Ariyathu Ketkum
From Kandhan Karunai · 1967
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- K. P. Sundarambal
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Details
- Kandhan Karunai1967
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Avvaiyae ulagil ariyadhu enna…. | O Avvaiyar, what is rare in this world? |
| (Dialogue) | (Dialogue) |
| Female | |
| Ariyadhu ketkin varivadiveloi | If you ask what is rare, O Lord with the sharp Vel, |
| Aridhu aridhu maanidaraadhal aridhu | Rare, rare indeed is it to be born as a human being; |
| Maanidaraayinum koon kurudu | Even if born human, to be born free from physical defects, blindness, |
| Sevidu paedu neengi pirathal aridhu | Deafness, and muteness is rare; |
| Koon kurudu sevidu paedu | Even if free from physical defects, blindness, deafness, and muteness, |
| Neengi gnaanamum kalviyum nayathalaridhu | To seek wisdom and education is rare; |
| Gnaanamum kalviyum nayandha kaalaiyum | Even if wisdom and education are acquired, |
| Dhaanamum thavamum thaan seidhal aridhu | To actually perform charity and penance is rare; |
| Dhaanamum thavamum thaan seivaraayin | If one performs charity and penance, |
| Vaanavar naadu vazhi pirandhidumae…. | The path to the world of the celestials shall open wide. |
| Male | |
| Ariyadhu kettamaikku | For answering what is rare |
| Azhagaana thamizhil | In sweet and beautiful Tamil, |
| Vilakkam thandha moodhaattiyae | O wise old poetess who explained it, |
| Kodiyadhu enna….(Dialogue) | What is cruel? |
| Female | |
| Kodiyadhu ketkkin varivadiveloi | If you ask what is cruel, O Lord with the sharp Vel, |
| Kodidhu kodidhu varumai kodidhu | Cruel, cruel indeed is poverty; |
| Adhaninum kodidhu ilamaiyil varumai | Cruel is poverty experienced in youth; |
| Adhaninum kodidhu aattronaa kodu noi | More cruel than that is an incurable, painful disease; |
| Adhaninum kodidhu anbilaa pendir | More cruel than that is an unloving wife; |
| Adhaninum kodidhu avar kaiyaal | More cruel than that is having to consume food |
| Inbura unbadhu thaanae…. | Served by her hands to survive. |
| Male | |
| Mikka magizhchchi | Great joy! |
| Sollaal thamizhaal | With your words and Tamil, |
| Vellaadha ulagaiyellaam vellum | You possess the skill to conquer the unconquered world, |
| Thiramai padaitha avvaiyae | O Avvaiyar! |
| Periyadhu enna….(Dialogue) | What is great? |
| Female | |
| Periyadhu ketkin neri thamizh veloi | If you ask what is great, O Lord holding the righteous Tamil Vel, |
| Peridhu peridhu bhuvanam peridhu | Great, great indeed is the universe; |
| Bhuvanamum naan mugan padaippu | The universe was created by the four-faced Brahma; |
| Naan mugan kariya maal undhiyil vandhon | Brahma originated from the navel of the dark-complexioned Vishnu; |
| Kariya maalo alaikadal thuyindron | Dark Vishnu sleeps upon the surging ocean; |
| Alai kadalo gurumuni yangaiyil adakkam | The surging ocean was swallowed in the palm of Sage Agastya; |
| Gurumuniyo kalasathir pirandhon | Sage Agastya was born from a small pot; |
| Kalasamo puviyir chiruman | The pot is merely small clay on the earth; |
| Puviyo aravini oru thalai paaram | The earth rests upon one head of Adishesha the serpent; |
| Aramo umaivayal siru viral modhiram | Adishesha is just a small ring on Goddess Parvati's finger; |
| Umaiyo iraivar baaga thodukkam | Parvati is an integral part of Lord Shiva's body; |
| Iraivano thondar ullatthodukkam | And Lord Shiva resides within the heart of his devotees; |
| Thondar tham perumaiyai sollavum | Thus, to describe the greatness of devotees |
| Peridhae…. | Is the greatest of all! |
| Male | |
| Avvaiyae…. | O Avvaiyar... |
| Vaanavarum unadhu | Even the gods above |
| Vaakkirku adimaiyaagi viduvar yendraal | Become servants to your divine words, |
| Adhil viyappillai | And that is no wonder at all. |
| Iniyadhu enna…. (Dialogue) | What is sweet? |
| Female | |
| Iniyadhu ketkin thani nedu veloi | If you ask what is sweet, O Lord with the long Vel, |
| Inidhu inidhu yaegaantham inidhu | Sweet, sweet indeed is solitude; |
