tamil

ந�றிைண

Natrinai is traditionally accepted as being the earliest of the eight Tamil anthologies. The word means

‘good thinai’ or ‘good land’ - ந�ல திைண. It is in Akam thinai, and it has 400 poems from nine

to 12 lines, by 192 poets. The poems range from 9 to 12 lines. However, poem 238 has 8 lines and 7

poems (64, 110, 221, 241, 372, 379, and 393) have 13 lines. It is missing poem 234. In addition, it has an

invocatory poem by ெப��ேதவனா�, which was added in the 8th century, many centuries after

the poems, by the compiler. It has poems in all the five akam thinais – marutham, mullai, kurinji, neydal

and pālai. The compiler remains anonymous, but the anthology was completed under the patronage of

the Tamil king ப�னா� த�த பா��ய� மாற� வ�தி, who composed poems 97 and

301 in the collection. The compiler is unknown. “Linguistically speaking, there is hardly a single Sanskrit

loan word in the entire collection”, writes Dr. Martha Ann Selby.

ந�றிைண - 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 17, 22, 27, 28, 30, 33, 38, 45, 52, 54, 60, 61, 64, 70, 79, 86, 90, 95,

97, 98, 100, 102, 105, 110, 111, 118, 119, 124, 136, 147, 149, 150, 152, 162, 169, 172, 175, 176, 180,

182, 184, 191, 195, 199, 200

ந�றிைண 1, கப�ல�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட� ெசா�ன%

நி�ற ெசா�ல� ந&� ேதா' இன)ய�

எ�'� எ� ேதா+ ப�,- அறியலேர;

தாமைர0 த� தா% ஊதி, ம2மிைச3

சா�தி� ெதா�0த த&� ேத� ேபால,

-ைரய ம�ற, -ைரேயா� ேக�ைம;

ந&� இ�' அைமயா உலக� ேபால0

த� இ�' அைமயா ந� நய�% அ�ள)

ந' 6த� பச0த� அ!சி3

சி'ைம உ'பேவா? ெச7- அறியலேர!

He is truthful in speech, eternal in sweet friendship,

and inseparable in our love and embrace.

My friendship with my esteemed man

is like a bee collecting cool pollen from the lotus

flower, carrying it to the tall sandal trees,

and making sweet honey.

Just as the world cannot live without water,

I cannot exist without him.

He loves me, is gracious, and fears that

separation will bring pallor to my forehead.

Will he even consider doing that silly act?

He does not know to do that! Translated by Vaidehi

க�0%ைர – ெசா�லிய ெசா�லிலி��% மா'படாதவ�. இன)ைமயாக9

பழ � த�ைம:ைடய�. எ� ேதா+கைள எ�'� ப�,த� அறியாதவ�.

(வ��)தாமைர9=வ�� ள)�3சியான மகர�த0தாதிைன0 %ைள0% எ�0%,

உய��% நி� � ச�தன மர0தி� உ3சிய�� ெகா��ேபா7 ேச�0% ைவ0த

இன)ய ேதைன9ேபால(தாமைர0தா%-தைலவன)� உ+ள�, ச�தன மர�-

தைலவ�ய�� உ+ள�, ேத� – இ�வ,� அ�-) நி3சயமாக உய�வ�ைன

உைடய% உய��ேதாராகிய தைலவ,� ந>-. ந&� இ�றி இ?@லகமான%

சிறAகவ�யலா%. அ%ேபால, அவ� இ�றி நா� சிற0தலி�ைல. அவ��

ந�ம2% ெகா�ட வ��9ப0தி� காரணமாக க�ைணேயா� நட9பவ�.

அ9ப�ய��Aக, ப�,வதா� ந� மண� வ &B� ெந�றிய�� ஏ�ப�� பசைல

பட�வத� அ!Bதைல:ைடய அவ�, ப�,த� எ�ற சி'ைமயான ெசயைல3

ெச7ய நிைன9பாேரா? அ?வா' ெச7த� ADட அறியாதவ� அவ�!

ெசா�ெபா�+ வ�ளAக� – நி�ற ெசா�ல� – மா'படாத ெசா�லிைன

உைடய�, ந&� - நிைல0த, ேதா�' இன)ய� – இன)ய த�ைம:ைடய�,

எ�'� எ� ேதா+ – எ�'� எ� ேதா+கைள, ப�,- அறியலேர – ப�,வத�

அறியாதவ�, தாமைர0 த� தா% -தாமைர மல,� ள)�3சியான

மகர�த0தாதிைன, ஊதி – %ைள0%, ம2 – ேமலிட�, மிைச – ேமேல, சா�தி�

ெதா�0த – ச�தனமர0தி� ேச�0%ைவ0த, த&� ேத� ேபால – இன)ய ேத�

ேபால, -ைரய –உய�@, ம�ற - நி3சயமாக, -ைரேயா� – உய��ேதா�,

ேக�ைம -ந>-, ந&� இ�' – ந&� இ�லா%, அைமயா– சிற9பாகாத, உலக�

ேபால – உலக0ைத9 ேபால, த� இ�' – அவ� இ�லா%, அைமயா –

சிற9பைடயா, ந� – ந�ைம, நய�% அ�ள) – வ���ப� க�ைணேயா�, ந'

6த� – மண� வ &B� ெந�றி, பச0த� அ!சி – பசைல பட�� எ�பத�

அ!சி, சி'ைம உ'பேவா- சி'ைமயான ெசயைல3 ெச7த�

நிைன9பாேரா, ெச7- அறியலேர- ெச7த� அறியாதவேர

ந�றிைண 3, இளEகீரனா�, பாைல திைண - தைலவ� த� ெந!சிட�

ெசா�ன%

ஈ� ப��% உய@� வா� ெபா� ெந�! சிைன9

ெபா, அைர ேவ�ப�� -+ள) ந&ழ�

க>டைள அ�ன இ>� அரE இைழ0%

க�லா3 சிறாஅ� ெந�லி வ>� ஆ��

வ�� ஏ� உழவ� ெவ� Iைன3 சீJ�3

Bர� Iத� வ�த உர� மா7 மாைல

உ+ள)ென� அ�ெலேனா யாேன உ+ள)ய

வ�ைன I�0த�ன இன)ேயா+

மைன மா� Bடெரா� பட� ெபா�% எனேவ.

A hen-eagle broods, sick

in the great branches

lifted to the sky,

in a neem tree

with cracked trunk and dotted shade

where unschooled children

scratch their squares

on a rock

flat as a touchstone

and play marbles with gooseberries

in that wilderness

with fierce little settlements

of marauders,

the bow their only plow,

and as evening comes creeping in,

sapping my strength, what can I do

but think of her,

who is sweet as a deed

long wished for and done,

standing there

in this hour of memories

in front of a house lamp

blazing. Translated by A.K. Ramanujan

ஈ� ப��% – female eagle one who has given birth, உய@� – grieve, வா� – sky, ெபா�

– lifted, ெந�! சிைன9 – big branches, ெபா, – cracked, dry, அைர – tree trunk,

ேவ�ப�� -+ள) ந&ழ� – neem tree’s dotted shade, க>டைள – touchstone, அ�ன – like

(rock), இ>� – write, அரE – square, இைழ0% – scratch, க�லா3 சிறாஅ� –

unschooled kids, ெந�லி வ>� ஆ�� – play marbles with gooseberries, வ�� – bow, ஏ� –

plow, உழவ� – உழவ�, ெவ� Iைன3 சீJ�3 – fierce little settlements, Bர�Iத�

வ�த – from wasteland first, உர� – strengths, மா7 மாைல – dark evening, உ+ள)ென�

– I’m thinking, அ�ெலேனா – what can I do, உ+ள)ய - thought, வ�ைன I�0த�ன –

deed wished done, இன)ேயா+ – sweet girl, மைன – house, மா� – big, Bடெரா� – with

blazing flame, பட� – spread, ெபா�% எனேவ – at that time

ந�றிைண 4, அ�Kவனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%

கான� அ� சி' �A கட� ேம� பரதவ�

ந&� நிற -�ைனA ெகா� நிழ� அைசஇ

த� ெப�� பர9ப�� ஒ� பத� ேநாAகி

அ� க� அ,� வைல உணA � %ைறவெனா�

அலேர அ�ைன அறிய�� இவ� உைற வாMAைக

அ,ய ஆ � நமA எனA Dறி�

ெகா��� ெச�வ�ெகா� ேதாழி உமண�

ெவ� க� உ9ப�� ெகா+ைள சா�றி

கண நிைர கிள�A � ெந� ெநறி3 சகட�

மண� ம�0% உர'� ஓைச கழன)A

க�E கா� ெவ� � ெவOஉ�

இ�E கழி3 ேச�9ப�� த� உைறவ�� ஊ�Aேக.

If we tell the lord of the shores

…..where the fishermen from the small village

…..near the seaside grove

…..rest under the thick shade of the blue

…..punnai trees drying their nets,

…..and waiting for the right time to go to the sea,

that our life here will become difficult

if mother knows about the affair,

will he take us, my friend, to his town

where salt merchants cry out the price

of white salt,

and flocks of black-legged, white herons

fly away in fear

to the large, brackish-water ponds

on hearing the sounds of their wagon

wheels grinding the sand on the long path? Translated by Vaidehi

கான� – seashore grove, அ� சி' � – beautiful village, கட� ேம� பரதவ� –

fishermen who go on the seas, ந&� நிற -�ைனA ெகா� நிழ� அைசஇ – rested on the

blue colored punnai tree shade – Laurel Tree, Mast wood Tree, Calophyllum inophyllum, த�

ெப�� பர9ப�� ஒ� பத� ேநாAகி – look for the perfect time, அ� க� அ,�

வைல – beautiful nets with fine meshes, உணA � – dries, %ைறவெனா� – with the lord

of the seaport, அலேர அ�ைன அறிய�� – if mother hears the rumor, இவ� உைற

வாMAைக அ,ய ஆ � நமA – the life led here will become difficult for us, எனA

Dறி� ெகா��� – if we say that, ெச�வ� ெகா� ேதாழி – will be take us along my

friend, உமண� ெவ� க� உ9ப�� ெகா+ைள சா�றி – salt merchants call out the

price for white salt, கண நிைர கிள�A � – big flocks move away, ெந� ெநறி – long path,

சகட� – wagon, மண� ம�0% உர'� ஓைச – sound of rubbing on the sand, கழன) –

field, க�E கா� ெவ� � – white herons/egrets/storks with black legs, ெவOஉ� –

fear, இ�E கழி3 ேச�9ப�� – to the vast/black backwaters, த� உைறவ�� ஊ�Aேக –

in the town that he resides

ந�றிைண 6, பரண�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� த� ெந!BA ெசா�ன%

ந&� வள� ஆ�ப� P�-ைட0 திர+ கா�

நா� உ,0த�ன மத� இ� மாைம

வைள அ�ன ஏ�% எழி� மைழA க�

திதைல அ� � ெப�� ேதா+ 'மக>

எ7த3 ெச�' ெச9-ந�9 ெபறிேன

இவ� யா� எ� வ+ அ�ல+ Iனாஅ%

அ0தA மிழி� ெகா� KA வ�ைள கன)

எறி மட மா� வ�சி ஆ �

வ� வ�� ஓ, கான� நாறி

இ�� ப� ஒலிவ�� D�த�

ெப�� ேப%'வ+ யா� வ�தன� எனேவ.

Her delicate beauty is like the fiber-removed

stem of a white water lily,

her moist eyes are like purple water-lilies that rise up,

and the waist of this dark beauty has yellow beauty spots.

If there is a messenger to talk to this pretty young girl

with rounded shoulders,

she without malice will not ask, “who is he?”

In the strong-bowed king Ori’s fragrant forests,

frolicking deer eat ripe curved-nose kumizham fruits

that grow along the forest paths.

The girl with thick black hair

will be happy, if she knows that I have come. Translated by Vaidehi

ந&� வள� ஆ�ப� - white water-lily growing in the water, P�-ைட திர+ கா� – stem

with hollow, நா� உ,0த�ன – like the fiber removed, மத� இ� மாைம – beautiful dark

color, வைள அ�ன – like the purple water-lily, ஏ�% – lifted, எழி� – beautiful, மைழA

க� – moist eyes, திதைல அ� � – yellow beauty spots under her waist, ெப�� ேதா+

– large shoulders, 'மக> – young girl, எ7த3 ெச�' – to give a message, ெச9-ந�9

ெபறிேன – if somebody would talk to her, இவ� யா� எ� வ+ அ�ல+ – she’ll not ask,

‘who is he’, Iனாஅ% – without hatred, அ0தA – forest path, மிழி� – kumizham tree’s,

ெகா� KA – curved nose, வ�ைள கன) – ripe fruit, எறி மட மா� – for the playful

innocent deer, வ�சி ஆ � – will become food, வ� வ�� ஓ, – king Ori with a strong

bow, கான� – forest, நாறி – fragrance, இ�� – black, ப� ஒலி வ�� D�த� –

thick flowing hair, ெப�� ேப%'வ+ – will be very happy, யா� வ�தன� எனேவ – if

she knows that I have come

ந�றிைண 9, பாைல பா�ய ெப�Eக�Eேகா, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�

தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%

அழிவ�ல� IயQ� ஆ�வ மாAக+

வழிப� ெத7வ� க� க�டாஅE

அலமர� வ�0த� த&ர யாழ நி�

நல ெம� பைண0 ேதா+ எ7தின� ஆகலி�

ெபா,9 =� -�கி� அழ� தைக ஒ� Iறி

BணE அண� வன Iைல அணE ெகாள0 திமி,

நிழ� கா�ேதா'� ெந�ய ைவகி

மண� கா�ேதா'� வ�ட� ைதஇ

வ��தா% ஏ மதி வா� எய��ேறாேய

மா நைன ெகா�தி மகிM ய�� ஆQ�

ந'� த� ெபாழில கான�

'� ப� ஊர யா� ெச�Q� ஆேற.

On our path,

cuckoos will prick mango buds and

sing happily in the fragrant cool groves;

faultless and curious travellers

will think that you are a goddess.

My pain and distress will end if I

embrace your fine, bamboo-like shoulders.

There are a few towns on our way.

Whenever there is heavy shade,

we can rest for a long time;

whenever we see sand,

you can make sand dolls.

There are punku trees with

parched-rice-like flowers

and glowing, bright tender sprouts.

My lover with sparkling white teeth,

and beautiful breasts with yellow spots!

Do not worry! let us go soon. Translated by Vaidehi

அழிவ�ல� IயQ� – those who do faultless things, ஆ�வ மாAக+ – anxious people,

வழிப� ெத7வ� – god that is worshipped, க� க�டாஅE – like they saw with their

eyes, அலமர� வ�0த� – distress and sorrow, த&ர – to end, யாழ – an expletive, நி� –

your, நல ெம� – fine delicate, பைண0 ேதா+ – bamboo-like shoulders, could also be wide

shoulders, எ7தின� ஆகலி� – if I attain, ெபா,9 =� -�கி� – punku tree with

parched rice-like flowers, அழ� – glowing, தைக – beautiful, ஒ� – bright, Iறி – tender

sprouts, BணE – yellow spots, அண� – beautiful, வன Iைல – full breasts, அணE

ெகாள0 – fascinates others, shocks others, திமி, – spread, நிழ� கா�ேதா'� –

whenever shade was seen, ெந�ய ைவகி – stayed for long, மண� கா�ேதா'� –

whenever sand was seen, வ�ட� ைதஇ – made sand dolls, வ��தா% – do not feel sad,

ஏ மதி – lets go soon, வா� எய��ேறாேய – one with white teeth, மா நைன – mango

tree buds, ெகா�தி மகிM ய�� – happy kuyils prick, ஆQ� – sing, ந'� த� –

fragrant and cool, ெபாழில கான� – groves, '� ப� ஊர – small few towns, யா�

ெச�Q� ஆேற – (on the) way we go

ந�றிைண 11, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�

ெசா�ன% – She tries to comfort the heroine when she is distressed

ெப7யா% ைவகிய ேகாைத ேபால

ெம7 சாய�ைன அவ� ெச7 றி ப�ைழ9ப

உ+ள) ெநா%மல� ேந�- உைர ெத+ள)தி�

வாரா� எ�R� -லவ� உ>ெகாள�

ஒழிக மாள நி� ெந!ச0தாேன

-ண, ெபா�த = மண� அைடகைர

ஆழி ம�Eகி� அலவ� ஓ�ப�

வலவ� வ+- ஆ7�% ஊர

நில@ வ�,�த�றா� கானலாேன.

Your body is distressed like an unworn wilted garland,

since you missed the tryst that he suggested.

You are hurt by the slanderers who talk ill about you

and you sulk thinking that your lover will not come.

