Brahman Thalam Poda
From Konjum Salangai · 1962
- Lyricist
- Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
- Singers
- Jayalakshmi, Rajalakshmi
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Details
- Konjum Salangai1962
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Biramman thaalam poda | Brahma keeps the rhythm |
| Maal padakanthanai muzhakka | Vishnu sounds the drum |
| Poraam vaani arumaiyaam veenai kola | Famed Saraswati gracefully holds the veena |
| Seernguzhali ravi sasiyum adaivaayoodha | Flute-playing Sun and Moon play in unison |
| Kirubaiyudan devar oli seiya | With grace, the gods illuminate the scene |
| Nandhi maththalam sangeethaththai | Nandi plays the percussion music |
| Dhum puru muzhanga rasam pirakka | Tumburu plays music as aesthetic bliss blossoms |
| Sivan aadum nadanaththai pottruvaenae…ae…ae… | I praise Lord Shiva's divine dance... |
| Aaa….aa…..aa….aa…. | Aaa....aa.....aa....aa.... |
| Female | |
| Abhnayangal kaattiyae | Showing expressive gestures |
| Nee aadalaam pottiyae | Can you dance in competition? |
| Sabaiyil paavaraaga thaalam | With emotional expression and rhythm in the court |
| Laasyamodum thaandavam | Lasya and Tandava dance forms |
| Ivai kalanthu nadanamaada theriyumaa | Do you know how to dance blending these? |
| Nee laavagamaai nadaigal poda mudiyumaa | Can you step agilely? |
| Female | |
| Thagathimi ennum naangu atcharam | Four syllables called Thagathimi |
| Thaalamithin per sathusram | The name of this rhythm is Chatusra |
| Thaguntha layamodu aaduvatharkku | To dance with proper rhythm |
| Nithaanamum nyanamum avasiyam | Patience and musical wisdom are essential |
| Female | |
| Ainthu nadaigalil aadhi thaalamaai | As the primary rhythm among five rhythm patterns |
| Amainththau sadhusram thaanammaa | Chatusra is established, my dear |
| Aduththa nadaigalai varisai muraiyil | The subsequent rhythm patterns in systematic order |
| Aada unakku theriyumaa | Do you know how to dance them? |
| Female | |
| Thagida moondru atcharam | Three syllables called Thagida |
| Idhu thaalavaathya saasthiram | This is the science of rhythm instruments |
| Thaguthiyodu thernthavargal | Given by experts with mastery |
| Thantha peyar thisram | The name given is Tisra |
| Female | |
| Thagida thagathimi pazhagu nadayinil | In the practiced gait of Thagida thagathimi |
| Thavazha varuvathu yaezhu atcharam | Coming gracefully are seven syllables |
| Magizhum manathodu mathura oliyodu | With a joyful heart and sweet sound |
| Sagala kalaingarum pugazhum misram | Lauded by all artists as Misra |
| Female | |
| Thagithgida enum oliyil | In the sound of Thagithgida |
| Thaniyazhagu kandom | We found a unique beauty |
| Sugamudaiya nadaiyin peyar | The name of this pleasing rhythm |
| Solluvathu kandam | Is called Khanda |
| Female | |
| ……………………. | ................. |
| Female | |
| Thagithgida enum oliyil | In the sound of Thagithgida |
| Thaniyazhagu kandom | We found a unique beauty |
| Female | |
| Thagathimi thagathagida | Thagathimi thagathagida |
| Oliyodu nadanamidum | Dancing to this rhythmic sound |
| Thani oru nadayin peyar | The name of this unique gait |