| Adhaninum inidhu aadhiyai thozhudhal | Sweeter than that is worshipping the Supreme Primordial God; |
| Adhaninum inidhu arivinar saerdhal | Sweeter than that is the company of wise scholars; |
| Adhaninum inidhu arivullorai | Sweeter still is beholding wise people |
| Kanavilum nanavilum kaanbadhu thaanae…. | In both dreams and wakefulness! |
| Male | |
| Ariyadhu kodiyadhu periyadhu iniyadhu | Having answered what is rare, cruel, great, and sweet |
| Anaithirkkum muraiyodu | In proper sequence and order, |
| Vidai pagandra avvaiyae | O Avvaiyar, |
| Pudhiyadhu enna….(Dialogue) | What is ever-new? |
| Female | |
| Endrum pudhiyadhu… | That which is forever new... |
| Padal endrum pudhiyadhu | A song is forever new; |
| Porul niraindha paadal endrum pudhiyadhu | A song rich in divine meaning is forever new; |
| Murugaa unnai paadum porul niraindha | A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga, |
| Paadal endrum pudhiyadhu | Is forever new; |
| Murugaa unnai paadum porul niraindha | A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga, |
| Paadal endrum pudhiyadhu | Is forever new; |
| Female | |
| Arul niraindha pulavar nenjil | In the grace-filled hearts of poets, |
| Amudham ennum thamizh kodutha | Giving Tamil as sweet nectar, |
| Porul niraindha paadal endrum pudhiyadhu | A song rich in divine meaning is forever new; |
| Arul niraindha pulavar nenjil | In the grace-filled hearts of poets, |
| Amudham ennum thamizh koduttha | Giving Tamil as sweet nectar, |
| Porul niraindha paadal endrum pudhiyadhu | A song rich in divine meaning is forever new; |
| Murugan endra peyaril vandha | The supreme beauty that came |
| Azhagae endrum pudhiyadhu | Under the name of Murugan is forever new; |
| Murugan endra peyaril vandha | The supreme beauty that came |
| Azhagae endrum pudhiyadhu | Under the name of Murugan is forever new; |
| Muruval kaattum kumaran konda | The eternal youthfulness held by Kumaran |
| Ilamai endrum pudhiyadhu | Who wears a gentle smile is forever new; |
| Female | |
| Unnai petra annaiyarkku | To the mother who gave birth to you, |
| Unadhu leelai pudhiyadhu | Your divine playfulness is forever new; |
| Unnai petra annaiyarkku | To the mother who gave birth to you, |
| Unadhu leelai pudhiyadhu | Your divine playfulness is forever new; |
| Unadhu thandhai iraivanukkum | Even to your father, the Supreme Lord Shiva, |
| Velum…. mayilum…. | The Spear... and the Peacock... |
| Unadhu thandhai iraivanukkum | Even to your father, the Supreme Lord Shiva, |
| Velum mayilum pudhiyadhu… | Your Spear and Peacock are forever new; |
| Murugaa unnai paadum porul niraindha | A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga, |
| Paadal endrum pudhiyadhu | Is forever new; |
| Female | |
| Thingalukkum gnjaayirukkum | To the moon and to the sun, |
| Kandhan maeni pudhiyadhu | The radiant form of Kandhan is forever new; |
| Thingalukkum gnjaayirukkum | To the moon and to the sun, |
| Kandhan maeni pudhiyadhu | The radiant form of Kandhan is forever new; |
| Saerndhavarkku vazhangum… | To those who seek refuge in him... |
| Kandhan karunai pudhiyadhu | The grace of Lord Kandhan is forever new; |
| Saerndhavarkku vazhanghum | To those who seek refuge in him, |
| Kandhan karunai pudhiyadhu | The grace of Lord Kandhan is forever new; |
| Arivil ariyadhu arulil periyadhu | Rarest among knowledge, greatest in grace, |
| Arivil ariyadhu arulil periyadhu | Rarest among knowledge, greatest in grace, |
| Alli alli unna unna | The more it is gathered and savored, |
| Unadhu thamizh iniyadhu | Your Tamil remains ever sweet; |
| Alli alli unna unna | The more it is gathered and savored, |
| Unadhu thamizh iniyadhu | Your Tamil remains ever sweet; |
| Female | |
| Mudhalil mudivadhu mudivil mudhaladhu | Ending at the beginning, beginning at the end, |
| Mudhalil mudivadhu mudivil mudhaladhu | Ending at the beginning, beginning at the end, |
| Moondru kaalam unarndha perkku | To those who have realized all three realms of time, |
| Aarumugam pudhiyadhu…. | The six-faced Lord Arumugam is forever new. |
ஔவையே உலகில் அரியது என்ன....