Destroy such thoughts from your heart.

When the moonlight spreads on the seashore grove

he will come in his chariot,

riding beside the waves on the shore

that is filled with flowers and sand,

as his charioteer handles his bridle with caution

protecting the crabs on the ground. Translated by Vaidehi

ெப7யா% – not worn, ைவகிய – lying around, ேகாைத ேபால – like a garland, ெம7 –

body, சாய�ைன – you are distressed, அவ� ெச7 றி – the secret meeting (tryst) that he

indicated, ப�ைழ9ப – misssed, உ+ள) – thinking, ெநா%மல� – slanderers, ேந�- – long

(too much), உைர - words (gossip), ெத+ள)தி� – clearly, வாரா� – he will not come,

எ�R� – and so, -லவ� – sulk, உ>ெகாள� – do not do that, ஒழிக மாள – destroy

(such thoughts), நி� ெந!ச0தாேன – your heart, -ண, ெபா�த – wave filled, = –

flowers, மண� – sand, அைடகைர – seashore, ஆழி ம�Eகி� – near the seashore,

அலவ� – crabs, ஓ�ப� – protecting, வலவ� – charioteer, வ+- – bridle, ஆ7�%

ஊர – carefully ride, நில@ வ�,�த�றா� கானலாேன – the moonlight spread on the

seashore grove

ந�றிைண 12, கயமனா�, பாைல திைண – ேதாழி தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%

wood apples were placed in pots to remove stale buttermilk odors

வ�ள� பழ� கம�� கம� S� ழிசி9

பாச� தி�ற ேத7 கா� ம0த�

ெந7 ெத, இயAக� ெவள)� Iத� IழE �

ைவ -ல� வ��ய� ெம7 கர�% த� கா�

அ, அைம சில�- கழ&இ ப� மா�

வ, -ைன ப�ெதா� ைவஇய ெச�ேவா+

இைவ கா� ேதா'� ேநாவ� மாேதா

அள)யேரா அள)ய� எ� ஆய0ேதா� என

6�ெமா� வர@ தா� அயர@�

த� வைர0% அ�றி:� கQM�தன க�ேண.

Wood apple fragrance

in the buttermilk pots

rounded like full pregnancy,

their noisy, churning rods

tied to posts,

and reduced by the circling ropes,

are the first sounds as dawn arrives.

She hides her body well

and removes from her feet

beautiful, jingling anklets,

and places them along with her

well-decorated ball.

“Whenever they see these, they’ll be sad”,

she thinks about her pitable friends,

and tears come to her eyes

even though she desires to leave with you. Translated by Vaidehi

வ�ள�பழ� கம�� – wood apple fragrance spreads, கம� S� ழிசி9 – fully pregnant

(women’s stomach-like) round pot, பாச� தி�ற – ropes reduced, ேத7 கா� ம0த� –

churning rod has thinned, ெந7 ெத, இயAக� – churning to make butter, ெவள)� – the post

to which the rope is wound, Iத� IழE � – first sounds, ைவ -ல� வ��ய� – early

morning hours, ெம7 கர�% – hiding her body, த� கா� – her feet, அ, அைம சில�-

– beautiful jingling anklets, கழ&இ – removes it, ப� மா� – many splendor, வ, -ைன

ப�ெதா� – with the decorated ball, ைவஇய – placed it, ெச�ேவா+ – when she went (to do

that), இைவ கா� ேதா'� ேநாவ� மாேதா – they’ll be pained, அள)யேரா – will be

sad, அள)ய� – pitiable ones, எ� ஆய0ேதா� – my friends, என – so, 6�ெமா� வர@ –

going with you, தா� அயர@� – feel sad, த� வைர0% அ�றி:� – even though she

wants to leave, கQM�தன க�ேண – there are tears in her eyes

ந�றிைண 17, ெநா3சிநியமEகிழா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�

ெசா�ன%

நா+ மைழ தைலஇய ந� ெந�E �ற0%

மா� கட� திைரய�� இழித�� அ�வ�

அக� இ�E கான0% அ� அண� ேநாAகி

தாEக@� தைகவைர நி�லா ந&� Bழ�-

ஏ�% எழி� மைழA க� கQMதலி� அ�ைன

எவ� ெச7தைனேயா நி� இலE எய�' உ� என

ெம�லிய இன)ய Dறலி� வ� வ�ைர�%

உய�,R� சிற�த நாT� நன) மற�%

உைர0த� உ7�தனேன ேதாழி சார�

கா�த+ ஊதிய மண� நிற0 %�ப�

த&� ெதாைட நர�ப�� இமி��

வா� ேதா7 ெவ�ப� மா�- அணE எனேவ.

Early morning rains that fell

on his fine, lofty mountains

flowed down like dark ocean waves.

The waterfalls in the wide big forest

is where we used to meet,

and it hurt me to see that beautiful spot.

Unable to tolerate my pain,

tears flowed down from my beautiful

wet eyes.

“Why are you crying?”, mother asked,

“Let me kiss you, my daughter with splendid

teeth”, she said with tender words.

I almost forgot to guard my more

precious-than-life shyness and started

to tell her that the reason for my sorrow

was that I missed the chest of

the man from the mountain country

where bees that swarm kānthal flowers

sing like sweet yāzh strings.

However, I caught myself before I said anything

and stopped, my friend. Translated by Vaidehi

நா+ மைழ தைலஇய – early morning rains fell, ந� ெந�E �ற0% – fine tall

mountains, மா� கட� திைரய�� – dark ocean waves, இழித�� அ�வ� – falling

waterfalls, அக� இ�E கான0% – wide big forest, அ� – nearby, அண� – beautiful,

ேநாAகி – looked, தாEக@� தைகவைர நி�லா – unable to tolerate, ந&� Bழ�- –

water poured, ஏ�% எழி� மைழA க� – lifted beautiful wet eyes, கQMதலி� – since it

cried, அ�ைன – mother, எவ� ெச7தைனேயா – what did you do, நி� இலE

எய�' – your splendid teeth, உ� என – I’ll kiss, ெம�லிய இன)ய Dறலி� –

uttered tender sweet words, வ� வ�ைர�% – went fast, உய�,R� சிற�த – better than

life, நாT� – shyness, நன) – lot, மற�% – forgot, உைர0த� – said, உ7�தனேன –

avoided it, ேதாழி – my friend, சார� – mountain slopes, கா�த+ ஊதிய மண� நிற0

%�ப� – the bees that swarm kānthal flowers (purple water lilies), த&� ெதாைட நர�ப��

இமி�� – like the music of the sweet stringed yāzh, வா� ேதா7 – sky high, ெவ�ப� –

man from the mountain country, மா�- – chest, அணE எனேவ – reason for sorrow

ந�றிைண 22, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி

தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%

ெகா�3சி காA � அ�Aக� ைப� திைன

I�% வ�ைள ெப�� ர� ெகா�ட ம�தி

க�லாA க�வெனா� ந� வைர ஏறி

அEைக நிைறய ெஞமி�A ெகா�� த�

திைர அண� ெகா�� க@+ நிைறய IAகி

வா� ெபய� நைன�த -ற0த ேநா�ப�ய�

ைக ஊ� இ�Aைகய�� ேதா�'� நாட�

வ�தன� வாழி ேதாழி உலக�

கய� க� அ�ற ைப% அ' காைல

பVள� திரEகிய ெந�லி�

ந+ெள� யாம0% மைழ ெபாழி�தாEேக.

He has come back,

the man from the country

where in the mountain range’s millet field

that is guarded by a mountain girl,

a female monkey, along with her crude mate

climbs the fine mountain,

steals huge clusters of mature millet spikes,

crushes it with her palms,

collects the grain and stuffs her cheeks

curving them along with her jaws,

and as rain pours down,

their wet bodies

appear like austere ritualists

who eat food with their hands.

His arrival in the middle of the night

is like seeing rain in a mature paddy field,

in a world whose ponds have dried up.

May you live long, my friend! Translated by Vaidehi

ெகா�3சி காA � அ�Aக� ைப� திைன – the fresh millet that the mountain girl

protects in the ranges, I�% வ�ைள ெப�� ர� – mature huge clusters, ெகா�ட

ம�தி க�லாA க�வெனா� – the female that took it, along with its crude male, ந� வைர

ஏறி – climbed on the fine mountain, அEைக நிைறய – full in its palm, ெஞமி� ெகா��

– crushed, த� திைர – gathered it together, அண� – upper jaw, ெகா�� க@+ நிைறய

– filled its curved cheeks, IAகி – stuffed, வா� ெபய� நைன�த -ற0த – their backs got

wet when it rained, ேநா�ப�ய� – those who do penances (wet after dipping in the streams and

ponds), ைக ஊ� இ�Aைகய�� ேதா�'� – appears like they were eating with their

hands, நாட� – man from such country, வ�தன� – came, வாழி ேதாழி – may you live long,

my friend, உலக� கய� க� அ�ற ைப% அ' காைல – when the world’s ponds have

lost their wetness/waters, பVள� திரEகிய ெந�லி� – in the rice field with mature grains,

ந+ெள� யாம0% மைழ ெபாழி�தாEேக – like the rain that came in the middle of the

night

ந�றிைண 27, டவாய�� கீர0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�

ெசா�ன%, தைலவ� ேக> �ப�யாக

ந&:� யாR� ெந�ந� =வ��

6� தா% உைறA � வ��ன� ஓ9ப�

ஒழி திைர வ,0த ெவ� மண� அைடகைரA

கழி SM கான� ஆ�ய% அ�றி

கர�% நா� ெச7த% ஒ�' இ�ைல உ�� என)�

பர�% ப�ற� அறி�த�'� இலேர ந�'�

எவ� றி0தன+ ெகா� அ�ைன கய� ேதா'

இற ஆ� இனA � ஒலி9ப Bறவ�

கழி ேச� ம�Eகி� கைணA கா� ந&�

க� ேபா� =0தைம க�� 6� பல

சி' பாசைடய ெந7த�

'ேமா ெச�' எனA Dறா ேதாேள.

Yesterday you and I played

in the seaside grove surrounded

by backwaters,

in the sand bars brought to the

shores by the dashing waves,

chasing bees that swarm

on the tiny pollen of flowers.

Other than playing,

we did not do anything in secrecy.

If we had, everyone would have

known about it.

It’s good nothing happened.

What does mother think,

the one who does not

ask us to go and pluck

blue waterlily flowers

with thick long stems,

blooming like eyes,

among many small leaves in ponds

where heron flock feed

on shrimp and cry near

shark-infested backwaters? Translated by Vaidehi

ந&:� யாR� ெந�ந� – yesterday you and I, =வ�� 6� தா% உைறA �

வ��ன� ஓ9ப� – chased bees that swarm flower pollen, ஒழி திைர வ,0த ெவ�

மண� – white sand that the dashing waves brought, அைடகைர – sand bars, கழி SM

கான� – seashore grove surrounded by backwaters, ஆ�ய% அ�றி – other than playing,

கர�% நா� ெச7த% ஒ�' இ�ைல – did not do anything in secrecy/hiding, உ��

என)� பர�% ப�ற� அறி�த�'� – if there was anything, everybody would have known

about it, இலேர ந�'� – good there is nothing, எவ� றி0தன+ ெகா� அ�ைன –

what does she think, கய� ேதா' – in all the ponds, இற – prawns, ஆ� இனA �

ஒலி9ப – feeding herds of herons/storks/cranes sound, Bறவ� கழி ேச� ம�Eகி� – in the

brackishwaters where there are sharks, கைணA கா� ந&� – extending their thick stems, க�

ேபா� =0தைம க�� – on seeing the flowers that bloom like eyes, 6� பல சி'

பாசைடய ெந7த� – waterlilies with many small leaves, 'ேமா ெச�' எனA Dறா

ேதாேள – one who does not ask us to go and pluck

ந�றிைண 28, I%D�றனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�

ெசா�ன%

எ� ைகA ெகா�� த� க� ஒ�றி:�

த� ைகA ெகா�� எ� ந� 6த� ந&வ�:�

அ�ைன ேபால இன)ய Dறி:�

க+வ� ேபாலA ெகா�ய� மாேதா

மண� என இழித�� அ�வ� ெபா� என

ேவEைக தாய ஓE மைல அ�Aக0%

ஆ� கைழ நிவ�த ைபE க� KEகி�

ஓ� மைழ கிழிA � ெச�ன)

ேகா� உய� ப�றEக� மைலகிழேவாேன

Even though he takes my hands

and presses them to his eyes;

takes up his own hands,

strokes my good forehead

and speaks sweet words like a mother,

he’s a thief, a cruel man,

that lord of the mountains

where the hills have tall peaks

and on the summits

the tall, swaying stems

of the bamboo with green nodes

cleave passing clouds

on the ranging mountain slopes

spread with golden kino flowers

where waterfall drop

like a stream of sapphires. Translated by Martha Ann Selby

எ� ைகA ெகா�� த� க�ஒ�றி:� – even though he takes my hand and presses

them to his eyes, த� ைகA ெகா�� எ� ந� 6த� ந&வ�:� – takes his own hands and

strokes my good forehead, அ�ைன ேபால இன)ய Dறி:� – speaks sweet words like a

mother, க+வ� ேபாலA ெகா�ய� மாேதா – he’s a cruel man like a thief, மண� என

இழித�� அ�வ� – sapphire colored flowing waterfalls, ெபா� என ேவEைக தாய –

gold like vengai flowers spread, ஓE மைல அ�Aக0% – on the tall mountain range, ஆ� –

swaying, கைழ – bamboo, நிவ�த – tall, ைபE – green, க� – bamboo node, KEகி� –

bamboo, ஓ� மைழ – passing clouds, கிழிA � ெச�ன) – sloping summit, ேகா� –

mountain, உய� – tall, ப�றEக� – mountain, மைலகிழேவாேன – lord of the mountains

ந�றிைண 30, ெகா�றனா�, ம�த� திைண- ேதாழி பர0ைதய,ட� ெச�Q�

தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%

க�டென� மகிMந! க�� எவ� ெச7ேகா!

பாண� ைகய% ப�-ைட3 சீறியாM

யாண� வ��� இ�ெமன இமி��

ஏ� த� ெத�வ�� எதி�3சி ேநாAகி நி�

மா�- தைலAெகா�ட மாண�ைழ மகள)�

கவ� ஏI�ற ெவ7% வ &M அ,9 பன)

கா� ஏI�ற ைபத� காைல

கட� மர� கவ�M�ெதனA கலEகி உட� வ &M-

பல� ெகா+ பலைக ேபால

வாEக வாEக நி�' ஊE அஞ� நிைலேய.

Lord! I saw you!

But what can I do about it?

When you walked on the beautiful street

where bees hum like the music

from the bard’s small lute,

women wearing elegant jewels were

waiting for you.

They who had hugged your chest before,

wanted you back again.

They shed tears and pulled you toward them

like a bunch of ship-wrecked people

fighting for a single wooden board

to save their lives.

What a pitiable situation? Translated by Vaidehi

க�டென� மகிMந – உ�ைனA க�ேட� தைலவேன, க�� எவ�ெச7ேகா

– க�� எ�ன ெச7வ%, பாண� ைகய% ப�-ைட3 சீறியாM – பாணன)�

ைகய�� ந�ல சி' யாM, யாண� வ��� இ�ெமன இமி�� – வழைமயான

வ��9ேபா� இ�ெமன ஒலிA �, ஏ�த� ெத�வ�� – அழகான ெத�வ��,

எதி�3சி ேநாAகி நி� – ந& வ�வைத எதி�9பா�0%, மா�- தைலAெகா�ட –

மா�ைப த�வ�Aெகா�ட, மாண�ைழ மகள)� – ஆபரணEக+ அண��த

ெப�க+, கவ� ஏI�ற ெவ7% – கவைலயா� மிக@� வ��தி, வ &M அ,9

பன) – க�ண &� வ�>�, கா� – கா�', ஏI�ற ைபத� காைல – அதிகமாக

அ�0த ெபா�%, கட�மர� – மரAகல�, கவ�M�ெதனA – கவ�ழ, கலEகி உட�

வ &M- – கலAக0%ட� யாவ�� (கடலி�) வ�ழ, பல� ெகா+ பலைக ேபால –

பல�� ப�'� பலைகைய9ேபா�, வாEகவாEக நி�' – உ�ைன ப��0%

இ�0%, ஊE அஞ� நிைலேய – ப,தாபமான நிைலைமேய

ந�றிைண 33, இளேவ>டனா�, பாைல திைண - ேதாழி ெசா�ன%

ப� Bட� அைட�த ப வா7 ெந� வைர

Iர�- ேச� சி' � பர�த மாைல

-ல�- D>��T� -�ெல� ம�ற0%

க�Qைட ப�வ�� கQழி த�%

நிைற ெபய� அறியாA ைற ஊ� அ�லி�

%வ� ெச7 ஆைட ெச� ெதாைட மறவ�

அத� பா�0% அ� � அ!Bவ� ெநறிய�ைட

இற9ப எ�Tவ� அவ� என)� ம'0த�

வ�Qவ� ெகா�ேலா ெம� இய� நா� என

வ��I' கிளவ�ய+ எ� Iக� ேநாAகி

ந� அக வன IைலA கைர ேச�-

ம� -ன� பர�த மல� ஏ� க�ேண.

