku
iraNdu naaL aayitRu

It took him two days
to even blink an eye
(due to the shock)

வருமானம் வரும் வழியே
  முட் கதவுகளால் அல்லவா
  மூடிவிட்டார்கள் ?

varumaanam varum vazhiyae
mut kadhavugaLaal allavaa
moodivittaarkaL ?

Didn’t they close the path
That brought income
With doors of thorn?

வறுமை தன் வாசலை
  விசாலமாக விரித்தது

vaRumai than vaasalai
visaalamaaga virithadhu

While poverty opened up
its paths wide open

சுயலோகத்தையும் அவன்
  நாடகத்தில் வரும்
  நவரசம் போல
  நன்றாய் ரசித்தான்

suyaloagathaiyum avan
naadagathil varum
navarasam poala
nandRaay rasithaan

He enjoyed the misery in his
own life,
like the way one would enjoy the
splendid expressions of a drama,

கொடுக்க வேண்டிய வாடகை
  நகராத கூவம் போல
  தேங்கியது

kodukka vaeNdiya vaadagai
nagaraadha koovam poala
thaenggiyadhu

The rent that he needed to give (for his house),
started to became stagnant like a well

வசூலிக்க வரும்
  செட்டியாரோ
  கடன்பட்டார் நெஞ்சம்போல
  கலங்கினார்

vasoolikka varum
chettiyaaroa
kadanpattaar nenjampoala
kalangginaar

The Chettiar who came to collect the rent,
his heart was agitated like the one who was in debt,

கோவில் மாடத்தில்
  கூடுகட்டும் புறாவிடம்
  வாடகை எப்படி வசூலிப்பது

koavil maadathil
koodugattum puRaavidam
vaadagai eppadi vasoolippadhu
at the altar of the temple,
to the pigeon that was making its nest,
how can one ask for rent?

இன்று கட்டாயம்
  கேட்பதென்று கால்கள் விரையும்

indRu kattaayam
kaetpadhendRu kaalkaL viraiyum

“Today I will for sure ask”,
with this thought his feet walk briskly

பாரதியின் வாசலுக்கு வரும்போதோ
  காலணியோடு அந்த
  கருத்தையும்
  வெளியே விட்டுவிட்டு
  வீட்டுக்கு போவார்

paaradhiyin vaasalukku varumpoadhoa
kaalaNiyoadu andhdha
karuthaiyum
veLiyae vittuvittu
veettukku poavaar

But when he hit Bharathi’s doorstep,
with the footwear
even this thought
was left behind,
and the Chettiar would go in,

பாரதி சிரிப்பான்
  ஒரு வெண்கல மணி
  விண்ணில் அதிரும்

paaradhi sirippaan
oru veNkala maNi
viNNil adhirum

Bharathi would laugh,
A bronze gong would
strike in the skies,

வாரும் விளக்கெண்ணெய்வாள்
  வாடகைக்கு அப்படி என்ன அவசரம் ஒய்

vaarum viLakkeNNeyvaaL
vaadagaikku appadi enna avasaram oy

Come in! Oh know it all buddy!
What is the hurry to collect rent now?

இன்னும் பத்து வருஷம்
  சுயராஜ்ய ஜோதி
  தெரிந்துவிடும்

innum pathu varusham
suyaraaJya Joadhi
therindhdhuvidum

In ten years,
The light of Independence (swarajya),
will be lit,

பிறகென்ன ?
  அரசாங்கத்தின் கஜானாவிற்கு
  காசோலை தருவேன்
  போய்வாரும்

piRagenna ?
arasaangathin kaJaanaaviRku
kaasoalai tharuvaen
poayvaarum

Then what?
I’ll draw cheque Even to Government treasury
(For I would be that rich by then)
Come back later than now

மீண்டும்
  வெண்கல சிரிப்பு
  விண்ணை உரசும்

meeNdum
veNkala sirippu
viNNai urasum

Yet again, the bronze gong (his laughter)
will fill up the skies

ரணங்களை எல்லாம்
  ஆபரணங்களாய்
  அணிய பழகிய
  அந்த பொழுதில்
  வங்காளத்து மகான்
  வந்து சேர்ந்தார்

raNangaLai ellaam
aabaraNangaLaay
aNiya pazhagiya
andhdha pozhudhil
vanggaaLathu magaan
vandhdhu saerndhdhaar

He had learnt to wear all his debts (battles)
as his jewels
At that moment the great from Bengal
arrived

Note: An excerpt from Vairamuthu’s book ” Kavirajan kathai” Chapter 27 – உயர்திணையைவிட உயர்ந்தவன் (Greater than the greatest)

PS: Thanks to Sucheendra for the translation of this beautiful Extract.

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Sakthi – Happiness Part 6

Sakthi

First part: Happiness

6

Snake-charmer plays the pipe.
“Beautiful music is of sorrow” so we had heard.
But the music sung by this charmer is sweet,
yet, not of sorrow feeling.
This is like a debate by the learned people.
Like a novelist adding line after line
which are short and filled with meaning.
What is this charmer debating about?
“thaanathanthath thaanathanthath thaa-thanath
thaanathandana thaanathandana thaa–
thanthanathana thanthanathana thaa”
Like that he is playing variety in loops.
What is the meaning of this?
A child said the following meaning for this:
“I adorned flowers to Kali.
A donkey came to eat them away.”
In the name of Sakthi, I built this body.
The pain from sin is eating this away.
I surrendered to Parasakthi.
The pain vanished.
Parasakthi started to live on my soul with light.
Let her live long.

---

Note: Sakthi literally means Power and also the name of Goddess.

The Tamil version of the above translation is available at http://www.lyricaldelights.com

The Penance!

சூனியத்திலிருந்து சூரியனாகும் ஒரு பயணம்
பெரும் பிரயத்தனம் கொண்டே
மெதுமெதுவாக சிறு பிறையினைக் கூட்டி
சுட்டெரிக்கும் வெம்மையை அகற்றி
தண்ணென குளிர்வைக் கூட்டி
முழு தகடாய் ஒளிர்ந்த நாளில்,
சலனமற்ற தண்ணீர் உரக்கவே முழங்கியது
வெண்ணிலவின் களங்கம் கொண்ட வெண்மையினை..

கண்டு நாணி முகில் கொண்டு முகம் மூடி
வெட்கி மருகி தினம் தினம் கரைந்தது..
அத்துடன் கரைந்தது அதன் களங்கமும்..

மீண்டும் வளர மீண்டும் களங்கம்,
மீண்டும் தேய்ந்தும் மாளா நம்பிக்கை..

யுகங்கள் கடந்து பிறவிகள் கடந்து
தினம் தினம் நிகழும் ஒரு போராட்டம்..
சூனியம் சூரியனாகும் நாள் வரை
நிலவின் நம்பிக்கையும் வளரும்!

A journey from infinity to Sun..
With a tremendous effort,
Adding one crescent over another,
Removing the wrath of heat,
It glowed as a full plate
And on that day,
The undisturbed water screamed out loud,
Pointing the impurities in the white of the moon..

The moon closed its face with the clouds,
in shame, it started declining everyday..
And along with it, its impurities..

As it grew back, so did the spots,
Thought it shrunk, its hope did not..

Over eons and many births
The struggle continues everyday..
Till the day the new moon becomes full moon,
The hope too grows along with it!

 

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Sakthi – Happiness Part 5

Sakthi

First part: Happiness

5

“Could put up a fence in land.
But is it possible to fence in sky?” Yes, you can.
Isn’t the sky filling even the land?
If you fence up land, doesn’t it mean
that the sky of that part is also fenced up?
Control Body. Then controlling soul is possible.
Control Soul. Then controlling mind is possible.
Control Mind. Then controlling Sakthi is possible.
There is no despair in being controlled by the Sakthi.
There is a cotton pillow before me.
It has a shape, a size, a purpose to it.
Sakthi looks after that this purpose is met out.
It can be preserved without being extinct,
even as long as humans exist in this world.
If it is renewed often, Sakthi exists in it for longer.
If not renewed, the form changes.
Dirty pillow, tattered pillow, old pillow —
Take out the cotton in it and use in mattress.
Throw out the outer cover as waste cloth.
It’s form has expired.
If the form is preserved, Sakthi could be preserved.
That is, Sakthi could be preserved in the same form.
Even when the form changes, Sakthi doesn’t change.
Everywhere, everything, every time, every activity exhibits Sakthi.
It is good to preserve the form.
In the name of Sakthi.
It is good to praise Sakthi, by preserving the form.
But one who preserves just the form, loses Sakthi.

---

Note: Sakthi literally means Power and also the name of Goddess.

The Tamil version of the above translation is available at http://www.lyricaldelights.com

Dreams

என்றோ எங்கோ கேட்ட குரல்
என்றோ எங்கோ கண்ட கனா
என்றோ எங்கோ உதிர்த்த வார்த்தை

கண் முன்னே நிகழும் தருணம்
உள்ளம் கொண்ட உவப்பின் அளவு
அளவீடுகளுக்குள் அடங்கிடுமோ

The voice heard someday somewhere,
The dream dreamt someday somewhere,
The word uttered someday somewhere..

When it all come true,
The happiness springing in the heart,
Is there any way to measure it?!

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Sakthi – Happiness Part 4

Sakthi

First part: Happiness

4

“Could put up a fence in land.
But is it possible to fence in sky?” asked Ramakrishna muni.
Could tie up inanimate objects. But is it possible to tie Sakthi?
Could tie up the body. But is it possible to tie the soul?
Tie up the soul. Then it is possible to tie the heart.
Sakthi in me is in my soul and heart.
Sakthi should have infinite temples.
In the time without the beginning and ending, she should have new temples at every minute.
Out of these infinite temples, the name of one of the temple is “Me”.
If it is renewed ceaselessly, Sakthi will be present in it.
When it becomes old, She will leave it.
Now, she is filled in me.
Now, my soul is bubbling with energy and contentment.
Now, my body has comfort and strength.
Now, my thoughts are clear.
This is enough for me.
I will not linger in the past, neither ponder about the future.
Now, Sakthi is sitting in the throne within me.
Let her live long!
I praise her, hail her, pray to her incessantly.

---

Note: Sakthi literally means Power and also the name of Goddess. This part explains that Sakthi is omnipresent and is in every person as well as animate and inanimate object. The nouns referred to in the content are the names of Gods in Hindu mythology.

The Tamil version of the above translation is available at www.lyricaldelights.com

The beginning

புரிகின்ற தருணத்தில்
தொலைகின்ற காதலாய்
உணர்கின்ற பருவத்தில்
இழந்திடும் பாசமாய்
பார்க்கின்ற நொடியினில்
மறைகின்ற கானலாய்
தொடுகின்ற சமயத்தில்
நெடுகின்ற வானமாய்
பொழிகின்ற வேளையில்
கலைகின்ற மேகமாய்
என் தேடல்களின் முடிவுமே
இன்னொரு தொடக்கமாய்

The love lost
At the moment of understanding;
The parted affection
At the moment of realisation;
The missing mirage
At the moment of looking at it;
The extending horizon
At the moment of almost reaching it;
The dissolving clouds
At the moment of almost drizzle;
Signifies that my end is not an end
But the beginning of the next new adventure!

The Tamil version is written by Mr. Sudalai on his blog over here -> ​தொடக்கம் – http://wp.me/p7RIiY-s

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Sakthi – Happiness Part 3

Sakthi

First part: Happiness

3

Darkness came, Owls became happy.
The woman, who went into forest in search of her lover,
was alone and lamenting.
Light came; Lover came. She became happy
There is Ghost, There is magic.
There is no Ghost. There is magic.
There is sickness. There is ailment.
Tiredness kills. It (titredness) is killed by zeal.
Ignorance kills. It (ignorance) is killed by Knowledge.
We were afraid. Mother removed the fear and gave us strength.
We grieved. Mother changed that and gave joy.
She lifted the bowed heads.
She added light to the tired eyes.
She gave clarity to the confused minds.
She added light to the darkened mind.
Long live Mahasakthi.

---

The Tamil version of the above translation is available at www.lyricaldelights.com

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Sakthi – Happiness Part 2

Sakthi

First part: Happiness

2

Crow caws.
In the field that is the world, the Sun floods it with light,
  which is like the glitter of the diamond.
That is shadowed by the clouds.
The light pierces through the clouds.
When the flood of light is filtered through the sieve of clouds,
  the dust settles down and the clearer part above it.
Hen crows.
Ant crawls.
Housefly flies.
Young man concentrates on the art.
All these are the works of the great Sakthi.
Let her lead us to do what is to be done righteously.
Let our deeds be natural.
Charming deeds, Happy deeds, Powerful deeds,
  untiring deeds, causing deeds, spreading deeds,
  happening deeds, endless deeds,
Let the great Sakthi bless us.
Poetry, Protection, Feeding, Raising,
  Pruning, Caring, Showering with light —
  Let the great Sakthi bless us in these deeds.
By irrigating with love, ploughing with knowledge,
  Removing the weeds of (baseless old) customs,
  Growing the crop of Holy Scriptures,
  Reaping the benefits of happiness and for consuming it,
  we pray for the grace of the great Sakthi.
Let her bless us with them.

Note: Sakthi literally means Power and also the name of Goddess.

The Tamil version of the above translation is available at www.lyricaldelights.com

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Sakthi – Happiness Part 1

Sakthi

First part: Happiness

1

In the flood of Sakthi, Sun is a bubble.
In the river of Sakthim Sun is a flower.
Sakthi is infinite, doesn’t have borders, doesn’t have an end.
It is what shows action in inactiveness.
Sakthi is what beats, chases, assembles,
gathers, merges, shakes off,
winnows, blows, swirls,
binds, scatters, disperses,
puffs, stops, drives,
makes many into one, makes one to many.
Sakthi is what brings chillness, gives warmth,
gives shivers,
gives happiness, gives ailment, gives cure,
gives normalcy, changes the normality,
gives weakness, gives nourishment, gives ascent,
gives enthusiasm, makes to bloom, gives delightfulness,
kills, gives life.
Sakthi gives happiness, gives anger,
gives hatred, gives contentment,
gives enmity, blossoms love,
gives strength, gives fear,
brings forth boiling emotions, brings calmness.
Sakthi is what is smelt, tasted, touched, heard, seen.
Sakthi is what is thought, researched, calculated, decided,
dreamt, imagined, searched, revolts,
sticks to the place, thought, analysed,
Sakthi is what brings enchantment, brings clarity.
Sakthi is what is felt.
Daughter of Brahma, Sister of Kannan, Wife of Siva.
Wife of Kannan, Daughter of Siva, Sister of Brahma,
Mother of Brahma, Kannan and Siva.
Sakthi is the origin.
Meaning of the meaningless and effect of effect less.
In the ocean of Sakthi, Sun is froth;
In the veena of Sakthi, Sun is ending note; a place for the musical note.
In the divine dance of Sakthi, Light is beats.
In the arts of Sakthi, Light is one of them.
Let Sakthi live.

---

Note: Sakthi literally means Power and also the name of Goddess. This part explains that Sakthi is omnipresent and is in every person as well as animate and inanimate object. The nouns referred to in the content are the names of Gods in Hindu mythology.

The Tamil version of the above translation is available at www.lyricaldelights.com

A Prayer!

வேண்டத் தக்கது அறிவோய் நீ! வேண்ட, முழுதும் தருவோய் நீ!
வேண்டும் அயன், மாற்கு, அரியோய் நீ! வேண்டி, என்னைப் பணி கொண்டாய்;
வேண்டி, நீ யாது அருள் செய்தாய், யானும், அதுவே வேண்டின் அல்லால்,
வேண்டும் பரிசு ஒன்று உண்டு என்னில், அதுவும், உன் தன் விருப்பு அன்றே?

[குழைத்த பத்து 6 – திருவாசகம் – மாணிக்கவாசகர் ]

vaeNdath thakkadhu aRivoay nee! vaeNda, muzhudhum tharuvoay nee!
vaeNdum ayan, maaRku, ariyoay nee! vaeNdi, ennaip paNi koNdaay;
vaeNdi, nee yaadhu aruL seydhaay, yaanum, adhuvae vaeNdin allaal,
vaeNdum parisu ondRu uNdu ennil, adhuvum, un than viruppu andRae?

[kuzhaitha pathu 6 – thiruvaasagam – maaNikkavaasagar ]

You know what to pray for!
       When prayed, you answer all those prayers!
You are the God worshiped even by the Bramma and Vishnu, we worship!
        As prayed, you took over me!
For praying, what have you destined me to,
        If I too don’t pray for the same destined prayer,
But I am in seek of a different gift,
        Isn’t that too as per your wish?!

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Vision – Fame Part 13

இரண்டாங் கிளை: புகழ்

ஞாயிறு

13

மழை பெய்கிறது. காற்றடிக்கின்றது. இடி குமுறுகின்றது.
 மின்னல் வெட்டுகின்றது.
 புலவர்களே, மின்னலைப் பாடுவோம், வாருங்கள்.
 மின்னல் ஒளித்தெய்வத்தின் ஒரு லீலை -- ஒளித்
 தெய்வத்தின் ஒரு தோற்றம்.
 அதனை யவனர் வணங்கி ஒளிபெற்றனர்.
 மின்னலைத் தொழுகின்றோம்.
 அது நம்மறிவை ஒளியுறச்செய்க.
 மேகக் குழந்தைகள் மின்னற்பூச் சொரிகின்றன.
 மின் சக்தி இல்லாத இடமில்லை.
 எல்லாத் தெய்வங்களும் அங்ஙனமே.
 கருங்கல்லிலே, வெண்மணலிலே, பச்சை இலையிலே,
 செம்மலரிலே, நீல மேகத்திலே,
 காற்றிலே, வரையிலே -- எங்கும் மின்சக்தி உறங்கிக்
 கிடக் கின்றது.
 அதனைப் போற்றுகின்றோம்.
 நமது விழிகளிலே மின்னல் பிறந்திடுக.
 நமது நெஞ்சிலே மின்னல் விசிறிப் பாய்க.
 நமது வலக்கையிலே மின்னல் தோன்றுக.
 நமது பாட்டு மின்னலுடைத்தாகுக.
 நமது வாக்கு மின்போல் அடித்திடுக.
 மின் மெலியதைக் கொல்லும்;
 வலியதிலே வலிமைசேர்க்கும்.
 அது நம் வலிமையை வளர்த்திடுக.
 ஒளியை, மின்னலை, சுடரை, மணியை,
 ஞாயிற்றை, திங்களை, வானத்து வீடுகளை, மீன்களை --
 ஒளியுடைய அனைத்தையும் வாழ்த்துகின்றோம்.
 அனைத்தையும் வாழ்த்துகின்றோம்.
 ஞாயிற்றை வாழ்த்துகின்றோம்.

 The rain pours. Thunder claps aloud. Lightning cuts through.
Oh poets, come, let's sing (about) lightning.
Lightning is one of the plays of the Lord of Light. (Another) A form of light.
Yavanar worshipped him and attained light.
We worship lightning.
It enlightens our knowledge.
The cloud-children shower the lightning-flowers.
There's no place without electricity.
And so are the Gods.
In the dark rocks, in the light sand, in the green leaves, in the red flowers, in the blue clouds, in the wind, in the forest -- everywhere electricity is sleeping.
We praise it.
Let new lightning be born from our eyes.
Let the lightning blow hard in our hearts.
Let lightning arise from our right hands.
Let our poetry contain lightning.
Let our words/promises be like lightning.
Lightning kills the weak; whereas adds strength to the strong.
Let it build our strength.
We praise everything that has light -- Light, lightning, flame, vision, Sun, Moon, houses in the sky, stars..
We praise everything.
We praise the Sun. 

mazhai peykiRadhu. kaatRadikkindRadhu. idi kumuRugindRadhu.
minnal vettugindRadhu.
pulavarkaLae, minnalaip paaduvoam, vaarungaL.
minnal oLitheyvathin oru leelai -- oLith
theyvathin oru thoatRam.
adhanai yavanar vaNanggi oLibetRanar.
minnalaith thozhugindRoam.
adhu nammaRivai oLiyuRachcheyka.
maegak kuzhandhdhaigaL minnaRpoo chorigindRana.
min sakthi illaadha idamillai.
ellaath theyvangaLum angnganamae.
karungallilae, veNmaNalilae, pachchai ilaiyilae,
semmalarilae, neela maegathilae,
kaatRilae, varaiyilae -- enggum minchakthi uRanggik
kidak kindRadhu.
adhanaip poatRugindRoam.
namadhu vizhigaLilae minnal piRandhdhiduga.
namadhu nenjjilae minnal visiRip paayka.
namadhu valakkaiyilae minnal thoandRuga.
namadhu paattu minnaludaithaaguga.
namadhu vaakku minpoal adithiduga.
min meliyadhaik kollum;
valiyadhilae valimaisaerkkum.
adhu nam valimaiyai vaLarthiduga.
oLiyai, minnalai, sudarai, maNiyai,
nYaayitRai, thingaLai, vaanathu veedugaLai, meengaLai --
oLiyudaiya anaithaiyum vaazhthugindRoam.
anaithaiyum vaazhthugindRoam.
nYaayitRai vaazhthugindRoam.

This is the final part of Vision.