(வசனம்)
O Avvaiyar, what is rare in this world?
(Dialogue)
அரியது கேட்கின் வரிவடிவேலோய்
அரிது அரிது மானிடராதல் அரிது
மானிடராயினும் கூன் குருடு
செவிடு பேடு நீங்கிப் பிறத்தல் அரிது
கூன் குருடு செவிடு பேடு
நீங்கிப் பிறந்த காலையும்
ஞானமும் கல்வியும் நயத்தலரிது
ஞானமும் கல்வியும் நயந்த காலையும்
தானமும் தவமும்தான் செய்தல் அரிது
தானமும் தவமும்தான் செய்வராயின்
வானவர் நாடு வழி பிறந்திடுமே....
If you ask what is rare, O Lord with the sharp Vel,
Rare, rare indeed is it to be born as a human being;
Even if born human, to be born free from physical defects, blindness,
Deafness, and muteness is rare;
Even if free from physical defects, blindness, deafness, and muteness,
To seek wisdom and education is rare;
Even if wisdom and education are acquired,
To actually perform charity and penance is rare;
If one performs charity and penance,
The path to the world of the celestials shall open wide.
அரியது கேட்டமைக்கு
அழகான தமிழில்
விளக்கம் தந்த மூதாட்டியே
கொடியது என்ன........(வசனம்)
For answering what is rare
In sweet and beautiful Tamil,
O wise old poetess who explained it,
What is cruel?
கொடியது கேட்கின் வரிவடிவேலோய்
கொடிது கொடிது வறுமை கொடிது
அதனினும் கொடிது இளமையில் வறுமை...
அதனினும் கொடிது ஆற்றொணாக் கொடு நோய்
அதனினும் கொடிது அன்பில்லாப் பெண்டிர்
அதனினும் கொடிது அவர் கையால்
இன்புற உண்பது தானே....
If you ask what is cruel, O Lord with the sharp Vel,
Cruel, cruel indeed is poverty;
Cruel is poverty experienced in youth;
More cruel than that is an incurable, painful disease;
More cruel than that is an unloving wife;
More cruel than that is having to consume food
Served by her hands to survive.
மிக்க மகிழ்ச்சி
சொல்லால் தமிழால்
வெல்லாத உலகையெல்லாம் வெல்லும்
திறமை படைத்த ஔவையே
பெரியது என்ன....(வசனம்)
Great joy!
With your words and Tamil,
You possess the skill to conquer the unconquered world,
O Avvaiyar!
What is great?
பெரியது கேட்கின் நெறி தமிழ் வேலோய்
பெரிது பெரிது புவனம் பெரிது
புவனமும் நான் முகன் படைப்பு
நான்முகன் கரியமால் முந்தியில் வந்தோன்
கரியமாலோ அலைகடல் துயின்றோன்
அலைகடலோ குருமுனி யங்கையில் அடக்கம்
குருமுனியோ கலசத்துப் பிறந்தோன்
கலசமோ புவியிற் சிறுமண்
புவியோ அரவினிக் ஒரு தலைப் பாரம்
அரமோ உமையவள் சிறு விரல் மோதிரம்
உமையோ இறைவர் பாகத் தொடுக்கம்
இறைவனோ தொண்டர் உள்ளத்தொடுக்கம்
தொண்டர் தம் பெருமையை சொல்லவும்
பெரிதே....