| Azhagiya sangeernamae | Is beautiful Sankeerna |
| Female | |
| Mugamodu vizhagaramum | With face and hand gestures |
| Navarasa nayam milira | Shining with the subtle beauty of nine emotions |
| Muraiyodu nadanamida | To dance systematically |
| Thiram miga venumae | Great expertise is required |
| Female | |
| Aayiram naattiyam aadiya pothilum | Even if you have performed a thousand dances |
| Ooviya naattiyam theriyumaa…..aaa…. | Do you know pictorial dance? |
| Female | |
| Chiththira nanthanam | Picturesque dance patterns |
| Eththanai vendum | How many do you want? |
| Simma nanthanam aadattumaa | Shall I dance the Simha Natanam (Lion Dance)? |
| Female | |
| Simma nanthanam aadidum munnae | Before dancing the Lion Dance |
| Muyoora panthanam seiyattumaa….aa… | Shall I perform the Mayura Bandhanam (Peacock Lock)? |
| Muyoora panthanam seiyattumaa….aa… | Shall I perform the Mayura Bandhanam (Peacock Lock)? |
| Female | |
| Iruttilum thanal polae | Glowing like embers even in darkness |
| Iruvizhai jolikkum | Both eyes will shine |
| Idi idiththaar polae | Like a clap of thunder |
| Karjanai muzhangum | Roaring loudly |
| Female | |
| Azhagiya kazhuththinai | The beautiful neck |
| Layamudan aattum | Shaking to the rhythm |
| Aayiram vizhigalai | A thousand eyes |
| Thogaiyil kaattum…. | Displaying in its plumage... |
| Female | |
| Kurugiya kodi idai | Narrow vine-like waist |
| Mangayai pazhaikkum | Outshining the maiden |
| Kobaththin kothippaalae | Boiling with fierce anger |
| Pidariyai silirkkum | Bristling its mane |
| Female | |
| Sezhum pasumpon polae | Like rich yellow gold |
| Minnidum thottram | Glittering appearance |
| Singaaramaagavae nadai ezhil kaattum | Elegantly showcasing a graceful gait |
| Female | |
| Singaththai kandaalae | Upon seeing the lion |
| Yaanaikku thidaattam | The elephant panics |
| Singaththai kandaalae | Upon seeing the lion |
| Yaanaikku thidaattam | The elephant panics |
| Female | |
| Mazhai mugil kandaalae | Upon seeing rain clouds |
| Mayilukku kondaattam | The peacock celebrates |
| Mazhai mugil kandaalae | Upon seeing rain clouds |
| Mayilukku kondaattam | The peacock celebrates |
| Male | |
| …………………. | ................. |
பிரம்மன் தாளம் போட மால் படகந்தனை முழக்க
பேராம் வாணி அருமையாம் வீணை கொள
சீர்ங்குழலி ரவி சசியும் அடைவாயூத
கிருபையுடன் தேவர் ஒலி செய்ய
நந்தி மத்தளம் சங்கீதத்தைத்
தும் புரு முழங்க ரசம் பிறக்க
சிவநாடும் நடனத்தைப் போற்றுவேனே.......ஏ....ஏ....
ஆஅ.....ஆ......ஆ......ஆ....
Brahma keeps the rhythm
Vishnu sounds the drum
Famed Saraswati gracefully holds the veena
Flute-playing Sun and Moon play in unison
With grace, the gods illuminate the scene
Nandi plays the percussion music
Tumburu plays music as aesthetic bliss blossoms
I praise Lord Shiva's divine dance...
Aaa....aa.....aa....aa....
அபிநயங்கள் காட்டியே
நீ ஆடலாமோ போட்டியே
சபையில் பாவராக தாளம்
லாஸ்யமோடும் தாண்டவம்
இவை கலந்து நடனமாடத் தெரியுமா
நீ இலாவகமாய் நடைகள் போட முடியுமா
Showing expressive gestures
Can you dance in competition?
With emotional expression and rhythm in the court
Lasya and Tandava dance forms
Do you know how to dance blending these?
Can you step agilely?