My friend looks at my face and utters,

“I’m a weak person, and I don’t

have the strength to deny him the trip”.

She sobs between words and tears stream down

her flower-like beautiful eyes,

and fall on her breasts.

She fears that when the hot rays fold

into the widely split tall mountains

and the long evening hours speed,

he’ll sit alone in a hut on a rough land

in the parched wasteland, and

eat his left over grain meal after sunset

and drink water from dirty puddles.

The marauders wear red dyed clothes

on their strong bodies,

and eye the fierce paths at night. Translated by Vaidehi

ப� Bட� அைட�த – hot rays ended, ப வா7 – widely split , ெந� வைர – tall

mountains, Iர�- ேச� சி' � – gravel land hut, பர�த மாைல – spreading evening

time (after sunset), -ல�- – alone, sad, D>��T� – eat many, -�ெல� – grains,

ம�ற0% – common place, க�Qைட ப�வ�� – rock puddles ,கQழி த�% – give

muddied water, நிைற ெபய� அறியாA – does not know rains (parched land), ைற –

leftover , ஊ� – food, அ�லி� – be in contact, %வ� ெச7 ஆைட – red dyed clothing,

ெச� ெதாைட – strong body, மறவ� – robbers, அத� பா�0% அ� � – look at the path

at night ,அ!Bவ� ெநறிய�ைட – among the fearful paths, இற9ப எ�Tவ� – desires to

cross ,அவ� என)� ம'0த� -to deny him, வ�Qவ�ெகா�ேலா – I don’t have the

strength, ெம�லிய� நா� என – I’m a weak person, வ��I' – sobbing, கிளவ�ய+ –

she utters (words) ,எ� Iக� ேநாAகி – looks at my face, ந� அக வன, IைலA கைர

ேச�- – tears falling on her breasts, ம� -ன� – full stream, பர�த – spread, மல� –

flower, ஏ� – beautiful, க�ேண – eye

ந�றிைண 38, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�

ெசா�ன% – she says this when she sees the heroine in pain due to separation from her lover

ேவ>ட� ெபா7யா% வைல வள� சிற9ப

பா>ட� ெபா7யா% பரதவ� பகர

இ�� பன� த&� ப�ழி உ�ேபா� மகி��

ஆ� கலி யாண�0% ஆய�R� ேத� ெக�

ெம�ல� -ல�ப� ப�,ய�� -�ெலன

-ல�- ஆகி�ேற ேதாழி கலE ந&�

கழி SM பட9ைப கா�டவாய��

ஒலி கா ஓைல I+ மிைட ேவலி

ெப�ைண இவ�� ஆEக�

ெவ+ மண� பட9ைப எ� அ�Eக� ஊேர.

Unfailing abundance in their nets,

unfailing rains from the skies,

our flourishing fishermen sell fish,

drink toddy from the palmyra trees

and enjoy their lives.

Such is the happiness

in our grove-filled, loud Kāndavāyil town

that is surrounded by brackish waters.

It becomes sad if your man with

a fine chariot does not come,

and this slanderous town with its

palm fronds and thorn-fenced yards

with white sands and palm trees,

causes you grief. Translated by Vaidehi

ேவ>ட� – fishing, ெபா7யா% – unfailing, வைல வள� சிற9ப – abundance in the nets,

பா>ட� – clouds, ெபா7யா% – do not fail பரதவ� – fishermen, பகர – sell, இ�� – dark,

பன� த&� ப�ழி – palmyra liquor, உ�ேபா� மகி�� – drink and be happy, ஆ� – abundant,

கலி – bountiful, யாண�0% – new income, ஆய�R� – yet, ேத� ெக� – chariot owning,

ெம�ல� -ல�ப� – seashore lord, neythal land thalaivan, ப�,ய�� – if he separates,

-�ெலன – becomes sad, -ல�- ஆகி�ேற - gives grief, ேதாழி – friend, கலE ந&�

– brackish waters, கழி – salty land, SM – surrounding, பட9ைப – groves, கா�டவாய�� –

town called Kāndavāyil, ஒலி – noisy, கா – grove, ஓைல – palm fronds (leaves), I+ மிைட

ேவலி – thorny fence, ெப�ைண – female palm tree, இவ�� – grows, ஆEக� – there,

ெவ+ மண� – white sand, பட9ைப – grove, எ� அ�Eக� ஊேர – our slanderous town

ந�றிைண 45, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண - ேதாழி

தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%

இவேள கான� ந�ண�ய காம� சி' �

ந&� நிற9 ெப�E கட� கலEக உ+-A

ம2� எறி பரதவ� மகேள ந&ேய

ெந�E ெகா� 6டE � நியம KP�A

க�� ேத�3 ெச�வ� காத� மகேன

நிண3 Bறா அ'0த உணAக� ேவ��

இன9 -+ ஒ9-� எமA நல� எவேனா

-ல@ நா'%� ெசல நி�ற&ேமா

ெப� ந&� வ�ைள:+ எ� சி' ந� வாMAைக

6�ெமா� -ைரவேதா அ�ேற

எ�மேனா,� ெச�மQ� உைட0ேத.

This girl

lives in a village

near the shore,

a daughter of fishermen

who pierce and stir up the water

of the big blue sea

as they kill fish.

And you?

You’re from that old market town

where long banners shiver

in the breeze,

a beloved son

of a rich man

with fast chariots.

What is your beauty to us,

who want the dried meat

we slice from fat sharks

as we sit and scare off

flocks of birds?

We reek of fish,

so get ready to leave.

The good little lives

that we make for ourselves

from the fruits of the sea

are not like yours

and among us, too,

there are fine men to be had. Translated by Martha Ann Selby

இவேள – This girl, கான� – seashore, ந�ண�ய – nearby, காம� – desirable, சி' � –

village, ந&� நிற9 ெப�E கட� – blue colored big ocean, கலEக – கலEக, உ+ –

interior, -A – splash, ம2� – ம2�, எறி – cut into pieces, kill , பரதவ� மகேள – daughter of

the fishermen, ந&ேய – ந&ேய, ந&ேய – you, on the other hand, ெந�E ெகா� – long/tall

banner, 6டE � – shiver, நியம – market, KP�A – old town, க�� ேத�3 – fast chariot,

ெச�வ� – rich man, காத� மகேன – loving son, நிண3 Bறா – fat shark, அ'0த –

sliced, உணAக� – dried food, ேவ�� – request, இன9 -+ – flock of birds, ஒ9-� –

chase, எ மA நல� எவேனா – what is your beaty to us? (நல� – beauty)

-ல@ நா'%� – reek fish, ெசல நி�ற&ேமா – get ready to leave, ெப� ந&� – sea

வ�ைள:+ – yields, எ� சி' ந� வாMAைக – the good little lives, 6�ெமா�

-ைரவேதா அ�ேற – are not great like yours, எ�மேனா,� – among us, ெச�மQ�

உைட0ேத – have fine men

ந�றிைண 52, பால0தனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ� த� ெந!BA

ெசா�ன%

மாA ெகா� அதிர� =ெவா� பாதி,0

P0 தக>� எதி� மல� ேவ7�த D�த�

மண� கமM நா�ற� மWஇ யா� இவ+

BணE அண� ஆக� அைடய IயEகி

வ &E உவ�A கவவ�� ந&Eக� ெச�ேல�

ந&ேய ஆ+ வ�ைன சிற9ப எ�ண� நாX�

ப�,�% உைற வாMAைக -,�% அைமயைலேய

அ�- இைல வாழி எ� ெந!ேச ெவ� ேபா�

மழவ� ெப� மக� மா வ+ ஓ,

ைக வள� இையவ% ஆய�R�

ஐ% ஏ அ�ம இைய�% ெச7 ெபா�ேள.

My heart! You want to earn wealth.

You don’t understand the life of separation

from my beautiful girl who adorns her hair

with vine-grown, dark, wild jasmines and gold-sheet

like pāthiri flowers that are woven

together, spreading their full fragrances.

I will not leave the sweet embraces of

that girl with yellow beauty spots on her breasts.

Even if I earn wealth like that of the generous

great victorious charitable warrior king Ori,

that is not more than her love. Translated by Vaidehi

மாA ெகா� – dark vine, அதிர� =ெவா� – with wild jasmine, பாதி,0 – pāthiri flower,

P0 தக>� – pure gold sheet, எதி� மல� – place flowers opposite, ேவ7�த D�த� –

woven for the hair, மண� கமM – very fragrant, நா�ற� மWஇ யா� – fragrance mixed,

இவ+ – she, BணE – yellow beauty marks, அண� -beauty, ஆக� – breasts, அைடய

IயEகி – embrace, வ &E – increased, உவ�A கவவ�� – sweet embrace , ந&Eக�

ெச�ேல� – will not leave and go, ந&ேய – you, ஆ+வ�ைன சிற9ப எ�ண� – you want to

achieve wealth, நாX� – daily, ப�,�% உைற வாMAைக – a life with separation, -,�%

அைமயைலேய – don’t understand, அ�- இைல , வாழி எ� ெந!ேச – greetings, my

heart, ெவ� ேபா� – fierce battle, மழவ� – warriors, ெப� மக� – leader, மா – big, வ+

ஓ, – brave king Ori, ைக வள� – charitable hands, இையவ% ஆய�R� – if I get, ஐ%

ஏ அ�ம – it is not more, இைய�% ெச7 ெபா�ேள – that earned wealth

ந�றிைண 54, ேச�தE க�ணனா�, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ� ெசா�ன%

வைள ந&� ேம7�% கிைள Iத�ெசல2இ

வா9 பைற வ���ப�ைனஆய�R� P3 சிைற

இ�� -லா அ��%� நி� கிைளய� சிறி% இ��%

க�E கா� ெவ� � எனவ ேக�மதி

ெப�� -ல�ப��ேற சி' -� மாைல

அ% ந& அறிய�� அ�-மா� உைடைய

ெநா%ம� ெந!ச� ெகா+ளா% எ� ைற

இ�றாE உணர உைரமதி தைழேயா�

ெகா7 ைழ அ��ப�ய ம, ஞாழ�

ெத� திைர மண�9 -ற� ைதவ��

க�ட� ேவலி 6� %ைற கிழேவா�ேக.

O White heron with pure feathers

and black legs!

You love to dive into the ocean

with your relatives

and eat abundant fish.

Please listen to me!

This evening time brings me

great sorrow.

If you understand the reason,

you’ll be kind to me

and let him know how I feel,

the man from the port where

cold waves spray on the trunks

of young gnazhal trees,

and fences of screwpines with leaves

are easy to pluck for making clothes, abound. Translated by Vaidehi

வைள ந&� – surrounded water (ocean), ேம7�% – eat, கிைள Iத� – with relatives,

ெசல2இ – go, வா9பைற – fly and dive, வ���ப�ைன ஆய�R� – even if you desire, P3

சிைற – pure feathers, இ�� -லா – lots of meat – fish, அ��%� நி� கிைளய� – eat

with your relatives, சிறி% இ��% – stay a little bit, க�E கா� – blacked legged, ெவ�

� – white heron, எனவ ேக�மதி – and so hear me, ெப�� -ல�ப��ேற ,சி'

-� மாைல – hours of the painful evening, அ% ந& அறிய�� – if you understand,

அ�-மா� உைடைய – you will show kindness, ெநா%ம� ெந!ச� ெகா+ளா% -

without any reservations, எ� ைற – my complaint, இ�றாE உணர உைரமதி –

understand it and tell him, தைழேயா� – those who wear leaf clothing, ெகா7 – plucking, ைழ

– leaves, அ��ப�ய – growing, ம, – young, ஞாழ� – gnālal tree – a small tree growing in the

seashore – neythal land, tigerclaw tree, cassia sophera, ெத� திைர – cold waves, மண�9 -ற�

– on the base, ைதவ�� – hit against, க�ட� ேவலி – thāzhai, fragrant screw-pine fence,

6� %ைற கிழேவா�ேக – man of our port

ந�றிைண 60, PEகேலா,யா�, ம�த� திைண - ேதாழி ெசா�ன%

மைல க�ட�ன நிைல -ண�நிவ9ப��

ெப� ெந� ப� D>� எ�ைம உழவ

க� பைட ெபறாஅ% த� -ல� வ��ய�

க�E க� வராஅ� ெப�� த� மிள)� ைவய�

-க�ைவ அ,சி9 ெபா�ம� ெப�! ேசா'

கவ� ப� ைகைய க�ம மா�தி

ந&� உ' ெச'வ�� நா' I� அ�0த நி�

ந�நெரா� ேசறிஆய�� அவ�

சா:� ெந7தQ� ஓ�-மதி எ�மி�

மா இ�E D�த� மட�ைத

ஆ7 வைள D>�� அண�:மா� அைவேய.

Farmer who has many buffaloes

and many tall, mountain-like rice bins!

You wake up at the crack of dawn

without much sleep

and eat big shining pieces of cooked

black-eyed varāl fish

with big balls of fine rice.

When you go to plant paddy

grass in the water-filled fields,

please protect the drooping

waterlies.

The young girl with thick dark hair

wears them as beautiful bangles. Translated by Vaidehi

மைல க�ட�ன – like mountains, நிைல -ண� – put together, நிவ9ப�� – tall, ெப�

ெந� ப� D>� – many big rice bins, எ�ைம உழவ – farmer/plouhman owning buffaloes,

க�பைட ெபறாஅ% – not sleeping, த� – cold, -ல� – dawn, வ��ய� – early morning,

க�E க� வராஅ� – black eyed varāl fish, ெப�� த� – big pieces, மிள)�ைவய� –

shining as it is cooked, -க�ைவ – food, அ,சி – rice, ெபா�ம� – splendid, ெப�! ேசா'

– big rice balls, கவ� ப� – enjoy and eat, ைகைய - with your hands,க�ம – lots, மா�தி

– eat, ந&� உ' ெச'வ�� – water filled fields, நா' I� அ�0த – plant paddy grass,

நி� – your, ந�நெரா� – those who plant, ேசறி – go, ஆய�� அவ� – and there,

சா:� ெந7தQ� – bending neythal plants - purple waterlilies, ஓ�-மதி – protect, எ�மி�

– our, மா இ�E D�த� – dark thick hair, மட�ைத – young girl, ஆ7 வைள – beautiful

bangles, D>�� – weaves, அண�:மா� அைவேய – and wears them

ந�றிைண 61, சி'ேமாலிகனா�, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�

D'வைத9ேபா� ெசா�Qவ% - The friend utters these words knowing that the hero

listening to her. Indirectly she is urging him to come and marry her friend, by being the voice of the

heroine.

ேகளா7 எ�ல ேதாழி அ�க�

ேவணவா நலிய ெவ7ய உய�ரா

ஏ மா� ப�ைணய�� வ��திெனனாக

%ய� ம�E அறி�தன+ ேபால அ�ைன

%!சாேயா எ� 'மக+ எ�றலி�

ெசா� ெவள)9படாைம ெம�ல எ� ெந!சி�

ப� மைழ ெபாழி�த பாைற ம�Eகி�

சிர� வா7 உ�ற தளவ�� பர� அவ�

கா� ெக� நாட� பட��ேதா�A A

க�T� ப�ேமா எ�றிசி� யாேன.

Listen my friend!

Last night I was distressed with desire

for my lover and was in deep pain like

a female deer pierced by an arrow.

I sighed deeply and mother asked me

“are you not sleeping my little girl?”,

like she understood my sadness.

Words didn’t come out of my mouth,

but quietly I said to my heart,

“how could I close my eyes when I am

separated from my man from the country

with splendid forests, heavy rains

and kingfisher-mouth like jasmine

that grow near rocks on gravel beds. Translated by Vaidehi

ேகளா7 எ�ல ேதாழி – listen my friend, அ�க� – yesterday night, ேவணவா –

increasing desire, நலிய – distressed, ெவ7ய – hot, உய�ரா – deep breath, sighed, ஏ – arrow,

மா� ப�ைணய�� – like a female deer ,வ��திெனனாக – when I was sad, %ய�

ம�E அறி�தன+ ேபால - like she understood my sadness, அ�ைன – mother,

%!சாேயா எ� 'மக+ எ�றலி� – aren’t you not sleeping my little daughter she

asked, ெசா� ெவள)9படாைம – words didn’t come out, ெம�ல எ� ெந!சி� – slowly

in my heart, ப� மைழ ெபாழி�த – heavy rains had fallen ,பாைற ம�Eகி� – near the

rocks, சிர� வா7 உ�ற – like the kingfisher’s mouth, தளவ�� – jasmine vine, பர�

அவ� – tiny gravel, கா� ெக� – splendid forest, நாட� – country man, பட��ேதா�A A

– those separated from him, க�T� ப�ேமா எ�றிசி� யாேன – could I close my eyes

(an sleep), I said

ந�றிைண 64, உேலா3சனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�

ெசா�ன% – when the friend

wants to send word (P%) to the hero.