If you ask what is great, O Lord holding the righteous Tamil Vel,
Great, great indeed is the universe;
The universe was created by the four-faced Brahma;
Brahma originated from the navel of the dark-complexioned Vishnu;
Dark Vishnu sleeps upon the surging ocean;
The surging ocean was swallowed in the palm of Sage Agastya;
Sage Agastya was born from a small pot;
The pot is merely small clay on the earth;
The earth rests upon one head of Adishesha the serpent;
Adishesha is just a small ring on Goddess Parvati's finger;
Parvati is an integral part of Lord Shiva's body;
And Lord Shiva resides within the heart of his devotees;
Thus, to describe the greatness of devotees
Is the greatest of all!
ஔவையே...
வானவரும் உனது
வாக்கிற்கு அடிமையாகி விடுவர் என்றால்
அதில் வியப்பில்லை
இனியது என்ன......(வசனம்)
O Avvaiyar...
Even the gods above
Become servants to your divine words,
And that is no wonder at all.
What is sweet?
இனியது கேட்கின் தனி நெடுவேலோய்
இனிது இனிது ஏகாந்த்தம் இனிது
அதனினும் இனிது ஆதியைத் தொழுதல்
அதனினும் இனிது அறிவினர் சேர்தல்
அதனினும் இனிது அறிவுள்ளோரைக்
கனவிலும் நனவிலும் காண்பது தானே
If you ask what is sweet, O Lord with the long Vel,
Sweet, sweet indeed is solitude;
Sweeter than that is worshipping the Supreme Primordial God;
Sweeter than that is the company of wise scholars;
Sweeter still is beholding wise people
In both dreams and wakefulness!
அரியது கொடியது பெரியது இனியது
அனைத்திற்கும் முறையோடு
விடை பகன்ற ஔவையே
புதியது என்ன.......(வசனம்)
Having answered what is rare, cruel, great, and sweet
In proper sequence and order,
O Avvaiyar,
What is ever-new?
என்றும் புதியது....
பாடல் என்றும் புதியது
பொருள் நிறைந்த பாடல் என்றும் புதியது
முருகா உன்னைப் பாடும் பொருள் நிறைந்த
பாடல் என்றும் புதியது
முருகா உன்னைப் பாடும் பொருள் நிறைந்த
பாடல் என்றும் புதியது
That which is forever new...
A song is forever new;
A song rich in divine meaning is forever new;
A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga,
Is forever new;
A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga,
Is forever new;
அருள் நிறைந்த புலவர் நெஞ்சில்
அமுதம் என்னும் தமிழ் கொடுத்த
பொருள் நிறைந்த பாடல் என்றும் புதியது
அருள் நிறைந்த புலவர் நெஞ்சில்
அமுதம் என்னும் தமிழ் கொடுத்த
பொருள் நிறைந்த பாடல் என்றும் புதியது
முருகன் என்ற பெயரில் வந்த
அழகே என்றும் புதியது
முருகன் என்ற பெயரில் வந்த
அழகே என்றும் புதியது
முறுவல் காட்டும் குமரன் கொண்ட
இளமை என்றும் புதியது
முறுவல் காட்டும் குமரன் கொண்ட
இளமை என்றும் புதியது
In the grace-filled hearts of poets,
Giving Tamil as sweet nectar,
A song rich in divine meaning is forever new;
In the grace-filled hearts of poets,
Giving Tamil as sweet nectar,
A song rich in divine meaning is forever new;
The supreme beauty that came
Under the name of Murugan is forever new;
The supreme beauty that came
Under the name of Murugan is forever new;
The eternal youthfulness held by Kumaran
Who wears a gentle smile is forever new;
உன்னைப் பெற்ற அன்னையர்க்கு
உனது லீலை புதியது
உன்னைப் பெற்ற அன்னையர்க்கு
உனது லீலை புதியது
உனது தந்தை இறைவனுக்கும்
வேலும்.... மயிலும்....
உனது தந்தை இறைவனுக்கும்
வேலும் மயிலும் புதியது....