தகதிமி என்னும் நான்கு அட்சரம்
தாளமிதன் பேர் சதுஸ்ரம்
தகுந்த லயமொடு ஆடுவதற்கு
நிதானமும் ஞானமும் அவசியம்
Four syllables called Thagathimi
The name of this rhythm is Chatusra
To dance with proper rhythm
Patience and musical wisdom are essential
ஐந்து நடைகளில் ஆதி தாளமாய்
அமைந்தது சதுஸ்ரம் தானம்மா
அடுத்த நடைகளை வரிசை முறையிலே
ஆட உனக்குத் தெரியுமா
As the primary rhythm among five rhythm patterns
Chatusra is established, my dear
The subsequent rhythm patterns in systematic order
Do you know how to dance them?
தகிட மூன்று அட்சரம்
இது தாளவாத்ய சாஸ்திரம்
தகுதியோடு தேர்ந்தவர்கள்
தந்த பெயர் திஸ்ரம்
Three syllables called Thagida
This is the science of rhythm instruments
Given by experts with mastery
The name given is Tisra
தகிட தகதிமி பழகு நடையினில்
தவழ வருவது ஏழு அட்சரம்
மகிழும் மனதொடு மதுர ஒலியொடு
சகல கலைஞரும் புகழும் மிஸ்ரம்
In the practiced gait of Thagida thagathimi
Coming gracefully are seven syllables
With a joyful heart and sweet sound
Lauded by all artists as Misra
தகிதகிட எனும் ஒலியில்
தனியழகு கண்டோம்
சுகமுடைய நடையின் பெயர்
சொல்லுவது கண்டம்
In the sound of Thagithgida
We found a unique beauty
The name of this pleasing rhythm
Is called Khanda
........................
.................
தகிதகிட எனும் ஒலியில்
தனியழகு கண்டோம்
In the sound of Thagithgida
We found a unique beauty
தகதிமி தகதகிட ஒலியொடு நடனமிடும்
தனியொரு நடையின் பெயர்
அழகிய சங்கீர்ணமே
Thagathimi thagathagida
Dancing to this rhythmic sound
The name of this unique gait
Is beautiful Sankeerna
முகமொடு விழகரமும்
நவரச நயம் மிளிர
முறையொடு நடனமிடத்
திறம் மிக வேணுமே
With face and hand gestures
Shining with the subtle beauty of nine emotions
To dance systematically
Great expertise is required
ஆயிரம் நாட்டியம் ஆடிய போதிலும்
ஓவிய நாட்டியம் தெரியுமா.....ஆஅ......
Even if you have performed a thousand dances
Do you know pictorial dance?
சித்திர நந்தனம் எத்தனை வேண்டும்
சிம்ம நந்தனம் ஆடட்டுமா
Picturesque dance patterns
How many do you want?
Shall I dance the Simha Natanam (Lion Dance)?
சிம்ம நந்தனம் ஆடிடு முன்னே
மயூர பந்தனம் செய்யட்டுமா.....ஆ.....
மயூர பந்தனம் செய்யட்டுமா.....ஆ.....
Before dancing the Lion Dance
Shall I perform the Mayura Bandhanam (Peacock Lock)?
Shall I perform the Mayura Bandhanam (Peacock Lock)?
இருட்டிலும் தணல் போலே
இருவிழி ஜொலிக்கும்
இடி இடித்தாற் போலே
கர்ஜனை முழங்கும்....
Glowing like embers even in darkness
Both eyes will shine
Like a clap of thunder
Roaring loudly
அழகிய கழுத்தினை
லயமுடன் ஆட்டும்
ஆயிரம் விழிகளைத்
தோகையில் காட்டும்.....
The beautiful neck
Shaking to the rhythm
A thousand eyes
Displaying in its plumage...
குறுகிய கொடி இடை
மங்கையைப் பழிக்கும்
கோபத்தின் கொதிப்பாலே
பிடரியைச் சிலிர்க்கும்
Narrow vine-like waist
Outshining the maiden
Boiling with fierce anger
Bristling its mane
செழும் பசும்பொன் போலே
மின்னிடும் தோற்றம்
சிங்காரமாகவே நடையெழில் காட்டும்
Like rich yellow gold
Glittering appearance
Elegantly showcasing a graceful gait
சிம்மத்தைக் கண்டாலே
யானைக்கு திண்டாட்டம்
சிம்மத்தைக் கண்டாலே
யானைக்கு திண்டாட்டம்
Upon seeing the lion
The elephant panics
Upon seeing the lion
The elephant panics
மழை முகில் கண்டாலே
மயிலுக்கு கொண்டாட்டம்....