Salutation to my country

நாட்டு வணக்கம்
Salutation to my country

எந்தையும் தாயும் மகிழ்ந்து குலாவி
இருந்ததும் இந்நாடே – அதன்
முந்தையர் ஆயிரம் ஆண்டுகள் வாழ்ந்து
முடிந்ததும் இந்நாடே – அவர்
சிந்தையில் ஆயிரம் எண்ணம் வளர்ந்து
சிறந்ததும் இந்நாடே – இதை
வந்தனை கூறி மனதில் இருத்தி என்
வாயுற வாழ்த்தேனோ – இதை
வந்தே மாதரம் வந்தே மாதரம்
என்று வணங்கேனோ?

This is the country in which my father and mother
had been living happily and socialising.
This is the country in which they have lived and completed
their lives for the previous thousand years.
This is the country that has prospered with the thoughts
that arose from their knowledge.
Wouldn’t I praise this heartily by paying homage
as well as by remembering them with reverence?!
Wouldn’t I salute this by singing
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram?!

இன்னுயிர் தந்தெமை ஈன்று வளர்த்தருள்
ஈந்ததும் இந்நாடே – எங்கள்
அன்னையர் தோன்றி மழலைகள் கூறி
அறிந்ததும் இந்நாடே – அவர்
கன்னியராகி நிலவினிலாடிக்
களித்ததும் இந்நாடே – தங்கள்
பொன்னுடல் இன்புற நீர் விளையாடி இல்
போந்ததும் இந்நாடே – இதை
வந்தே மாதரம் வந்தே மாதரம்
என்று வணங்கேனோ?

This is the country which gave life to me, raised
and has yielded me purpose.
This is the country where our mother was born,
prattled, babbled and learnt on.
This is the country where they grew up and enjoyed
the numerous nights of the moon.
This is the country where they have delighted their forms by
playing water games and got married into.
Wouldn’t I salute this by singing
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram?!

மங்கையராயவர் இல்லறம் நன்கு
வளர்த்ததும் இந்நாடே – அவர்
தங்க மதலைகள் ஈன்றமுதூட்டித்
தழுவியதிந்நாடே – மக்கள்
துங்கம் உயர்ந்து வளர்கெனக் கோயில்கள்
சூழ்ந்ததும் இந்நாடே – பின்னர்
அங்கவர் மாய அவருடல் பூந்துகள்
ஆர்ந்ததும் இந்நாடே – இதை
வந்தே மாதரம் வந்தே மாதரம்
என்று வணங்கேனோ?

This is the country where they became women and
raised the family into goodness.
This is the country where they have fed their children
from their bosom and held them.
This is the country where people have raised high and also
surrounded themselves with highly elevated temples.
This is the country where, later when they died,
the particles of them attained contentment in completion.
Wouldn’t I salute this by singing
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram?!

Vande Mataram – I bow to thee, oh Mother!

---

 

This was written by the Mahakavi Bharathiyaar having India in mind. But I think this suits for almost all the countries and every individual has this basic reason to feel proud of their own country. Isn’t that one legacy left by all parents to their kids?

There are numerous reason for people to be living abroad from their own country. But the delight that one gets while praising their own motherland is no different.

Check here for listening to the audio version of this song !

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Vision – Fame Part 11

இரண்டாங் கிளை: புகழ்

ஞாயிறு

11

புலவர்களே, அறிவுப்பொருள்களே, உயிர்களே,
 பூதங்களே, சக்திகளே, எல்லோரும் வருவீர்.
 ஞாயிற்றைத் துதிப்போம், வாருங்கள்.
 அவன் நமக்கெல்லாம் துணை.
 அவன் மழைதருகின்றான்.
 மழை நன்று.
 மழைத் தெய்வத்தை வாழ்த்துகின்றோம்.
 ஞாயிறு வித்தைகாட்டுகின்றான்.
 கடல்நீரைக் காற்றாக்கி மேலேகொண்டுபோகிறான்.
 அதனை மீளவும் நீராக்கும்படி காற்றை ஏவுகின்றான்.
 மழை இனிமையுறப் பெய்கின்றது.
 மழை பாடுகின்றது.
 அது பலகோடி தந்திகளுடையதோர் இசைக்கருவி.
 வானத்திலிருந்து அமுதவயிரக்கோல்கள் விழுகின்றன.
 பூமிப்பெண் விடாய்தீர்கிறாள்; குளிர்ச்சி பெறுகின்றாள்.
 வெப்பத்தால் தண்மையும், தண்மையால் வெப்பமும்
 விளைகின்றன.
 அனைத்தும் ஒன்றாதலால்.
 வெப்பம் தவம். தண்மை யோகம்.
 வெப்பம் ஆண். தண்மை பெண்.
 வெப்பம் வலியது. தண்மை இனிது.
 ஆணிலும் பெண் சிறந்ததன்றோ?
 நாம் வெம்மைத் தெய்வத்தைப் புகழ்கின்றோம்.
 அது வாழ்க.

Poets, learned objects, Souls, Demons, Powers, all of you come gather.
Come let us praise the Sun.
He is support for all of us.
He gives rains.
Rain is good.
We praise the Lord of Rains.
Sun shows tricks.
He evaporates sea-water and carries it upwards.
And he commends Wind to convert it back to water.
Rain pours nicely.
Rain sings.
It is a musical instrument with billions of strings.
The heavenly-diamond-sticks fall from the sky.
The Earth-girl quenches her thirst; She becomes cool.
Heat begets Coldness, Coldness begets Heat.
Since all are one.
Heat is Penance. Coldness is Excellence.
Heat is Male. Coldness is Female.
Heat is Strong. Coldness is Sweet.
Isn't Female better than Male?
We praise the Lord of Heat.
Let it live.

Love thy Enemy!

Courage is not just standing against the evil. The true courage comes when you are able to wish for the blessing to the enemy! Here is what the brave poet speaks to his heart. He explains why to love thine enemy. For the lack of love / compassion to the enemy  will only lead to the downfall of self. And he also says that as the shell hoards the beautiful pearl, there would be good in everyone. Find the pearl in every plain shell so life is filled with love, goodness and betterment.

I am not sure whether I have insane courage or whether I am plain stupid. For I have added my translation to one of my most favourite verses of my favourite poet Bharathi. Though I have translated his works for ages, the reason for this new-found embarrassment is this song has been translated by himself. And the contrast is just too plain and clear. So please excuse my lack of expertise.

பகைவனுக் கருள்வாய் -- நன்னெஞ்சே
பகைவனுக் கருள்வாய்.

Love thy enemy – Oh Good Heart!
Love thy enemy!

புகை நடுவினில் தீயிருப்பதைப்
பூமியிற் கண்டோ மே-நன்னெஞ்சே!
பூமியிற் கண்டோ மே.

We saw in the world that fire
resides inside the smoke – Oh Good Heart!
We saw in the world.

பகை நடுவினில் அன்புரு வானநம்
பரமன் வாழ்கின்றான் -நன்னெஞ்சே!
பரமன் வாழ்கின்றான்.

The Paraman lives on, as the form of love
Amidst the enmity – Oh Good Heart!
The Paraman lives on.

சிப்பியிலே நல்ல முத்து விளைந்திடுஞ்
செய்தி யறியாயோ?-நன்னெஞ்சே!
குப்பையிலே மலர் கொஞ்சுங் குருக்கத்திக்
கொடி வளராதோ?-நன்னெஞ்சே!

Don’t you know the fact that a good pearl
Grows within the shell? – Oh Good Heart!
Will not the creeper lily (Hiptage benghalensis), bearing the adorable flowers
Grow over garbage? – Oh Good Heart!

உள்ள நிறைவிலொர் கள்ளம் புகுந்திடில்
உள்ளம் நிறைவாமோ,-நன்னெஞ்சே!
தெள்ளிய தேனிலொர் சிறிது நஞ்சையும்
சேர்த்தபின் தேனோமோ?நன்னெஞ்சே!

When a guilt thought creeps in a content heart,
Will the heart be content anymore? – Oh GoodHeart!
After adding a drop of poison to pure honey,
Will the honey still be just honey? – Oh Good Heart!

வாழ்வை நினைத்தபின் தாழ்வை நினைப்பது
வாழ்வுக்கு நேராமோ?-நன்னெஞ்சே!
தாழ்வு பிறர்க்கெண்ணத் தானழிவா னென்ற
சாத்திரங் கேளாயோ?-நன்னெஞ்சே!

Thinking of the downfalls of life after thinking of the goodness of life,
Is that right to the life? – Oh Good Heart!
Haven’t you heard of the gospel that those who seek the downfall
of others, fall themselves as prey? – Oh Good Heart!

போருக்கு வந்தங் கெதிர்த்த கவுரவர்
போலவந் தானுமவன்-நன்னெஞ்சே!
நேருக் கருச்சுனன் தேரிற் கசைகொண்டு
நின்றதுங் கண்ணனன்றோ?-நன்னெஞ்சே!

Even when those who came against and for war
are the Gauravs – Oh Good Heart,
Isn’t it the Kannan who stood as the charioteer
with the whip for Archunan? – Oh Good Heart!

தின்ன வரும்புலி தன்னையும் அன்பொடு
சிந்தையிற் போற்றிடுவாய்-நன்னெஞ்சே!
அன்னை பராசக்தி யவ்வுரு வாயினள்
அவளைக் கும்பிடுவாய்-நன்னெஞ்சே!

Praise in the heart with love, even the Tiger
That comes to eat – Oh Good Heart!
Mother Parasakthi is indeed the form of love,
Worship her – Oh Good Heart!

The following is the translation done by Bharathiyaar himself and was published on September 22, 1915.

Love thine enemy, heart of mine, Oh!
Love thine enemy.

Hast thou not seen the shining flame
Amidst the darkening smoke?
In foeman’s soul lives Krishna, whom
As Love the wise invoke.

Oft we’ve preached to men that God
In all that is doth shine.
Why, then, my heart, ‘tis God that stands
Arrayed as foeman’s line.

Does know that limpid pearls are found
Within the oysters vile?
Hast seen on dunghill, too, sometimes
The starry blossom smile?

The heart that guards a wound, shall it
The Inner Peace possess?
The honey poison-mixed, shall it
Be wholesome ne’ertheless?

Shall we who strive for Life and Growth,
Lend thought to Sad Decay?
“Thine evil thoughts recoil on thee’,
So do the wise ones say.

When Arjun fought, twas Krishna whom
He faced, disguised as foes;
‘Twas Krishna, too, that drove his car
In charioteering pose.

Strike down the tiger threat’ning thee,
But love it, straight and true;
The Mother of All hath donned that garb,
Salute Her, ay there, too.

Love thine enemy, heart of mine, Oh!
Love thine enemy.

A song of definitions!

A song between a newly married couple.. Where he gives a single word prompt and she expresses her view upon them poetically in the song.. Check out the video and other details of the song over here!

 

The peepal tree dwelling cuckoo’s (chirping), the cooing of the train,
Aariraaroo (lullaby), Yelelelo (folk music),
All of it are music, Oh Kanna (as term of endearment)
In my song of the musical notes*,
The music of love sets stage, Oh Kanna!

Cellphone:
When the nightingale (ringtone) calls us,
We are close, despite the distance.

Cigarette :
Like a finger in between fingers,
This lives as sixth finger for few seconds

Shyness:
This is the first word said lovingly by femininity

Moustache
This is the hairy child, which belongs only to me..

Thirukkural:
The two lines of a couplet gives one meaning,
If we both live like that, life would be pleasant.

Moon:
Is she the fairy that bathes at night?
She is the white shadow that grows and fades

Fine, Mirror
When I look into it, it shows you!

Hmm.. Love
It is the single dream dreamt in our four eyes..

Wow! Beautiful!

To Friendship!

Today’s post is a dedication to the beautiful relationship called #Friendship. The following is the poetry written by Bharathi and could be set as the benchmark for friendship! This is one my all time favourites and what better time to share it than while the friendship day is around the corner.. 😉

So read it and let me know which line are you going to share with your bestfriend..

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Vision – Fame Part 9

இரண்டாங் கிளை: புகழ்

ஞாயிறு

9

வானவெளி என்னும் பெண்ணை ஒளியென்னும்
 தேவன் மணநதிருக்கின்றான்.
 அவர்களுடைய கூட்டம் இனிது.
 இதனைக் காற்றுத்தேவன் கண்டான்.
 காற்று வலிமை யுடையவன்.
 இவன் வானவெளியைக் கலக்க விரும்பினான்.
 ஒளியை விரும்புவதுபோல வானவெளி இவனை விரும்பவில்லை.
 இவன் தனது பெருமையை ஊதிப் பறை யடிக்கின்றான்.
 வெளியும் ஒளியும் இரண்டு உயிர்கள் கலப்பதுபோல் கலந்தன.
 காற்றுத் தேவன் பொறாமை கொண்டான்.
 அவன் அமைதியின்றி உழலுகிறான்.
 அவன் சீறுகின்றான், புடைக்கின்றான், குமுறுகின்றான்.
 ஓலமிடுகின்றான், சுழலுகின்றான், துடிக்கின்றான்;
 ஓடுகின்றான், எழுகின்றான், நிலையின்றிக் கலங்குகின்றான்.
 வெளியும் ஒளியும் மோனத்திலே கலந்து நகைசெய்கின்றன.
 காற்றுத் தேவன் வலிமையுடையவன்.
 அவன் புகழ் பெரிது. அப் புகழ் நன்று.
 ஆனால் வானவெளியும் ஒளியும் அவனிலும் சிறந்தன.
 அவை மோனத்தில் கலந்து நித்தம் இன்புறுவன.
 அவை வெற்றியுடையன.
 ஞாயிறே, நீதான் ஒளித்தெய்வம்.
 நின்னையே வெளிப்பெண் நன்கு காதல் செய்கிறாள்.
 உங்கள் கூட்டம் மிக இனிது. நீவிர் வாழ்க.

The vast sky as a woman is married by the Lord of Light.
There partnership is nice.
This is seen by the Lord of Wind.
The Wind is powerful.
He desired to partner with the vast sky.
Like liking the Light, the vast sky didn't like him.
He blows trumpets of his pride.
The sky and light has merged like the merging of two souls.
 The Lord of Wind got jealous.
He toils without peace.
He hisses, swells, grunts, whimpers, swirls, shivers;
Runs, raises, distraught.
The sky and light smiles together in their togetherness.
The Lord of Wind is powerful.
His fame is huge. That fame is good.
But the vast sky and the Light are better than that.
They attain happiness at all times by their togetherness.
They are victorious.
Oh Sun, you are indeed the Lord of Light.
The sky girl is in deep love with you.
Your partnership is very nice. Let you live long. 

vaanaveLi ennum peNNai oLiyennum
thaevan maNanadhirukkindRaan.
avarkaLudaiya koottam inidhu.
idhanaik kaatRuthaevan kaNdaan.
kaatRu valimai yudaiyavan.
ivan vaanaveLiyaik kalakka virumpinaan.
oLiyai virumpuvadhuboala vaanaveLi ivanai virumpavillai.
ivan thanadhu perumaiyai oodhip paRai yadikkindRaan.
veLiyum oLiyum iraNdu uyirkaL kalappadhuboal kalandhdhana.
kaatRuth thaevan poRaamai koNdaan.
avan amaidhiyindRi uzhalugiRaan.
avan seeRugindRaan, pudaikkindRaan, kumuRugindRaan.
oalamidugindRaan, suzhalugindRaan, thudikkindRaan;
oadugindRaan, ezhugindRaan, nilaiyindRik kalanggugindRaan.
veLiyum oLiyum moanathilae kalandhdhu nagaiseykindRana.
kaatRuth thaevan valimaiyudaiyavan.
avan pugazh peridhu. ap pugazh nandRu.
aanaal vaanaveLiyum oLiyum avanilum siRandhdhana.
avai moanathil kalandhdhu nitham inpuRuvana.
avai vetRiyudaiyana.
nYaayiRae, needhaan oLitheyvam.
ninnaiyae veLippeN nangu kaadhal seykiRaaL.
ungaL koottam miga inidhu. neevir vaazhka.

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Vision – Fame Part 8

இரண்டாங் கிளை: புகழ்

ஞாயிறு

8

ஒளிக்கும் வெம்மைக்கும் எவ்வகை உறவு?
 வெம்மையேற ஒளி தோன்றும்.
 வெம்மையைத் தொழுகின்றோம்.
 ஒளியின் தாய். ஒளியின் முன்னுருவம்.
 வெம்மையே, நீ தீ.
 தீ தான் வீரத்தெய்வம்.
 தீ தான் ஞாயிறு
 தீயின் இயல்பே ஒளி.
 தீ எரிக.
 அதனிடத்தே நெய் பொழிகின்றோம்.
 தீ எரிக.
 அதனிடத்தே தசை பொழிகின்றோம்.
 தீ எரிக.
 அதனிடத்தே செந்நீர் பொழிகின்றோம்.
 தீ எரிக.
 அதற்கு வேள்வி செய்கின்றோம்.
 தீ எரிக.
 அறத்தீ, அறிவுத்தீ, உயிர்த்தீ, விரதத்தீ, வேள்வித்தீ,
 சினத்தீ, பகைமைத் தீ, கொடுமைத் தீ -- இவை
 யனைத்தையும் தொழுகின்றோம்.
 இவற்றைக் காக்கின்றோம்.
 இவற்றை ஆளுகின்றோம்.
 தீயே, நீ எமது உயிரின் தோழன்.
 உன்னை வாழ்த்துகின்றோம்.
 நின்னைப்போல, எம துயிர் நூறாண்டு வெம்மையும்
 சுடரும் தருக.
 தீயே, நின்னைப்போல, எமதுள்ளம் சுடர்விடுக.
 தீயே, நின்னைப்போல, எம தறிவு கனலுக.
 ஞாயிற்றினிடத்தே, தீயே, நின்னைத்தான் போற்றுகின்றோம்.
 ஞாயிற்றுத் தெய்வமே, நின்னைப் புகழ்கின்றோம்.
 நினதொளி நன்று. நின் செயல் நன்று. நீ நன்று.

What is the relationship between light and heat?
When heat increases, the light appears.
We worship the heat.
The mother of light. The prototype of light.
Oh heat, you are fire.
Fire is the Courage-God.
Fire is Sun.
Fire's characteristic is light.
Let the fire burn.
We pour ghee into it.
Let the fire burn.
We pour muscle into it.
Let the fire burn.
We pour blood into it.
Let the fire burn.
We offer sacrifices and pray with pyre.
Let the fire burn.
The fire of righteousness, The fire of knowledge, The fire of Life,
The fire of Penance, The fire of holy-pyre, The fire of Anger,
The fire of Enmity, The fire of Torture - We worship all these.
We protect them.
We reign over them.
Oh Fire, you are my life's friend.
We praise you.
Like you, Let my life give away heat and light for centur(ies).
Oh Fire, like you, let my heart glow.
Oh Fire, like you, let my knowledge simmer.
In Sun, Oh Fire, we hail you.
Oh Sun God, We praise you.
Your light is good. Your acts are good. You are good.

oLikkum vemmaikkum evvagai uRavu?
vemmaiyaeRa oLi thoandRum.
vemmaiyaith thozhugindRoam.
vemmai oLiyin thaay. oLiyin munnuruvam.
vemmaiyae, nee thee.
thee thaan veeratheyvam.
thee thaan nYaayiRu
theeyin iyalbae oLi.
thee eriga.
adhanidathae ney pozhigindRoam.
thee eriga.
adhanidathae thasai pozhigindRoam.
thee eriga.
adhanidathae sendhneer pozhigindRoam.
thee eriga.
adhaRku vaeLviseykindRoam.
thee eriga.
aRathee, aRivuthee, uyirthee, viradhathee, vaeLvithee,
sinathee, pagaimaith thee, kodumaith thee -- ivai
yanaithaiyum thozhugindRoam.
ivatRaik kaakkindRoam.
ivatRai aaLugindRoam.
theeyae, nee emadhu uyirin thoazhan.
unnai vaazhthugindRoam.
ninnaippoala, ema thuyir nooRaaNdu vemmaiyum
sudarum tharuga.
theeyae, ninnaippoala, emadhuLLam sudarviduga.
theeyae, ninnaippoala, ema thaRivu kanaluga.
nYaayitRinidathae, theeyae, ninnaithaan poatRugindRoam.
nYaayitRuth theyvamae, ninnaip pugazhkindRoam.
ninadhoLi nandRu. nin seyal nandRu. nee nandRu.

Feel my love!

Whether my love is right or wrong,
Whether my love is thorn or flower,
Whether my love is first our last,
My dear friend, feel my love..

Whether my love is sunny or shadowy,
Whether my love is sweet or bitter,
Whether my love is complete or partial,
My dear friend, feel my love..

Whether my love is a sculpture or stone,
Whether my love is feather or dried leaf,
Whether my love is suffering or a sweet pleasure,
With hatred or with liking,
By beating or by hugging (accepting)
Feel my love!

While throwing away all the flowers I give you, feel my love..
While treating away my love letters, feel my love..
While shutting the window that shows my street, feel my love..
Even while you hate every act of mine, feel my love..

Talk a few words to me, just to scold..
My love will get the happiness of success..
Like the speed breaker stone on a fast ride,
Feel my love!

I’m not seeking the boon to be touched by your fingers as a hand fan..
I will live like the (distant) ceiling electric fan..
O beautiful, feel my love..
I’m not wishing to be together like the hands of click at twelve..
I’ll just follow you like the railway line..
O dear, feel my love..