முருகா உன்னைப் பாடும் பொருள் நிறைந்த
பாடல் என்றும் புதியது
To the mother who gave birth to you,
Your divine playfulness is forever new;
To the mother who gave birth to you,
Your divine playfulness is forever new;
Even to your father, the Supreme Lord Shiva,
The Spear... and the Peacock...
Even to your father, the Supreme Lord Shiva,
Your Spear and Peacock are forever new;
A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga,
Is forever new;
திங்களுக்கும் ஞாயிறுக்கும்
கந்தன் மேனி புதியது
திங்களுக்கும் ஞாயிறுக்கும்
கந்தன் மேனி புதியது
சேர்ந்தவர்க்கு வழங்கும்....
கந்தன் கருணை புதியது
சேர்ந்தவர்க்கு வழங்கும்
கந்தன் கருணை புதியது
அறிவில் அரியது அருளில் பெரியது
அறிவில் அரியது அருளில் பெரியது
அள்ளி அள்ளி உண்ண உண்ண
உனது தமிழ் இனியது
அள்ளி அள்ளி உண்ண உண்ண
உனது தமிழ் இனியது
To the moon and to the sun,
The radiant form of Kandhan is forever new;
To the moon and to the sun,
The radiant form of Kandhan is forever new;
To those who seek refuge in him...
The grace of Lord Kandhan is forever new;
To those who seek refuge in him,
The grace of Lord Kandhan is forever new;
Rarest among knowledge, greatest in grace,
Rarest among knowledge, greatest in grace,
The more it is gathered and savored,
Your Tamil remains ever sweet;
The more it is gathered and savored,
Your Tamil remains ever sweet;
முதலில் முடிவது முடிவில் முதலது
முதலில் முடிவது முடிவில் முதலது
மூன்று காலம் உணர்ந்த பேர்க்கு
ஆறுமுகம் புதியது....
Ending at the beginning, beginning at the end,
Ending at the beginning, beginning at the end,
To those who have realized all three realms of time,
The six-faced Lord Arumugam is forever new.
Avvaiyae ulagil ariyadhu enna….
O Avvaiyar, what is rare in this world?
(Dialogue)
(Dialogue)
Ariyadhu ketkin varivadiveloi
If you ask what is rare, O Lord with the sharp Vel,
Aridhu aridhu maanidaraadhal aridhu
Rare, rare indeed is it to be born as a human being;
Maanidaraayinum koon kurudu
Even if born human, to be born free from physical defects, blindness,
Sevidu paedu neengi pirathal aridhu
Deafness, and muteness is rare;
Koon kurudu sevidu paedu
Even if free from physical defects, blindness, deafness, and muteness,
Neengi gnaanamum kalviyum nayathalaridhu
To seek wisdom and education is rare;
Gnaanamum kalviyum nayandha kaalaiyum
Even if wisdom and education are acquired,
Dhaanamum thavamum thaan seidhal aridhu
To actually perform charity and penance is rare;
Dhaanamum thavamum thaan seivaraayin
If one performs charity and penance,
Vaanavar naadu vazhi pirandhidumae….
The path to the world of the celestials shall open wide.
Ariyadhu kettamaikku
For answering what is rare
Azhagaana thamizhil
In sweet and beautiful Tamil,
Vilakkam thandha moodhaattiyae
O wise old poetess who explained it,
Kodiyadhu enna….(Dialogue)
What is cruel?
Kodiyadhu ketkkin varivadiveloi
If you ask what is cruel, O Lord with the sharp Vel,
Kodidhu kodidhu varumai kodidhu
Cruel, cruel indeed is poverty;
Adhaninum kodidhu ilamaiyil varumai
Cruel is poverty experienced in youth;
Adhaninum kodidhu aattronaa kodu noi
More cruel than that is an incurable, painful disease;
Adhaninum kodidhu anbilaa pendir
More cruel than that is an unloving wife;
Adhaninum kodidhu avar kaiyaal
More cruel than that is having to consume food
Inbura unbadhu thaanae….
Served by her hands to survive.
Mikka magizhchchi
Great joy!
Sollaal thamizhaal
With your words and Tamil,
Vellaadha ulagaiyellaam vellum
You possess the skill to conquer the unconquered world,
Thiramai padaitha avvaiyae
O Avvaiyar!