எ�ன�ஆய�R� இன) நிைன@ ஒழிக

அ�னவாக இைனய� ேதாழி யா�

இ�னமாக ந0 %ற�ேதா� ந>- எவ�

மர� நா� உ�Aைக மைல உைற றவ�

அறியா% அ'0த சிறிய�ைல3 சா�த�

வறR�' ஆர I�Aகி ைபெயன

மர� வறிதாக3 ேசா��% உAகாE எ�

அறி@� உ+ளI� அவ� வய�� ெச�ெறன

வறிதா� இ ைள எ� யாAைக இன) அவ�

வ,R� ேநா7 ம��% அ�ல� வாரா%

அவண� ஆ க காதல� இவ� ந�

காம� பட� அட வ��திய

ேநா7 மலி வ�0த� காண�மா� எமேர.

However special he is,

let thoughts of him end.

Don’t feel sad my friend.

Why do we need the friendship

of the one who abandoned us?

The mountain men who wear hemp fiber

clothes have peeled sandal tree barks

that have dried out and wilted.

Their oozing sap, is like my

intelligence and heart that go toward him

even when my body has no feelings.

He will not be a cure to my illness

even if he comes back.

Let him stay there, my friend.

I hope that my relatives don’t see

my deep sadness and heavy sorrow. Translated by Vaidehi

எ�ன� ஆய�R� – however he is, இன) நிைன@ ஒழிக – let thoughts (of him) end,

அ�னவாக – for that, இைனய� – don’t feel sad, ேதாழி – friend, யா� – our,

இ�னமாக ந0 %ற�ேதா� – gave sorrow and parted us, ந>- – friendship, எவ� – why,

மர� நா� உ�Aைக – hemp fiber clothing, மைல உைற றவ� – mountain residing

kuravars, அறியா% – without knowing, அ'0த – cut, சிறிய�ைல – small leaved, சா�த� –

sandalwood tree, வறR�' – dried – no feelings, and sap oozed, ஆர – fully, I�Aகி –

destroyed, ைபெயன – slowly, மர� வறிதாக3 ேசா��% – tree dried and got sick looking,

உA ஆE – wilted there, எ� – my, அறி@� உ+ளI� – intelligence and heart,

அவ� வய�� ெச�ெறன – went toward him, வறிதா� – dried out , இ ைள – friend,

எ� யாAைக – my body, இன) அவ� – now his, வ,R� – if he comes, ேநா7 ம��%

அ�ல� – he won’t be medicine to my sickness, வாரா% – not come, அவண� ஆ க – stay

there, காதல� – lover, இவ� ந� – here our, காம� பட� – love affliction, அட

வ��திய – heavy sadness, ேநா7 – disease, மலி வ�0த� – lot of sorrow, காண�மா�

எமேர – (I hope) my relatives don’t see it

ந�றிைண 70, ெவ+ள) வ &தியா�, ம�த� திைண – தைலவ� ெசா�ன% ( � could be herons, egrets or storks)

சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக

%ைற ேபா அ'ைவ0 P ம� அ�ன

நிற� கிள� Pவ�3 சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக

எ� ஊ� வ�% எ� உ� %ைற0 %ைழஇ

சிைனA ெகள)�' ஆ�ைகைய அவ� ஊ�9 ெபய�தி

அைனய அ�ப�ைனேயா ெப� மறவ�ையேயா

ஆEக� த&� -ன� ஈEக� பரA �

கழன) ந� ஊ� மகிMந�A எ�

இைழ ெநகிM ப�வர� ெச9பாேதாேய.

O Small white heron! O Small white heron!

with bright white feathers looking

like shore-washed clothes,

Come to our town and search our ponds

for pregnant keliru fish,

and eat them until you are full.

Go to his town with fertile fields

and wide sweet waters

and kindly remember to tell my beloved man

that I am sad and afflicted with love,

and that my bangles are slipping away from my hand. Translated by Vaidehi

சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக – small white heron, சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக – small white heron,

%ைற ேபா – (taken to) water shores, அ'ைவ – garments, Pம� – washed ,அ�ன –

like, நிற� – color, கிள� – bright, Pவ� – feathers ,சி' ெவ+ளாE �ேக – small white

pelican, எ� ஊ� வ�% – came to our town, எ� – our, உ�%ைற0 – drinking water shores,

%ைழஇ – search, சிைனA ெகள)�' – get the pregnant keliru fish, ஆ�ைகைய – full,

அவ� ஊ�9 ெபய�தி – move to his town, அைனய அ�ப�ைனேயா – with kindness

,ெப� மறவ�ையேயா – without forgetting, ஆEக� – there, த&� -ன� – sweet water,

ஈEக� – here, பரA � – spread, கழன) ந� ஊ� – good town with fields, மகிMந�A –

my loved one, எ� – my, இைழ ெநகிM – jewel (bangle) slipping, ப�வர� – sadness,

ெச9பாேதாேய – won’t you tell him

ந�றிைண 79, க�ணகனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ� ெசா�ன%

சிைற நா+ ஈEைக உைற நன) திர+வ &

Dைர ந� மைனA '� ெதா� மகள)�

மண� ஆ� கழEகி� அைற மிைச0 தாஅ�

ஏ� தரQ�ற இயA அ�E கவைல9

ப�,�ேதா� வ�% ந9-ணர9 -ண��ேதா�

ப�,த� SMதலி� அ,ய%� உ�ேடா

எ�' நா� DறிA காம� ெச9-%�

ெச9பா% வ��ேன உய�ெரா�� வ�த�'

அ�ம வாழி ேதாழி

யாதன)� தவ��A வ� காதல� ெசலேவ.

May you live long, my friend!

He wants to go

on the confusing difficult paths,

where,

honey that fresh eengai

flowers drop on the rocks below

look like molucca beans on sand

in the yards of fine houses with

roofs,

with which girls with small bangles play.

Is there anything more harsh

than separation from a loved one?

I want to tell him how I feel.

If I don’t tell him, my life will

not be a good one.

How can I stop him from going away? Translated by Vaidehi

சிைற – this side, nearby, நா+ ஈEைக – day’s fresh eengai உைற – (honey) drops, நன)

திர+ – filled, வ & – flowers, Dைர ந� மைனA – fine house with a roof, '� ெதா�

மகள)� – women with small bangles, மண� ஆ� கழEகி� – veriyattam kazhangu seeds,

அைற – rocks, மிைச – on it, தாஅ� – spread, ஏ� – beautiful, தரQ�ற – that yielded,

இயA – moving, அ�E கவைல – confusing curved paths, ப�,�ேதா� – those who are

separated, வ�% ந9-ணர9 -ண��ேதா� – embraced me with love, ப�,த� SMதலி� –

if separation happens, அ,ய%� உ�ேடா – is there anything more harsh, எ�' நா� Dறி

– if I say that, காம� ெச9-%� – tell that with love, ெச9பா% வ��ேன – if I don’t tell him,

உய�ெரா�� வ�த�' – my life will not be good, அ�ம வாழி ேதாழி – greetings my

friend, யாதன)� தவ��A வ� – how can I stop, காதல� ெசலேவ – lover’s going away

ந�றிைண 86, நAகீர�, பாைல திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன%

அறவ� வாழி ேதாழி மறவ�

ேவ� என வ�,�த க%9ப�� ேதால

பா��� ஒ9ப�� பக�ைற மல��

க�� பன) அ�சிர� ந�Eக கா�தகA

ைக வ� வ�ைனவ� ைத:- ெசா,�த

B,தக உ�வ�ன ஆகி9 ெப,ய

ேகாEக� வ� Iைக அவ�ழ ஈEைக

ந� தள)� நயவர 6டE �

I�றா ேவன)� I�ன) வ�ேதாேர.

My friend!

Your lover left in the very harsh

early dew season

when the round pakandrai flowers

that are as wide as spears of warriors

were in bloom, and you trembled.

If he thinks about you and comes back

in early summer

when the kongam flowers that look

like skilled artists-created

beautiful head ornaments bloom

and the elegant eengai sprouts sway,

he is a just man. May be live long! Translated by Vaidehi

அறவ� வாழி – long live the just man, ேதாழி – friend, மறவ� – warriors, ேவ� என

வ�,�த – spread like a spear, க%9ப�� ேதால – covered skin, பா��� – round, ஒ9ப��

– like, பக�ைற மல�� – pakandrai flowers, க�� பன) – harsh dew season, அ�சிர� –

early dew season, ந�Eக – tremble, கா�தக -seen, ைக வ� வ�ைனவ� – talented

hand-skilled man, ைத:- – created, ெசா,�த – made, B,தக – hair jewel, உ�வ�ன ஆகி9

– ெப,ய – big, ேகாEக� – kongam, வ� Iைக – closed buds, அவ�ழ – open, ஈEைக –

eengai, ந� தள)� – fine sprouts, நயவர – elegantly, 6டE � - swaying, I�றா

ேவன)� – early summer, I�ன) வ�ேதாேர – think of me and come

ந�றிைண 90, அ!சி� அ!சியா�, ம�த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�

ெசா�ன%, பாண� ேக> �ப�யாக – The urai written by the Tamil scholar S. V.

Subramanian and others state that the hero sends a message through the bard that he wants to return,

and the friend refuses the offer – the implication is that due to his quarrel with his concubine (the

dancer), he wants to return to his wife.

ஆ� இய� வ�ழவ�� அ�Eக� KP�

உைடேயா� ப�ைமய�� ெப�E ைக Pவா

வற� இ� -ைல0தி எ�லி0 ேதா70த

-கா9 -க� ெகா�ட -� =E கலிEகெமா�

வாடா மாைல %ய�வர ஓ�

ெப�E கய�' நாQ� இ�� பன� ப�ைணய�

=E க� ஆய� ஊAக ஊEகா+

அ�தன+ ெபய�� அ� சி� ஓதி

ந�D� ெப��� சி� வைளA 'மக+

ஊச� உ' ெதாழி� =ச� D>டா

நய� இ� மாAகேளா� ெகழ&இ

பய� இ�' அ�ம இ? ேவ�%ைட அைவேய.

During the dance festival

in this loud ancient town,

the poor washer-woman washes for many,

soaks the clothes in thin rice gruel

and rinses them.

The dancing girl wears soft fine clothes

washed by her,

dons a fresh flower garland that sways

as she runs,

sits on a swing with thick ropes made

with dark palmyra fibers

which is pushed by her friends.

She cries and moves away,

this young girl with soft hair and few bangles,

the one who is in pain because of the quarrel.

She is in the midst of undesirable people,

and the king’s dancing hall remains unused. Translated by Vaidehi

ஆ� இய� வ�ழவ�� – dance festival, அ�Eக� KP� – loud ancient town,

உைடேயா� – having, ப�ைமய�� – many, ெப�Eைக Pவா – non-stopping, வற�

இ� – without wealth, -ைல0தி – washerwoman, எ�லி – night, ேதா70த – soaked, -கா

– food, -க� – kanji, ெகா�ட – with, -� =E கலிEகெமா� – some fresh clothes,

வாடா மாைல – fresh garland, %ய� வர – swaying, ஓ� – run, ெப�E கய�' – big

rope, நாQ� – twisted, இ�� பன� – dark palmyra, ப�ைணய� – woven, =E க� –

flower-like eyes, ஆய� – friends, ஊAக – push, ஊEகா+ – does not swing, அ�தன+

ெபய�� – cried and moved, அ� சி� ஓதி – beautiful delicate hair, ந�D� – suffering,

weary ெப��� – woman , சி� – delicate or few, வைளA 'மக+ – young girl with

bangles, ஊச� – swing, உ' ெதாழி� – inherent business, =ச� D>டா – without quarrel,

நய� இ� மாAகேளா� ெகழ&இ – mixed with undesirable people, பய� இ�' –

without use, அ�ம – an expletive, இ? ேவ�%ைட அைவேய – this king’s dance hall,

assembly hall

ந�றிைண 95, ேகா>ட�பலவனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ெசா�ன%

கைழ பா� இரEக ப� இய� கறEக

ஆ� மக+ நட�த ெகா�� -, ேநா� கய��'

அதவ0 த&� கன) அ�ன ெச� Iக0

%70 தைல ம�தி வ� பறM PEக

கைழA க� இ�� ெபாைற ஏறி வ�ைச0% எ��%

றA 'மாAக+ தாள� ெகா>�� அA

�றக0த%ேவ � மிைள3 சீJ�

சீJேராேள நா' மய��A ெகா�3சி

ெகா�3சி ைகயக0த%ேவ ப�ற�

வ��0த� ஆகா% ப�ண�0த எ� ெந!ேச.

In the small well-guarded hamlet in the hills

where my girl with fragrant hair lives,

bamboo flutes and instruments create loud music

and kuravar children climb rapidly

on big boulders and clap to that beat,

as a sweet-fig colored soft-headed, red-faced,

strong young female monkey balances and sways

on the tightly twisted high rope,

that belonged to a dancing girl.

She holds my heart, and only she can release it. Translated by Vaidehi

கைழ – KEகி� (-�லாE ழ�), பா� இரEக – இைச ஒலிAக, ப� இய�

கறEக – பல வைக வா0தியEகX� IழEக, ஆ� மக+ நட�த – ஆ��

ெப�ண நட�த, ெகா�� -, ேநா� கய��' – ெப�� I'A �ட

வலிைமயான கய��றி�, அதவ0 த&� கன) அ�ன – அ0திய�� இன)ய

பழ0ைத9ேபா�ற, ெச� Iக0 – சிக9- Iக�, %70 தைல ம�தி – ப!B

(ேபா�ற) தைலைய உைடய ெப� ரEகி�, வ� பறM PEக – வQவான

>� ஆட, கைழA க� – KEகி� அ�கி�, இ�� ெபாைற ஏறி – ெப,ய

பாைறய�� ம2% ஏறி, வ�ைச0% எ��% – ேவகமாக எ��%, ற 'மாAக+ –

மைலய�� வா�பவ�கள)� சி'வ�க+, தாள� ெகா>�� – தாள�

ெகா>�வா�க+, அA �றக0த%ேவ – அ�தA �ற0திேல, � – வளமான,

மிைள சீJ� – காவQைடய சி�J�, சீJேராேள – சி�J,� உ+ளவேள, நா'

மய��A ெகா�3சி – ந' மனI+ள D�தைல@ைடய மைல நா>�9ெப�,

ெகா�3சி – அ�த9ெப�, ைகயக0த%ேவ – ைகயாேல, ப�ற� – ப�றரா�,

வ��0த� ஆகா% – வ��வ�Aக I�யா%, ப�ண�0த எ� ெந!ேச –

ப�ண�Aக9ப>ட% எ� ெந!B

ந�றிைண 97, மாற� வ�தி, I�ைல திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�

ெசா�ன%

அ��% ப� வ��9 -� வ��- வா7 -லரா

எ?வ ெந!ச0% எஃ எறி�தாE

ப�,வ�ல -ல�ப� 6வQ� ய�லிR�

ேத' ந&� ெகழ&இய யா' நன) ெகா�ேத

அதன)R� ெகா�ய+ தாேன மதன)�

%70 தைல இதழ ைபE �Aக0திேயா�

ப�0திைக வ�ர@ மல� ெகா+ள &ேரா என

வ�� SM வ>�ய+ தி,த��

த�டைல உழவ� தன) மட மகேள.

When the cuckoo

sings near me

in plaintiff notes,

the hurt is like a deep,

unhealed wound sore being

thrust with a lance.

Harsher than that is when the

river runs with abundant

clear water.