Who is to see, can the twinkling star order so?
When someone comes to cares, would the rose kill?
For me to love you,
Your permission isn’t needed!

---

The details of the song translated is available here! This song has a bubbly video too.. Hope you like that too!

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Vision – Fame Part 6-7

இரண்டாங் கிளை: புகழ்

ஞாயிறு

6

ஒளியே, நீ யார்?
 ஞாயிற்றின் மகளா?
 அன்று. நீ ஞாயிற்றின் உயிர். அதன் தெய்வம்.
 ஞாயிற்றினிடத்தே நின்னைத்தான் புகழ்கின்றோம்.
 ஞாயிற்றின் வடிவம் உடல். நீ உயிர்.
 ஒளியே, நீ எப்போது தோன்றினாய்?
 நின்னை யாவர் படைத்தனர்?
 ஒளியே, நீ யார்?
 உனதியல்பு யாது?
 நீ அறிவின் மகள் போலும். அறிவுதான் தூங்கிக்கிடக்கும்.
 தெளிவு நீ போலும்.
 அறிவின் உடல் போலும்.
 ஒளியே, நினக்கு வானவெளி எத்தனைநாட் பழக்கம்?
 உனக்கு அதனிடத்தே இவ்வகைப்பட்ட அன்பு யாது
 பற்றியது?
 அதனுடன் நீ எப்படி இரண்டறக் கலக்கிறாய்?
 உங்களை யெல்லாம் படைத்தவள் வித்தைக்காரி. அவள்
 மோஹினி, மாயக்காரி. அவளைத் தொழுகின்றோம்.
 ஒளியே, வாழ்க.


Oh light, who are you? 
Are you the daughter of Sun? 
No. You are Sun's life. Sun's God.
In Sun, we indeed praise you.
The form of Sun is its body. You are the soul.
Oh Light, when did you appear? 
Who all created you? 
Oh light, who are you? 
What is your nature? 
Seems you are the daughter of knowledge. Knowledge is the one that slumber.
Seems you are clarity.
Seems the body of knowledge.
Oh light, for how long do you know the open skies.
This fondness you have for the sky is about what? 
How do you merge and dissolve into it? 
The one who created you is a skillful artist. She is Mohini, the mystic one. We worship her.
Oh light, hail.

oLiyae, nee yaar?
nYaayitRin magaLaa?
andRu. nee nYaayitRin uyir. adhan theyvam.
nYaayitRinidathae ninnaithaan pugazhkindRoam.
nYaayitRin vadivam udal. nee uyir.
oLiyae, nee eppoadhu thoandRinaay?
ninnai yaavar padaithanar?
oLiyae, nee yaar?
unadhiyalbu yaadhu?
nee aRivin magaL poalum. aRivudhaan thoonggikkidakkum.
theLivu nee poalum.
aRivin udal poalum.
oLiyae, ninakku vaanaveLi ethanainaat pazhakkam?
unakku adhanidathae ivvagaippatta anpu yaadhu
patRiyadhu?
adhanudan nee eppadi iraNdaRak kalakkiRaay?
ungaLai yellaam padaithavaL vithaikkaari. avaL
moaHini, maayakkaari. avaLaith thozhugindRoam.
oLiyae, vaazhka.

7

ஞாயிறே!
 நின்னிடத்து ஒளி எங்ஙனம் நிற்கின்றது?
 நீ அதனை உமிழ்கின்றாயா?
 அது நின்னைத் தின்னுகிறதா?
 அன்றி, ஒளிதவிர நீ வேறொன்றுமில்லையா?
 விளக்குத்திரி காற்றாகிச் சுடர் தருகின்றது.
 காற்றுக்கும் சுடருக்கும் எவ்வகை உறவு?
 காற்றின் வடிவே திரியென்றறிவோம்.
 ஒளியின் வடிவே காற்றுப்போலும்.
 ஒளியே, நீ இனியை.

Oh Sun!
How does light stay in you?
Do you emit light?
Is that consuming you?
Or, Are you nothing but the light?
The wick of the lamp becomes air to give light.
What is the relationship between Air and Light?
Let us know that the form of Air is the wick.
Seems the form of light is Air.
Light, you are sweet.

nYaayiRae!
ninnidathu oLi engnganam niRkindRadhu?
nee adhanai umizhkindRaayaa?
adhu ninnaith thinnugiRadhaa?
andRi, oLidhavira nee vaeRondRumillaiyaa?
viLakkuthiri kaatRaagi chudar tharugindRadhu.
kaatRukkum sudarukkum evvagai uRavu?
kaatRin vadivae thiriyendRaRivoam.
oLiyin vadivae kaatRuppoalum.
oLiyae, nee iniyai.

Are you my friend or foe?!

Oh my dear love, Oh my dear love,
What are you going to do to me?
Even after knowing that I am an artist,
Why do you ask for my eyes?

Crucifixion or Wings,
which of these are you going to give me?
After having caused the pain,
Why do you stand afar and watch?

Love, when you throw a flower,
Any mountain would melt a little.
Love, when you throw a pebble,
Any ocean would be disturbed a little.

Now am I to recover or fall through?
Live life or leave life?
Is this the elixir or the poison?
Or is this the elixir and poison in one?

Love, I worshipped you,
By falling at your feet;
but, you closed your eyes,
and I wailed inconsolably.

Is this a good change or a faltering?
Is there a mist accumulating in my heart?
Is this a daily conflict within me to decipher
if you are my friend or foe?

---

The details of the song and the video is available over here! How could I convince you to listen to the song, because this song finds place in all my playlists and of course I love it.. 😉

Will you be my messenger?!

எழுதிவிட்டேன்
உனக்கான என்
காதல் கவிதைகளை..

மூண்டது
உள்ளே
சிறு யுத்தம்..

நேரில் சொல்லவோ
தூதில் சொல்லவோ
என்ற குழப்பத்தில்..

வெட்கம் முந்தி
தூது சொல்ல
ஆணையிட்டது..

மீண்டும்
மூண்டது
ஒரு போர்..

தூது சொல்ல
அன்னப்பட்சி தேடவோ
அலைப்பேசி தேடவோ என..

விரைந்து செல்ல
அலைப் பேசி என
மனம் மதிக்கு சொல்ல..

மடிந்தே விட்டதாக
எண்ணிய அறிவு
மையலின் மடி நீங்கி

அன்னப்பட்சிகளால் மட்டுமே
தூது சொல்ல முடியுமென
இடித்துறைத்தது ..

மையலின் பிடியில்
சிக்கிய மனது
போருக்குப் புறப்பட..

அலைப் பேசி இணைப்பு
கனவுலகிலும் உண்டோ என
கொக்கரித்தது அறிவு..

என் க’ன’வனுக்கு
அவசரமாக
தூது செல்ல

கடனாகவது
கிடைக்குமா
அன்னப்பட்சி??

Will you Call me?!

I fell in love, I’m lost in love..
I’m overflowing without containing in self..
as the emotions are overwhelming..
I’m plucking the non-existent flowers without pinching..
And I give it to you and move aside without a word..
Like a turtle without legs, the time moves forward.. (It doesn’t move at all)

When I feel your absence in here,
I come to realise the truth..

What happens within me,
Is it happening in your heart too?
With this thought,
My heart flutters!

Will you call me?
Just for a second?
I’m insisting on it without choice..
Will you call?

Will you call me?
I’m lying here without studying..
And am scolding the clock for not
Moving faster to dawn..
Will you call?

I thought of what I should speak to you..
I also thought of your replies to me to be..
I had rehearsed all of them by playing it..
I’ve even added where you should smile..

If this situation continues, what will happen to me?
Before forgetting, if you would call, I would regain myself..

Will you call me?
Will you call over my cellphone?
I’m jumping upside down..
Just to hear your voice, will you call?

Will you call me?
I wake at the middle of night..
I am tearing off calendar sheets..
(In the hope time runs faster)
To see you, will you call?

Like the snack that was stored for later after half-a-bite..
Like the song that was heard just fleetingly..
Like the smell that got vanished just after I smelt..
An expectation lingers in heart when you are about to cut the call..

My heart here,
Turns into a world,
That shrinks and expands..
Something else is happening..

Will you call me?
Will you call without missing it?
Will you call at least by mistake?
Even that would do, will you call?

Would you call me?
Even if languages get over,
Just hearing you utter silence
Would be just enough, will you call?

---

This is a easy guess for people hearing tamil songs and those who are interested in watching the beautiful picturisation of this song as well as to know more details about the song, click here!

[Bharathi Vasana kavidhai] Vision – Fame Part 3

Second branch: Fame

Sun

3

The richness of the dawn is sweet.
Let Ushai*, who smiles like flowers, live longer.
We worship Ushai.
She is Goddess / Lakshmi / Wealth / Respectable.
She gives Awakening, She gives Clarity.
She gives Life, She gives Encouragement.
She gives Beauty. She gives Poetry.
Let her live longer.
She is honey. The honey bees like her.
She is elixir.  She doesn’t die.
She merges with Power.
It is Power that merges with beauty.
Sweetness is very huge.
She follows the Northern Meru hills in many forms. Encompassing the horizon, she wanders with smile.
Let her smiles live longer.
At south, She comes to us, in a single form, Still because of the abundance of love, isn’t one form better than many?
The dawn is good. We hail the dawn.

*Ushai is the wife of Sun God.

The Tamil version, transliteration as well as previous parts are available in this link –> http://www.lyricaldelights.com/2016/07/02/bharathi-vasana-kavidhai-vision-fame-part-3/

Death of Humanity!

எத்தனை மரணத்தை கண்ட பின் மருத்துவனுக்கு மறித்திடும் மனிதம்?

After how many deaths does a doctor lose humanity?

— Aadhirai (@aadhira_i) June 21, 2016

A question that keeps running through my mind in the recent times.. Some answer might be of use!

Why am I not I?!

The dreams of eyes
Are not yours to own..
Don’t see them,
Don’t find faults in them..

In my little world
You are no one..
Don’t ask why..
And don’t step into it..

The song I sing to myself,
Why do you peep to hear it?
Why do you murmur that song in your heart too?
Why do you live my life?

Even my hunger and thirst
Should ask your permission first?
Are you my breath?

Again and again,
You throw flowers at me..
Are you trying to say something?

I am trying to hold your tears
in my eyes..
I am carrying your sorrow
in my heart (as my own)..
Why is that?

Why am I becoming you?
Still I am being me too..
To see you in me,
I became you..
My whole self.. / Of my own accord..

---

Why am I losing my self?
Why am I carrying your dreams in my heart?
Will I hear the rest of it as mentioned here?
Or will I just be a dumb girl with stupid assumptions and forever naïve?!

---

The last verse is my add-on to the song mentioned in the link.. 😉

[Vision – Fame] Part 1-2

இரண்டாங் கிளை: புகழ்

ஞாயிறு

1

Which gives light? Which has unceasing youth?
Who is the heat source? To whom happiness belongs?
Who gives rain? To whom eye belongs?
Who gives life? Who gives fame?
To whom fame belongs?
Like what does knowledge glow?
Which is the temple of the God of knowledge?
Sun. It is good.

2

You are light, You are flame, You are explanation, You are vision.
Lightning, Emerald#, burning coal, the flame of fire —
These are the manifestations of you.
Eye is your home.
Fame, Courage — These are your directives.
Knowledge is your symbol. You are symbol of knowledge.
You burn, Let you live.
Show, (Let you) live.
(You) give life. (You) give body.
You let (life) grow, You takeaway (life).,
You give water, you blow the wind, Let you Live.

Another chance?!

M: Oh fragrance that opened the flower to escape away,
Why are you renewing your friendship with the flower?

F: In the spin of the wind, this fragrance has come again,
But what’s your anger in the return of this fragrance?

F: We are the leaves that drift in the lake of fate..
M: We go along with the river, which shore would we reach?

M: The rail tracks lie side by side,
Yet it’s not fair if they touch each other
You and me are side by side,
Yet we don’t have the right to embrace each other..

F: You are trying to touch the smell..
It could never be in your reach..
The link between the sky and earth is the rain
Yet that never forges a relationship

M: You locked away the doors of heart
And you taunted by knocking those doors..
I locked them and went inside to be safe..
Yet you entered inside through the eyes..

F: Even when the years change,
New springs come again
The relationships that dissolve once,
Blossoms again in new forms..

M: Oh fragrance that opened the flower to escape away,
Why are you renewing your friendship with the flower?

F: We are the leaves that drift in the lake of fate

M&F: We go along with the river, which shore would we reach?

---

 

This song is from the Movie Aananda Thaandavam, based on the novel Pirivom Santhipom by the famed author, Sujatha (Rangarajan) The beautiful lyrics are penned by Vairamuthu and this song is such a treat to hear for its melody by GVPrakash.

Context of the song: The couple part ways as lover and meet back again. But now the girl is married to another guy.

[Vision – Happiness] Part 5

Vision

Branch One: Happiness

5

எல்லா உயிரும் இன்பமெய்துக.
எல்லா உடலும் நோய்தீர்க.
எல்லா உணர்வும் ஒன்றாதலுணர்க.
‘தான்’ வாழ்க.
அமுதம் எப்போதும் இன்பமாகுக.

ellaa uyirum inpameydhuga.
ellaa udalum noaydheerka.
ellaa uNarvum ondRaadhaluNarka.
‘dhaan’ vaazhka.
amudham eppoadhum inpamaaguga.

Let all lives achieve happiness.
Let all forms be cured of diseases.
Realise that all sense are one.
Let the ‘self’ live.
Let the elixir be happiness forever.

Seeking of love!

F: In the night when the search is for the crescent,
What is it that you searching for?
I’m inviting you to tell a story,
Come here my darling..

Why shed tears in the dark,
Come rest on my lap..
Why this sadness, oh handsome?
Am I not your mother too?

M: This heart beats only for you
I’m yours as long as I live

F: Your looks while crying,
Your legs while tiring,
The early morning union
Melts away all the sorrows,
Isn’t that enough?

The shadow (shelter) seeking masculinity and
The reality seeking femininity
Living under one blanket;
is this a divine blessed relationship?

M: You are my lifeline,
You are the root (anchor) that holds me,
You shoulder my burden, darling,
You are the mist that burns me..

F: If I could just understand,
those searching eyes of yours,
and the wavering heart of yours,
I could live seven more births..

Without any reason,
You live upon the scorching ember,
And yet flow like the river,
Oh my dear moustached-baby

M: Should I say this as love?
can I bask in its shades?
On the earth that kills everyday,
You are the place of blessings!

---

The details of the song is here.

One another favorite song of mine. Do check out the link to listen to the beautiful melody.

[Vision – Happiness] Part 4

Vision

Branch One: Happiness

4

This world is one.
Make, Female, Human, Angels, Snake, Birds, Wind, Sea, Life, Death – All these are one only.
Sun, Wall of the house, House fly, Falls from a mountain, Flute, Topaz – All these are one.
Happiness, Sorrow, Poetry, Washer-man, Sparrow, Lightning, Cotton – All of them are one only.
Idiot, Poet, Iron, Grasshopper – All these are one object.
Holy scriptures, Fish in sea, Whirlwind, Jasmine flower – These are different forms of one object.
All that exists are one object, One.
The name of this one is ‘Self’.
‘Self’ itself is divine.
‘Self’ is elixir, which would never die.

---

Click here to read in tamizh / தமிழ்

[Vision – Happiness] Part 2 & 3

Vision

Branch One: Happiness

2

The body is good. The senses are sweet. The soul has taste. Heart is honey. Knowledge is honey. Feeling is elixir.
The feeling itself is the elixir.
The feeling is divine.

3

Heart is divine. Thinking is divine. Soul is divine.
Forest, Mountain, Falls, River, Sea, Land, Water, Air, Fire, Sky,
Sun, moon, lights of sky(Stars) — All are divine.
Metals, Trees, Plants, Animals, Birds, Reptiles, Swimmers(Amphibians / Those which swim), Human – these are elixir.

Raasaali – Tamil Lyrics with translation

A repost of my post in here! (Tamil lyrics available in the link.) Hearty thanks to my friends over the site lyricaldelights.com for transforming the process of translation from a tedious task to sheer fun with all the timely help! 😀

I’m head over heels in love with this song.. So head over and relish the music and the poetry!

Bitten by the #Rasaali magic yet? Pure magic both in terms of lyrics and music.  #ARRahman #Thamarai #GauthamVasudevaMenon

Movie: Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada
Lyricist: Thamarai
Singers: Sathya Prakash, Shashaa Tirupati
Music director: A R Rahman
Song sequence: (1)-(2)-(3)-(4)-(5)-(6)-(7)-(6)-(7)-(3)-(4)-(8)-(9)-(8)-(9)-(3)-(4)

Yo flying falcon, flying falcon, stop!

Are you fast, or am I faster? tell!

The clock too would lie, I realised!

As the east is turning to west..

(As an entire day passes by)

 

I feel like becoming a bird today..

The wings and my hands are the same..

Falcon.. Is this a bet/challenge/race?

Would you be the first?

Or would I be the first?

Let’s see..

 

Who is gonna first reveal the affection?

Who is gonna first release the arrow?

(From the Cupid’s bow)

 

As the silence faded without talking,

(As there is incessant talking between us)

As the lotus dances in the tank’s water,

Beautiful dreams dance before my eyes!

You, over my shoulders,

Is the warmth that expels cold!

 

In the day time, all eight directions nudge me,

In the night time, only the descending mist gives company,

In my heart, as a silky voice budges,

Would I die? (With the overwhelming feelings)

 

In front of me, is the joy of air rushing on my face,

Behind me, over my back is a little green parakeet,

This is the journey in my life,

Will I let it get over?

 

The ceaseless drench that flustered even the sun and rain,

The silly arrogance of the twinkling stars that followed,

The lingering fragrance in the air unique to every city,

Will not be forgotten by me..

 

Even before this, “Similar to this, I had a new experience”

To say so, there is not a memory in my past,

As well, I don’t see a chance to say in the future too..

(For this experience is unique and)

Will not be forgotten by me..

Spoiler alert : The beauty of poetry is till the realisation of the meaning. But this is one song, where it’s beauty is multiplied after knowing the meaning..

A girl enjoying the bike ride, feeling like a free bird..
The simple yet unmatchable experience of a bike ride..
Exploring different cities in bike..
Experiencing a unique feel..
All these interlaced with classical Carnatic music and sprinkled with love..

The cherry on the cake is the beautiful intricate words by Thamarai, that spices up the whole song to a new level..

The potpourri of music by ARR is just perfect and as ever, it adds emotion to the Tamil words and let’s you experience the fresh air on the face as well as the complexity of a seemingly simple experience!

I know it’s easy to get mesmerized by the song.. Just remember to drop in your views in the comments.. 😉

The maiden’s heart!

Even when told, a maiden’s heart doesn’t listen to it,
I have hidden one thing,
I’ve forbidden to reveal it,
I’ve trusted my heart,
But it cheated me..

Oh, the maiden’s heart is pitiable,
What would it do?
It is not like you,
Hence, it revealed the truth..

Oh east, Apart from you,
Do I’ve any other dawn
In this world, oh dear life?

(Though I might say to not reveal, is there any other option for me, just like the east is for dawn, I’m for you)

The east lightens up with the rays of Sun,
But you’re the soul of the Sun,
Even after knowing everything,
Even after understanding me,
I told it hundred times to stay quiet..

Oh lady, your heart,
Took the bribe,
I gave to it,
To reveal the truth..

You imprisoned with your eyes,
You acted as if you are escaping,
I crumbled everyday, oh tender one!

I walked like the river,
I crossed over the dams,
To mingle at last into the sea..
Even after knowing everything,
Even after understanding me,
I told it hundred times to stay quiet..

(The destiny of a river is the sea, yet, it enjoys the period of being the river, without bothering about losing itself to the sea and it also rushes ahead crossing over all barriers.. Similarly, I’m coming to you)

You pick a flower,
Drop it in water,
It would come to float, oh young lady!

---

It is the beauty of poetry to not reveal things directly. Yet, there are few poetry which is better explained so people wouldn’t miss the beauty of it.. Hence I took the liberty to add the explanations in between.. Hope you enjoyed this translation. Do let me know in the comments.

Click here to listen to the audio and view the details and lyrics in Tamil.

[Vision – Happiness] Part 1

Vision

Branch One: Happiness

1

This world is sweet. The sky of the world has sweetness; Wind is also sweet. Fire is sweet. Water is sweet. Land is sweet.
Sun is good; Moon is also good.
All the twinkling stars in the sky are very sweet.
Rain is sweet. Lightning is sweet. Thunder is sweet.
Ocean is sweet. Mountain is sweet. Forest is good.
Rivers are sweet.
Metal, Trees, Plants, Creepers, Flowers, Vegetables and Fruits are sweet.
Birds are sweet. Reptiles too are good. All animals are sweet. Amphibians too are sweet.
Humans are too sweet.
Men are nice. Women are sweet.
Child is happiness. Youth is sweet. Old-age is good.
Life is good. Death is sweet.

What next, yes or no?

For the craze that was dazed with the sound,
With the blood that was oozed from the war of love,
I have written a sonnet, my friend,
Read it away, if you’ve the eyes for it..

What is seen with the eyes,
What is seen in the hind legs,
What is seen in you as the bride,
What is seen by being afar and behind,
Will not be forgotten by the heart, even if it’s burnt..
I’ve not said everything, as even the (literally rich) Tamizh lacks words to describe it!