Periyadhu enna….(Dialogue)
What is great?
Periyadhu ketkin neri thamizh veloi
If you ask what is great, O Lord holding the righteous Tamil Vel,
Peridhu peridhu bhuvanam peridhu
Great, great indeed is the universe;
Bhuvanamum naan mugan padaippu
The universe was created by the four-faced Brahma;
Naan mugan kariya maal undhiyil vandhon
Brahma originated from the navel of the dark-complexioned Vishnu;
Kariya maalo alaikadal thuyindron
Dark Vishnu sleeps upon the surging ocean;
Alai kadalo gurumuni yangaiyil adakkam
The surging ocean was swallowed in the palm of Sage Agastya;
Gurumuniyo kalasathir pirandhon
Sage Agastya was born from a small pot;
Kalasamo puviyir chiruman
The pot is merely small clay on the earth;
Puviyo aravini oru thalai paaram
The earth rests upon one head of Adishesha the serpent;
Aramo umaivayal siru viral modhiram
Adishesha is just a small ring on Goddess Parvati's finger;
Umaiyo iraivar baaga thodukkam
Parvati is an integral part of Lord Shiva's body;
Iraivano thondar ullatthodukkam
And Lord Shiva resides within the heart of his devotees;
Thondar tham perumaiyai sollavum
Thus, to describe the greatness of devotees
Peridhae….
Is the greatest of all!
Avvaiyae….
O Avvaiyar...
Vaanavarum unadhu
Even the gods above
Vaakkirku adimaiyaagi viduvar yendraal
Become servants to your divine words,
Adhil viyappillai
And that is no wonder at all.
Iniyadhu enna…. (Dialogue)
What is sweet?
Iniyadhu ketkin thani nedu veloi
If you ask what is sweet, O Lord with the long Vel,
Inidhu inidhu yaegaantham inidhu
Sweet, sweet indeed is solitude;
Adhaninum inidhu aadhiyai thozhudhal
Sweeter than that is worshipping the Supreme Primordial God;
Adhaninum inidhu arivinar saerdhal
Sweeter than that is the company of wise scholars;
Adhaninum inidhu arivullorai
Sweeter still is beholding wise people
Kanavilum nanavilum kaanbadhu thaanae….
In both dreams and wakefulness!
Ariyadhu kodiyadhu periyadhu iniyadhu
Having answered what is rare, cruel, great, and sweet
Anaithirkkum muraiyodu
In proper sequence and order,
Vidai pagandra avvaiyae
O Avvaiyar,
Pudhiyadhu enna….(Dialogue)
What is ever-new?
Endrum pudhiyadhu…
That which is forever new...
Padal endrum pudhiyadhu
A song is forever new;
Porul niraindha paadal endrum pudhiyadhu
A song rich in divine meaning is forever new;
Murugaa unnai paadum porul niraindha
A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga,
Paadal endrum pudhiyadhu
Is forever new;
Murugaa unnai paadum porul niraindha
A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga,
Paadal endrum pudhiyadhu
Is forever new;
Arul niraindha pulavar nenjil
In the grace-filled hearts of poets,
Amudham ennum thamizh kodutha
Giving Tamil as sweet nectar,
Porul niraindha paadal endrum pudhiyadhu
A song rich in divine meaning is forever new;
Arul niraindha pulavar nenjil
In the grace-filled hearts of poets,
Amudham ennum thamizh koduttha
Giving Tamil as sweet nectar,
Porul niraindha paadal endrum pudhiyadhu
A song rich in divine meaning is forever new;
Murugan endra peyaril vandha
The supreme beauty that came
Azhagae endrum pudhiyadhu
Under the name of Murugan is forever new;
Murugan endra peyaril vandha
The supreme beauty that came
Azhagae endrum pudhiyadhu
Under the name of Murugan is forever new;
Muruval kaattum kumaran konda
The eternal youthfulness held by Kumaran
Ilamai endrum pudhiyadhu
Who wears a gentle smile is forever new;
Unnai petra annaiyarkku
To the mother who gave birth to you,
Unadhu leelai pudhiyadhu
Your divine playfulness is forever new;
Unnai petra annaiyarkku
To the mother who gave birth to you,
Unadhu leelai pudhiyadhu
Your divine playfulness is forever new;
Unadhu thandhai iraivanukkum
Even to your father, the Supreme Lord Shiva,
Velum…. mayilum….
