Ambalavananai Nambiya
From Thiru Neelakandar · 1972
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- C. N. Pandurangan
- Details
- Thiru Neelakandar1972
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Aa…aa…aa…aah….aa…. | Aa…aa…aa…aah….aa…. |
| Male | |
| Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum | Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage (Ambalavanan / Lord Shiva) |
| Anantha nadamaaduvaar | Will dance in eternal bliss. |
| Male : Aa….aa…aa…aah….aa…. | Male: Aa….aa…aa…aah….aa…. |
| Male | |
| Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum | Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage |
| Anantha nadamaaduvaar | Will dance in eternal bliss. |
| Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum | Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage |
| Anantha nadamaaduvaar | Will dance in eternal bliss. |
| Male | |
| Thanpalam theriyaamal sabaiyaeri vilaiyaadum | Dancing on stage without knowing one's own limitations, |
| Thanpalam theriyaamal sabaiyaeri vilaiyaadum | Dancing on stage without knowing one's own limitations, |
| Salangai kaalum mayangum kannum | With ankleted feet and mesmerized eyes, |
| Orumurai aganthaiyil vizhunthapin | Once fallen into the trap of arrogance, |
| Avanidam arul perum | Will receive divine grace from Him after realizing humility. |
| Male | |
| Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum | Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage |
| Anantha nadamaaduvaar | Will dance in eternal bliss. |
| Male | |
| Yaezhisai kadazhezhu puviyaezhu naal yaezhu | The seven musical notes, seven seas, seven worlds, seven days, |
| Yaezhisai kadazhezhu puviyaezhu naal yaezhu | The seven musical notes, seven seas, seven worlds, seven days, |
| Navarasam navagunam navamani | The nine emotions, nine human traits, nine precious gems— |
| Naattiya naayagan koottiya kalaiyandro | Is it not the art brought together by the Lord of Dance? |
| Naattiya naayagan koottiya kalaiyandro | Is it not the art brought together by the Lord of Dance? |
| Male | |
| Naan yaar nee yaar naam yaar | Who am I? Who are you? Who are we? |
| Iraivanin sabaithanil nee yaar | In the divine court of God, who are you? |
| Kalaigalil avanidam naam yaar | In the realm of fine arts before Him, who are we? |
| Naan yaar nee yaar….. | Who am I? Who are you?... |
| Male | |
| Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum | Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage |
| Anantha nadamaaduvaar….. | Will dance in eternal bliss... |
| Male | |
| Kattukkuzhal suttri suzhalavum | As the bound locks of hair swirl around, |
| Nettri siru muththu sitharavum | As tiny pearl-like sweat drops scatter across the forehead, |
| Ottrai siru kaalil nadanamum | Dancing with balance on a single small foot, |
| Mattrai siru kaalil buvanamum | While holding the entire universe on the other foot, |
| Pattri tharum naathan avanathu arul vendum | We seek the grace of that Supreme Lord who embraces and bestows. |
| Male | |
| Idamo illai valamo | Is His power on the left or on the right? |
| Edhilae avan palamo | Where does His true strength lie? |
| Idamo illai valamo | Is His power on the left or on the right? |
| Edhilae avan palamo | Where does His true strength lie? |
| Irandum illai enil thiranda bhoomi idhu | If neither, then this vast universe, |
| Entha neramathil vizhumo | At what moment will it crumble? |
| Pinbu ezhumo avanai thozhumo….. | Will it rise again and bow to worship Him?... |
| Male | |
| Maanudan aadidum naayagan paarvaiyil | In the gaze of the Supreme Lord who dances alongside humanity, |
| Maanidan kavi paada | As a mortal composes devotional poetry, |
| Mazhuvudan aadidum mannavan sabauyil | In the court of the Lord who dances holding the battle-axe (Mazhu), |
| Valuvudan nadamaada thirumugam nadamaada | To dance with vigor as His divine countenance sways, |
| Male | |
| Maanudan aadidum naayagan paarvaiyil | In the gaze of the Supreme Lord who dances alongside humanity, |
| Maanidan kavi paada | As a mortal composes devotional poetry, |
| Mazhuvudan aadidum mannavan sabauyil | In the court of the Lord who dances holding the battle-axe (Mazhu), |
| Valuvudan nadamaada thirumugam nadamaada | To dance with vigor as His divine countenance sways, |
| Thanthom thanthom tharuvomena tharuvaan arulaaga….. | Chanting the cosmic rhythm 'Thanthom Thanthom', He bestows His ultimate grace... |
| Male | |
| Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum | Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage |
| Anantha nadamaaduvaar……. | Will dance in eternal bliss... |
ஆ...ஆ....ஆ....ஆஹ்..ஆ.......
Aa…aa…aa…aah….aa….
அம்பலவாணனை நம்பிய பேர்களும்
ஆனந்த நடமாடுவார்..........
ஆ...ஆ....ஆ....ஆஹ்..ஆ.......
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage (Ambalavanan / Lord Shiva)
Will dance in eternal bliss.
Male: Aa….aa…aa…aah….aa….