Much more harsher than that

is the farmer’s special,

delicate daughter who

calls out and sells

in her bee-swarming basket,

fresh kurukkathi flowers

with beautiful soft petals,

mixed with jasmine flowers

raised in the field. Translated by Vaidehi

அ��% ப� வ��9 -� – deep old sore, வ��- வா7 -லரா – scar that’s edges have

not dried up, எ?வ ெந!ச0% – painful heart, எஃ எறி�தாE – like a spear was plunged,

ப�,வ�ல -ல�ப� 6வQ� ய�லிR� – more than the cuckoo bird singing mournfully,

ேத' ந&� ெகழ&இய யா' – river that runs with abundant clear water, நன) ெகா�ேத – is

more harsher, அதன)R� ெகா�ய+ தாேன – the girl who is harsher than that, மதன)�

%70 தைல இதழ – beautiful soft top petals, ைபE �Aக0திேயா� ப�0திைக

வ�ர@ மல� ெகா+ள &ேரா என – mixed fresh kurukkathi and jasmine flowers, will you take,

வ�� SM வ>�ய+ – bee-swarming basket, தி,த�� – going around, த�டைல –

field, உழவ� தன) மட மகேள – the farmer’s special delicate daughter

ந�றிைண 98, பா��ய� உAகிர9 ெப�வ�தி, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ�

ெசா�ன%

எ7� I+ அ�ன பOஉ மய��எ�0தி�

ெச77�� ேமவ� சி' க> ப�றி

ஓE மைல வ�ய� -ன� ப[இய� வ &E ெபாறி

\ைழ 6ைழ:� ெபா�தி� தாழா%

பாEக�9 பAக0%9 ப�லி ப>ெடன

ெம�லெம�ல9 ப�றAேக ெபய��% த�

க� அைள9 ப+ள) வதி:� நாட�

எ�ைத ஓ�-� க� உைட வ�ய� நக�0

%!சாA காவல� இகM பத� ேநாAகி

இரவ�� வOஉ� அதன)R� ெகா�ேத

ைவகQ� ெபா��த� ஒ�லாA

க�ெணா� வாரா எ� நா� இ� ெந!ேச.

O man from the country where

a small-eyed pig with porcupine-quill-like

coarse neck hair

walks toward the wide millet field

in the tall mountain

anxious to graze, unaware of the big trap,

but walks back to his cave to sleep,

when he hears a lizard call from a nearly

toothbrush tree!

You come into my father’s well-guarded big house

when the guards are tired.

Harsher than that is when

my tired eyes are unable to close

during the day, and my soft heart is lost. Translated by Vaidehi

எ7� I+ அ�ன – porcupine hair like, பOஉ மய�� – coarse hair, எ�0தி� – in the

neck, ெச77�� ேமவ� – to eat, சி' க> ப�றி – small-eyed pig, ஓE மைல – tall

mountain, வ�ய� -ன� – wide field, ப[இய� – to catch, வ &E – big, ெபாறி – trap,

\ைழ – small path, 6ைழ:� ெபா�தி� – when entering, தாழா% – without delay,

பாEக�9 – toothbrush tree, பAக0%9 – nearby, ப�லி ப>ெடன – heard lizard calls,

ெம�லெம�ல9 ப�றAேக ெபய��% த� – slowly went back to his, க� அைள9 –

rock cave, ப+ள) – to sleep, வதி:� – lives, நாட� – country man, எ�ைத ஓ�-� – my

father fosters (my) virtue, க� உைட – with protection, வ�ய� நக�0 – big house, %!சாA

காவல� – sleepless guards, இகM பத� ேநாAகி – see when they are tired, இரவ��

வOஉ� – to come at night, அதன)R� ெகா�ேத – harsher than that, ைவகQ� – every

day, ெபா��த� ஒ�லா – unable to close, க�ெணா� – tired eyes, வாரா – doesn’t come

back, எ� நா� இ� ெந!ேச – my soft heart

ந�றிைண 100, பரண�, ம�த� திைண - பர0ைத வ�றலிய�ட� ெசா�ன%

உ+Xெதா'� ந ேவ� ேதாழி வ+உகி�

மா,A ெகாAகி� D� அல அ�ன

�� ந&� ஆ�ப� த� %ைற ஊர�

ேத� கமM ஐ�பா� ப�றி எ� வய��

வா� ேகா� எ� வைள ெவளவ�ய =ச�

சினவ�ய Iக0% சினவா% ெச�' நி�

மைனேயா> உைர9ப� எ�றலி� Iைன ஊ�9

ப� ஆ ெந� நிைர வ��லி� ஒ7:�

ேத� வ� மைலய� I�ைத ேப� இைச9

-ல� -, வய�,ய� நல� -, Iழவ��

ம� ஆ� க�ண�� அதி��

ந�னராள� ந�E அஞ� நிைலேய.

Whenever I think about it,

I laugh my friend.

The man

from the cool port

where waterlilies grow

in ponds deep like bills of

rainy-season storks,

pulled my honey-fragrant,

five-part braid and plucked

my white, bright bangles

from my hand

when we had a quarrel,

and made me angry.

I told him

that I was going to tell his wife

about what happened.

The man who wants it good,

trembled with fear

like the roaring

mud-packed, beautiful

tight drums of the dancers

who came from another land

to dance for king Malaiyamān,

who donates fine chariots

to those who come

to him after winning cattle herds

from the other side of town. Translated by Vaidehi

உ+Xெதா'� – whenever I think about it, ந ேவ� ேதாழி – I laugh my friend, வ+உகி�

– sharp claws, மா,A ெகாAகி� – rainy season stork, D� அல – sharp beak, அ�ன –

like, �� – pond, ந&� – water, ஆ�ப� – white waterlily, த� %ைற – cool port, ஊர�

– man from such town, ேத� கமM – honey fragrant, ஐ�பா� – five-part braid, ப�றி – held,

எ� – my, வய�� – with me, வா� ேகா� – white round, எ� வைள – bright bangles,

ெவளவ�ய – plucked, removed, =ச� – quarrel, சினவ�ய Iக0% – angry face, சினவா%

ெச�' – go without anger, நி� – your, மைனேயா> உைர9ப� – I’ll tell your wife,

எ�றலி� – I said that, Iைன ஊ� – edge of town, ப� ஆ – many cows, ெந� நிைர –

lots of cattle, வ��லி� – battle with arrows, ஒ7:� – win, ேத� வ� மைலய� –

Malaiyaman who gives fine chariots, I�ைத – ancient, ேப� இைச – great fame, -ல� -,

வய�,ய� – dancers who came from another land, நல� -, Iழவ�� – beautiful tight

drum’s, ம� ஆ� க�ண�� – mud packed eyes, அதி�� – sound, ந�னராள� – one

who wants it good, ந�E – tremble, அஞ� நிைலேய – distressed situation

ந�றிைண 102, ெச�ப�யனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� கிள)ய�ட� ெசா�ன% – She wants the bird to tell her lover that she’s alone in the millet field

ெகா�E ர� ைற0த ெச? வா79ைபE கிள)

அ!ச� ஓ�ப� ஆ� பத� ெகா��

நி� ைற I�0த ப��ைற எ� ைற

ெச7த� ேவ��மா� ைக ெதா�% இர9ப�

ப� ேகா> பலவ�� சார� அவ� நா>�

நி� கிைள ம�Eகி� ேசறி ஆய��

அ� மைல கிழேவா� உைரமதி இ� மைலA

கானA றவ� மட மக+

ஏன� காவ� ஆய�ன+ எனேவ.

O beautiful red-mouthed green parrot!

Do not fear me!

Eat as much as you want, and when satisfied,

take care of my desire.

I beg your favor with my clasped hands.

If you go to see your relatives in the nearby

mountains where jackfruit trees have many branches,

see the lord of the mountain

and tell him that the forest dweller’s innocent daughter

is waiting for him in the millet field. Translated by Vaidehi

ெகா�E ர� – curved millet stalks, ைற0த – reduced (by eating), ெச?வா79 ைபE

கிள) – red mouthed green parrot, அ!ச� ஓ�ப� – remove (your) fear, ஆ�பத� ெகா��

– take food, நி� ைற I�0த ப��ைற – once your need is satisfied, எ� ைற – my

need, ெச7த�ேவ��மா� – to take care, ைக ெதா�% இர9ப� – I plead with my

hands, ப� ேகா> பலவ�� – many branched jackfruit tree, சார� – mountain slopes, அவ�

நா>� – his country, நி� கிைள – your relatives, ம�Eகி� – nearby, ேசறி ஆய�� – if

you reach, அ� மைல கிழேவா� – lord of that mountain, உைரமதி – tell him, இ�

மைலA – this mountain, கானA றவ� மட மக+ – forest kuravar’s innocent daughter,

ஏன� காவ� ஆய�ன+ எனேவ – is in the millet field to protect

ந�றிைண 105, Iட0தி�மாற� , பாைல திைண – தைலவ� த� ெந!சிட�

ெசா�ன%

Iள) ெகா� வல�த I+ அைர இலவ0%

ஒள)� சிைன அதிர வ &சி வ�ள)பட

ெவ? வள) வழE � ேவ7 பய�� ம�Eகி�

க� நைட யாைன க�ெறா� வ��த

ெந� ந&� அ�ற நிழ� இ� ஆEக�

அ�! BரA கவைலய எ�னா7 ெந�! ேச�

ப>டைன வாழிய ெந!ேச >�வ�

ட வைர3 Bைனய மா இதMA வைள

வ�� ப� வா� ேபா% கம��

அ� சி� ஓதி அ�� பட� உறேவ.

Greetings to you, my heart!

The hot wind is blowing and

silk-cotton trees with thorns in their trunks

and dry vine twined around them,

are trembling as their branches break;

an elephant walking with her calf is distressed

with no water or shade in sight;

you are trying to cross this difficult path.

Your bond with the girl with eyes like

the blue waterlilies of Cheran’s mountain springs,

and delicate hair

filled with the fragrance of white buds

swarmed by bees, is precious. Translated by Vaidehi

Iள) ெகா� – dried creepers, வல�த – surrounded, I+ – thorny, அைர – trunk,

இலவ0% – silk-cotton tree’s, ஒள)� சிைன – branch, அதிர – tremble, வ &சி – blow, வ�ள)

– sounds, பட – break, ெவ? வள) – hot wind, வழE � – happen, ேவ7 பய�� –

bamboo filled, ம�Eகி� – area, க� நைட யாைன – fast walking elephant, க�ெறா�

வ��த – sad with calf, ெந� ந&� அ�ற நிழ� இ� – no water or shade for a long distance,

ஆEக� – there, அ�! BரA – difficult dry path, கவைலய – cuved paths, எ�னா7 –

you do not think, ெந�! ேச� – far away, ப>டைன – வாழிய ெந!ேச – may you live

long my heart, >�வ� – Cheran king, ட வைர – western mountains, Bைனய – springs,

மா இதMA வைள – dark leaf purple water-lilies, வ�� ப� – bees swarming, வா�

ேபா% கம�� – white bud fragrance, அ� சி� ஓதி – beautiful delicate hair, அ�� பட�

உறேவ. – precious increasing bond

ந�றிைண 110, ேபாதனா�, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�ய�� தா7 ெசா�ன%

ப�ரச� கல�த ெவ� Bைவ0 த&�பா�

வ�, கதி�9 ெபா�கல0% ஒ� ைக ஏ�தி

-ைட9ப�� B�'� =� தைல3 சி' ேகா�

உ� எ�' ஓA - ப�ைழ9ப ெத� ந&�

I0% அ,9 ெபா�சில�- ஒலி9ப0 த0%�'

அ, நைரA D�த� ெச� I% ெசவ�லிய�

ப, ெமலி�% ஒழிய ப�த� ஓ�

ஏவ� ம'A � சி' வ�ைளயா>�

அறி@� ஒ�AகI� யா�� உண��தன+ெகா�

ெகா�ட ெகா� ந� � வற� உ�ெறன

ெகா�0த த�ைத ெகா�! ேசா' உ+ளா+

ஒ� ந&� 6ணE அற� ேபால

ெபா�% ம'0% உ�T� சி' ம%ைகயேள.

Her slightly grey-haired, wise foster mothers

used to carry glowing gold bowls

with sweet milk mixed with honey and follow her.

They ran behind her to the pavilion,

with their soft-headed small sticks

and forced her to eat.

My playful daughter’s golden anklets

filled with pearls from clear waters,

jingled as she jumped and ran away,

refusing the food they brought.

Her husband’s family has grown poor now.

She doesn’t think about the rich rice her father used to give,

softer than the delicate sand under running water.

She eats what she can,

that little girl with such great strength. Translated by Vaidehi

ப�ரச� கல�த – ேத� கல�த, ெவ� Bைவ0 த&�பா� – ெவ�ண�ற

Bைவயான இன)ய பா�, வ�, கதி�9 – ெப,ய பட��த, ெபா�கல0% ஒ� ைக

ஏ�தி – ஒ� ைகயா� ெபா�கல0ைத ஏ�தி, -ைட9ப�� B�'� – இட0தி�

B�'�, =� தைல – ெம�ைமயான தைல, சி' ேகா� – சி�ன க�-, உ�

எ�' ஓA - – சா9ப�� எ�' அத>�, ப�ைழ9ப , ெத� ந&� – ெதள)�த ந&�,

I0% அ,9 ெபா�சில�- – I0% நிர�ப�ய சலEைக, ஒலி9ப – ஒலிAக,

த0%�' – தி0%, அ, நைரA D�த� – சிறி% நைர0த D�த�, ெச� I%

ெசவ�லிய� – வயதான ெசவ�லி0 தா7மா�, ப, ெமலி�% ஒழிய – ப��னா�

ஓட இயலா%, ப�த� ஓ� – ப�த� அ�ேய ஓ�, ஏவ� ம'A � சி'

வ�ைளயா>� – ேவ��யைத ம'0% சி'9 ப�+ைள0தனமாக வ�ைளயா�,

அறி@� ஒ�AகI� யா�� உண��தன+ெகா� – எ9ப� அறி@�

ஒ�AகI� வ�தன, ெகா�ட ெகா�ந� � வற� உ�ெறன – ெகா�ட

கணவன)� ��ப� ஏMைம உ�றதா, ெகா�0த த�ைத ெகா�! ேசா'

உ+ளா+ – த�ைத ெகா�0த அR9ப�ய ேசா�ைற உ�ண மா>டா+, ஒ�

ந&� 6ணE அற� ேபால – அைச�% ஓ�� ந&� அ�ய�� உ+ள 6�ண�ய

மண� ேபால, ெபா�% ம'0% உ�T� சி' ம%ைகயேள – ம'0% அவ�

வ &>�� உ+ளைத உ�T� %ண�@ைடயவ+

ந�றிைண 111, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி

தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன% – The word ‘maral’ has two meanings - ’hemp plant’ and ‘tree’. It

means tree here. I have used S. V. Subramanian’s urai for this translation. In other songs, it means

hemp. The hemp fibers are used by the mountain people to make clothing.

அ0த இ�9ைப9 =வ�� அ�ன

%70 தைல இறெவா� ெதாைக ம2� ெபற&இய�

வ, வைல9 பரதவ� க� வ�ைன3 சிறாஅ�

மர� ேம�ெகா�� மா� கண� தைகமா�

ெவ� திற� இைளயவ� ேவ>� எ��தாE

திமி� ேம�ெகா�� திைர3 Bர� ந&�தி

வா+ வா73 Bறெவா� வய ம2� ெக��

நிண� ெப7 ேதாண�ய� இ மண� இழி த��

ெப�E கழி9 பாAக� க�ெலன

வ�ேம ேதாழி ெகா�க� ேதேர.

Brave fishermen kids

take their tightly woven nets

to catch many kinds of fish,

and prawns with heads as soft

as wasteland iruppai flowers.

They are like the strong youngsters who

climb on trees and raise their voices

to chase deer herds.

They climb on their boats

and brave the salty waves,

come back with a bountiful catch of fish

and sword-mouthed sharks,

and cut and place the flesh

on the spread sand.