The Spear... and the Peacock...
Unadhu thandhai iraivanukkum
Even to your father, the Supreme Lord Shiva,
Velum mayilum pudhiyadhu…
Your Spear and Peacock are forever new;
Murugaa unnai paadum porul niraindha
A song rich in meaning sung in praise of you, Muruga,
Paadal endrum pudhiyadhu
Is forever new;
Thingalukkum gnjaayirukkum
To the moon and to the sun,
Kandhan maeni pudhiyadhu
The radiant form of Kandhan is forever new;
Thingalukkum gnjaayirukkum
To the moon and to the sun,
Kandhan maeni pudhiyadhu
The radiant form of Kandhan is forever new;
Saerndhavarkku vazhangum…
To those who seek refuge in him...
Kandhan karunai pudhiyadhu
The grace of Lord Kandhan is forever new;
Saerndhavarkku vazhanghum
To those who seek refuge in him,
Kandhan karunai pudhiyadhu
The grace of Lord Kandhan is forever new;
Arivil ariyadhu arulil periyadhu
Rarest among knowledge, greatest in grace,
Arivil ariyadhu arulil periyadhu
Rarest among knowledge, greatest in grace,
Alli alli unna unna
The more it is gathered and savored,
Unadhu thamizh iniyadhu
Your Tamil remains ever sweet;
Alli alli unna unna
The more it is gathered and savored,
Unadhu thamizh iniyadhu
Your Tamil remains ever sweet;
Mudhalil mudivadhu mudivil mudhaladhu
Ending at the beginning, beginning at the end,
Mudhalil mudivadhu mudivil mudhaladhu
Ending at the beginning, beginning at the end,
Moondru kaalam unarndha perkku
To those who have realized all three realms of time,
Aarumugam pudhiyadhu….
The six-faced Lord Arumugam is forever new.
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic song sequence from the film 'Kandhan Karunai' (1967) depicts the legendary philosophical discourse between the ancient Tamil poetess Avvaiyar and Lord Murugan (disguised as a young shepherd boy). Murugan tests Avvaiyar by asking four fundamental questions: What is rare (Ariyadhu)? What is cruel (Kodiyadhu)? What is great (Periyadhu)? and What is sweet (Iniyadhu)? Avvaiyar responds with traditional wisdom: human birth and virtue are rare; poverty and unloving relationships are cruel; devotion and the hearts of true devotees are greater than the universe; and solitude, worship, and wise company are sweet. In turn, Avvaiyar asks Murugan what is 'ever-new' (Pudhiyadhu), leading to a sublime devotional climax celebrating the timelessness of divine Tamil poetry, Murugan's radiant youth, his grace, and his cosmic nature.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Repetition (Emoni & Mpdhu)
“Aridhu aridhu maanidaraadhal aridhu”
Repeating opening phrases like 'Aridhu aridhu', 'Kodidhu kodidhu', 'Peridhu peridhu', and 'Inidhu inidhu' for dramatic and rhythmic emphasis.
Chain Metaphor / Gradation (Sorpanthal)
“Bhuvanamum naan mugan padaippu ... Iraivano thondar ullatthodukkam”
Linking cosmic elements step-by-step (Universe -> Brahma -> Vishnu -> Ocean -> Agastya -> Pot -> Earth -> Serpent -> Parvati -> Shiva -> Devotee's heart) to prove that devotions surpass physical creation.
Antithesis / Paradox
“Mudhalil mudivadhu mudivil mudhaladhu”
'Mudhalil mudivadhu mudivil mudhaladhu' highlights the cyclical nature of time and eternity represented by Lord Murugan.
Did you know?
Trivia
This famous scene features legendary singer-actress K. B. Sundarambal playing Avvaiyar and Master Sridhar/Sivaji Ganesan in the film 'Kandhan Karunai' (1967). The dialogue and lyrics adapt ancient classical Tamil verses attributed to Avvaiyar, composed with music score by K. V. Mahadevan.
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