Neither
By admonishing nor
By cursing me nor
By punishing the heart nor
By severing the head
Would my love gets drained!
Rather bid me to eat fire,
And I would consume it!

Either say yes or
Kill by asking to stop;
Either summon me or
Kill by sending me away;
It’s heaven in earth in your nod
And the cemetery is nearer on your no!

---

This is a translation from the recital in the album Duet.

The beauty of poetry is better appreciated when it’s actually read out aloud with proper intonation. The recital of this poetry is one amidst the top list.. Everything is so perfect and I hope I’ve done justice to the poetry with my translation.

Do check here to hear the audio!

Wind – Part 15

15

 Oh life, who knows the goodness of you? 
You are the visible God.
All rules are formed because of you.
All rules are destroyed because of you.
Oh life,
You are the wind, you are the fire, you are the water, you are the sky.
In the things that appear, you are the guideline of appearance.
In the things that change, your work is to change them.
The insect that flies, the tiger that kills,
The worm that crawls, the countless lives in this world,
The infinite living things in the countless worlds -
All these are the explanation of you.
We consider the lives filled and spread in the land, water, air.
In the area of a square-feet in the air, lives lakhs of organisms, invisible to the naked eye.
One big organism; within its body, many small organisms; within them, many smaller organisms than that; within that even smaller ones-- Like this the world has stuffed life.
Huge -- Huge than the huge -- bigger than that -- bigger than that -- nucleus -- smaller than that nucleus -- even smaller than that -- even smaller than that --there is no end in both ways.
Endless in both ends.
Poets, when we wake up everyday in the morning, let us praise all the lives.
"Prayers, Lord Wind, the omnipresent Brahma" 

---

Note: This is the final part of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

Sleep, Dear girl, sleep!

Being born as a girl,
Sleep is only at two instances;
The first at birth; The next at death.
If you miss your sleep now,
You will not be able to sleep ever again,
Oh dear apple of my eye,
Sleep well, do sleep well..

Dear daughter, sleep,
This is the time to sleep,
If you miss this time to sleep,
You would be sleepless,
For the rest of your life..

At the age of four,
It’s time to play at school,
And the sweet rhymes in Tamil,
Makes you want to sing them all-day- long..

At the age of sixteen,
There is no sleep for her,
As she struggles to master Fourteen languages (skills),
It becomes a constant problem, (that steals away the sleep)..

A young maiden’s heart changes
And will start searching for her guy’s face..
When she starts to pine, when would the sleep come?

When the time comes to be with her love,
If the dad opposes their love, how could sleep come?

When the wedded husband comes and touches the Saree,
In the honeymoon of the women, would there be any sleep?

In the ten months of pregnancy and during child birth,
When she becomes the mother, her sleep goes away.

When the age comes in search stealthily after taking away the stability,
All the sleep that is lost so long, will come back on its own accord!

Song: kaalamidhu kaalamidhu – பாடல்: காலமிது காலமிது
Movie: Chitthi – திரைப்படம்: சித்தி
Singers: P. Suseela – பாடியவர்: பி. சுசீலா
Lyrics: Poet Kannadasan – இயற்றியவர்: கவிஞர் கண்ணதாசன்
Music: M.S. Viswanathan – இசை: எம்.எஸ். விஸ்வநாதன்
Year: – ஆண்டு: 1966

பெண்ணாகப் பிறந்தவர்க்கு கண்ணுறக்கம் இரண்டு முறை
பிறப்பில் ஒரு தூக்கம் இறப்பில் மறு தூக்கம்
இப்போது விட்டு விட்டால் எப்போதும் தூக்கமில்லை
என்னரிய கண்மணியே கண்ணுறங்கு கண்ணுறங்கு

ஆரீராரீரீ ஆரீராராரோ ஆரீஆரீராரோ
ஆரீராரீரீ ஆரீரீஆரோ ஆரீஆரீராரோ

காலமிது காலமிது கண்ணுறங்கு மகளே
காலமிதைத் தவற விட்டால் தூக்கமில்லை மகளே தூக்கமில்லை மகளே

நாலு வயதான பின்னே பள்ளி விளையாடல்
நாலு வயதான பின்னே பள்ளி விளையாடல்
நாள் முழுதும் பாடச் சொல்லும் தெள்ளு தமிழ்ப் பாடல்

எண்ணிரண்டு வயது வந்தால் கண்ணுறக்கம் இல்லையடி
எண்ணிரண்டு வயது வந்தால் கண்ணுறக்கம் இல்லையடி
ஈரேழு மொழிகளுடன் போராடச் சொல்லுவதே தீராத தொல்லையடி

காலமிது காலமிது கண்ணுறங்கு மகளே
காலமிதைத் தவற விட்டால் தூக்கமில்லை மகளே தூக்கமில்லை மகளே

மாறும் கன்னி மனம் மாறும் கண்ணன் முகம் தேடும்
ஏக்கம் வரும் போது தூக்கமென்பதேது?

தான் நினைத்த காதலனை தேற வரும் போது
தான் நினைத்த காதலனை தேற வரும் போது
தந்தை அதை மறுத்து விட்டால் கண்ணுறக்கம் ஏது? கண்ணுறக்கம் ஏது?

மாலையிட்ட தலைவன் வந்து சேலை தொடும் போது
மங்கையரின் தேன் நிலவில் கண்ணுறக்கம் ஏது? கண்ணுறக்கம் ஏது?

காலமிது காலமிது கண்ணுறங்கு மகளே
காலமிதைத் தவற விட்டால் தூக்கமில்லை மகளே தூக்கமில்லை மகளே

ஐயிரண்டு திங்களிலும் பிள்ளை பெறும் போதும்
அன்னையென்று வந்த பின்னும் கண்ணுறக்கம் போகும் கண்ணுறக்கம் போகும்

கை நடுங்கிக் கண் மறைந்து காலம் வந்து தேடும்
கை நடுங்கிக் கண் மறைந்து காலம் வந்து தேடும்
காணாத தூக்கமெல்லாம் தானாக சேரும் தானாக சேரும்

காலமிது காலமிது கண்ணுறங்கு மகளே
காலமிதைத் தவற விட்டால் தூக்கமில்லை மகளே தூக்கமில்லை மகளே

ஆரீராரீரீ ராரீராராரோ ஆரீராரீராரோ ஆ
ஆரீராரீரீ ஆரீராராரோ ஆரீராரீராரோ ஆரீராரீராரோ

peNNaakap piRandhavarkku kaNNuRakkam iraNtu muRai
piRappil oru thookkam iRappil maRu thookkam
ippOdhu vittu vittaal eppOdhum thookkamillai
ennariya kaNmaNiyE kaNNuRangu kaNNuRangu

aareeraareeree aareeraaraarO aareeaareeraarO
aareeraareeree aareereeaarO aareeaareeraarO

kaalamidhu kaalamidhu kaNNuRangu makaLE
kaalamidhaith thavaRa vittaal thookkamillai makaLE thookkamillai makaLE

naalu vayadhaana pinnE paLLi viLaiyaatal
naalu vayadhaana pinnE paLLi viLaiyaatal
naaL muzhudhum paatach chollum theLLu thamizhp paatal
eNNiraNtu vayadhu vandhaal kaNNuRakkam illaiyati
eNNiraNtu vayadhu vandhaal kaNNuRakkam illaiyati
eerEzhu mozhikaLutan pOraatach cholluvadhE theeraadha thollaiyati

kaalamidhu kaalamidhu kaNNuRangu makaLE
kaalamidhaith thavaRa vittaal thookkamillai makaLE thookkamillai makaLE

maaRum kanni manam maaRum kaNNan mukam thEtum
Ekkam varum pOdhu thookkamenpadhEdhu?
thaan ninaiththa kaadhalanai thERa varum pOdhu
thaan ninaiththa kaadhalanai thERa varum pOdhu
thandhai adhai maRuththu vittaal kaNNuRakkam Edhu? kaNNuRakkam Edhu?

maalaiyitta thalaivan vandhu sElai thotum pOdhu
mangaiyarin thEn nilavil kaNNuRakkam Edhu? kaNNuRakkam Edhu?

kaalamidhu kaalamidhu kaNNuRangu makaLE
kaalamidhaith thavaRa vittaal thookkamillai makaLE thookkamillai makaLE

aiyiraNtu thingaLilum piLLai peRum pOdhum
annaiyendru vandha pinnum kaNNuRakkam pOkum kaNNuRakkam pOkum
kai natungik kaN maRaindhu kaalam vandhu thEtum
kai natungik kaN maRaindhu kaalam vandhu thEtum
kaaNaadha thookkamellaam thaanaaka sErum thaanaaka sErum

kaalamidhu kaalamidhu kaNNuRangu makaLE
kaalamidhaith thavaRa vittaal thookkamillai makaLE thookkamillai makaLE

aareeraareeree raareeraaraarO aareeraareeraarO aa
aareeraareeree aareeraaraarO aareeraareeraarO aareeraareeraarO

Wind – Part 13-14

13

Does life stand in the fluttering leaves? Yes.
Does life moves the roaring sea-water? Yes.
The stone that is dropped from the roof falls in the floor.
What causes the change? The life in it.
What is the state of the water canals? Life-state.
The wind which was mute has started to blow!
What has happened to it? Life happened.
The cart is being pulled by the bullocks.
The life of bullocks is carried to the cart.
While the cart goes, it goes with life.
The Kite! It has life.
The Steam Engine train has life! Big life.
All the machines have life.
The Earth-ball rotates ceaselessly with high force.
She has an unending life. The Mother Earth.
Hence, every thing on her surface has life.
The whole world revolves.
The moon revolves. The Sun revolves.
Crores and crores and crores and crores
Multi-miles apart and farther and beyond
The scattered stars in the skies are revolving.
Hence, this earth has life.
We call the 'life' of the World as Wind.
We hail and praise him thrice a day.

14

We can't praise the Wind.
For his praise is endless.
He is praised by the Rishis as
"Ever-persistent Brahma"
We worship the life breath. Let him protect us.
We worship the Abhaanan. Let him protect us.
We worship the Vyaanan. Let him protect us.
We worship the Udhaanan. Let him protect us.
We worship the Samaanan. Let him protect us.
We are spreading the acts of the Wind.
We pray the life.
Let life live.

---

Note: This is the Part 13and 14 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

Wind – Part 12

12

The crow flies away;
It swims over the waves of the wind.
What is that, that becomes the waves and facilitates the crow to swim across? Wind.
No. It is not wind.
It is the place of wind.
The station of wind.
Invisible to the eyes, the tiny particles of the world comes and crashes over us (When the wind blows).
It’s common practice to call those particles as wind.
It is not wind, it’s the chariot of the wind.
The heated ice becomes water.
The heated water becomes wind.
The heated gold becomes liquid.
The heated liquid becomes wind.
Like this, every object of the world could be converted to the form of wind.
This wind is a particle of physics.
The power / force in which these particles crawls (carried) is worshipped as the wind lord by us.
The flying path of the crow is the wind.
That path is controlled by the wind.
It is inclined to that path by the wind.
We worship him.
We surrender our lives.

காக்கை பறந்து செல்லுகிறது;
காற்றின் அலைகளின்மீது நீந்திக்கொண்டு போகிறது.
அலைகள்போலிருந்து, மேலே காக்கை நீந்திச்செல்வதற்கு
இடமாகும் பொருள் யாது? காற்று.
அன்று, அஃதன்று காற்று;
அது காற்றின் இடம். வாயு நிலயம்.
கண்ணுக்குத் தெரியாதபடி அத்தனை நுட்பமாகிய பூதத்
தூள்களே (காற்றடிக்கும் போது) நம்மீது வந்து
மோதுகின்றன.
அத்தூள்களைக் காற்றென்பது உலகவழக்கு.
அவை வாயு வல்ல, வாயு ஏறிவரும் தேர்.
பனிக்கட்டியிலே சூடேற்றினால் நீராக மாறிவிடுகிறது.
நீரிலே சூடேற்றினால் ‘வாயு’ வாகிவிடுகிறது.
தங்கத்திலே சூடேற்றினால் திரவமாக உருகிவிடுகிறது.
அத் திரவத்திலே சூடேற்றினால், ‘வாயு’ வாகின்றது.
இங்ஙனமே, உலகத்துப் பொருள்களனைத்தையும் ‘வாயு’
நிலைக்குக் கொண்டுவந்துவிடலாம்.
இந்த ‘வாயு’ பௌதிகத் தூள்.
இதனை ஊர்ந்துவரும் சக்தியையே நாம் காற்றுத்தேவ
னென்று வணங்குகிறோம்.
காக்கை பறந்துசெல்லும் வழி காற்று.
அந்த வழியை இயக்குபவன் காற்று.
அதனை அவ்வழியிலே தூண்டிச்செல்பவன் காற்று.
அவனை வணங்குகின்றோம்.
உயிரைச் சரணடைகின்றோம்.

---

Note: This is the Part 12 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

Wind – Part 10-11

Wind - Part 10 & 11

10

It is raining,
The whole town is drenched wet.
The Tamizh people, Like the buffaloes, 
  Always stand in the wetness, Sit in the wetness,
  Walk in the wetness, Sleep in the wetness,
  Cook in the wetness, Eat in the wetness.
A dry Tamizhan is not available even
  for medicine (Even for sample)
The cold Wind blows relentlessly.
Many of the Tamizh people fall sick with fever.
Few people die everyday, The fools that remain
  blame it as 'fate'.
Oh yes man, it is fate only.
'For those who lack Knowledge, Lack happiness'
  is the fate of Eesan. (The Almighty)
In the country that lacks discipline,
  the abundance of disease is the fate.
Tamil Nadu lacks that discipline.
  Instead of flourishing the true discipline,
  And also Forgetting the lingering disciplines,
  Few (Brahmin) people
  from Tamizh Nadu spin false tales
  to the fools and earn their daily bread.
Do you think that the cold Wind is Poison?
That is Manna, If you can live in
  Not-Wet homes with good clothes.
Wind is good.
We worship the Wind.

11

We call the Shakthi as Wind.
The power that lifts,
The power that cleans,
The power that crashes,
That spins, That blows.
Out of the many forms of Shakthi,
  Wind is also one of them/
All divinities are the art of Shakthi.
We call the art of Shakthi only as Divinity.
Wind is the Son of Shakthi.
We worship him.

---

Note: This is the Part 10 & 11 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

Oasis to the desert!

The journey continues…
The highway extends…
We are the birds that forget the path travelled;
We are also the bend that unites two poles

We crossover the desert,
We enjoy when we reach the oasis…
Nothing is permanent!
This too will pass on!!

The stars and the crescent moon has become alone;
The rain under the umbrella and the tides of the sea have parted ways…
Your portrait is being drawn with my teardrops;
Your photograph is calling out my name…
We lighted the lamps like the Candle and the Wick,
Yet, we are just wasted like the unburnt lamps..

Give farewell, Take a decision, I will leave..
Alright, Give it up, Move aside, I am leaving..
The chimes of your anklet is heard like music from afar;
The echoes of your voices is heard in the directions I turn around..
We talked together like the River and the Shore,
At the end of the story we are parting ways..

---

The details of the song translated are available over here!
This song is one of my recent favorite for the music and I started liking it from the very first time.. Loved the lyrics for the clichés..

Hope you too enjoyed the song.. Do let me know about your thoughts on the song..

Wind – Part 9

Wind - Part 9

Come hither wind, Come slowly.
Do not break down the doors in the windows.
Do not throw take and throw away the papers.
Do not push down the books in the Almira.
Did you see this? Here, you pushed them down.
You torn away the pages of the book.
You brought back the rains.
You are so good in taunting the weak.
Dilapidated House, Dilapidated Door, Dilapidated Roof,
Dilapidated Tree, Dilapidated Body, Dilapidated Soul,
Dilapidated Heart -- These are broke down to pieces by the Lord of Wind.
He does not listen, even when told.
Hence, Gather around Humans.
Let us build stronger houses.
Let us strengthen the doors.
Let us train our bodies to stay robust.
Let us make our body resilient.
Let us toughen the our hearts.
If we do this way, the Wind will become our friend.
The Wind blows away the weak flame (of fire);
(But) Augments the strong flame (of fire).
His friendship is good.
We hail his praise everyday.

---

Note: This is the Part 9 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

Is this Inspiration or Imagiantion?!

Full moon would be her face
Jasmine would be her fragrance
Lightning would be her eyes
Silence would be her language
Dew drops of winter would be voice
Deer calf of the fragrant forests would be her walks

I saw her one day and
asked for her heart as boon
She did give but immediately took it back and went away!

She is indeed the island of the sea, untouched hitherto,
In its fragrant sands, I wished to be a floral shrub..

She is indeed the melody, unforgettable after hearing,
Even after understanding the stanzas, I stood in silence..

She being one shore, and me being the other shore,
In between gushes the river of solitude..

Is it possible for the hands to fish in the waters of mirage?
The time stands testament to the happenings of the present..

She comes along with peace,
And I grasped her fingers..
The journey continued while witnessing the many rainbows along the path..

As sleep caressed my head, I rested under a tree..
When I woke up, she wasn’t there and the minute turned bitter..

She was by my side, in that minute,
She appeared afar, in the next minute..
She runs like the false-deer that eludes the vision..

Between me and her, a screen stood opposing,
When mask is worn, would the faces be visible?

---

This is my translation of a song from the movie Jodhaa Akbar, released in 2008. The details about the song is available over here along with the tamil verse.

This song caught my attention with its music, for it is so soothing and pleasant to hear. This song is always in the top 5 of my most played track list. The reason it is there is just not for the music or the voice. But the lyrics.

The hero gets besotted by the beauty of his new wife. She is near yet so far in heart. He yearns for her. And this song is what transcribes his emotions.

The reason the lyrics stands close to me is the closeness of this song to the John Keats’ song “La Belle Dame sans Merci“

Below  is the complete song: 

O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
Alone and palely loitering?
The sedge has withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.

O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms,
So haggard and so woe-begone?
The squirrel’s granary is full,
And the harvest’s done.

I see a lily on thy brow,
With anguish moist and fever-dew,
And on thy cheeks a fading rose
Fast withereth too.

I met a lady in the meads,
Full beautiful, a fairy’s child;
Her hair was long, her foot was light,
And her eyes were wild.

I made a garland for her head,
And bracelets too, and fragrant zone;
She looked at me as she did love,
And made sweet moan

I set her on my pacing steed,
And nothing else saw all day long,
For sidelong would she bend, and sing
A faery’s song.

She found me roots of relish sweet,
And honey wild, and manna-dew,
And sure in language strange she said—
‘I love thee true’.

She took me to her Elfin grot,
And there she wept and sighed full sore,
And there I shut her wild, wild eyes
With kisses four.

And there she lullèd me asleep,
And there I dreamed—Ah! woe betide!—
The latest dream I ever dreamt
On the cold hill side.

I saw pale kings and princes too,
Pale warriors, death-pale were they all;
They cried—‘La Belle Dame sans Merci
Hath thee in thrall!’

I saw their starved lips in the gloam,
With horrid warning gapèd wide,
And I awoke and found me here,
On the cold hill’s side.

And this is why I sojourn here,
Alone and palely loitering,
Though the sedge is withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.

Both are very beautiful songs as stand alone. They both are in different genres, yet they both have some common elements and that’s what I link and like between them.

The mysterious girl;
Her beautiful features,
Her love for him,
Him, wanting to serve her,
The feeling of elation in being with her,
She lulling him to sleep,
Him waking into harsh reality,
From the dream of the dreamy girl,
His lament to reach her..

Now all I wonder about the first song is whether it is an inspired imagination or just imagination by two individuals in the same way!

Wind Part 8

Wind - Part 8

Rainy Season.
Evening time.
Cold breeze comes in.
The sick covers his body (from the cold).
To no avail.
With the fear of Wind, cannot live happily, in the Earth.
When the breath is Wind, how could one live in fear of it?
Let the Wind blow on us.
Let it protect from us from diseases.
The Air from the Mountain is good.
The Air from the Sea is medicine.
The Air from the Sky is fine.
The Air in the cities is made as enemy by humans.
They do not worship the Lord of Wind directly.
So the Lord of Wind becomes angry and destroys them.
Let us worship the Wind Lord.
In his path there should not be,
  stagnation of the muddled water;
  presence of odor; rotten food thrown away;
  layers of dust settled; or any kind of impurity.
He, The Wind, is coming.
In the path he comes by, let us keep it clean
  by wiping it and sprinkling good water.
In the path he flows by, let us create
  groves and floral gardens.
In the path he flows by, let us burn
  camphor and other fragrant incense sticks.
Let him come as medicine.
Let him come as our lives;
  As elixir.
We worship Wind.
He is the son of Shakti. Descendant of Queen.
We welcome him.
Let him live.

---

 

Note: This is the Part 8 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

Charismatic painter of words!

He:
When I draw a flower, dear girl,
the fragrance emanates from it..
When I draw the fire, my sweety,
the heat spreads to caress your fingers..

She:
When the non-living picture gets life from your touch,
What would happen to me, the living one?

He:
You are a painting that takes away lives
with your breath-taking beauty!

He:
Dots join together to make a beautiful painting,
Hearts join together to make an epic love story.

She:
Lines are part of the painting,
Tiffs are also part of the love.

He:
To paint the sky, blue is the color,
To paint our love, what is the color?