Your lover will come in his chariot

with a loud noise from that seaside town. Translated by Vaidehi

அ0த – பாைல நில�, இ�9ைப9 =வ�� அ�ன – இ�9ைப9 =ைவ9 ேபா�',

%70 தைல – ெம�ைமயான தைல (உைடய), இறெவா� – இறா� ம2ெனா�,

ெதாைக ம2� ெபற&இய� – ப�ற ம2�கைள:� ப��9பத�காக, வ, வைல –

க>�ய வைல, பரதவ� க�வ�ைன3 சிறாஅ� – வலிைம:ைடய பரதவ3

சி'வ�க+, மர� ேம�ெகா�� – மர� ேம� ஏறி (maral has two meanings – jute

plant and tree), மா� கண� தைகமா� – மா� இன0ைத த�Aக, ெவ� திற�

இைளயவ� – வலிைம@ைடய சி'வ�க+, ேவ>� எ��தாE – ஒலிைய

எ�9ப�னா�ேபா�, திமி� ேம�ெகா�� – படகி� ஏறி, திைர3 Bர� ந&�தி –

உ9- ந&� அைலேம� ெச�', வா+ வா73 Bறெவா� – வாைள9ேபா�ற

வாையA ெகா�ட Bறாேவா�, வய ம2� ெக�� – நிைறய ம2ைன அ'0%,

நிண� – ஊ� (flesh), ெப7 ேதாண�ய� – ேதாண�ய�லி��% ெகா�� வ�%, இ

மண� இழித�� – பரவ�ய மணலி� பர9ப�, ெப�E கழி9 பாAக� – ெப,ய

உவ,9பாAக�, க�ெலன வ�ேம – ‘க�’ எ�ற ஒலிேயா� வ�ேம ேதாழி –

ேதாழி, ெகா�க� ேதேர – கட�கைர ஊரRைடய ேதேர

ந�றிைண, 118, பாைல பா�ய ெப�Eக�Eேகா, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�

ேதாழிய�ட� ெசா�ன%

அைடகைர மாஅ0% அலE சிைன ஒலிய0

தள)� கவ�� எ7திய த� ந'� ெபா%�ப��

ேசவெலா� ெகழ&இய ெசEக� இ�E ய��

-க�' எதி� ஆQ� = மலி காைல:�

அக�ேறா� ம�ற ந� மற�திசிேனா� என

இண� உ'- உைடவத�தைல:� -ண� வ�ைன

ஓவ மாAக+ ஒ+ அரA ஊ>�ய

%கிலிைக அ�ன %70 தைல9 பாதி,

வா� இதM அல, வ�� பட ஏ�தி

-% மல� ெத�@ெதா' 6வQ�

ெநா%மலா>�A ேநா� எ� ெந!ேச.

A red-eyed, black female cuckoo

unites with her male

and sings lovingly with him

on the fresh, sprout-covered

dense branches of a mango tree

in the cool, fragrant grove

on the sandy shores.

He left us when the flowers

were in full bloom,

and I am very sad that he forgot us.

Also, my heart aches

when I see the new flower vendor

as she calls out and sells

on all the streets,

fresh, white petaled pāthiri flowers,

swarmed by bees,

their soft tops looking like the

paint-filled brushes of skilled painters. Translated by Vaidehi

Meanings: அைடகைர – on the sand-filled shore, மாஅ0% அலE சிைன – mango tree’s

close branches, ஒலிய தள)� – thriving sprouts, கவ�� எ7திய – attained beauty, த�

ந'� ெபா%�ப�� – in the cool fragrant groves, ேசவெலா� ெகழ&இய – united/close with

its male, ெசE க� இ�E ய�� – red-eyed black kuyil, lark, -க�' எதி� ஆQ� –

sings back with desire, = மலி காைல:� அக�ேறா� – the one who left when flowers were

in full bloom, ம�ற – for sure or an expletive, ந� மற�திசிேனா� என – that he forgot us,

இண� – close, உ'- – lot or pālai tune, உைடவத� தைல:� – on top of feeling very sad ,

-ண� வ�ைன ஓவ மாAக+ – painters with trade skill, ஒ+ அரA – red paint, ஊ>�ய

%கிலிைக அ�ன – filled brush like, %70 தைல9 பாதி, – soft topped pāthiri flowers,

வா� இதM அல, – white petaled flowers, வ�� பட ஏ�தி – carrying (flowes) that bees

swarm, -% மல� ெத�@ெதா' 6வQ� ெநா%மலா>�A – the new lady who calls

out and sells new flowers in all the streets, ேநா� எ� ெந!ேச – my heart aches

ந�றிைண 119, ெப�E �J�கிழா�, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன% -as

the hero listens surreptitiously

திைன உ� ேகழ� இ,ய -னவ�

சி' ெபாறி மா>�ய ெப�E க� அடாஅ�

ஒ� ேகM வய9 -லி ப]உ� நாட�

ஆ� தர வ�தன� ஆய�R� பட9ைப

இ� IB9 ெப�E கைல ந� ேமய� ஆ��

ப� மல�A கா� யா�' உ�ப� க�E கைல

க��- ஆ>� வ�ைடேயா� தாவன உகX�

ெப� வைர ந&ழ� வ� வ� ளவ� அ�

Dதள� தைத�த க�ண�ய� யாவ%�

IயEக� ெப' வ� அ�ல�

-லவ� ெகாள &இய� த� மைலய�R� ெப,ேத.

Even if the man from the mountain

where a mountain dweller places a big rock

trap with a small device

to catch a boar that comes to eat his millet,

only to find a bright colored, strong tiger

get trapped,

has come back with love wearing a garland

woven with jasmine and koothalam flowers,

he will not get her embraces,

since her sulking is larger than his mountain

where sweet-faced monkeys graze on fine food

in the groves near the stream with many flowers,

black deer herds leap and romp around with

mountain goats in the vast mountain shade. Translated by Vaidehi

திைன உ� ேகழ� – pig that eat millet, இ,ய – wander, -னவ� சி' ெபாறி

மா>�ய – small trap device that the mountain dweller places, ெப�E க� – big rock, boulder,

அடாஅ� – trap, ஒ� ேகM வய9 -லி ப]உ� – bright colored strong tiger gets trapped,

நாட� – man from such country, ஆ� தர வ�தன� ஆய�R� – even if he came to give his

love, பட9ைப – grove, இ� IB9 ெப�E கைல ந� ேமய� ஆ�� – sweet faced

big male monkey grazes well and get full, ப� மல�A கா� யா�' – forest stream and many

flowers, உ�ப� – above, க�E கைல க��- ஆ>� – black deer herds, வ�ைடேயா�

தாவன உகX� – with mountain goats they romp around, ெப� வைர ந&ழ� – in the huge

mountain shade, வ� வ� – when he comes, ளவ� அ� Dதள� – wild jasmine and

koothalam woven together, தைத�த க�ண�ய� – wearing esteemed man, யாவ%�

IயEக� ெப' வ� அ�ல� – he will not get all that embraces, -லவ� ெகாள &இய�

த� மைலய�R� ெப,ேத – the sulking he has to deal is larger than his mountain

ந�றிைண 124, ேமாசி க�ண0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன% –

the friend is being the voice of the heroine in this poem. She is repeating what the heroine told her,

when the hero listens surreptitiously, to encourage him to come and marry her friend.

ஒ�' இ� காைல அ�றி� ேபால9

-ல�- ெகா�� உைற:� -�க� வாMAைக

யாR� ஆ�ேற� அ%தாR� வ�த�'

ந&Eக� வாழிய� ஐய ஈEைக

Iைக வ & அதிர� ேமா>� மண� எAக�

ந?வ� ேநா� ள�- அ��ெதன ெவ+ள)

உ�A ' ெகா+கல� க�9ப வ��9-ற0

ெத� ந&�A மிழி இழித��

த�ண &� தைதஇ நி�ற ெபா�ேத.

In the early morning hours

the black ibis cries sadly when

it is separated from its beloved.

I am living alone unable to bear

this misery.

Sir, greetings to you! If you don’t come

my desire is to die.

The eengai buds and jasmine flowers

are scattered on big sand dunes

where deers’ strong hooves press down

and create puddles of water.

The time has come for water bubbles to flow

from these pits, looking like melted silver

that is poured to make bowls. Translated by Vaidehi

ஒ�' இ� காைல – the morning when it was separated, அ�றி� ேபால – like the andril

bird, -ல�- ெகா�� உைற:� – living alone, -�க� வாMAைக – miserable life,

யாR� ஆ�ேற� – I am unable to bear, அ%தாR� வ�த�' – if he doesn’t come,

ந&Eக� வாழிய� – desire to die, ஐய – sir, ஈEைக – eengai shrub, Iைக – buds, வ & –

flowers (of the), அதிர� – wild jasmine, ேமா>� மண� எAக� – big sand mound, ந?வ� –

deer’s, ேநா� ள�- – strong hoofs, அ��ெதன – pressed down, ெவ+ள) – silver,

உ�A ' – melted, ெகா+கல� – bowl, க�9ப – like, வ��9-ற – with desire, ெத�

ந&�A மிழி – clear water bubble, இழித�� – flow down, த�ண &� தைதஇ – water filled,

நி�ற ெபா�ேத – when it stops

ந�றிைண 136, ந�றE ெகா�றனா�, றி!சி திைண – தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�

ெசா�ன%

தி��% ேகா� எ� வைள ேவ�� யா� அழ@�

அ�� ப�ண� உ'ந�A ேவ>ட% ெகாடாஅ%

ம��% ஆ7�% ெகா�0த அறேவா� ேபால

எ� அ7 வாழிய பலேவ ப�ன)ய

மைல ெக� நாடெனா� ந�மிைட3 சிறிய

தைல9ப�,@ உ�ைம அறிவா� ேபால

ந&9ப ந&Eகா% வ,� வைர அைம�%

ேதா+ பழி மைறA � உதவ�9

ேபாA இ� ெபால� ெதா� ெசற&இேயாேன

I cried that I wanted skillfully

made armlets, and my father

who was like a good physician

who gives the right medicine,

gave them to me.

May he live long!

He gave me faultless gold armlets

that didn’t slip off, fitting

tightly on my shoulders,

as if he knew that I was separated

from my mountain country lover

who has been praised by many. Translated by Vaidehi

தி��% ேகா� – skillfully made ,எ� வைள – bright bangles, ேவ�� யா� அழ@� –

cried that I wanted, அ�� ப�ண� – incurable disease, உ'ந�A – affted one, ேவ>ட% –

desired, ெகாடாஅ% – not refusing that, ம��% ஆ7�% ெகா�0த அறேவா� ேபால

– like a good physician who checks and gives the right medicine, எ� அ7 – my father, வாழிய –

long live,பலேவ ப�ன)ய – many praise, மைல ெக� நாடெனா� – with the mountain

country man, ந�மிைட – between us, சிறிய – small, தைல9ப�,@ உ�ைம – separation

truth,அறிவா� ேபால – like he understood, ந&9ப – armlet, ந&Eகா% வ,� வைர

அைம�% – one that doesn’t slip, tight, ேதா+ – shoulder, பழி மைறA � – without blame,

உதவ� – helped, ேபாA இ� – faultless, perfect ,ெபால� ெதா� – gold armlets,

ெசற&இேயாேன – he gave it to me

ந�றிைண 147, ெகா+ள�பAகனா�, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�

ெசா�ன%

யாE ஆ வேமா அண� 6த� 'மக+

ேத� ப� சார� சி' திைன9 ெப�E ர�

ெச? வா79 ைபE கிள) கவர ந& ம�'

எ? வா73 ெச�றைன அவ� எனA Dறி

அ�ைன ஆனா+ கழற I� நி�'

அ�வ� ஆ�A � ெப� வைர நாடைன

அறியQ� அறிேய� கா�டQ� இலேன

ெவதி� -ைன த>ைடேய� மல� =A ெகா7%

Bைன பா7�% ஆ��'� இல� என நிைனவ�ைல

ெபா7ய� அ�ேதா வா70தைன அ% ேக>�

தைல இைற!சினேள அ�ைன

ெசல@ ஒழி�தைனயா� அள)ைய ந& -ன0ேத.

Your mother asked you angrily,

“my young daughter with a beautiful

forehead, when you went to the millet field

to chase red-mouthed, green parrots

from eating the tiny millets in the big spears,

where else happened?”, and you lied

without thinking,

“I with my bamboo-made rattle in my hand,

do not know the lord of the big mountains

with roaring waterfalls, I haven’t seen him,

or plucked flowers and played with him

in the springs”.

On hearing that, your mother bent her head in anger.

You destroyed your chances of going

to the millet field. You are pitiable. Translated by Vaidehi

யாE ஆ வேமா – what happened, அண� 6த� 'மக+ – beautiful forehead girl,

ேத� ப� சார� – honeycomb filled mountain slopes, சி' திைன – tiny millet, ெப�E

ர� – big spear, ெச? வா79 ைபE கிள) – red-mouthed green parrots, கவர – to take it,

ந& – you, ம�' – and, எ? வா73 ெச�றைன அவ� – where did you go from there?,

எனA Dறி – thus she asked, அ�ைன – mother, ஆனா+ கழற – asked angrily, I�

நி�' – standing before you, அ�வ� ஆ�A � – waterfall roaring, ெப� வைர – big

mountain, நாடைன – man from such country, அறியQ� அறிேய� – I don’t know,

கா�டQ� இலேன – I haven’t seen, ெவதி� -ைன – bamboo made, த>ைடேய� – I

was holding the rattle, மல� =A ெகா7% – pluck flowers, Bைன பா7�% ஆ��'�

இல� என – didn’t jump and play in the spring, நிைனவ�ைல – without thinking, ெபா7ய�

அ�ேதா – it is a lie, வா70தைன – you uttered, அ% ேக>� – on hearing that, தைல –

head, இைற!சினேள – bent and angry, அ�ைன – mother,

ெசல@ – going, ஒழி�தைனயா� – since it is destroyed, அள)ைய – pitiable, ந& – you,

-ன0ேத – to the millet field

ந�றிைண 149, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி ெசா�ன% – the friend is

being the voice of the heroine in this poem. She utters this from where the hero can hear her, so that

he can come and marry the heroine.

சில�� பல�� கைடAக� ேநாAகி

KAகி� உ3சி3 B>� வ�ர� ேச�0தி

ம'கி� ெப��� அ�ப� P�ற

சி' ேகா� வல�தன+ அ�ைன அைல9ப

அல�தென� வாழி ேதாழி கான�

-% மல� த&��ய = நா' Oஉ3 Bவ�

க� மா� ப,ய கதM ப, கைடஇ

ந� நா+ வOஉ� இய� ேத�A ெகா�கெனா�

ெசல@ அய��திசினா� யாேன

அல� Bம�% ஒழிக இ? அ�Eக� ஊேர.

Greetings to you my friend!

Peering through the side of their eyes,

women in small and big groups look at me

raise their fingers on their noses

and spread gossip about me on our streets.

Hearing that, mother hit me with a swirling, small stick.

When my seashore lord comes at midnight

with his fast trotting colorful-maned strong horses

tied to his chariot

riding through the groves treading on fragant flowers,

I desire to leave with him.

Let this slanderous town get lost. Translated by Vaidehi

சில�� – few, பல�� – many, கைடAக� – side of their eyes, ேநாAகி – looking,

KAகி� உ3சி3 B>� வ�ர� ேச�0தி – put their pointing fingers on their noses, ம'கி�

– in the street, ெப��� – women, அ�ப� – gossip, P�ற – spread, சி' ேகா� – small

stick, வல�தன+ – she hit, அ�ைன – mother, அைல9ப – swirled,

அல�தென� – hit with it, வாழி ேதாழி – greetings my friend, கான� – seashore grove, -%

மல� – new flowers, த&��ய – touched, = நா' – flower fragrance , Oஉ3 – colorful,

Bவ� – manes, க� மா� – strong horses, ப,ய – trotting, கதM – fast, ப, – fast trotting,

horse (2 meanings), கைடஇ – riding, ந� நா+ – midnight, வOஉ� – will come, இய�

ேத�A – by the moving chariot, ெகா�கெனா� – with the lord of the seashore, ெசல@ –

leaving, அய��திசினா� யாேன – I desired, அல� – gossip, slander, Bம�% ஒழிக ,இ?

அ�Eக� ஊேர – this slanderous town

ந�றிைண 150, க�வ� இளம+ளனா�, ம�த� திைண - பர0ைத ெசா�ன% – Bards sometimes helped the hero get a concubine. They were messengers between the concubine

and the hero. They were also messengers between the hero and the heroine during his infidelity.

நைக ந� உைடய� பாண 6� ெப�மக�

மிைள வலி சிைதயA கள)' பல பர9ப�

அர� பல கட�த Iர� ெகா+ தாைன

வ�தி வாழிய பல என0 ெதா�% ஈ��

ம� எய�� உைடேயா� ேபால அஃ% யா�

எ�ன%� ப,யேலா இல� என0 த� நைடA

கலி மா கைடஇ வ�% எ� ேச,0

தா�� க�ண�:� கா>� ஒ�ைமய

ெந!ச� ெகா�டைம வ��ேமா அ!ச

க�Tைட3 சி' ேகா� ப�றிA

கத� ெப,% உைடய+ யா7 அ�Eகேலா இலேள.

Bard, your lord is a big joke!

Pandiyan king Vazhuthi

with his elephant forces and armies

destroyed many strong forts.

The small-region kings who

praised him saved their forts

from his victorious armies.

“I don’t feel sorry for them” he said

as he rode his proud trotting horse

into our settlement,

gave me garlands and flower strands

and took my heart.

Will that blame go away?