மழை முகில் கண்டாலே
மயிலுக்கு கொண்டாட்டம்....
Upon seeing rain clouds
The peacock celebrates
Upon seeing rain clouds
The peacock celebrates
...............................
.................
Biramman thaalam poda
Brahma keeps the rhythm
Maal padakanthanai muzhakka
Vishnu sounds the drum
Poraam vaani arumaiyaam veenai kola
Famed Saraswati gracefully holds the veena
Seernguzhali ravi sasiyum adaivaayoodha
Flute-playing Sun and Moon play in unison
Kirubaiyudan devar oli seiya
With grace, the gods illuminate the scene
Nandhi maththalam sangeethaththai
Nandi plays the percussion music
Dhum puru muzhanga rasam pirakka
Tumburu plays music as aesthetic bliss blossoms
Sivan aadum nadanaththai pottruvaenae…ae…ae…
I praise Lord Shiva's divine dance...
Aaa….aa…..aa….aa….
Aaa....aa.....aa....aa....
Abhnayangal kaattiyae
Showing expressive gestures
Nee aadalaam pottiyae
Can you dance in competition?
Sabaiyil paavaraaga thaalam
With emotional expression and rhythm in the court
Laasyamodum thaandavam
Lasya and Tandava dance forms
Ivai kalanthu nadanamaada theriyumaa
Do you know how to dance blending these?
Nee laavagamaai nadaigal poda mudiyumaa
Can you step agilely?
Thagathimi ennum naangu atcharam
Four syllables called Thagathimi
Thaalamithin per sathusram
The name of this rhythm is Chatusra
Thaguntha layamodu aaduvatharkku
To dance with proper rhythm
Nithaanamum nyanamum avasiyam
Patience and musical wisdom are essential
Ainthu nadaigalil aadhi thaalamaai
As the primary rhythm among five rhythm patterns
Amainththau sadhusram thaanammaa
Chatusra is established, my dear
Aduththa nadaigalai varisai muraiyil
The subsequent rhythm patterns in systematic order
Aada unakku theriyumaa
Do you know how to dance them?
Thagida moondru atcharam
Three syllables called Thagida
Idhu thaalavaathya saasthiram
This is the science of rhythm instruments
Thaguthiyodu thernthavargal
Given by experts with mastery
Thantha peyar thisram
The name given is Tisra
Thagida thagathimi pazhagu nadayinil
In the practiced gait of Thagida thagathimi
Thavazha varuvathu yaezhu atcharam
Coming gracefully are seven syllables
Magizhum manathodu mathura oliyodu
With a joyful heart and sweet sound
Sagala kalaingarum pugazhum misram
Lauded by all artists as Misra
Thagithgida enum oliyil
In the sound of Thagithgida
Thaniyazhagu kandom
We found a unique beauty
Sugamudaiya nadaiyin peyar
The name of this pleasing rhythm
Solluvathu kandam
Is called Khanda
…………………….
.................
Thagithgida enum oliyil
In the sound of Thagithgida
Thaniyazhagu kandom
We found a unique beauty
Thagathimi thagathagida
Thagathimi thagathagida
Oliyodu nadanamidum
Dancing to this rhythmic sound
Thani oru nadayin peyar
The name of this unique gait
Azhagiya sangeernamae
Is beautiful Sankeerna
Mugamodu vizhagaramum
With face and hand gestures
Navarasa nayam milira
Shining with the subtle beauty of nine emotions
Muraiyodu nadanamida
To dance systematically
Thiram miga venumae
Great expertise is required
Aayiram naattiyam aadiya pothilum
Even if you have performed a thousand dances
Ooviya naattiyam theriyumaa…..aaa….