She:
Come let’s paint our love,
Using fingers as the brush,
And my shyness as the palette.

She: Where lies the soul of a painting?
He: It lies the eyes of the beholder!

She: Which part holds love in a girl?
He: The part that is untouched by the guy!

She:
You are a modern poet, who knows how to paint,
You are a poor artist, who knows to mesmerise girls.

He:
Like the rain that cheats the clouds to reach the earth,
And becomes inseparably tangled with the earth,
You have come to become a part of me, welcome!

---

This song is a translation of a tamil track with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu. Click here to check more about the original song and the video of the track.

Wind Part 7

Wind - Part 7

Look at the tiny ant.
How tiny it is!
Within it tiny form, the physical parts of
   hands, legs, mouth, stomach and
   all other parts are proportionately set.
Who set it so? The great Shakti.
All those parts are doing there work properly.
The ant eats, sleeps, gets married,
   give birth to off springs, runs,
   searches, wages wars, saves/rules their nation.
The wind is the base for all these happenings.
The great Shakti plays the game of life using wind.
We sing about the Wind.
It stands as strength to the knowledge;
As likes and dislikes of the heart;
In the lives (of living things), life exists by itself.
In the (exterior) world (visible to the eyes),
   we know of its actions;
   (yet) we don't know (of all its actions).
We praise the Wind!

---

Note: This is the Part 7 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

Is getting answers enough?

I kept lingeringly thinking about the times gone by,
Though I am walking towards you, I am yet far from you,
I live only because of you!
I see in you today, myself reflected!

If you keep thinking of me,
I will come close to you!
I live only because of you!
I see in you today, myself reflected!

Oh girl! Why is the letter so short lived?
That it is thrown away, even before you could finish reading!

I gave a short-lived letter that is thrown away
Even before it could be completely read..

Even the shadows of those trees, under which we spent time, would ask for you,
How would I tell them?
Through the silence of the withered flowers?

The shadows of those trees which bore witness to our love,
Will speak of our story for ages,
As the fragrance of those withered flowers!

The halls that echoed the messengering tinkles of your anklets, would ask for you,
How would I tell them?
Will the broken bangles speak up?

The messengering tinkles of the anklets,
Will be echoed in the halls for the years to come,
Like the broken bangles, which are still colourful!

Where are those fingers which added warmth to my palms?
Here is not the person’s face, to share stories, by leaning on my shoulder!
I was awaken from my sleep, even before my first dream got over!

Those fingers which added warmth to the palms are still in your hands!
It is not in our fate to share stories by leaning on your shoulder!
Open your eyes! My love! The first dream is enough!

All the words that you spoke,
Will keep ringing  in my ears forever over my lifetime,
The ashes may be dissolved, but will those words dissolve?

All the words that I spoke,
Are still living as part of your talks..
Even the world might go to ashes, but can the soul be destroyed?

All those gazes that we exchanged,
Relentlessly ask me questions day and night!
Life might be taken away, but could the soul be ever taken away?

All those gazes that we exchanged,
Will stay with you day and night!
Will your eyes ever forget me?

Even the inseparable shadow will go away in the pyre’s fire!
Even after seeing evidence of theft, I refuse to believe it!
I live in the hope that you will appear, at least for a moment, before me.. 

The mirage of the inseparable shadow will come and go often,
Even if there is evidence of theft, I will come back for you!
Why just an instant! My Love! I am living within you  forever!

நினைத்து நினைத்து பார்த்தேன்
நெருங்கி விலகி நடந்தேன்
உன்னால் தானே நானே வாழ்கிறேன் ஓ..
உன்னில் இன்று என்னை பார்க்கிறேன்..

நினைத்து நினைத்து பார்த்தால்
நெருங்கி அருகில் வருவேன்
உன்னால் தானே நானே வாழ்கிறேன்.. ஓ..
உன்னில் இன்று என்னைப் பார்க்கிறேன்..

எடுத்து படித்து முடிக்கும் முன்னே
எறியும் கடிதம் எதற்கு பெண்ணே ?

எடுத்து படித்து முடிக்கும் முன்னே
எறியும் கடிதம் உனக்கு தந்தேன்..

அமர்ந்து பேசும் மரங்களின் நிழலும் உன்னை கேட்கும் எப்படி சொல்வேன்?
உதிர்ந்து போன மலரின் மௌனமா ?

அமர்ந்து பேசும் மரங்களின் நிழலும்
நமது கதையை காலமும் சொல்லும்
உதிர்ந்து போன மலரின் வாசமாய்..

தூது பேசும் கொலுசின் ஒலியை அறைகள் கேட்கும் எப்படி சொல்வேன் ?
உடைந்து போன வளையல் பேசுமா ?

தூது பேசும் கொலுசின் ஒலியும்
அறைகள் முழுதும் ஆண்டுகள் சொல்லும்
உடைந்து போன வளையலின் வண்ணமாய்..

உள்ளங்கையில் வெப்பம் சேர்க்கும் விரல்கள் இன்று எங்கே ?
தோளில் சாய்ந்து கதைகள் பேச முகமும் இல்லை இங்கே
முதல் கனவு முடிந்திடும் முன்னமே தூக்கம் கலைந்ததே

உள்ளங்கையில் வெப்பம் சேர்க்கும் விரல்கள் உந்தன் கையில்
தோளில் சாய்ந்து கதைகள் பேச நமது விதியில் இல்லை
முதற் கனவு போதுமே காதலா… கண்கள் திறந்திடு…

பேசி போன வார்த்தைகள் எல்லாம்
காலம் தோரும் காதினில் கேட்கும்
சாம்பல் கரையும் வார்த்தை கரையுமா ?

பேசிப் போன வார்த்தைகள் எல்லாம்
உனது பேச்சில் கலந்தே இருக்கும்
உலகம் அழியும் உருவம் அழியுமா

பார்த்து போன பார்வைகள் எல்லாம்
பகலும் இரவும் கேள்விகள் கேட்கும்
உயிரும் போகும் உருவம் போகுமா ?

பார்த்து போன பார்வைகள் எல்லாம்
பகலும் இரவும் உன்னுடன் இருக்கும்
உனது விழிகள் என்னை மறக்குமா

தொடர்ந்து வந்த நிழலும் இங்கே தீயில் சேர்ந்து போகும்
திருட்டு போன தடயம் பார்த்தும் நம்பவில்லை நானும்
ஒரு தருணம் எதிரினில் தோன்றுவாய் என்றே வாழ்கிறேன்…

தொடர்ந்து வந்த நிழலின் பிம்பம் வந்து வந்து போகும்
திருட்டு போன தடயம் இருந்தும் திரும்பி வருவேன் நானும்
ஒரு தருணம் என்னடா.. காதலா.. உன்னுள் வாழ்கிறேன்..

---

This song has some backstory, which could add meaning to the song.

Two people fall in love together and soon after she dies in a road accident.

The guy, who pines over the loss of his lady love, asks the questions and she answers all his questions, as a voice over or like. The odd stanzas are by the male, while the even ones are by the lady.

The male version and female version are merged together to have better readability. But the songs are in the album as two separate songs.

Wind Part 5 and 6

Wind - Part 5 & 6

5

Bheeman and Hanuman are said to be
 the off springs of Wind in the epics.
The Veda says, all living things are
 off springs of Wind.
Life is nothing but Wind.
Life is the form / object.
 Wind is the action.
Mother Earth is alive.
Her breath is the Wind surrounding the Earth.
Wind is Life. He kills lives.
Wind is Life. So life is not destroyed.
The smaller form or life merges
 with the eternal form.
 (The life of individual merges
  with the soul of the world)
There is no death.
The entire world is life-form.
Appearance, Growth, Change, Disappearance
 - All are stages / acts of life.
We praise the Wind.

6

Oh Wind, come!
Come, carrying the pollen drops,
 with sweet fragrance that mesmerises the heart.
Flow over the leaves and waves,
 and carry the essence of their soul to bring to us.
Oh Wind, come.
Flow nicely such that,
 the fire/warmth of our lives linger long
 and let the good light glow bright.
Don't extinguish it, as your power declines.
Don't kill it, by bashing like ghosts.
Keep flowing for a very long time, 
 slowly and with good rhythm.
We will sing songs on you.
We will keep praising you.
We will worship you.

---

Note: This is the Part 5 and 6 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

A scene from an epic!

This week’s song requires a bit of introduction to Mahabaratham, the great Indian Epic to understand and appreciate this song better. The epic has a great war Kurushethra, in which the Pandavas (the good gang) win over Gauravas (the bad gang). Though I can’t narrate you the story in a single post, I will just give you a small context. 

One of the heroes in the good gang is Arjuna (Who has 27 names, Gandeepan – one who has the bow named Gandeepam, is another name mentioned in this song). He resents war from the start and the Lord Krishna becomes his chariot to keep him in the war and help the good win over the bad. Karna is a good guy who ends up in the bad side due to circumstances. Arjuna kills Karna and this song is placed at that point.

The visualisation of the song also needs a little explanation for my dear readers, who are not aware of this art of stage performance. This is one of the art forms that is being followed since ages and is the ancestor for our movies. These performances are void of extraordinary special effects and relies on the voice, music and foremost the acting of the people. This is a song from the period film Kaaviya Thalaivan (Epic Hero) released in 2014.

I will save the favourite part of the post, my ramble about the song, to go below the song.. 😀

Tell me, tell me, tell me,
What’s the final judgement? You tell me..

Stop here, stop here, stop here,
In this war in this stage stop by here..

Go away, go away, go away,
Enough with this war, get away..

If you want any more lives to be taken,
Kill me yourself first..
Oh kanna, kill me first..

Why did you make me hold the arrows?
Why did you make me swim in the blood?
Why did you let me win over the world?
Why did you let me fail within myself?
You made me win the world,
And yet lose deep inside..
I, Gaandeepan, is asking you, oh Kanna, Gandeepan is asking..

The wheel of time is in your hands,
Yet the one who tumbled in it, is me..
The fate and the conspiracy is in your eyes,
Yet the one who got tangled in it, is me..

If my blame of killing Karna, will go to Kannan himself,
Where will my blame of blaming kannan himself, would go?
I’m at lack of words to express my distress..

Oh world, why wars?
Oh lives, why blood?
Oh almighty, why distress?
Oh heart, why vengeance?

Kanna, stop the chariot!
After defeating everyone, With whom would I live?
Stop the chariot!
Enough of this blood-bath! Stop the war!
Let the world of tomorrow prosper!
Stop the war!
Stop the war!

Movie: Kaaviya Thalaivan | Music: A. R. Rahman | Lyrics: Pa. Vijay | Singers: Mukesh

சொல்லிவிடு சொல்லிவிடு சொல்லிவிடு
இறுதி தீர்ப்பை நீ சொல்லிவிடு

நின்றுவிடு நின்றுவிடு நின்றுவிடு
இப்போரில் இவ்விடம் நின்றுவிடு

சென்றுவிடு சென்றுவிடு சென்றுவிடு
இந்த யுத்தம் போதும் சென்றுவிடு

இன்னும் உயிர்கள் வேண்டும் என்றால்
என்னை முதலில் நீயே கொன்றுவிடு
கண்ணா என்னை முதலில் கொன்றுவிடு

ஏன் அம்பை எந்த வைத்தாய்
ஏன் குருதியில் நீந்த வைத்தாய்
ஏன் உலகத்தை ஜெயிக்க வைத்தாய்
ஏன் உள்ளுக்குள் தோற்க்கடித்தாய்

உலகத்தை வெல்ல வைத்தாய்
உள்ளுக்குள்ளே தோற்க்கடித்தாய்
காண்டீபன் கேட்கிறேன் கண்ணா
காண்டீபன் கேட்கிறேன்

ஆ… காலச்சக்கரம் உன் கையில்
அதில் சுற்றியதேனோ நான்
விதியும் சதியும் உன் கண்ணில்
அதில் சிக்கியதேனோ நான்

கர்ணனை கொன்ற பாவம் கண்ணனுக்கு போகுமென்றால்
கண்ணனுக்கே பாவம் தந்த பாவம் எங்கு போகும் ஐயோ

ஓ… உலகமே யுத்தம் எதற்கு
ஓ… உயிர்களே ரத்தம் எதற்கு
ஓ… இறைவனே துயரம் எதற்கு
ஓ… இதயமே வன்மம் எதற்கு

கண்ணா தேரை நிறுத்து
எல்லாம் வீழ்த்தி எவருடன் வாழ தேரை நிறுத்து
போதும் இந்த குருதிக்குளியல் போரை நிறுத்து
நாளை உலகம் நலம் பெறும் என்று
போரை நிறுத்து போரை நிறுத்து

This song is a very dear song for me, especially for these two lines:

“கர்ணனை கொன்ற பாவம் கண்ணனுக்கு போகுமென்றால்,
கண்ணனுக்கே பாவம் தந்த பாவம் எங்கு போகும் ஐயோ”

“If my blame of killing Karna, will go to Kannan himself,
Where will my blame of blaming kannan himself, would go?
I’m at lack of words to express my distress..”

I could never express in words the emotions it evokes.. The resent it poses.. There are many things to regret from that war, but how could one ever get absolved from the blame of blaming the God himself. This leaves me spellbound and the voice and music is just perfect to emote those lines. And the actor Siddharth has done justice to that role. Overall, this song leaves me in goose bumps at times. Though, I can’t be expecting that much from everyone, do let me know whether you could appreciate the song.. Waiting for your thoughts in my comments..

Wind Part 3 and 4

Wind - Part 3 & 4

3

The base of Wind is Ear.
 Wind stands in the ears of the Shivan.
 If there is no wind, Shivan will not be able to hear.
 The Wind doesn't have ears.
 He is deaf.
 If he could hear, will he make such a racket?
 If he could hear, will he let the clouds clash with each other,
 _create thunders and be witnessing the show?
 If he could hear, Will he play by causing whirlwinds in the sea?
 We bow to the Wind, Sound, the Power.

4

Desert.
 Sand, Sand, Sand, For a very wide area, in all four sides,
 _there is levelled sand everywhere.
 Evening Time.
 Through that expanse of forest, over the camels,
 _a group of merchants are passing by.
 Vaayu (Wind) has become untameable / ferocious.
 The sands of the desert is rotating as a whirlwind in the mid sky.
 One moment, Pain of death, the entire group of merchants
 _get destroyed in the sand.
 Vaayu (Wind) is devious. He is anger-personified Rudran.
 His sound imparts fear.
 His acts are deadly.
 We praise the Wind.

---

Personal Note: The Part 3 talks so softly and explanatorily about the simple fact that Wind causes all the atrocities only because, he doesn’t have ears and he couldn’t hear the noises he creates. So it finds excuses for him and praises him. Whereas, in Part 4, once again the Wind’s darker side (Does Wind have sides at all?!) is put to light with its destruction of the group of merchants in the desert. How could someone find excuse as well as shows light on the executions of the same wind? Does Bharathi love wind beyond measure or what else could it be? Let us see what he comes up with in the next parts!

---

Note: This is the Part 3 and 4 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous parts! To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

What is it going to be today?

The morning Sun
Rising from the sea
Comes across the shores,
Till the evening
It keeps flowing
Over the sands
(Stays on the land)

Will it give flower bouquet?
Will it give fields of war?
Will it give few memories,
That might change the life?
Every single day arises
So many such questions..

The riddles that squiggle with the sunrise..
The rising footsteps in search of answers..

What happens today
Is forgotten tomorrow,
In this new world’s dawn and dusk..
(or
In this new world
Where it darkens with the dawn..)

Within the blink of an eye, happens;
A very long journey
Across the borders..

The realisation of a dream,
The opening of a door,
The very small moment of
Blooming of a seed..

The ever-changing colors
Of every single day,
Is a never-changing illusion..

Like a show of shadows,
Like a show of shadows
Over the path of map,
Goes the procession of all similes..

As the reflections unfold
Upon the morning dew drops,
The drama continues
In every direction..

The tomorrow is with you today,
But this poetry called today is with whom?
(For everyone is running for tomorrow)

Only the light is visible,
What’s the way of life?

Only the sound is audible,
What’s the language of fate?

With no age,
With no aging,
With no introduction,
With no conclusion,
Goes on, this endless journey..

A rich musing on everyday life from dawn to dusk, capturing various simple moments of life. The depth of the song keeps me marveling at life, every single time, I hear this song… Are we losing today by chasing the future or by lingering in the past?

Check here to know more about the translated song!

 

Wind Part 2

Wind - Part 2

Middle of the sea. A lone ship.
  Fierce stormy wind, as if the skies has unleashed their anger.
  The tides are high. It splatters ferociously.
  It explodes as it crashes.
  It plunders.
The Ship wobbles;
  It is moved in the force of the lightning;
  It crashes against a rock.
  Massacre!
  Two hundred lives perished.
  Before they perished, they realised
  the experience, of what the perishing of the era entitles.
  The end of eon will also be like this.
  The earth will be amassed with water; Hot boiling water.
  Sakthi will become the wind.
  Sivan will be furious.
  The world will seem to be one.(??)
  And that one will be Sakthi.
  And Sivan will be behind the Sakthi.
The Wind moves the ropes tied in the roofs. He pours life into them.
  The Wind shows whirlpools to water,
  adds lightning to the Sky,  
    Transforms water to fire,
    Transforms fire to water,
    Transforms water to dust,
    Transforms dust to water
    And wreaks havoc.
  The Wind brings apocalypse.
  The Wind protects.
  Let the Wind protect us.
  "Salutations to Vayu, the Lord of winds.
   You are the visible representation
   of the ultimate reality, Brahman."

---

Personal Note: You would better understand this personal note, if you have read the part 1 here. In the first part, the Wind was praised as the life-force and the life-giver. Now, the same Wind, which animates a piece of rope by blowing life into it, massacres 200 lives, just with a whoosh.

The first part was filled with tender love between the ropes and was so soft and elegant in its grace. Here, the same Wind has become ferocious and uncontainable. The emotions that flow through this part is more of anger, fear, ferociousness, wrath, demise, massacre et al. What a contrast and how versatile the Wind is.

The Wind brings apocalypse.
The Wind protects.
Let the Wind protect us

---

 

Note: This is the Part 2 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to read the previous part! I have taken up the liberty to restructure the lines for the ease of reading and using few easier common terms over the literal meaning. Would you like to view the notes on translation or To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

My Wants!

Want a brand new world!
Want a new sky everyday!
Want a shower of golden coins!
Want the koel to sing in tamizh!

Want a sky for myself!
Want a pair for moon!
Want a rain in the moon!
When it sweats on my brow!

Want twinkling colourful stars!
Want the flowers to speak!
Want a boon to sit upon,
The flowers, that bees sit upon!

Oh God! Move aside!
Give some place near you!
Give us a boon that, smile is our mother tongue!
Let some changes happen in this world!

Want a war-less world,
With no chaos and noise!
A human race, with no demise,
Is to take roots and live long in this world!

Want to eradicate famine and hunger!
Want flowers to bloom in deserts!
Want a song hailing Peace,
To bring loads and loads of happiness!

Let the bygones be bygones!
Let the new ones live longer!
Let the borders of nations be done with!
Let the Gods come and live in this world!

Whoa! How beautiful this world would be, to live upon, if all these wants become true! Whether it is possible to happen or not, one still can dream right? 😉 So what are your dreams for a better world?

Note: The details of the song translated is available over here!

Wind

Wind - Part 1

In the porch of the house is a roof.
  Thatched roof,
  with coconut leaves.
There are seven-eight bamboo pipes,
  set in  criss-cross and
  held together with ordinary jute rope,
  and over them, the thatched coconut leaves are spread.

A small excess of rope was hanging
  from one of the bamboo pipe.
  A foot-long rope.
One day, This rope was happily swinging.
  It doesn't seem to have even a silly worry.
Sometimes, it will look forlorn and hangs still.
  It doesn't even answer, when called.
Today it wasn't like that.
  Looked jolly-good.

The rope and I, are friends.
  We often talk to each other.

“If you talk to a rope, Will it reply?”
  Try talking to it,
  to find whether it replies or not.

But you have to start the conversation,
  when it's happy.
Otherwise, it will frown and be tight-lipped,
  like women.
Whatsoever, the rope in this home speaks.
  There's no doubt in that.

Did I say one rope?
  There are two ropes.
  One is one-foot long.
  The other is three-fourth of a foot long.
One male;
  Other female;
  Man and wife.

They both were looking at each other
  with amorous looks, and
  were exchanging coy  smiles, 
  bantering about sweet nothings,
  they were lost in love.
That is when, I reached there.

The male rope is named ‘Kandan.'
  The female rope is named ‘Valliyammai.’
(Just like people, small ropes can also be named.)

Kandan tries to hold Valliyammai.
  Valliyammai backs a little.
In that particular moment, I reached there.

I asked, “What Kanda, are you fine? 
  Maybe I came at the wrong moment, is it? 
  Shall I come back later?"

For which, Kandan said,
  "Ah come on, you old man! 
  What shyness in front of  you? 
  What Valli, are you angry that,
  this Iyer was witnessing our courting?"

“Fine, fine, don't ask me anything”, said Valliyammai.

For that, Kandan laughed aloud clapping hands,
  jumped and hugged Valliyammai,
  all while I was standing just there.
Valliyammai started screeching.
  But, Valliyammai was also enjoying,
  secretly.
Aren't we happy when others see, how happy we are?