You’ll fear my angry mother who’s holding

a small bamboo stick with no compassion. Translated by Vaidehi

நைக ந� உைடய� - he’s a joke, பாண – bard, 6� ெப�மக� – your lord,

மிைள – fort, வலி – strong, சிைதய - ruined, கள)' பல பர9ப� – spread few

elephants,

அர� பல கட�த – victorious over many forts, Iர� ெகா+ தாைன – victorious army,

வ�தி – Pandiyan Vazhuthi, வாழிய பல என0 ெதா�% – praising that he’ll live long,

ஈ�� – here, ம� எய�� உைடேயா� ேபால – like those who still have their forts, அஃ%

யா� – for that, எ�ன%� ப,யேலா இல� – we don’t feel sad, என – thus, த� நைட

– cool trotting, கலி மா – proud horse, கைடஇ வ�% எ� ேச, – rode on it and came to our

settlement, தா�� க�ண�:� கா>� – showed me garland and flower strands, ஒ�ைமய

– independent, ெந!ச� ெகா�டைம – took my heart, வ��ேமா – will it leave, அ!ச –

(for you) to fear, க�Tைட3 சி' ேகா� ப�றி – holding small stick with nodes (bamboo),

கத� ெப,% – great anger, உைடய+ – she has, யா7 – mother, அ�Eகேலா இலேள – has no compassion, has no sadness

ந�றிைண 152, ஆல�ேப, சா0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ�

ெசா�ன%

மடேல காம� த�த% அலேர

மிைட = எ�Aகி� அல� த�த�ேற

இலE கதி� ம�Eகி எ� வ�B�- படர

-ல�- த�த�ேற -க�' ெச7 ம��ல�

எ�லா� த�தத�தைல:� ைபெயன

வட�ைத %வைல Pவ ட�ைப9

ெபைட -ண� அ�றி� உயE ர� அைளஇ

கE Q� ைகயற@ த�த�'

யாE ஆ ெவ�ெகா� அள)ெய� யாேன.

Love for her gave me this palm horse,

and scandal gave me

the densely petaled erukkam flowers.

The sun’s rays have become dull

and darkness has spread in the skies.

All these declare sorrow in this world.

The northern winds spray cold mist

and the male black ibis cries loudly

for his mate.

Night has given me helplessness.

What’s going to happen now? I’m pitiable. Translated by Vaidehi

மடேல காம� த�த% – love gave me this palm horse, அலேர – scandal, மிைட =

எ�Aகி� அல� த�த�ேற - gave densely formed erukkam flower blossoms, இலE

கதி� ம�Eகி – the splendid sun’s rays has got dull, எ� வ�B�- படர – darkness spread in

the sky, -ல�- த�த�ேற – gave sorrow, -க�' ெச7 ம��ல� – the world annouces

(to me), எ�லா� த�தத�தைல:� – all these have given, ைபெயன – slowly, வட�ைத

%வைல Pவ -northern winds spray old rain drops, ட�ைப9 – in the nest, ெபைட

-ண� அ�றி� – the andril bird (black ibis – Pseudibis papillosa)without his female, உயE

ர� அைளஇ – cries out in loud screeches, கE Q� ைகயற@ த�த�' – night gave

me helplessness, யாE ஆ ெவ�ெகா� – what is going to happen now, அள)ெய�

யாேன – I’m pitiable

ந�றிைண 162, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, பாைல திைண – தைலவ�

தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன% – The hero says this to the heroine who wants to go with him on his

trip

மைன உைற -றவ�� ெசE கா� ேபைடA

காம� %ைணய� ேசவ� ேசர

-ல�ப��' எ�த� -�க� மாைல0

தன)ேய இ�0த� ஆ�ேற� எ�' நி�

பன) வா� உ�க� ைபதல கQழ

6�ெமா� வ�வ� எ�றி எ�ெமா�

ெப�� ெபய�0 த�ைத ந&� -கM ெந� நக�

யா7 அ� நன) மிக மடைவ Iனாஅ%

ேவன)� இ�றி0 ேதாயா ெந� வ &M

வழி நா� ஊசலி� ேகாைட PA ெதா'�

%!B ப�� வ��� அ0த�

வ�ைல ஆ த� ஒ�Qேமா நினAேக.

“I will come with you”, you say

when you see the male pigeon

that lives in your house

join his red-legged mate with love

in the painful evenings

when you are alone.

Unable to bear the pain,

your kohl-decorated wet

eyes shed tears.

You have never been separated

from your mother and famous father

who live in a mansion.

Innocent young lady!

Does it suit you to go with me

through difficult paths in summer,

when aerial roots of white fig trees

sway in the breezes

and gently touch

the female elephants sleeping under them. Translated by Vaidehi

மைன உைற -றவ�� – pigeon that resides in the house, ெசE கா� ேபைட – red-legged

female, காம� %ைணய� ேசவ� ேசர – to joins his mate with love, -ல�ப��'

எ�த� -� க� மாைல – lonely, painful evening, தன)ேய இ�0த� – to be alone,

ஆ�ேற� – unable to hear, எ�' – thus, நி� – your, பன) வா� – wet, உ� க� – eyes

with kohl, ைபதல கQழ – crying with sorrow, 6�ெமா� வ�வ� எ�றி – “I will come

with you”, you said, எ�ெமா� – with me, ெப�� ெபய�0 த�ைத – very famous father,

ந&� -கM ெந� நக� – great big mansion, யா7 – mother, அ� – separated, நன) மிக

மடைவ – very innocent young lady, Iனாஅ% - without hatred, ேவன)� – summer,

இ�றி – white fig tree, ேதாயா – without touching (the earth), ெந� வ &M – straight hanging,

வழி நா� – hanging roots, ஊசலி� – swing, sway, ேகாைட – when wind blows,

PA ெதா'� – whenever it blows, %!B – sleeping, ப�� – female elephant, வ��� –

will blow on it, அ0த� – path, வ�ைல ஆ த� – to go fast, ஒ�Qேமா நினAேக –

does this fit you

ந�றிைண 169, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, I�ைல திைண –

தைலவ� ெசா�ன% (lizard calls - good omen)

I�ன)ய% I�0தன� ஆய�� ந�Rத�

வ�வ� எ�R� ப�வர� த&ர

ப��ெகா� வாழி ெந�! Bவ�9 ப�லி

பர� தைல ேபாகிய சிர� தைலA க+ள)

ம2மிைசA கலி0த வ & ந' I�ைல

ஆ� தைல0 %�வ�� ேதா� தைல9ெபய�A �

வ� ைக இைடய� எ�லி9 பWஇ

ெவ� ேபாM ைதஇய அலEக�அ� ெதாடைல

ம' ட� கம�� மாைல

சி' �9 பாAக0% எ� ெப� நகராேன.

I will finish my work that I came to do

and return home soon,

and her sorrow will be removed.

Long live the lizard on our tall walls

which announces the good news to her.

The wasteland here is filled

with pebbles and cactus

that are covered with

fragrant jasmines that

appear like kingfisher birds.

A smart goat herder plucks

white palm fronds at night

and weaves a garland,

and when he walks

on our settlement streets

the evenings are filled

with fragrance. Translated by Vaidehi

I�ன)ய% I�0தன� ஆய�� – when I finish what I came to do, ந�Rத� – good,

வ�வ� எ�R� – that I will return, ப�வர� த&ர – remove (her) sorrow, ப�� ெகா� –

will go away, வாழி – long live, ெந�! Bவ�9 ப�லி – lizard on tall walls, பர� தைல

ேபாகிய – pebbles filled area, wasteland, சிர� – kingfisher, தைலA க+ள) – cactus, ம2மிைச

– above, கலி0த – flourishing, வ & – flowers, ந' I�ைல – fragrant jasmine, ஆ� தைல0

%�வ�� – shaking head goats, ேதா� – herd, தைல9ெபய�A � – moving them (grazing),

வ� ைக – smart hands, இைடய� – cattle herder, எ�லி – at night, பWஇ – plucks,

ெவ� ேபாM – white palm fronds, ைதஇய – created, அலEக� – garland, அ� –

beautiful, ெதாடைல – garland, ம' ட� – in the streets, கம�� மாைல – fragrant

evenings, சி' �9 பாAக0% – small town settlement in the seashore, எ� ெப�

நகராேன – our big house

ந�றிைண 172, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ�

ெசா�ன%

வ�ைளயா� ஆயெமா� ெவ� மண� அ�0தி

மற�தன� %ற�த காM Iைள அைகய

ெந7 ெப7 த&� பா� ெப7% இன)% வள�9ப

6�மிR� சிற�த% 6?ைவ ஆ � எ�'

அ�ைன Dறின+ -�ைனய% நலேன

அ�ம நாT%� 6�ெமா� நைகேய

வ���தி� பாண� வ�ள� இைச க�9ப

வல�-, வா� ேகா� நரQ� இலE ந&�0

%ைற ெக� ெகா�க ந& ந�கி�

இைறப� ந&ழ� ப�ற@மா� உளேவ.

when I was playing with my friends

on the seashore,

we pressed a mature punnai seed

on the white sand

and forgot all about it.

That seedling thrived.

Mother fed it with ghee and milk

and raised it with love.

“It is your sister,

and she’s better than you”, she said.

I’m shy to laugh and play with you under this tree.

Lord of the thriving seaport with vibrant waves

where white conch shells sound

like the vilari tune of bards!

If you desire,

we can seek another shade tree. Translated by Vaidehi

வ�ைளயா� ஆயெமா� – வ�ைளயா>� ேதாழிகXட�, ெவ� மண�

அ�0தி – ெவ� மணலி� அ�0தி, மற�தன� – மற�% வ�>ேடா�, %ற�த

காM Iைள – (நாEக+) %ற�த Iைள:ைடய வ�ைத, அைகய – ெசழிAக,

ெந7 ெப7 த&� பா� ெப7% இன)% வள�9ப – ெந7:� இன)ய பாQ� ஊ0தி

இன)தாக வள�0%, 6�மிR� சிற�த% 6?ைவ ஆ � எ�' – உ�ைன

வ�ட3 சிற�த%, இ% உ� தEைக எ�', அ�ைன Dறின+ – -�ைனய%

நலேன – -�ைன மர0தி� சிற9- ஆ �, அ�ம நாT%� 6�ெமா�

நைகேய – உ�ேனா� சி,0%9 ேபச நாணமாக உ+ள%, வ���தி� –

வ���தி�, பாண� வ�ள� இைச க�9ப – பாண,� வ�ள,9ப� ேபா�,

வல�-, வா� – ெவ+ைள வல�-,, ேகா� நரQ� – சE ஒலிA �,

இலE ந&�0 – இலE �கட�, %ைறெக� – ெசழி9பான %ைற:ைடய,

ெகா�க – கட�கைர தைலவா, ந& ந�கி� – ந& வ���ப�னா�, இைறப� ந&ழ� -

உய��த (மர) நிழ�, ப�ற@மா� உளேவ – ேவ' உ+ளனேவ

ந�றிைண 175, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� திைண - ேதாழி

தைலவ� ேக> �ப� தைலவ�ைய9ேபா� ேபசிய% – This is common in Sangam

poems where the friend is the voice of the heroine – she’s urging the hero to come and marry her

friend, and implies that she might be locked up at home by her mother

ெந�E கட� அைல0த ெகா�� திமி� பரதவ�

ெகா� ம2� ெகா+ைள அழி மண� ைவஇ

ம2� ெந7 அ>�A கிள)!சி� ெபா0திய

சி' த& வ�ளAகி� %!B� ந' மல�9

-�ைன ஓEகிய %ைறவெனா� அ�ைன

தா� அறி�த�ேறா இலேள பானா+

ேச,அ� ெப��� சி' ெசா� ந�ப�

B�வா� ேபால ேநாA �

அ� பா� அ�ன எ� பசைல ெம7ேய.

Fishermen catch fish in the wide ocean

and heap them on the shore with shifting sands.

At night they light small clay lamps

with fish oil and go to sleep.

Mother does not know about my affair

with the lord of the seashore.

She heard the village women talk ill of me,

and looked at my pallor-spreading

hot-milk-like body in the middle of the night

like she was scorching me. Translated by Vaidehi

ெந�E கட� – big ocean, அைல0த – caught, ெகா�� – curved, திமி� – boat, பரதவ�

– fishermen, ெகா� ம2� – fat fish, ெகா+ைள – (to) sell, அழி மண� – moving sands,

ைவஇ – put them in a heap, ம2� ெந7 – fish oil, அ>� – pour, கிள)!சி� – small mud

lamps, ெபா0திய – lit, சி' த& – small flame, வ�ளAகி� – light, %!B� – they sleep,

ந' மல� – fragrant flower, -�ைன – punnai tree, laurel tree, mastwood tree, ஓEகிய –

flourishing, %ைறவெனா� – lord from such port, அ�ைன – mother, தா� அறி�த�ேறா

இலேள – she does not know, பானா+ – midnight, ேச, – setllement, அ� ெப��� –

pretty women, சி' ெசா� – slanderous words, ந�ப� – believing, B�வா� ேபால

ேநாA � – looked at me like she’d burn me, அ� பா� அ�ன – like hot milk, எ� பசைல

ெம7ேய – pallor on my body

ந�றிைண 176, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, றி!சி திைண – பர0ைத

வ�றலிய�ட� ெசா�ன%

எ� நய�% உைறவ� ஆய�� யா� நய�%

ந�கின� வ�>ட% எ� நல0ேதா� அ? வய��

சா�ப�� அள)0த� அறியா% அவ> அவ+

காதல+ எ�Rேமா உைர0திசி� ேதாழி

நிைர0த யாைன Iக0% வ, க�9ப9

ேபா% ெபாதி உைட�த ஒ� ெசE கா�த+

வாைழ அ� சில�ப�� வ�- படA ைவஇ

யாM ஓ�0த�ன இ� ர� இன வ��

அ�வ� Iழவ�� பாெடா� ஒராE

ெம�ெமல இைசA � சார�

�ற ேவலி0 த� உைறவ�� ஊேர.

Tell me my friend,

Did I do the right thing?

I was being magnanimous and

sent the man who cares for me

to his wife who is nice to me.

Will the people in his town,

surrounded by mountains

bearing bright red lily

buds that open up like designs

on elephant faces,

where there are banana trees,

swarms of bees that create

sweet music like that of lutes,

and wateralls that roar down

with gentle sounds in

the mountain slopes,

know that I sent him there? Translated by Vaidehi

எ� நய�% உைறவ� ஆய�� – his wife being nice to me, யா� நய�% – I being nice,

ந�கின� – being nice, வ�>ட% – allowed, எ� நல0ேதா� – one who takes care of me,

அ? வய�� – there, சா�ப�� அள)0த� – give magnanimously, அறியா% – not knowing,

அவ> – them, அவ+ – her, காதல+ எ�Rேமா – will his wife know, உைர0திசி�

ேதாழி – tell me, my friend, நிைர0த – spread, யாைன Iக0% வ, க�9ப – like the

designs/lines on an elephant’s face, ேபா% – bud ready to open, ெபாதி – full, உைட�த – buds

opened, ஒ� ெசE கா�த+ – bright red malabar lily, வாைழ – banana trees, அ� –

beautiful, சில�ப�� – mountain slopes, வ�- பட – new, ைவஇ – crowded,spreading,

யாM ஓ�0த�ன – like yāzh music, இ� ர� – sweet voice, இன வ�� – swarms of

bees, அ�வ� Iழவ�� – roaring waterfalls, பாெடா� – with the sounds, ஒராE – there,

ெம�ெமல இைசA � – delicate sounds, சார� – mountain slopes, �ற – mountain,

ேவலி – fenced, த� உைறவ�� ஊேர – town where he lives

ந�றிைண 180, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ம�த� திைண – ேதாழி

ெசா�ன% – these are the frustrated words of the heroine’s friend who tries to make peace

between her sulking friend and the hero

பழன9 பாக� Iய�' KB ட�ைப

கழன) நாைர உைர0தலி� ெச�ெந�

வ�ர@ ெவ+ள,சிய�� தாஅ� ஊர�

பல�9 ெபற� நைசஇ ந� இ� வாரலேன

மாேயா+ நல0ைத ந�ப� வ�ட� ஒ�லாேள

அ�ன):� ெப,ய� அவன)R� வ��மிய

இ� ெப� ேவ�த� ெபா� கள0% ஒழி0த

-�ைன வ��ம� ேபால

எ�ெனா� கழி:� இ? இ�வர% இகேல.

The field pelican sucks red weaver ants

from their nests in the jackfruit tree

and they get scattered

along with their eggs in the fields,

looking like red rice mixed with white rice.

The man from that town with many desires

does not come to our house any more.

The dark, beautiful girl will not let him in.