அம்பலவாணனை நம்பிய பேர்களும்
ஆனந்த நடமாடுவார்..........
அம்பலவாணனை நம்பிய பேர்களும்
ஆனந்த நடமாடுவார்..........
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Will dance in eternal bliss.
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Will dance in eternal bliss.
தன்பலம் தெரியாமல் சபையேறி விளையாடும்
தன்பலம் தெரியாமல் சபையேறி விளையாடும்
சலங்கைக் காலும் மயங்கும் கண்ணும்
ஒருமுறை அகந்தையில் விழுந்தபின்
அவனிடம் அருள் பெரும்
Dancing on stage without knowing one's own limitations,
Dancing on stage without knowing one's own limitations,
With ankleted feet and mesmerized eyes,
Once fallen into the trap of arrogance,
Will receive divine grace from Him after realizing humility.
அம்பலவாணனை நம்பிய பேர்களும்
ஆனந்த நடமாடுவார்..........
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Will dance in eternal bliss.
ஏழிசை கடலேழு புவியேழு நாள் ஏழு
ஏழிசை கடலேழு புவியேழு நாள் ஏழு
நவரசம் நவகுணம் நவமணி
நாட்டிய நாயகன் கூட்டிய கலையன்றோ
நாட்டிய நாயகன் கூட்டிய கலையன்றோ
The seven musical notes, seven seas, seven worlds, seven days,
The seven musical notes, seven seas, seven worlds, seven days,
The nine emotions, nine human traits, nine precious gems—
Is it not the art brought together by the Lord of Dance?
Is it not the art brought together by the Lord of Dance?
நான் யார் நீ யார் நாம் யார்
இறைவனின் சபைதனில் நீ யார்
கலைகளில் அவனிடம் நாம் யார்
நான் யார் நீ யார்...............
Who am I? Who are you? Who are we?
In the divine court of God, who are you?
In the realm of fine arts before Him, who are we?
Who am I? Who are you?...
அம்பலவாணனை நம்பிய பேர்களும்
ஆனந்த நடமாடுவார்..........
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Will dance in eternal bliss...
கட்டுக்குழல் சுற்றி சுழலவும்
நெற்றிச் சிறு முத்துச் சிதறவும்
ஒற்றைச் சிறு காலில் நடனமும்
மற்றைச் சிறு காலில் புவனமும்
பற்றித் தரும் நாதன் அவனது அருள் வேண்டும்......
As the bound locks of hair swirl around,
As tiny pearl-like sweat drops scatter across the forehead,
Dancing with balance on a single small foot,
While holding the entire universe on the other foot,
We seek the grace of that Supreme Lord who embraces and bestows.
இடமோ இல்லை வலமோ
எதிலே அவன் பலமோ
இடமோ இல்லை வலமோ
எதிலே அவன் பலமோ
இரண்டும் இல்லை எனில் திரண்ட பூமி இது
எந்த நேரமதில் விழுமோ
பின்பு எழுமோ அவனைத் தொழுமோ......
Is His power on the left or on the right?
Where does His true strength lie?
Is His power on the left or on the right?
Where does His true strength lie?
If neither, then this vast universe,
At what moment will it crumble?
Will it rise again and bow to worship Him?...
மானுடன் ஆடிடும் நாயகன் பார்வையில்
மானிடன் கவி பாட.......
மழுவுடன் ஆடிடும் மன்னவன் சபையில்
வலுவுடன் நடமாட திருமுகம் நடமாட
In the gaze of the Supreme Lord who dances alongside humanity,
As a mortal composes devotional poetry,
In the court of the Lord who dances holding the battle-axe (Mazhu),
To dance with vigor as His divine countenance sways,
மானுடன் ஆடிடும் நாயகன் பார்வையில்
மானிடன் கவி பாட.......
மழுவுடன் ஆடிடும் மன்னவன் சபையில்
வலுவுடன் நடமாட திருமுகம் நடமாட
தந்தோம் தந்தோம் தருவோமென தருவான் அருளாக.......
In the gaze of the Supreme Lord who dances alongside humanity,
As a mortal composes devotional poetry,
In the court of the Lord who dances holding the battle-axe (Mazhu),
To dance with vigor as His divine countenance sways,
Chanting the cosmic rhythm 'Thanthom Thanthom', He bestows His ultimate grace...
அம்பலவாணனை நம்பிய பேர்களும்
ஆனந்த நடமாடுவார்..........
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Will dance in eternal bliss...
Aa…aa…aa…aah….aa….
Aa…aa…aa…aah….aa….
Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage (Ambalavanan / Lord Shiva)
Anantha nadamaaduvaar
Will dance in eternal bliss.
Male : Aa….aa…aa…aah….aa….
Male: Aa….aa…aa…aah….aa….
Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Anantha nadamaaduvaar
Will dance in eternal bliss.
Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Anantha nadamaaduvaar
Will dance in eternal bliss.