I was also content in watching their show,
  what's the crime in saying the fact?
  Witnessing the intimacy of young love
  brings such a great joy, isn't it?

Since Valliyammai started screeching louder,
  Kandan left her alone.

After few moments, he caressed her again. 
  Again a screech, again the freeing;
  Again a caress, again a screech;
  this kept on continuing.

“What's this Kanda,
  you don't seem to be interested
  in saying a word to this visitor, 
  I'll come back after some time,
  shall I leave?” I asked.

“Come on, oldie, aren't you just watching us.
  Stay on for little more time.
  I've few affairs to finish with her.
  After I finish that,
  I am thinking of having a discussion
  with you on certain topics.
  Don't go away. Stay”, it said.
I stood there and kept watching.

After a while, the damsel,
  in the glaze of happiness,
  dropped her shyness,
  even forgetting that,
  I was still standing there.

Immediately a song.
 Elegantly broken pieces.
 Every line with its own tune.
 Just a couple of varaitions.
 Then another song.
As Kandan finished singing, it was Valli's turn.
 After one finished, the other one.
 Singing one after another -- Immense joy!

For some time, they keep singing,
  while standing apart, without touching.
  Then Valliyammai will go herself to caress Kandan.
  He comes to hug. She runs.
  Immense Joy!

Valliyammai got giddy with happiness
  as this continued for a long time.

I was thirsty, went to the next house to drink water,
  to quench my thirst. Both the ropes didn't notice my leaving.

When I came back and saw,
  Kandan was waiting for me,
  while Valliyammai slept.
As soon as  seeing me,
  “Where did you go, old man!
  You left without goodbye”, it said.
I asked, “Seems like madam is sleeping deeply”

Aaha! at that moment,
  The rope exploded and
  before me appeared the Lord
  and how can I express His greatness in words?

The Lord of Winds appeared.

I had always presumed that,
  His form would be broad and ballooned.
  But, His form was like a diamond needle,
  glowing brightly.

"Salutations to Vayu, the lord of winds.
 You are the visible representation of the ultimate reality, Brahman.
 I affirm that you are indeed the visible form of Brahman"
 Hail thy wind. You are indeed the visible form of Brahmam.

When he appeared,
  the skies were filled
  with the life-force's power
  and the warmth was spreading all around.

I worshipped Him a thousand times,
  with my tributes.

The Lord of Wind sayeth: -- 
   "My son, What did you ask?
   Are you asking whether
   the small rope is sleeping?
   No. It is dead.
   I am the life-force's power.
   The body / form, that is related to me, is active.
   Which doesn't relate to me is corpse.
   I am the life-force.
   Because of Me,
   that small rope was alive;
   had experienced pleasure.
   After it got a bit tired,
   I let it sleep -- die.
   Sleep is death. Death is but a sleep.
   They both do not exist where I am present.
   I will come back in the evening and blow.
   It will come back to life again. 
I awaken it. Animate it. I am the son of power, Worship me and live."

"Salutations to Vayu, the Lord of winds.
 You are the visible representation of the ultimate reality, Brahman.
 I affirm that You are indeed the visible form of Brahman"

---

 

Note: This is the Part 1 of Bharathi’s Prose-Poetry titled “Kaatru”. Interested in the Series? Check here to know more about it! I have taken up the liberty to restructure the lines for the ease of reading and using few easier common terms over the literal meaning. Would you like to view the notes on translation or To read the original version in தமிழ் or in Transliterated version? Click here! And here’s a feast to the fans of Bharathi (with translation)

---

A Preface to a Series!

I have been in love with the prose-poetry of Bharathi, even before I know, what love is. The love for those brilliant pieces and the love for my readers has pushed me to translate them, for the benefit of English-reading people, to enjoy the brilliance and nuances of my love.

Starting tomorrow, I will be posting part(s) of the Prose-Poetry as a weekly series. And here is the Preface to that series. (Just to clarify, the series will be in English and only the preface is in tamizh. English version is available below the Tamil.)

---

பைந்தமிழின் எழிலில் வீறுநடை பயின்ற தமிழை,
எளிய தமிழில் இன்னிசை ஏற்றி,
இராக தாளத்துடன் நயமும் ஊற்றி,
இயல் இசை நாடகம் மூன்றையும் போற்றி,

பாமரனும் காவியம் கற்றிடவே,
புரட்சிகள் பலவும் நிதமும் நிகழ்ந்திடவே,
மூத்ததமிழுக்கு புத்தாடை உடுத்தி
கன்னித்தமிழென புத்துயிர் புகட்டிய
கவிச் சக்கரவர்த்தி, எம் மகாகவி பாரதி!

தமிழை தமிழனுக்கே புதிதாய் காட்டி
தமிழ் முழங்கும் திசையெலாம்
தன் தமிழால் வியாபித்து நிற்கும் பாரதி!

நூறாண்டு காலத்திற்கு முன்பே
தீர்க்கதரிசியென சொல்லிச் சென்றான்
என உள்ளம் பூரித்து கொண்டாடியபோதும்,
இன்றும் மாறா மூடர் கூட்டம் உள்ள தெண்ணி
என் நெஞ்சு பொறுக்குதில்லையே..

வல்லமை தாராயோ,
இந்த மாநிலம் பயனுற வாழ்வதற்கே,
என்று கலங்கிய நொடியிலும்,
எனைச் சுடர் மிகும் அறிவுடன் மெருகேற்றும்
என் ஆசானின் வார்த்தைகளே துணை நின்று வழி வகுத்தது..

யான் பெற்ற இன்பம் இவ்வையகமும் பெற்றிடவும்,
என் தீந்தமிழின் தீரா இனிமையும்,
பாரதியின் சொற்களும், திக்கெட்டும் ஒலித்திடவும்,
தமிழல்லரும் பாரதி எனும் பாகை பருகிடவும்,

கற்றறிந்த ஆன்றோர் பலர், மொழி பெயர்த்து வெளியிட்டும்,
காப்புரிமை காரணமாக இணையத்தில் இன்று வரை வெளி வராத,
ஆங்கிலம் காணாத சில நல் முத்துக்களை வெளிக்கொணரவும்,
ஆழி தாண்டும் பாலமமைக்க இவ்வணிலின் சிறு முயற்சி!

பின் குறிப்பு:
பிழைகள் கண்டால் பொறுத்து கொள்ளாமல் சுட்டிக் காட்டிடுக
நிறைகள் கண்டால் மதியிலிறுத்தி நாளும் வாழ்வில் பயின்றிடுக
மனம் நிறைந்தால் பகிர்ந்திடுக, நட்புடனும் சுற்றத்துடனும்.
மறவாது எம் பக்கத்துக்கு இணைப்பளித்து..

---

Transliteration:

paindhdhamizhin ezhilil veeRunadai payindRa thamizhai,
eLiya thamizhil innisai aetRi,
raaga thaaLathudan nayamum ootRi,
iyal isai naadagam moondRaiyum poatRi,

paamaranum kaaviyam katRidavae,
puratchigaL palavum nidhamum nigazhndhdhidavae,
moothadhamizhukku puthaadai uduthi
kannithamizhena puthuyir pugattiya
kavi chakkaravarthi, em magaagavi paaradhi!

thamizhai thamizhanukkae pudhidhaay kaatti
thamizh muzhanggum thisaiyelaam
than thamizhaal viyaabithu niRkum paaradhi!

nooRaaNdu kaalathiRku munpae
theerkkadharisiyena cholli chendRaan
ena uLLam poorithu koNdaadiyaboadhum,
indRum maaRaa moodar koottam uLLa theNNi
en nenjju poRukkudhillaiyae..

vallamai thaaraayoa,
indhdha maanilam payanuRa vaazhvadhaRkae,
endRu kalanggiya nodiyilum,
enai chudar migum aRivudan merugaetRum
en aasaanin vaarthaigaLae thuNai nindRu vazhi vaguthadhu..

yaan petRa inpam ivvaiyagamum petRidavum,
en theendhdhamizhin theeraa inimaiyum,
paaradhiyin soRkaLum, thikkettum olithidavum,
thamizhallarum paaradhi enum paagai parugidavum,

katRaRindhdha aandRoar palar, mozhi peyarthu veLiyittum,
kaappurimai kaaraNamaaga iNaiyathil indRu varai veLi varaadha,
aanggilam kaaNaadha sila nal muthukkaLai veLikkoNaravum,
aazhi thaaNdum paalamamaikka ivvaNilin siRu muyaRsi!

pin kuRippu:
pizhaigaL kaNdaal poRuthu koLLaamal suttik kaattiduga
niRaigaL kaNdaal madhiyiliRuthi naaLum vaazhvil payindRiduga
manam niRaindhdhaal pagirndhdhiduga, natpudanum sutRathudanum.
maRavaadhu em pakkathukku iNaippaLithu..

---

Tamil, which was walking majestically as the ancient language,
Was infused with music in a simpler language,
While filling it with tune, rhythm and fineness,
And praising the forms of prose, poetry and drama of Tamil as well;

For even the layman to enjoy literature,
For revolutions to happen everyday;

The age-old Tamil was adorned with a fresh attire,
And given a new life as young Tamil;

By the emperor of poems, Mahakavi Bharathi!

By re introducing Tamil even to Tamils,
He has become all-prevalent,
In every direction, where Tamil is known,
Through his style and words of Tamil!

Though the heart celebrates, with pride,
As I realise that, he had said, what he said,
A century back, as a foreseeing prophet;
I couldn’t stand to think nor accept, that,
There are still fools out there, as ever..

When I was crest fallen and prayed as,
Won’t you give me the strength,
To live a life of purpose and
For the betterment of this world;
The words that stood as my strength,
And cleared the way ahead, were those of,
My teacher, Bharathi,
Who enlightens my knowledge,
To that of sparkling brilliance..

Though, there were many scholars,
Who had already translated Bharathi’s works,
Due to copyright, it was unexplored,
In the realms of internet.

For I want the world to enjoy,
The treasures I have enjoyed;
For the sweetness of Tamil and
The brilliance of Bharathi to spread
Across every single direction;
For the English to enjoy
The excellence of Bharathi;
To bring to light, the hitherto unexplored Tamil;

A small step, by this tiny drop,
in the vast ocean of translation,
Hoping to create ripples,
that cross the language barriers.

If you find errors,
do not tolerate,
but point it out;
If you find treasures,
do not forget them,
but follow them;
If you love them,
do not be selfish,
but share them;

With due credit to the translator,
For this too is copyrighted,
And available for free distribution
Over internet, with due credits.

---

 

Is that you?!

Is that you, who said so?
Tell, tell my beloved

Is that fine with you?
Why, why my beloved?
Why, why my beloved?

In another hands,
Who, Who, ME?!

Did you forget me?
Why, why my beloved?

Isn’t that you,
The one who gave
The sacred garland,
and the Vermilion?*

Isn’t that you,
Who thought of
The bride-to-be
as the Goddess?

Isn’t that you,
Who had linked
My heart into yours?

Isn’t that you,
Who also said that,
You would be there
For me, till the end?

Today,
Is that you, who said so?
Tell, tell my beloved

Can the garland,
That is adorned by the God,
Can fall in the streets?

Even if it falls on the streets,
Can it be touched by another?

Isn’t that true,
That this flower can bloom
Only once in the Ivy?

Isn’t that true,
That this relationship can grow
Only once in the heart?

சொன்னது நீ தானா
சொல் சொல் சொல் என் உயிரே
சொன்னது நீ தானா
சொல் சொல் சொல் என் உயிரே
சம்மதம் தானா
ஏன் ஏன் ஏன் என் உயிரே
ஏன் ஏன் ஏன் என் உயிரே
சொன்னது நீ தானா
சொல் சொல் சொல் என் உயிரே

இன்னொரு கைகளிலே
யார் யார் யார் நானா
எனை மறந்தாயோ
ஏன் ஏன் ஏன் என் உயிரே
சொன்னது நீ தானா
சொல் சொல் சொல் என் உயிரே

மங்கள மாலை குங்குமம் யாவும்
தந்ததெல்லாம் நீ தானே
மணமகளை திருமகளாய்
நினைத்ததெல்லாம் நீ தானே
என் மனதில் உன் மனதை
இணைத்ததும் நீ தானே
இறுதி வரை துணை இருப்பேன்
என்றதும் நீ தானே
இன்று சொன்னது நீ தானா
சொல் சொல் சொல் என் உயிரே

தெய்வத்தின் மார்பில் சூடிய மாலை
தெருவினிலே விழலாமா
தெருவினிலே விழுந்தாலும்
வேறோர் கை தொடலாமா
ஒரு கொடியில் ஒரு முறை தான்
மலரும் மலரல்லவா
ஒரு மனதில் ஒரு முறை தான்
வளரும் உறவல்லவா
சொன்னது நீ தானா
சொல் சொல் சொல் என் உயிரே

sonnadhu needhaanaa sol sol sol ennuyire
sammadham thaanaa aen aen aen ennuyire
aen aen aen ennuyire

innoru kaigalilae yaar yaar naanaa
enai marandhaayaa aen aen aen en uyire

mangala maalai kungumam yaavum thandhadhellaam needhaane
manamagalaith thirumagalaai ninaithadhellaam needhaane
en manadhil un manadhai inaithadhum needhaane
irudhi varaith thunaiyiruppen enradhum needhaane
indru sonnadhu needhaanaa sol sol sol ennuyire

dheivathin maarbil soodiya maalai theruvinile vizhalaamaa
theruvinile vizhundhaalam veroar kai thodalaamaa
oru kodiyil oru muraidhaan malarum malarallavaa
oru manadhil oru muraidhaan valarum uravallavaa

Vermilion and the Garland are given as a symbol of accepting the girl as wife.

---

This song is from the film Nenjil Or Aalayam. The original soundtrack album was composed by the musical legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, while the lyrics for the songs were written by Kaviarasu Kannadasan. And this song is sung by P.Susheela

This song is one of the most popular classics, well known even today. And has many accolades with its fame. Please do click on the links, as I am not going to bore you with all those stats and details available out there.

The emotion in the lyrics, song, rhythm, voice, face… Oh my.. Can I ever get enough words to describe the soulfulness of this song?! There is a beauty to monochrome, but it is enhanced by the films of the (g)olden days. I can’t point my finger to one single element and say it as the best of others, for everything scores equally for me in this song.

Now on to the context.. Hope you people have guessed that, this is by the heroine to the hero. The speciality of the context is, the husband asks the wife’s ex-lover to marry her, in  case he dies of his cancer. And she sings this song to her husband. So all the deep emotions and the quivering lips, portray the love she has for her husband and shows the great lengths crossed over from the ex-lover.

Moving on to the poetry, the words are repeated in such a way, that you might think that, she struggles to find words, for she is still revelling in the shock, that he could say such a thing at all.. She first questions is that really him who said that and the words are less coherent and broken with repetitions.. Then she talks of how much love he has showered on her and how much she was appreciated as the bride.. Then questions the future..

And in the picturization, she actually breaks off the song in the middle and the dramatic effect it adds to the situation is simply amazing.. The song easily moves a person to tears, for the combination is so beautifully synchronised and the simplicity adds a a touch of reality and makes it easy to connect..

Do let me know if this song strikes a chord in you?

Pillaiyar And Peter Jones

Kalaiselvan and Peter Jones were studying together in the same class since first standard. So when they shifted Peter Jones to another section of fifth standard, Kalaiselvan couldn’t stop his crying and he cried so hard and got himself sick.

Peter consoled Kalai, saying that, though we are in different sections, we are still in same school and so we could still go and come back from school together. Yet, Peter felt something amiss when he had to go to school alone on that day.

A small void. A tiny inconvenience. Peter felt as if he forgot something. So he stopped on the way, by a neem tree and checked his bag. His maths note, geometry box and everything else was in his bag. The only thing missing was his friend Kalai. He resumed walking with his bag till he reached the temple pond.

He stopped at the temple pond for some reason. That’s where his friend Kalai performs his morning prayer ritual of Thoppukaranam (Sit ups as a form of prayer) before the statute of the big bellied Elephant Lord Pillaiyaar. Peter dropped his bag nearby and went to kneel down before Pillaiyaar.

Shenbagam, who was fetching water from the pond noticed this and gently smiled. She said, ‘Dear Peter, this is not Christ, this is Pillaiyaar. Here the form of prayer is with Thoppukaranam and not by kneeling down.’ Peter hadn’t noticed her till then. But he just threw a glimpse at her and continued looking at the statute.

He said sternly that, he hasn’t come here to pray, as he opened his lunch box. He slowly opened it with bit of struggle and took few grains of rice from the lunch and kept it near the small ant hills next to the statute of Pillaiyaar.

Peter continued saying to her, ‘Kalai keeps food daily for these ants. If he doesn’t keep, the ants will be hungry right? To keep food for them only I came here.’

In the next few seconds, neither Peter, who had been walking back gloriously, covering all the void, nor Shenbagam, who had gone speechless and stood like a statute with his reply, or even the ants, which were busily dragging the grains to their homes, did not notice, that the statute of Pillaiyaar was kneeling down in the sand there!

---

பிள்ளையாரும் பீட்டர் ஜோன்சும்…

ஒன்றாம் வகுப்பிலிருந்து ஒன்றாகவே படித்த உயிர்த்தோழன் பீட்டர் ஜோன்சை தன்னிடமிருந்து பிரித்து ஐந்தாம் வகுப்பு ‘B’ செக்‌ஷனில் போட்டுவிட்டதைச் சொல்லி அழுது அழுது காய்ச்சலே வந்துவிட்டது கலைச்செல்வனுக்கு.”செக்‌ஷன் மாத்திட்டாங்கதான் ஆனாலும் நாம சேர்ந்தே தானே ஸ்கூலுக்கு போகப்போறோம் ? மறுபடியும் வீட்டுக்கு வரும்போதும் சேர்ந்தே வருவோம்” என்று சிரித்துக்கொண்டே சொன்ன பீட்டருக்கும் இன்று தனியாக நடந்து பள்ளிக்கூடம் செல்வது கொஞ்சம் வருத்தமாகவே இருந்தது, ஏதோ… ஒரு வெற்றிடம்,மனதிற்குள் ஒரு சின்ன உறுத்தல்.எதையோ மறந்துவிட்டதைப்போன்ற ஒரு உள்ளுணர்வு.பக்கத்து வேப்பமரத்தடியில் பையை இறக்கி வைத்து கணக்கு நோட்டு,ஜாமெண்டரி பாக்ஸ் எல்லாவற்றையும் எடுத்தாகிவிட்டதா என்று சரிபார்த்தான் பீட்டர், எல்லாமே இருந்தது இல்லாதது அவன் நண்பன் கலை மட்டும்தான்.மீண்டும் பையை மாட்டிக்கொண்டு நடக்க ஆரம்பித்தவன் ஏனோ அந்த கோவில் குளத்தைக் கடக்காமல் நின்றுவிட்டான்.

அங்கே தினமும் கலைச்செல்வன் தோப்புக்கரணம் போட்டு கும்பிடும் தொப்பை கணபதி சிலைவரை வேகமாக ஓடிப்போய் பையை கழற்றிவைத்துவிட்டு மரத்தடி பிள்ளையார் சிலைக்கு முன் முட்டி போட்டுக்கொண்டான்.இதை பார்த்ததும் கோவில் குளத்தில் தண்ணீர் எடுத்துக்கொண்டிருந்த செண்பகம் மாமிக்கு இதழோரமாய் கசிந்தது ஒரு சின்ன புன்னகை“ஏண்டாப்பா பீட்டர் இது கர்த்தர் சிலை இல்லடா கணபதி சிலை,இங்க் தோப்புக்கரணம்தான் போடணும் முட்டி போட்டு கும்பிட வேண்டாம் ” என்றார் மாமி.அவரை அதுவரை கவனிக்காத பீட்டர் இப்பொழுதுதான் கவனித்தான் ஆனாலும் ஒரு நொடியில் மீண்டும் சிலையை நோக்கி திரும்பிக்கொண்டான்.வேகமாக தன் சாப்பாட்டுக்கூடைக்குள் கையை விட்டு துழாவிக்கொண்டே “நான் இங்க ப்ரேயர் பண்ண வரல” என்று தீர்க்கமாக சொன்னவன் டிபன் பாக்சை வெளியிலெடுத்து மெதுவாக தன் பல் இடுக்கில் வைத்து நெம்பி அதிலிருந்து சில பருக்கைகளைக் கையிலெடுத்து அந்த பிள்ளையார் சிலையைச் சுற்றி இருந்த சின்னச் சின்ன எறும்புப் புற்றுகளுக்கு முன் வைத்துவிட்டு மீண்டும் மாமியிடம் சொன்னான் “கலை இங்க தினமும் சாப்பாடு வைப்பான், இன்னைக்கு வைக்காம விட்டா எறும்பு பாவம்தான? பசிக்குமே,..அதுக்குதான் வந்தேன்”.அடுத்த ஐந்தாவது நொடி வெற்றிடங்களையெல்லாம் நிறப்பிக்கொண்டவனாய் எழுந்து நடந்துகொண்டிருந்த பீட்டரோ ,என்ன சொல்வதென்று தெரியாமல் குடத்தோடு குளத்தருகில் சிலையாகிப்போன மாமியோ,அவ்வளவு ஏன் ஒரு சோற்றுப்பருக்கையை கூட்டுக்குள் இழுக்க பிரம்ம ப்ரயத்தனப்பட்டுக் கொண்டிருந்த அந்த எறும்போ கூட கவனிக்கவே இல்லை இப்பொழுது மண் திட்டின் மேல் முட்டி போட்டிருந்த அந்த பிள்ளையார் சிலையை !