I am caught in the middle of their enmity

like the punnai tree that got destroyed

in the battlefield in the war between

two great kings, Anni and Thithiyan. Translated by Vaidehi

பழன9 பாக� – field jackfruit tree, Iய�' – weaver ants, KB – swarms, crowds, ட�ைப

– nest, கழன) நாைர – field pelican, உைர0தலி� – sucks, ெச�ெந� – red paddy, வ�ர@

– mixed, ெவ+ள,சிய�� – white rice, தாஅ� – scattered, ஊர� – man from such town,

பல�9 ெபற� – gets few of them, நைசஇ – desiring, ந� இ� வாரலேன – does not

come to our house, மாேயா+ – dark pretty girl, நல0ைத – welfare, ந�ப� – trusting, வ�ட�

ஒ�லாேள – will not let him in, அ�ன):� – a king called Anni, ெப,ய� – King Thithiyan,

அவன)R� வ��மிய – with their enmity, இ� ெப� ேவ�த� – two great kings, ெபா�

கள0% – big battle field, ஒழி0த – destroyed, -�ைன – punnai tree, வ��ம� ேபால –

like enmity, எ�ெனா� கழி:� – end with me, இ? இ�வர% இகேல – the hatred of

these two

ந�றிைண 182, பா�யவ� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, றி!சி திைண – ேதாழி

தைலவ�ய�ட� ெசா�ன%

நில@� மைற�த�' இ�X� ப>ட�'

ஓவ0% அ�ன இடRைட வைர9ப��

பாைவ அ�ன நி� -றEகாA �

சிற�த ெச�வ0% அ�ைன:� %!சின+

ெக�0%9ப� ந� கல� எ�0%A ெகா�டாE

ந� மா�- அைடய IயEகி ெம�ெமல

க�டன� வ�க� ெச�ேமா ேதாழி

கீ�� ேமQ� கா9ேபா� ந&0த

வ'� தைல9 ெப�E கள)' ேபால

தமிய� வ�ேதா� பன)யைல ந&ேய

The moon has vanished

and it has become dark.

She is sleeping, your rich

mother who protects you like

Kolli goddess with a painting-like temple.

Let’s go and see him quietly, my friend.

He has come like a dry-headed, big elephant

who came away from his guarded stable,

and this is like getting back lost jewels.

Get rid of your sorrow. Translated by Vaidehi

நில@� மைற�த�' – the moon has gone, இ�X� ப>ட�' – it has become dark,

ஓவ0% அ�ன – painting like, இடRைட -in wide space, வைர9ப�� – temple, பாைவ

அ�ன – Kolli Pāvai like, நி� -றEகாA � – standing and protecting, சிற�த ெச�வ0%

– very rich, அ�ைன:� %!சின+ – mother slept, ெக�0%9ப� – to lose, ந� கல� –

nice jewels, எ�0%A ெகா�டாE – to take it, ந� மா�- – handsome chest, அைடய

IயEகி – to embrace him ,ெம�ெமல – quietly, க�டன� – let’s go and see, வ�க� –

come, ெச�ேமா ேதாழி – let’s go my friend, கீ�� ேமQ� – elephant pole ,கா9ேபா� –

one who protects, ந&0த – removed, வ'� தைல9 – dry head,ெப�E கள)' ேபால – like

a big elephant, தமிய� வ�ேதா� – he came here sad, பன)யைல ந& – get rid of your sorrow

ந�றிைண 184, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, பாைல திைண -

தைலவ�ய�� தா7 ெசா�ன%

ஒ� மக+ உைடேய� ம�ேன அவX�

ெச� மி ெமா7�ப�� D� ேவ� காைளய�

ெப� மைல அ�! Bர� ெந�ந� ெச�றன+

இன)ேய தாE நி� அவல� எ�றி� அ% ம�'

யாEஙன� ஒ�Qேமா அறி@ைடயVேர

உ+ள)� உ+ள� ேவேம உ�க�

மண� வாM பாைவ நைட க�ற�ன எ�

அண� இய� 'மக+ ஆ�ய

மண� ஏ� ெநா3சி:� ெத�றி:� க�ேட.

I am a mother with just one daughter.

Yesterday she left

with a smart strong young man

with a sharp spear

to cross the harsh wastelands

with tall mountains.

Wise men!

You ask me how I handle my sorrow!

My heart aches when I think of her.

How can I tolerate this pain,

when I think of her beauty with

kohl-rimmed eyes and delicate walk,

and when I see our verandah

and the beautiful nochi tree near it,

where my little girl played. Translated by Vaidehi

ஒ� மக+ உைடேய� – ஒ� மகைள:ைடய தா7 நா�, ம�ேன –

கழி@A றி9-, அவX� – அவX�, ெச� மி ெமா7�ப�� – ஆ�றQ�

வலிைமைய:� மி �த, D�ேவ� காைளய� – D�ைமயான ேவைல:ைடய

இைளஞேனா�, ெப� மைல – ெப,ய மைல, அ�! Bர� – க�ைமயான

பாைல நில�, ெந�ந� ெச�றன+ – ேந�'3 ெச�றா+, இன)ேய தாE நி�

அவல� எ�றி� – இன) எ9ப� உ� %�ப0ைத தாE வா7 எ�கி�ற&�க+,

அ% ம�' – அைத,

யாEஙன� ஒ�Qேமா - எ?வா' தாEக I�:ேமா, அறி@ைடயVேர –

அறி@ைடயVேர, உ+ள)� உ+ள� ேவேம – நிைன0தா� உ+ள� ேநா ேம,

உ�க� – ைமய�>ட க�, மண� வாM பாைவ – (க�) மண�யாக இ�A �

ெப�, நைட க�ற�ன – நைட பய��' நட�த%9ேபா�', எ� – எ�, அண�

இய� – அழகான3 சாயைல:ைடய, 'மக+ ஆ�ய – சி' மக+

வ�ைளயா�ய, மண� ஏ� ெநா3சி:� - அழகிய ெநா3சி மர0ைத:�,

ெத�றி:� க�ேட – தி�ைணைய:� க�ேட

ந�றிைண 191, உேலா3சனா�, ெந7த� திைண – ேதாழி தைலவ�ய�ட�

ெசா�ன% – the friend is being the voice of the heroine in this poem.

She says this in such a way that the hero could hear. He’s on the other side of a wall.

சி' வ & ஞாழ� ேத� ேதா7 ஒ+ இண�

ேந� இைழ மகள)� வா� மண� இைழ0த

வ�ட� பாைவ வன Iைல I�ற0%

ஒ� ெபாறி3 BணEகி� ஐ% பட0 தாஅ�

க�ட� ேவலிA காம� சி' �

எ�லி வ�த�ேறா ேத� என3 ெசா�லி

அல� எ��த�' இ? ஊேர பல�X�

எ� ேநாAகினேள அ�ைன நாைள

மண�9 = I�டக� ெகா7ேய� ஆய��

அண�A கவ�� உ�ைமேயா அ,ேத மண�A கழி

ந'� =E கான� வ�% அவ�

வ'� ேத� ேபாத� அதன)R� அ,ேத.

The honey-filled, bright small gnalal flowers

drop delicately on the breasts of the sand dolls

made by the beautifully-jeweled young girls,

and they appear like women’s beauty spots.

Gossip has started

in this small town with beautiful screwpine fences,

since my lover came riding his chariot last night.

I was with a few friends when mother looked at me

with questioning eyes.

If I am not sent out to cut the sapphire-like

blue mundakam flowers, my beauty will be distressed.

If he comes to the flower-filled fragant seaside grove

and leaves with an empty chariot, that would be even more painful. Translated by Vaidehi

சி' – small, வ & – flower, ஞாழ� – gnālal tree, tigerclaw tree, cassia sophera, ேத� ேதா7 –

honey filled, ஒ+ இண� – bright bunch, ேந� இைழ – perfect jewels, மகள)� – women, வா�

– long, மண� – sand, இைழ0த -filled, வ�ட� பாைவ – sand doll, வன – full, Iைல

– breasts, I�ற0% – front yard, ஒ� – bright, ெபாறி – dotted, BணEகி� – yellow splts,

ஐ% – delicately, பட0 தாஅ� – fall, க�ட� – thazhai, screwpine, ேவலி – fenced, காம�

– beautiful, சி' � – little town, எ�லி – night, வ�த�ேறா ேத� என3 ெசா�லி – that

the chariot came, அல� – gossip, எ��த�' – arose, இ? ஊேர – in this town, பல�X�

– among many, எ� ேநாAகினேள – looked at me, அ�ைன – mother, நாைள – tomorrow,

மண� – sapphire (colored), = I�டக� – mundakam flowers, thorn-bush, ெகா7ேய�

ஆய�� – if I don’t pluck, அண� – beautiful, கவ�� - (my) beauty, உ�ைமேயா அ,ேத

– will really become rare, மண� – beautiful, கழி – brackish waters, ந'� =E கான� –

fragrant flower-filled grove, வ�% – come, அவ� -his, வ'� ேத� – empty chariot, ேபாத�

– to leave, அதன)R� அ,ேத – is more painful

ந�றிைண 195, பா�ய� ெபய� கிைடAகவ��ைல, ெந7த� - ேதாழி

தைலவன)ட� ெசா�ன%

அ�ளாயாகேலா ெகா�ேத இ�E கழிA

�ைள ந&�நா7 ெகா� ம2� மா�தி

தி�ைலஅ� ெபா%�ப�� ப+ள) ெகா+X�

ெம�ல� -ல�ப யா� க��சிேன

க�ெல� -+ள)� கான�அ� ெதா��

ெந� அ, ெதா�வ� D� வா+ உ�ெறன

ப� இதM தயEகிய D�பா ெந7த�

ந&� அைல0 ேதா�ற� ேபால

ஈ,ய கQ�� ந& நய�ேதா+ க�ேண.

Lord of the seashore

where young otters eat fat fish

and sleep in mangrove tree hollows,

and birds make loud noises

in the grove-filled Thondi city!

Hear what I have to say!

Farmers cut rice stalks with sharp knives

and many-petaled blue waterlilies

float on the moving waves.

The eyes of the woman you love

is filled with tears and she cries a lot.

Please show some pity, and marry her. Translated by Vaidehi

அ�ளாயாகேலா – அ�+வாயாக (மன� -,வாயாக), ெகா�ேத – இ%

ெகா�யேத, இ�E கழிA – க�ைமயான உ9- ந&� ஓைட,

�ைள ந&�நா7 – இள ந&�நா7, ெகா� ம2� மா�தி – ெகா�0த ம2ைன உ��,

தி�ைல அ� ெபா%�ப�� – தி�ைல மர0தி� ெபா�தி�, ப+ள) ெகா+X� –

உறE �, ெம�ல� – I�ன)ைலயைச, -ல�ப – ெந7த� நில0தைலவேன,

யா� க��சிேன – எ�ைனA கா�பாயாக, க�ெல� -+ள)� – க� எ�ற

ஒலிேயா� பறைவக+, கான�அ� ெதா�� – கட�கைர ேசாைல நிைற�த

ெதா��, ெந� அ, ெதா�வ� – ெந�ைல அ'A � வ�வசாகிக+, D� வா+

உ�ெறன – D�ைமயான வாளா�, ப� இதM தயEகிய D�பா ெந7த� – பல

இதMக+ (உைடய) மல��த ெந7த�, ந&� அைல0 ேதா�ற� ேபால –

அைலய�� ம2% மித9ப% ேபால, ஈ,ய – ஈரமான, கQ�� – அ��, ந&

நய�ேதா+ க�ேண – ந& வ���ப�யவள)� க�ேண

ந�றிைண 199, ேப, சா0தனா�, ெந7த� திைண - தைலவ� ேதாழிய�ட�

ெசா�ன%

ஓE மண� உ�0த ெந� மா9 ெப�ைண

வ &E மட� ட�ைப9 ைபத� ெவ� �

ந+ெள� யாம0% உய@ேதா' உ�கி

அ+ள� அ�ன எ� உ+ளெமா� உ+ உைட�%

உெளேன வாழி ேதாழி வைள ந&�A

க�! Bறா எறி�த ெகா�� திமி� பரதவ�

வாE வ�ைச0 P��� ஊE ஊE ஆகி

வள) ெபாரA க�ைற தாஅ7 நள) Bட�

ந&� நிற வ�B�ப�� ம2ெனா� -ைரய

ைபபய இைமA � %ைறவ�

ெம7 ேதா7 IயAக� காணா ஊEேக.

May you live long, my friend!

A white heron sits in its nest

on the mature fronds

of a tall and dark palmyra tree

that stands in the sand dunes

draped in sand,

and cries for its mate

in the middle of the night,

breaking my heart,

that becomes mushy like mud.

Net-throwing fishermen

who catch fierce sharks

in the ocean that surrounds the land

throw their fishing rods to catch fish,

and when the wind blows,

the bright flames in their boats

look like the twinkling stars

in the blue-hued skies.

I don’t have the hugging embraces of my man

from this port town, and I’m still alive. Translated by Vaidehi

ஓE மண� – sand dunes, heaped sand, உ�0த – covered, ெந� மா9 ெப�ைண –

tall dark palmyra palm trees, வ &E மட� – mature frond, ட�ைப – nest, ைபத� – sad,

ெவ� � – white heron, ந+ெள� யாம0% – in the middle of the night,

உய@ேதா' – whenever it cries, உ�கி – (I) melt, அ+ள� அ�ன எ� உ+ளெமா�

– with my heart that is like mud – mushy, உ+ உைட�% – heart broken, உெளேன – I am like

this, வாழி ேதாழி – greetings my friend, வைள ந&� - (land) surrounded water, ocean, க�!

Bறா – fierce shark, எறி�த – throwing their nets, ெகா�� – curved, திமி� – boat, பரதவ�

– fishermen, வாE – curved, வ�ைச0 P��� – fishing rod with a gadget (mechanical),

ஊE ஊE ஆகி – in between, வள) ெபார – wind blowing, க�ைற – fullness, தாஅ7

-spreading, நள) Bட� – splendid flame, ந&� நிற வ�B�ப�� – blue colored skies, ம2ெனா�

– with the stars, -ைரய – like, ைபபய இைமA � – slowly twinkle, %ைறவ� – man from

such a port, ெம7 – body, ேதா7 – hugging, attached, IயAக� – embracing, காணா – not

having it, ஊEேக – there

ந�றிைண 200, Dட_� ப� க�ணனா�, ம�த� திைண – ேதாழி யவன)ட�

ெசா�ன% – the bard is the hero’s messenger

to the heroine after his infidelity, and he usually approachers the heroine’s friend with the message

க�ண� க>�ய கதிர அ�ன

ஒ� ர� ெநா3சி0 ெத,ய� S�

யா' கிட�த�ன அக� ெந�� ெத�வ��

சா' என 6வQ� I% வா7A யவ

ஈ%� ஆEக� 6வ�றிசி� மாேதா

ஆ�ப� அம�ற த&� ெப�� பழன0%9

ெபா7ைக ஊ�A 9 ேபாேவா7ஆகி

ைக கவ� நர�ப�� பRவ� பாண�

ெச7த அ�ல� ப� வ ைவ எய��'

ஐ% அக� அ� � மகள)� இவ�

ெபா7 ெபாதி ெகா�! ெசா� ஓ�-மி� எனேவ.

O Potter with ancient wisdom!

Wearing nochi garland

with bud clusters of buds

that are bright like the sun’s rays,

and standing

on this wide and long street

that appears like a river,

announcing the festivities of our town,

please announce this message for me.

If you go to the town with fields

with white waterlilies,

tell the women with delicate wide waists

and sharp teeth,

that the trained bard who plays lovely

lute music has caused a lot of pain

with his cruel words filled with many lies,

and that they need to protect themselves. Translated by Vaidehi

க�ண� க>�ய – buds tied, கதிர அ�ன – bright like the rays, ஒ� – bright, ர� –

flower bunch, ெநா3சி0 ெத,ய� S� – wearing a nochi flower garland, யா' கிட�த�ன

– appearing like a river, அக� ெந�� ெத�வ�� – wide and long street, சா' – festival, என

6வQ� – saying that, I%வா7A யவ - potter with ancient wisdom, ஈ%� – these,

ஆEக� – there, 6வ�றிசி� மாேதா – won’t you say this too, ஆ�ப� – water-lily

flowers, அம�ற – existing, த&� ெப�� பழன0%9 – sweet huge fields, ெபா7ைக –

ponds, ஊ�A 9 ேபாேவா7 ஆகி – go to that town, ைக – hand, கவ� நர�ப�� –

desirable yāzh, பRவ� பாண� – trained bard, ெச7த அ�ல� – caused the pain,

ப� வ – many, ைவ – sharp, எய��' – teeth, ஐ% அக� – delicately spread, அ� �

– waist , மகள)� – women, இவ� – he, ெபா7 – lies, ெபாதி – filled, ெகா�! ெசா� –

harsh words, ஓ�-மி� எனேவ – so, protect yourself