Thanpalam theriyaamal sabaiyaeri vilaiyaadum
Dancing on stage without knowing one's own limitations,
Thanpalam theriyaamal sabaiyaeri vilaiyaadum
Dancing on stage without knowing one's own limitations,
Salangai kaalum mayangum kannum
With ankleted feet and mesmerized eyes,
Orumurai aganthaiyil vizhunthapin
Once fallen into the trap of arrogance,
Avanidam arul perum
Will receive divine grace from Him after realizing humility.
Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Anantha nadamaaduvaar
Will dance in eternal bliss.
Yaezhisai kadazhezhu puviyaezhu naal yaezhu
The seven musical notes, seven seas, seven worlds, seven days,
Yaezhisai kadazhezhu puviyaezhu naal yaezhu
The seven musical notes, seven seas, seven worlds, seven days,
Navarasam navagunam navamani
The nine emotions, nine human traits, nine precious gems—
Naattiya naayagan koottiya kalaiyandro
Is it not the art brought together by the Lord of Dance?
Naattiya naayagan koottiya kalaiyandro
Is it not the art brought together by the Lord of Dance?
Naan yaar nee yaar naam yaar
Who am I? Who are you? Who are we?
Iraivanin sabaithanil nee yaar
In the divine court of God, who are you?
Kalaigalil avanidam naam yaar
In the realm of fine arts before Him, who are we?
Naan yaar nee yaar…..
Who am I? Who are you?...
Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Anantha nadamaaduvaar…..
Will dance in eternal bliss...
Kattukkuzhal suttri suzhalavum
As the bound locks of hair swirl around,
Nettri siru muththu sitharavum
As tiny pearl-like sweat drops scatter across the forehead,
Ottrai siru kaalil nadanamum
Dancing with balance on a single small foot,
Mattrai siru kaalil buvanamum
While holding the entire universe on the other foot,
Pattri tharum naathan avanathu arul vendum
We seek the grace of that Supreme Lord who embraces and bestows.
Idamo illai valamo
Is His power on the left or on the right?
Edhilae avan palamo
Where does His true strength lie?
Idamo illai valamo
Is His power on the left or on the right?
Edhilae avan palamo
Where does His true strength lie?
Irandum illai enil thiranda bhoomi idhu
If neither, then this vast universe,
Entha neramathil vizhumo
At what moment will it crumble?
Pinbu ezhumo avanai thozhumo…..
Will it rise again and bow to worship Him?...
Maanudan aadidum naayagan paarvaiyil
In the gaze of the Supreme Lord who dances alongside humanity,
Maanidan kavi paada
As a mortal composes devotional poetry,
Mazhuvudan aadidum mannavan sabauyil
In the court of the Lord who dances holding the battle-axe (Mazhu),
Valuvudan nadamaada thirumugam nadamaada
To dance with vigor as His divine countenance sways,
Maanudan aadidum naayagan paarvaiyil
In the gaze of the Supreme Lord who dances alongside humanity,
Maanidan kavi paada
As a mortal composes devotional poetry,
Mazhuvudan aadidum mannavan sabauyil
In the court of the Lord who dances holding the battle-axe (Mazhu),
Valuvudan nadamaada thirumugam nadamaada
To dance with vigor as His divine countenance sways,
Thanthom thanthom tharuvomena tharuvaan arulaaga…..
Chanting the cosmic rhythm 'Thanthom Thanthom', He bestows His ultimate grace...
Ambalavaananai nambiya pergalum
Those who believe in the Lord of the Cosmic Stage
Anantha nadamaaduvaar…….
Will dance in eternal bliss...
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This devotional song from the film 'Thiru Neelakandar' (1972) praises Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer residing in the hall of consciousness (Ambalam). The lyrics highlight the spiritual philosophy that true contentment and eternal joy (Anantha) come from surrendering one's ego to the Divine. Kannadasan reflects on human vulnerability and pride, reminding us that mortals who step onto the stage of life boasting of their own strength will eventually realize their insignificance compared to the Lord of Dance. The song beautifully weaves the structure of the cosmos—the seven notes, seven seas, seven worlds, and nine emotions—as creations orchestrated by Shiva's dance. Through poetic inquiries ('Naan yaar, nee yaar'), it calls for introspection, emphasizing that all arts, power, and earthly existence exist purely by His divine grace.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kattukkuzhal suttri suzhalavum / Nettri siru muththu sitharavum”
Matching second consonants across consecutive lines, creating musical harmony ('tt' sound).
Rhetorical Questioning
“Naan yaar nee yaar naam yaar”
Philosophical questioning used to dispel ego and highlight the smallness of human pride before God.
Visual Imagery & Metaphor
“Nettri siru muththu sitharavum”
Comparing forehead sweat drops to scattered pearls ('muththu') produced during intense cosmic dance.
Anaphora / Numerical Repetition
“Yaezhisai kadazhezhu puviyaezhu naal yaezhu”
Rhythmic repetition of the sacred number seven ('yaezhu') symbolizing universality across music, nature, and space.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song features the iconic high-pitched classical vocal rendition by T. R. Mahalingam, who also portrayed the lead saint-poet Tiruneelakanta Nayanar in this 1972 biographical film. Music director C. N. Pandurangan composed the soundtrack based heavily on Carnatic ragas to suit the classical setting of the movie.
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