---

This is a story written by my friend Kavi Ilaval Tamil and posted as Facebook Update. He writes amazing Tamil verses and has a published book “Yaathumaagi ninren” to his credit.

I liked the story and I couldn’t resist sharing it. Hope you too enjoyed the story. Do post your views in the comments.

Paradise Lost

கண்ணிலான் பெற்றிழந்தான்..
I don’t remember where I heard this first time, but I’m so grateful for the one who introduced me to this line..

What’s it about this line?
Transliteration – kaNNilaan peRRizhandhaan..
Translation – A blind person, got sight and lost it back..
Conceived by – Kamban
Verse – 325 of Kamba Ramayanam

This is an epitome of agony and pain undergone by a person at times of loss..

Context:
The mighty king Dasarathan was blessed with his children after several prayers..
He was asked, of his son Rama, to be of service, to a hermit in the forests, a hazardous job for a Prince..
The mentality of the king is portrayed as that of a blind, who had enjoyed the blessings of the vision and has gone back blind..

Why the line pops into my mind and blows me off every time?
The loss could have been described in so many ways..

Why not simply say that as a person gone blind?
When one is gifted with vision at birth, it’s taken for granted..
But if one is born blind, he would have an thirst for vision..
The gift of vision can only be contemplated at it’s best, only by a blind..
He treasures the power of vision..
When the sight is taken back, he simply has to return to his former state..

When a person is born with vision and has gone blind in between, has to learn a new way of complementing his visionary power..
But for a person born blind, that’s his natural state..
He evolves and grows with the absence of vision..

So isn’t it easy to restore to someone’s natural state?
What’s the harm in it?

The person could have led his whole life without vision and even could have achieved something in his life..

It’s always easier to acquire, grow, multiple the resources we start with..
As the resource grows, the person evolves along..
But when the resources begin the downfall, there’s no going back of the evolution..

The evolution is like carvings on a stone..
When the resources are taken back, it shatters the heart into shrapnel..
You could live with a blank stone, but not with a shattered piece..
Whether the person stays still or move forward, it hurts the person..

Nothing ever could heal the hurt of the heart..
Even if someday the vision is once again restored, still the void, the pain exists..
Nothing could ever conceal it from one’s own conscience..

A few of you might have experienced this:
Desired something for so long,
thought about it day and night,
gone in search of that treasure with all your heart,
Foregoing every other pleasure for it,
Dedicated the mind, heart and soul for it,
And the success knocks on your door..

The happiness is just divine and is something to be felt and could never be put into words..

Then comes the tragedy,
Even before you could completely embrace your happiness,
The result of success is to be borrowed,
Not a giveaway, Not distorting it,
Just a borrowing,
Still you know the usage by the borrower might lead to anything…
You may or may not get it back,
You might not be the same without it again,
You are to relinquish the treasure voluntarily..

That’s the exact feel of
கண்ணிலான் பெற்றிழந்தான்..

எண்ணிலா அருந்தவத்தோன் இயம்பிய சொல் மருமத்தின் எறிவேல் பாய்ந்த
புண்ணிலாம் பெரும் புழையில் கனல் நுழைந்தால் எனச் செவியில் புகுதலோடும்
உண்ணிலா வியதுயரம் பிடித்து உந்த ஆருயிர் நின்று ஊசல் ஆடக்
கண்ணிலான் பெற்றிழந்தான் என உழந்தான் கடும் துயரம் காலவேலான்

(கம்ப.328)

Are you a good boss?

The bosses are the none villains to most of the working people. Blessed are those, who have a good boss and it is becoming a rarity to appreciate the good boss, they are blessed with. Since too many talks are going on about bosses, let us shift our focus to the employees now.

Not every one working under, is the best junior is again a very common thing from the boss’s side. But he can’t put that blame entirely on the team member. No, I am not against the boss, for I am one of the few endangered species who appreciate the good boss they have.

So what makes a boss better than the ordinary?
For that, we must first understand who is a good boss.

When will anyone be called as good boss?
The employee will have to feel good working under the boss, to appreciate him as a good boss.

When will the employee appreciate a boss as good?
When the employee relishes working for the boss and doesn’t feel burdened by the work done.

Is that even possible?
When you are following your passion, there is not a hint of burden even in the herculean task.

Okay, So?
A good employee feels no pain in following the passion.
A good employer is one who assigns that job to that person.

?!
Not a big concept..
Just the understanding of who is good at what and how well each person can do their work. When a boss understands that and uses it to allocate the job to that person, the job is done in the most passionate way without any hitch to anyone involved.

இதனை யிதனா லிவன்முடிக்கு மென்றாய்ந்
ததனை யவன்கண் விடல். [517]

ithanai ithanaal ivanmudikkum endRaaindhu
adhanai avankaN viDal

Assess and determine that he can do this task, using these resources,
and empower him to do the task. [Couplet 517]

So the mere allocation of a job doesn’t make one a good boss. It is the understanding behind these questions:

• What is the job to be done
• What is the best way to do a job
• What are the resources required for that job
• Who possesses the technical expertise and knowledge to complete the job
• Who is capable of doing the job efficiently and effectively
• What are the powers needed to do the job
• What are the resources to be helped with for the job

If one answers all of them, he would eventually find the right person to the right job and thus becomes a good boss!

Musical Monday #7

She:
Dear handsome, I am born for you!
I will be with you, day n night!
The years keep rolling by
Since our marriage,
Still, the affection doesn’t fade!

From top to toe,
You rule me,
My husband dear!
The God that stands guard
At the south of our town,
Stays witness to it!

He:
Dear beautiful, You are born for me!
My heart is brimming with you!

She:
If you don’t tease me, on a day,
With your caress at least once,
Even the softest mattress
Will not be so soft, at night,
When you lay down to sleep!

He:
Will the cat be at rest,
When it smells a pot of fish?
Hey beautiful! Tell me,
For the smell of Nethili is in the air!

She:
As I sit quiet and mind my work
Don’t you come fiddling with my saree
To dry your wet hands!

He:
Why petty complaints?
Are you an old one?!
You are a youngling!

She:
Oh yeah?!
Don’t you think that
I grew up into a lady
Just yesterday?

The Song’s transliteration is available here, in case you are interested.

This song is between a couple, who are still young in love, even after being married together for more than half of their own lives.

I could never do justice in translation, to the song’s lyrics for they are so heart warming, filled with slang of the region and filled with such beautiful alliterations.

 This song would be my pick any day for defining my relationship goals! 😛 You have to watch the video to understand what I mean. The love and care between the couple is so very beautiful and I haven’t seen better romantic acts. There is a beauty to young love, but the love that still prevails at sixties is very different and so special. When it is sprinkled with silly banters and fun, what a treat it is to be around these couples.

I had seen this song many times, but I could never listen to the lyrics, for the visualization captures my full attention, every single time. I started translating this song some three hours back, just wrote the first few lines, listened to the song and within no time I was watching the whole movie, once again.

And when I came back to translating, I still watched the song just for watching more than once. I have to cautiously push myself to finish translating and here I am rambling, about this song.

There are many movies that depict old couples and as they lived a generation back. But this is one of the very few authentic depiction I have seen onscreen. Both the persons, would have lived their roles in the movie.

Fine, Now I will shut up, so you could go enjoy the beauty of this song. And also get a glimpse of everyday life in certain parts of our state.

---

Note: The song which was translated last week is available over here.

Heaven on earth!

The hair caressed by breeze,
The eyes drinking in the sight of sea,
The lips spilling a shy smile,
The dear friend next to shoulder,
The laps of sand grains to sit upon,
The gentle waves trickling the feet,

Though I’m cherished and relished
From head to toe,
My heart still stumbles and stays
In the thoughts if and about you..

As the body and soul
Feels content and happy,
Could there be anything else
That could be heaven?!

தலைக்கோதும் தென்றல்
கண் நிறையும் கடல்
இதழ் சிந்தும் புன்னகை
தோள் சாயும் தோழமை
மடியேந்தும் மணல்
பாதம் வருடும் அலை..

உச்சி முதல் பாதம் வரை
மகிழ்ந்த நொடியிலும்,
மனம் மயங்கி தயங்கி தங்கியது
உன் நினைவலைகளில் மட்டும்..

உள்ளமும் உடலும்
உவந்து களிக்கும்
இந்த நொடியினும் சிறந்த
சொர்க்கம் வேறுளதோ..

Thalai kOthum thendral
KaN niraiyum kadal
Ithazh sindhum punnagai
ThoL saayum thozhamai
Madi yaenthum manal
Paadham varudum alai…

Uchi mudal paatham varai
Magizhntha nodiyilum
Manam mayangi thayangi thangiyathu
Un ninaivalaigaLil mattum…

ULLamum udalum
Uvanthu kaLikkum
Intha nodiyinum sirantha
Sorgam VeruLathO?

Musical Monday #6

She:
Oh dear one,
Forget the tunes of time,
When the hearts of love come together.
Oh dear one,
Forget the pains of scars,
When the breeze and moon comes in.

You bloom into a flower,
For just a look from me.
You would forget the scars,
For just a word from me.

Even when a mirror shatters,
The pieces still reflects, I see them.
Even after a storm passes,
The flowers will bloom again,
I will wait till the spring.

This is a world full of masks,
What is your face in this?
Though the moon reflects in a river,
The moon doesn’t get wet with it.

He:
The time would flow and
This would be just a memory,
Yet, my tears would live on..

When you toss my hair as a mother,
I yearn for one more birth in your laps.

My life here is what you gave me
The days, I live upon, is yours.

This is not love.
This is not lust.
There’s no name in the world
For this relationship.

I bloom into a flower,
For just a look from you.
I would forget the scars,
For just a word from you.

---

There are few songs which evolve in the meaning over time, depending on what you feel rather than what is said in the song. Thus this song has got many versions for me. After some time, it might just become another song and be forgotten totally.. Like as it says,
“The time would flow and
This would be just a memory”

Till then let’s relish the beauty of what we see from this point..

Now, why don’t you caption the song?! Awaiting your views, while few of you might try guessing the song too..

Edit: The details of the song is available over here.

---

The free advice!

The one thing that you could get free, anytime, without a doubt is, advice. You could be a small kid wandering around, enjoying the beauty of life or a person with more days to his age than knowledge. Fear not, you would get at least a handful of them for sure.

Being on the receiving end of advice is the most hated job universally, while dishing them out seems to be the easiest and most preferred job for the majority of population.

Whenever I get myself lost in pondering over the concept of advising, this little story pops up somewhere in the process. Here’s that story.

Once a mother approached a person, considered as some sort of inspiring leader or guru, with her child. She asked him to tell her kid to reduce the sweets intake of the kid. The guru simply asked her to come and visit after a week. Though perplexed, she left silently and met him after a week.

He said to the kid, “Dear one, listen to your mom and don’t eat too much sweets. It is not good for your health” The mother wondered why he needed a week to say this. He could have said the same past week itself, is what she thought.

The guru answered the unasked question clear in her face. “Till last week, I too was eating way too many sweets and I hadn’t controlled myself on that simple desire. During this week, I reduced the sweets I eat and now I know, it is possible to control the desire. That is why I needed a week to know, what I’m going to advice is actually practical.”

This story eventually reminds me of this couplet.

சொல்லுதல் யார்க்கும் எளிய அரியவாம்
சொல்லிய வண்ணம் செயல். (664)

Transliteration:
solludhal yaarkkum eLiya ariyavaam
solliya vaNNam seyal

Translation:
Easy it is, to say; rare it is,
the ability to do what one says.
[Couplet 664]

After all that is said above, I’m not advising, but just wondering, How beautiful and peaceful the world would be, If everyone started following their own advices. There would be lot lesser absurd advices and lots more of near perfect people.

Still I could and mostly I would zip up my mouth when one of those free advice tries to spill out, when I can’t live through them myself. That is for two reasons. One, it’s not my place to say them without walking in your shoes. Two, I’ve got holes to be mended in my shoes and I’ll go attend to them, pronto.

Liberation

This is a song written in Tamil and translated to English! This time the translation is for my verse..

Liberation

It’s neither few nor many,
Who broke the wings.
The tears that are spilling ain’t falling
Either in the prison or pillow!

The corpse hidden to thoughts
Had hidden away
The peace and sleep too

In that moment of
Lost mind and
Lost peace

The coolness of the moon
The brightness of the sun
The gentleness if the breeze
The ferocity of storm
Fused into a ball

The ball reached
Deep inside to
Reveal the truth!

That the prison is in thoughts!!
Though the wings are fine,
The thoughts are not fine,
Thus, restricting the wings,
That might soar the skies!!

Is there any worse sword
To break one into pieces?

When will this prison break?
When will this wings soar?

---

viduthalai

siRagudaithathu silaralla palarumalla
sindhum vizhineer vazhindhodi vizhuvadhu
siRaiyumalla sayana araiyumalla

sindanaikkul maRaitha savam
sayanathaiyum samaadaanathaiyum
saduthiyil thunaikkazhaikka

sithamizhanthu
siRagumizhanthu
thiGaitha nodiyil

thinGalin thanmaiyim
kathiravanin oLiyum
thendralin menmaiyum
kaDunGaatrin vEgamum
ottRai pandhil
onRaanathu

athu uruNdodi
uLam pugunthu
uraiththathOr unMai!

siraipattadu sindanaiyilena!
siRagugal seeraaga irunthum
seerazhintha sindanai mattume
siragadaithu vaanalakkum
sindanaiyaiyum varuthiyathena!

vaayadaikka ithaninum kodiya
vaaL uLatho?

enRu Oyum intha salanam?
enRu viriyum intha siRagu?

---

விடுதலை

சிறகுடைத்தது சிலரல்ல பலருமல்ல
சிந்தும் விழிநீர் வழிந்தோடி விழுவது
சிறையுமல்ல சயன அறையுமல்ல

சிந்தனைக்குள் மறைத்த சவம்
சயனத்தையும் சமாதானத்தையும்
சடுதியில் துணைக்கழைக்க

சித்தமிழந்து
சிறகுமிழந்து
திகைத்த நொடியில்

திங்களின் தன்மையும்
கதிரவனின் ஒளியும்
தென்றலின் மென்மையும்
கடுங்காற்றின் வேகமும்
ஒற்றைப் பந்தில்
ஒன்றானது

அது உருண்டோடி
உளம் புகுந்து
உரைத்ததோர் உண்மை!

சிறைபட்டது சிந்தனையிலென!!
சிறகுகள் சீராக இருந்தும்
சீரழிந்த சிந்தனை மட்டுமே
சிறகடைத்து வானளக்கும்
சிந்தனையையும் வருத்தியதுமென!!

வாயடைக்க இதனினும் கொடிய
வாள் உளதோ

என்று ஓயும் இந்த சலனம்
என்று விரியும் இந்த சிறகு..

Musical Monday #5

He:
Oh dear one, I’ll ask you something
If you say no, I’ll part with my life

I’ll spread flowers for you to walk
I’ll adorn your skin with gold

There’s a wish in my heart
All I ask of you is to grant it!

She:
There’s no good heart better than yours
There’s not words enough to thank you

You are the mother and I’m the child
There’s no parting in this relationship

He:
Won’t a child come running towards the mother?
Why would you be so distant and cause me distress?
I am looking forward to cherish you
And why would you leave me all alone?

She:
The child has grown up into a damsel
The age to cherish as a kid, has flown by
It’s time for you, the mother to bless
And let the girl live out her heart in bliss

He:
I’ll pluck the moon to be a flower for you,
I’ll stitch the rainbow to be a dress for you,
I’ll do anything for you; what will you do for me?

She:
This one birth is not enough,
Even seven more won’t be enough,
I’ll pray every single day without fail,
For the God’s grace upon you!

He:
Don’t you know what I yearn for?
Won’t you still understand my heart?
Oh dear God, won’t this girl ever read through me?

---

What is the title you would choose for this song?

This again is a song translation for you to cherish the try of my translation or criticize and add more beauty to the verses. In case, you got Tamil songs on your playlist, you might have already guessed the song. If you are so near and need some hints, feel free to ask what clue you want.

I love this song for the pep beats and all the fun that happens in the visuals of this song.. (Which are in no way related to the verse) And the lyrics.. Oh dear, how could I ever talk about the legendary lyricist.. The words in its original form is so cute and mesmerising.. No replica could match the beauty of the original ever..

Edit: The original version with video available here!

---

And here comes the answer to last week’s translation, which was guessed right by Preethi.. Even if you can’t make out a single word in Tamil, I would strongly recommend this song for music lovers. The tune is so soft and soothing and had me swept off the floor for years now.. I still can’t stop listening to this song just once.. 😉

Thanks for reading through till this.. 🙂

Movie: David
Music: Prashant Pillai
Lyricist: Mohan Rajan
Singers: Naresh Iyer, Shweta Pandit

 

Varuvaaya Vennila EnnoduNee
Vaaramal Nirpathaen Thalliyae
Tharuvaaya Nenjamae ThannalaNee
Thaaramal Kolvathaen Ennayae
Siripinil Vathaipathum Sinungalil Thuvaipathum
Thavipinai Kodupathum Aeno…

Iravinil Ulavavaa Kanavugal Pazhagava
Vidiyalai Unaravaa Nee Nee Nee
Vivaramum Ularavaa Idaiveli Kurayavaa
Edhanaiyum Pagiravaa Uravinai Thodaravaa En Vaanae

Varuvaen NaanaeEndru Irunthidalaama
Uthadugal Kaetaal Tharubaval Naanae
PiraiNaan Thooram Endru Othungidulaama
Imaigalum Paesamal irupathu Veenthaanae
Nilam Neeyaanal Nizhal Naanaavaen
Mazhai Neeyaanal Vayal Polaavaen Vayal Polaavaen

Have an awesome week ahead!! 🙂 

Nothing is impossible!

Have you ever felt so lazy to do even some basic necessities, then you get reminded out of the blue about something and get the full energy to complete that something?

Have you ever realised how you get tired of doing some tasks, even if it is very important? But, how even the prospect of a particular work, (which might not even be called so) keeps you going forward and doing them feels as easy and effortless as an average person’s breathing..

Have you also recognised that a task which is so easy for you, is indeed a Herculean task for someone else?

So why is there so much difference in doing even the same task?

Because we all are unique and have varied capabilities. It depends on our age, experience, education, knowledge level, smartness, presence of mind and so many other factors.

All these differences eventually lead to expertise by few. And not everyone is cut out for every job.

Hence, the logical way to success is:

• Find out what you are good at,
• Develop that into your expertise,
• Take a job requiring that skill,
• Be on track without getting diverted
• Then the task is completed in the best way possible!

Summing it up in seven words in Tamil:
ஒல்வ தறிவ தறிந்ததன் கண்தங்கிச்
செல்வார்க்குச் செல்லாத தில்

Transliteration
olva tharivadhu arindhadhan kandhangich
chelvaarkkuch chellaadhadhu il

Translation
Anticipate outcomes, learn what needs to be learnt,
and stay focussed: nothing is impossible. [Couplet 472]

Guess the title too!!

He
Oh dear moon, won’t you come with me?
Why would you go stand so far?
Won’t you give me your heart yourself?
Why would you kill me by not giving?

Why would you
Torture me with your smile
Shatter me with your anger and
Make me desperate for you?

Come roam the skies at night,
Come make some dreams bloom,
Come feel the wake of dawn,
Should I blabber the reasons too?

Come close the distance between us,
Come let’s share anything and everything,
Come let’s continue this bonding,
Oh, my all-encompassing sky..

She
Why would you keep waiting for me to come?
I won’t be hesitant to give a kiss, when asked,
Would you be shy, just coz I’m the distant crescent?
Isn’t it just a waste, when even my eyes are silent?

When you become land, I’ll be the shadow upon it,
When you become the rain, I’ll be the peacock who rejoices!

Together
Come roam the skies at night,
Come make some dreams bloom,
Come feel the wake of dawn,
Should I blabber the reasons too?

Come close the distance between us,
Come let’s share anything and everything,
Come let’s continue this bonding
Oh, my all-encompassing sky..

---

 

This week further details of the song are not provided for this translation. For those who listen to Tamil songs, take a guess on what song or just wait for a week or peep into comments to check whether it has already been answered there.. 😉

But I will say why I love this song.. This is one of the silky smooth melody with flutes and silkier voices.. And the lyrics are just too inviting to fall in love with.. With words or with your muse.. 😉 The question and answer is such a beauty in the native tongue.. By the way, this song is my ringtone for now, since more than a year.. 😀

This is one of the difficult translation for me, I am still not sure whether I conveyed the feeling and content of the verses fully with at least a tiny percentage of it’s original beauty.. And please do note that I have translated to convey the nearest possible meaning rather than literal translation and hence the sentence structure would have gone few changes..

Yet, here it is for you to guess or just relish what it says..

Awaiting your replies!

---

Edit: The tamil lyrics along with video is available here!

 

What I wish to be!

Oh bamboo forests!
Oh songs hummed by bees!
Oh dear falls, that splatters drops
Of water into the far away peaks!

Born in the laps of nature,
How to live by losing heart?
I’m vexed of being human,
I wanna roam and fly as a bird!