Do you know pictorial dance?
Chiththira nanthanam
Picturesque dance patterns
Eththanai vendum
How many do you want?
Simma nanthanam aadattumaa
Shall I dance the Simha Natanam (Lion Dance)?
Simma nanthanam aadidum munnae
Before dancing the Lion Dance
Muyoora panthanam seiyattumaa….aa…
Shall I perform the Mayura Bandhanam (Peacock Lock)?
Muyoora panthanam seiyattumaa….aa…
Shall I perform the Mayura Bandhanam (Peacock Lock)?
Iruttilum thanal polae
Glowing like embers even in darkness
Iruvizhai jolikkum
Both eyes will shine
Idi idiththaar polae
Like a clap of thunder
Karjanai muzhangum
Roaring loudly
Azhagiya kazhuththinai
The beautiful neck
Layamudan aattum
Shaking to the rhythm
Aayiram vizhigalai
A thousand eyes
Thogaiyil kaattum….
Displaying in its plumage...
Kurugiya kodi idai
Narrow vine-like waist
Mangayai pazhaikkum
Outshining the maiden
Kobaththin kothippaalae
Boiling with fierce anger
Pidariyai silirkkum
Bristling its mane
Sezhum pasumpon polae
Like rich yellow gold
Minnidum thottram
Glittering appearance
Singaaramaagavae nadai ezhil kaattum
Elegantly showcasing a graceful gait
Singaththai kandaalae
Upon seeing the lion
Yaanaikku thidaattam
The elephant panics
Singaththai kandaalae
Upon seeing the lion
Yaanaikku thidaattam
The elephant panics
Mazhai mugil kandaalae
Upon seeing rain clouds
Mayilukku kondaattam
The peacock celebrates
Mazhai mugil kandaalae
Upon seeing rain clouds
Mayilukku kondaattam
The peacock celebrates
………………….
.................
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song from 'Konjum Salangai' (1962) is an elaborate classical dance-challenge (Jugalbandi/Vadha Sangeetham) set in a Bharatanatyam structure. It opens with a grand invocation describing Lord Shiva's Cosmic Dance (Ananda Tandavam), accompanied by celestial beings such as Brahma, Vishnu, Saraswati, Nandi, and Tumburu. The lyrics then shift to a competitive dialogue challenging the dancer to demonstrate mastery over the five fundamental rhythmic gaits (Pancha Jaathis) of Indian Classical music and dance: Chatusra (4 beats), Tisra (3 beats), Misra (7 beats), Khanda (5 beats), and Sankeerna (9 beats). The latter part of the song transitions into descriptive visual motifs, challenging the dancer to perform intricate specialized movements such as Simha Natanam (Lion Dance) and Mayura Bandhanam (Peacock Pose), vividly evoking the ferocity of a lion and the majestic beauty of a peacock.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai (Simile)
“Iruttilum thanal polae”
Compares the glowing eyes to embers ('thanal polae') and the roar to thunder ('idi idiththaar polae').
Upamai (Simile)
“Sezhum pasumpon polae”
Compares the radiant golden appearance to rich yellow gold ('Sezhum pasumpon polae').
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Thagathimi ennum naangu atcharam”
Repetition of initial consonant sound 'Th' in rhythm terms ('Thagathimi', 'Thaalamithin').
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Yaanaikku thidaattam”
Rhyming end words 'thidaattam' and 'kondaattam'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Konjum Salangai' (1962) is a landmark Tamil dance film directed by M. V. Raman, starring Gemini Ganesan and Kumari Kamala. The music for the film was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. This classic dance duel sequence features legendary dancers Kumari Kamala and Kuchala, showcasing high-level technical Bharatanatyam jatis and intricate rhythm structures.
Keep listening
More from Konjum Salangai
Konjum Salangai
Konjum Salangai
Konjum Salangai
Konjum Salangai
Konjum Salangai
Konjum Salangai