 

The red lotus that blooms in the mud;
Smells not of the mud, but of its own life!
The trees don’t hate, even when roots are cut;
It showers flowers even on the root-cutting rivers!

Won’t I change into lotus?
To achieve the purpose of this birth;
Won’t I change into tree?
To attain serenity in this human life;
Won’t I become a dew drop?
To be relished by the sunny ray or a bunny!

 

Even when clouds are formed from salty oceans;
It never ever rains back with saltwater!
Even when the sun falls down over the mountains;
It extends its life by lighting the moon!

Won’t I change as clouds?
To achieve the greatness of its character;
Won’t I change into Sun?
To rule the world with my light;
Won’t I become rain drop?
To live beyond birth and death!

---

This song has a beautiful music which adds the feel to the lyrics and pretty good visualisation too.

This song is one of my all time favourites and which never fails to lift up my mood and provide some sanity to my life. As the translation tries to bring out the essence of this song, I can’t think of anything, to add more to this heart-warming song..

So What is the favourite part of this song??

What prevents a plan’s success?

What is success?
The GoogleLord says, “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.”

What is the aim or purpose?
Of course, it differs from person-to-person as well as from task-to-task.

So could we generalise it?
Let’s try, Mostly, we start doing a task either voluntarily with all our heart or just out of compulsion of various factors.

Yet, irrespective of the cause, we have a compelling desire to succeed with the task we do. We rarely set to work with the notion to fail, unless you are competing against a kid.. Still there you are succeeding by letting the kid win, which is the purpose of competing with the kid..

So, did you notice that two people doing the task of playing together have completely different motives and hence it is a win-win for both involved?

Fine, let us move on to complicated things now..
Complication is again a matter of perspective and depends on the person’s level of expertise on that matter.. Yup, it doesn’t depend on age, education but experience and the knowledge of using it effectively with the need of the hour.

Anyway, moving on to things which need expertise of some level..

What do we do, if it is a task we take up voluntarily?
We put our heart and soul into it and work tirelessly till we get satisfied with the outcome or till we are torn apart from it by various factors..
Fine, that is the best way to do anything and there is no more to discuss upon it right now..

Then are we wrapping up?
Not yet.. 😛

Right, You got a task to do and are committed to it..
So, are we on to success right away?
Still No..

Why is that?
Simply because there are too many factors affecting us due to us being social animals and every other non monumental and trivial reasons affecting a plan for your success..

Now let us stop saying lies to ourselves and answer this..
Are they the real reasons preventing us from success?
Are you sure that they are not silly excuses?
Are they all always that hard to break through?
If we put little more, just a little more effort, can’t we achieve it??
Just one more try?

Isn’t there a tiny voice inside your head murmuring, atleast a maybe, even if it is not a loud Yes?

So what really stops us, from going that extra mile?
Brace yourself and accept this!
YOU and Your Thoughts!!

Have we not done almost miracles, just because we really wanted it?
That is what I am repeating..

Here is a quote to justify this big ramble..

வினைத்திட்பம் என்ப தொருவன் மனத்திட்பம்
மற்றைய எல்லாம் பிற. [திருக்குறள் 661]

Transliteration: 
Vinaiththitpam Enpadhu Oruvan Manaththitpam
Matraiya Ellaam Pira

Translation:
Execution focus lies in the resolve of the mind;
all else is secondary. [Couplet 661]

Hope the translation says it all!

 

 

The Oxymorons!

No Bro, it is not about you.. Now be at peace and continue with my most favourite post’s translation.. This original post was published in Tamil very long ago and yet got its first like just yesterday.. Since I am too fond of this, I am giving it a makeover in English.. And if this post has put a smile on your face, do record it on comments and spread the cheer.. 🙂

---

The Oxymorons!

There are some noises
Which defies the term noise..
The lapping of waves of the ocean
Does not disturb the serene silence..

There are some mistakes
Which looks poetic to our thoughts..
A toddler teaching the parent
Does become much more than a kid..

There are some silences
Which are deafening..
The silence in lovers’ tiff
Does belong to part of their conversation..

There are few poetic things
Which look utterly wrong..
The insults from a dear friend
Does never ever mean insults to either..

Are these due to
Wrong Words,
Wrong Meanings,
Or Wrong Interpretations?

These unanswerable questions
Are like the tides of the ocean,
They make us admire,
They become the content of poetry..

Yet,
The answers are never revealed,
Just as the tides never rest!

---

 Transliteration

muRaiyum muraNnum

sila OsaigaLum
nisabthamaai kaetkum..

alai kadalin
iRaichal yenO
sapthanNGaLil saervathe illai..

sila kaatchi piZhaigaLum
kavithaiyaai thOndRum..
thaGappansaamiyaai maaRum
kuZhanthaiGal yenO
kuZhanthaiGalaai therivathe illai..

sila mounanGalum
pAeriraichalaai kaetkum..
Oodal paesidum
mounam yenO
mounathin inam saervathe illai..

sila kavithaiGalum
kaatchip piZhaiyaaga theriyum..
nAesamiGu natpin
kObam yenO
kObathil saervathe illai..

ivai chorkutRamaa?
porutkutRamaa?
alla
paarkum paarvaiyaaLanin kuttRamaa?

vidaitheriyaa
intha kaeLviGaL
aaZhiyin chella alaiGal pola..
rasikka vaikum..
kaviporuLaaga maaRum..

aanaal yenRume
vidaiyum therivathillai..
alaigaLum Oyvathillai..

---

 முறையும் முரணும்

சில ஓசைகளும்
நிசப்தமாய் கேட்கும்..
அலை கடலின்
இறைச்சல் ஏனோ
சப்தங்களில் சேர்வதே இல்லை..

சில காட்சிப் பிழைகளும்
கவிதையாய் தோன்றும்..
தகப்பன்சாமியாய் மாறும்
குழந்தைகள் ஏனோ
குழந்தைகளாய் தெரிவதே இல்லை..

சில மௌனங்களும்
பேரிரைச்சலாய் கேட்கும்..
ஊடல் பேசிடும்
மௌனம் ஏனோ
மௌனத்தின் இனம் சேர்வதே இல்லை.

சில கவிதைகளும்
காட்சிப் பிழையாகத் தெரியும்..
நேசமிகு நட்பின்
கோபம் ஏனோ
கோபத்தில் சேர்வதே இல்லை..

இவை சொற்குற்றமா?
பொருட்குற்றமா?
அல்ல
பார்க்கும் பார்வையாளனின் குற்றமா?

விடைத்தெரியா
இந்த கேள்விகள்
ஆழியின் செல்ல அலைகள் போல..
இரசிக்க வைக்கும்..
கவிப் பொருளாக மாறும்..

ஆனால் என்றுமே
விடையும் தெரிவதில்லை..
அலைகளும் ஓய்வதில்லை..

The Secret Dreams!!

Oneday, I heard a song from the moon;
Everyday I sang them in bamboo groove!
The secrets of that music is fathomed by two souls;
Who had realised that those two had fathomed them?
Oh breeze, that glides weaving music;
Have you seen the daughter of music?

Is it the wish of the eyes, on what dreams to see?
Is it the wish of the poet, on what poems to write?
The abode of cuckoo is deduced from its music;
The blooming buds are known by its fragrance!
The cuckoo and the buds are wonders!
The dreams and the Poems are secrets!

A moon crossed me, leaving trails in my heart,
A rain drenched me, as music in my ears,
The hymn of ankelts, who is that angel?
She blooms in vision, who is that lotus?
This is a new kind of tinkiling;
Mesmerising is this wonder of music!

This is translation of a song (details in PS), that has me intrigued and wondering every time I hear it. I have listened to it n number of times and I still couldn’t place where to place my curiosity on. The music, the lyrics or the voice. Or is it the perfect combination of them?

Though the music and voice is just beyond my level of comprehension to interpret and analyse, I will just peek over the lyrics.

My interpratation is: The first stanza says that I met a girl, fell in love at first sight. I sing and cherish about her in the nature. The second stanza (My personal favorite of the three) states that she is partly wonder and partly secret, for she is the music of cuckoo, the blooming bud, the dream and the poem. Though anyone may know and get amazed at the wonder, she is just my secret to unfathom fully. The third stanza only connects the dots to mean that she is the flower, music and the daughter of music itself!

I am not so sure that this is the intended meaning of this song. This song is one of those wonders which lay just within the reach yet unreachable.

Now bring out the critic in you to dissect this better and reveal anymore secrets I have missed.

---

 

Movie: Kannukkul Nilavu | Music: Ilaiyaraaja | Lyricist: Vairamuthu | Singer: Hariharan

Nilavu Paatu Nilavu Paatu Or Naal Ketaen
Moongil Kaatil Moongil Kaatil Naalum Padithaen
Antha Isaiyin Ragasiyam Iru Uyirukku Purinthathu
Iru Uyirukku Purinthathu Ingu Yaarukku Therinthathu
Isaiyil Kalanthu Mithakkum Thendralae
Isaiyin Makalai Paarthathillaiyo

Kanavukal Varuvathu Vizhikalin Viruppamaa
Kavithaikal Varuvathu Kavignanin Viruppamaa
Kuyilkalin Iruppidam Isaiyaal Ariyalaam
Malarnthidum Malarkalai Vaasanai Sollalaam
Kuyilkalum Malarkalum Athisayam
Kanavukal Kavithaikal Ragasiyam

Nilavøndru Nadanthathu Šuvadukal Manathilae
Mazhai Vanthu Nanaithathu Isai Ènnai Ševiyilae
Kølusukal Keerthanai Yaarantha Devathai
Vizhikalil Virihiraal Yaarantha Thaamarai
Ithu Oru Puthu Vitha Paravasam Mayakkuthu Isaiyennum Athisayam

 

சத்தியம் ~ The promise

Scroll Down for the Translation!

 

சத்தியம்

நம் வாழ்வில்
எத்தனையோ சத்தியத்தை
அனுதினமும் கடக்கின்றோம்..

அவற்றுள் பல
கடந்தும் கரைந்தும்
தொலைந்தேப் போகும்..

எனினும் சில
நிதமும் நினைவாக
நிகழ்ந்தே தொலையும்..

சத்தியத்தின்
சப்தம்
சன்னமான முனகலா?
சதிராட்டத்தின் துவக்கமா?

காலச்சக்கரம்
மட்டுமே
அறிந்த
இரகசியம்!

சத்தியத்தை
சத்தியமாக
செய்ததும் என்
விதியோ?

சதியின்
சத்திய வாக்காக
நிலைத்த வாக்கு..

நான் உன்னை
நீங்க மாட்டேன்..
நீங்கினால்
தூங்க மாட்டேன்..

உணர்வுகள்
மறித்து மறைந்தும்
உறக்கம்
மட்டும்
எட்டா கனவாய்
சத்தியத்தால்
சத்தியமாக
தொலைந்துப் போனது..

Translation:

The Promise

There are many promises
We come across
In our day-to-day life..

Most of them
Are forgotten or looked over
And eventually lost..

Yet, there are few,
That shapes our life
By being ever persistent
In the thoughts..

Is the sound
Of the promise
In the thoughts
A gentle groan?
A thunderous start?

That is a secret
Known only to Time!

Is it my fate or fault
To promise and
To keep the promise?

The fate itself
Seems to have promised
To keep that promise!

The Promise:
I won’t leave you!
If left,
I won’t fall asleep!

Though
The reason
For the promise
Faded and died
The Promise
Lives through
By stealing my sleep!!

 

PS: Thanks for reading through till this and it really matters to me. Now may I trouble you for a small favour? Please drop in a word in the comments on whether you would like a translation or not..

PPS: For the very dear people who read both the versions, kindly ignore the liberty I have taken in the translation as the intention remains the same..

Teeny Weeny Dreams!

 

Teeny weeny dreams, Fluttering dreams;
Precious little dreams, Knotted* dreams;
To touch and kiss the moon;
For earth to spin around me!

To bloom as a Jasmine;
To garland the breeze;
To touch every single cloud;
To forget every single sorrow;
To tie up the world in my locks;

To play in the mud, while sowing the seeds;
To catch fish and let it swim back in the river;
To wrap the rainbow as my dress;
To sleep within a dew drop fortress;
To adorn Saree^ in the near future!

*Knotted – It is an old custom to tie a knot to the end of saree, as a self-reminder.
^Adorn Saree – It signifies the desire to get married, as saree is usually worn only since the girl gets married.

Since you are still lingering here, I know you have enjoyed the lyrics so far and it is time for me to reveal that this is just my translation of one of my favourite song, which has too many accolades.

Here is the video of this song and the visualisation is pleasant and enhancing the words. Did I not tell you yet, that this is one of the earlier most applauded and recognised work of the Oscar winner ARRahman? Now enjoy the visual treat, before you go further to read more of my ramble..

This song is around for almost 20+ years now. Yet one of the most liked and hummed song even today by people of all ages.. This song seems to bring out the memories of the younger and carefree days for every grown up and dreams of what life would be as an adult for every kid.. The reality is both are just

The reality is both are just dreams.. While very few get to still dream even more..But this temporary transportation to a heavenly dreamland adds a little more cheer to the day than it is and little more

But this temporary transportation to a heavenly dreamland adds a little more cheer to the day than it is and little more inches to that smile on your lips..

Dream big and dream often.. Get blown away by that dream into heavens..
Come back earth to share the joy and spread the love..

Keep Smiling and Be happy! 🙂

Note: The Tamil lyrics are available here.

A shade of Tint of my goggles

My friend Jennifer here had led me into some wonderful time.. 😀 She has just asked me to share three quotes on three consecutive days.
I know which quote of Bharathi I wanted to post today. But I was lazy to type in Tamil and started out searching the net for the following quote. It was three hours back. I got what I wanted within the first few seconds, but I also got the whole collection of his works and was happily lost for the past three hours.. 😀 Thank you Jennifer.. 🙂 For letting me indulge in the works of my Bharathi after quite a long time and for a long time.. 🙂

Today the quotes are from Bharathi, Keats and me again.. 😉 Now it’s time for you to go enjoy the quotes of the day..

அக்கினிக் குஞ்சொன்று கண்டேன், — அதை
அங்கொரு காட்டிலோர் பொந்திடை வைத்தேன்!
வெந்து தணிந்தது காடு; — தழல்
வீரத்தில் குஞ்சென்றும் மூப்பென்றும் உண்டோ?
தத்தரிகிட தத்தரிகிட தித்தோம்.

I saw a baby fire ball,
I left it on a hole in the forest!
The forest was burnt down by the fire.
Is there a distinction of the young or the old
In the blazing nature of the fiore?
Thaththarikida thaththarikida thiththOm.

This is one of the beautiful and most powerful verse by the Mahakavi Bharathiyaar. Though there could be a whole thesis on just the five lines written by him, I will try to contain myself with few lines about this. The verse ends with a tune which could be understood better if you could listen to the song rather than me describing with so many words.

The element of fire is used to burn down the forest. Here the forest is the simile of all the immense non-sensical discriminations and blind-beliefs pulling down the growth of the nation. The causes we fight against might be humongous. Yet, a tiny ball of fire is enough to burn down that huge forest. Once you are determined to burn down, there is no distinction on whether you are the fire in a match stick or the fire from a huge cannon.

If you had listened to this verse, you could possibly realise the power it emits. He had set the rythm of this verse in the last line itself. It shows off the ferocity of the burning power of the fire. And it could also be interpreted as the happiness that is derived from cleaning out some huge garbage of the society.

 

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard

       Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;

Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear’d,

       Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone:

Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave

       Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;

               Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,

Though winning near the goal yet, do not grieve;

       She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,

               For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!

                                       – John Keats in Ode on a Grecian Urn

The full Ode is here on wiki. Keats views the depiction of a scenario from a village on an urn. His musing upon the unreachable yet unfading beauty. The first line is very commonly used than the rest of the verse. I do admire and cherish his imagination, where the lover could never kiss his love, who is just within reach yet unreachable forever. The lover could console himself that neither she nor her beauty would ever fade away..

What an amazing freeze frame the pictures of the urn speaks.. What runs across the minds of the lovers are never known.. What melody the pipes are playing is never heard.. When you are describing something, you restrict that something within some frame. But for those unheard melody, you set the tune, you set the tempo, you know what delights you and that is the song playing from the pipes. The song is unique to you. What is unique is always special forever.

 

Deeper the root,
Better the tree!
Go down, to grow up!!

 

Not every time going down is a downfall. Only a river that falls from the cliff becomes the falls. The higher the fall, the more it is appreciated. When you are going down, make sure you drop as a seed, go deeper down than you were intended, so no one could tear you apart easily ever again..

Today’s quotes shade my goggles with which I view and interpret the world. The goggles are tinted and they do cast their tint on the sight of my own world. Now share me what tints your goggles? 😉

A slice of my secret for moving forward!

I’ve been pushed to think about my favourite quotes and thereby a look into my life, by the nomination for the three-day three-quote, by my new friend Jennifer, who had been stopping by my blog and offering nice compliments to me. She is an amazing person, doing some amazing work.. Do drop by her blog to enrich yourself a shade deeper.. 🙂

As for the task rules, please refer to her post. For I’m too fond of breaking the rules.. 😛 So I broke the rule of nominations mentioned therein, but please feel free to nominate yourself and share your favorite quotes.. 🙂

Here are the quotes for the day from my most favorite authors Bharathiyaar, Paulo Coelho, Me (I don’t have to be famous or even fabulous for being my own favourite, you know.. :P)

Moving on to the quotes, there is a translation for the Tamil, like most of my posts and there’s also a note on why and what makes it special to me. Hope you enjoy them.. 🙂

தேடிச் சோறுநிதந் தின்று – பல
சின்னஞ் சிறுகதைகள் பேசி – மனம்
வாடித் துன்பமிக உழன்று – பிறர்
வாடப் பலசெயல்கள் செய்து – நரை
கூடிக் கிழப்பருவ மெய்தி – கொடுங்
கூற்றுக் கிரையெனப்பின் மாயும் – பல
வேடிக்கை மனிதரைப் போலே – நான்
வீழ்வே னென்று நினைத் தாயோ? 

– பாரதி

Translation
In the search for food everyday,
In the many of little talks,
Seething in the pain of heart,
Doing deeds of doom of others,
With graying of hair and aging,
Being the prey to the fate,
Like the many of the clowns around,
Dare you thought, I too would fell?

This translation is my humble effort to bring the brilliance of the words that inspire me and I always feel the inadequacy of the power and force of that last line in Tamil, in every translation I read of this verse. He literally dares with a very sharp dagger of his delightful words.

Every read of this verse, or just the thought of it, kindle a fire within and gives goosebumps. It keeps reminding me that, I’m more than a mere mortal, and the nuances of daily life are not enough to defeat me.

Every single time, I feel defeated or crumbled, I hear these words from some or the other source. It lifts up my spirit and makes me possible to take up the next step out of the downfall.

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ― Paulo Coelho

This quote comes true and paves the way forward, even when the possibility of a way forward seems to be non-existent.. I’ve experienced this quote more than once and every single time, the conspiracy is so amazing, cause I receive the push forward from totally unexpected and sometimes weird sources. But, it has been happening for sure.

The only point to note is, you must really want something with all your heart. The indecision within affects the conspiracy and you receive the benefit only for what you do and not mind blowing results.

A tree is judged
By it’s fruits
Not by it roots!!
Stop boasting
Of your past and
Start growing
Your fruits!!

History is very important to know how you reached here and why you are here, in the current place, position, point of life. But when you just keep boasting of it, the value of root is not increasing.. Whereas, when your results are awesome, the causes are analysed by others and appreciated. Hence the best tribute, you could pay for your roots is to bear wonderful fruits.. 🙂

Now, let me know your thoughts about the quotes mentioned, your favourite quotes or about anything.. 😉 Would love to hear from you, who had sailed all the way till here. 😀

Poetic child ~ கவிக்குழந்தை

என் தாய் மொழியில் நான் ஈன்ற முதல் மகவு, ஆங்கிலத்தில் நடை பழகும் அழகிது…
Here’s the beauty of my first child in my mother tongue.. 🙂

Though there might be plenty of works by one who writes,
Few gets appreciated by everyone else and
Very few hold a special place in the hearts of the writer, like a mother feels extra special about her first child..

This is the  first article, I felt special about..
This one is the last click of the key for me, accepting myself as a writer..

I have been postponing the translation as in forever, for I couldn’t imagine the verse in any other form than its original tamizh version..
Even the transliteration was not as joyful as seeing them in tamizh..

Still, this translation, is my compromise to let my work reach far and beyond..

Hope you enjoy at least half of how much I enjoy this work..

Do let me know your comments without fail…

The child of a poet / Poetic child

A poetry conceived
In the heart of a poet
With an indefinite
Gestation period
Is indeed the child of the poet..

It ventures into the world
Tearing the placenta..

The poetry as a child is
Conceived in the womb and
Grown in the thoughts..
Over time,
It grows,
Nourishes and
Transforms..

Yet,
As a born child
Could never get back
Into the mother’s womb..

The written verse,
Could never creep back
Into the thoughts
Of the writer..

The full stop,
At the end of the poetry,
Is the same, as that of
Severing the umbilical cord..
Severing the last contact
Of the poet and poetry..

Yet,
The relationship of
A mother and the child
Has no severance
And it’s eternal..

The poet’s contentment,
Of drafting the poem
Is far exceeded,
Only on the appreciation
From the learned audience..

  – Aadhirai