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Lyrics & meaning

Govarthanan Vanthan

From Raga Banthangal · 1982

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
Details
Raga Banthangal1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Govarththanan vanthaan kuzhal eduththuGovardhana came with his flute in hand,
Antha godhaiyai pol naanum enai ninaiththuImagining myself to be like Godhai (Andal),
Ingu govarththanan vanthaan kuzhal eduththuHere, Govardhana came holding his flute,
Antha godhaiyai pol naanum enai ninaiththuImagining myself to be like Godhai (Andal),
Female
Govarththanan vanthaan kuzhal eduththuGovardhana came with his flute in hand,
Antha godhaiyai pol naanum enai ninaiththuImagining myself to be like Godhai (Andal),
Ingu govarththanan vanthaan kuzhal eduththuHere, Govardhana came holding his flute,
Kuzhal eduththu….Taking up the flute...
Female
Kolam pala kaatti kuzhalilum sugam koottiDisplaying many forms and enhancing delight through his flute,
Kulungum isaiyil enai anaiththuEmbracing me within the vibrant, cascading music,
Kolam pala kaatti kuzhalilum sugam koottiDisplaying many forms and enhancing delight through his flute,
Kulungum isaiyil enai anaiththuEmbracing me within the vibrant, cascading music,
Female
Gogula mani maayan kosalai thiru mainthanThe jewel of Gokulam, the enchanting one, the holy son of Kausalya,
Gogula mani maayan kosalai thiru mainthanThe jewel of Gokulam, the enchanting one, the holy son of Kausalya,
Koduththu eduththu rasiththu suvaiththuGiving and receiving, admiring and relishing,
Radhaiyudan paavai enai saernthidavaeTo unite me, a maiden, alongside Radha,
Female
Govarththanan vanthaan kuzhal eduththuGovardhana came with his flute in hand,
Kuzhal eduththu….Taking up the flute...
Female
Idaiyil Aabaranam kulungaAs the ornaments around his waist jingle and sway,
Avan nadaiyil gangai nadhi mayangaAs even the Ganges river gets entranced by his graceful walk,
Kuzhalilum kuralilum amuthena suvai varaAs nectar-like sweetness flows from both his flute and voice,
Kurunagai thirumagan arugil varaAs the divine son with a gentle smile approaches close,
Female
Orae ninaivil orae uravilIn a single focused thought, within a singular bond,
Idhey mugaththai sathaa ninaiththu thunai varavaeConstantly cherishing this face so he comes as my companion,
Yamunaiyil oru iram odhukkinaanHe created a gentle touch of intimacy by the river Yamuna,
Enakku nee unakku naanSaying, 'You are for me, and I am for you,'
Avanai ninaiththaen manathai koduththaenI thought of him and surrendered my heart,
Inimael avanai endrum maravaenFrom now on, I will never forget him,
Avanai ninaiththaen manathai koduththaenI thought of him and surrendered my heart,
Inimael avanai endrum maravaenFrom now on, I will never forget him,
Female
……………..
Male
…………………
Female
Govarththanan vanthaan kuzhal eduththuGovardhana came with his flute in hand,
Kuzhal eduththu….Taking up the flute...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful song from 'Raga Banthangal' draws a deep parallel between the protagonist's love and the divine, devotional love of Kodhai (Andal) for Lord Krishna (referred to as Govardhana). The heroine imagines herself in the tradition of classical Bhakti, mesmerized by the divine flute music and enchanting presence of her beloved Krishna. Through vivid imagery of swinging waist ornaments, nectar-like music, and intimate moments by the Yamuna, the lyricist paints a poetic picture of total surrender (Sharanagati). The song weaves devotional fervor with romantic yearning, concluding with a firm resolve that her heart now eternally belongs to her divine companion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Antha godhaiyai pol naanum enai ninaiththu

The singer directly compares her own state of love and devotion to Andal ('Godhai') using the comparison word 'pol' (like).

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Govarththanan vanthaan ... / Antha godhaiyai pol ...

Matching initial consonant sound 'Go' / 'Godh' across consecutive lines.

Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kolam pala kaatti ... / Kulungum isaiyil ...

The second letter 'la/lu' matches in 'Kolam' and 'Kulungum', giving rhythmic flow.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kuzhalilum kuralilum amuthena suvai vara

The music of the flute and his voice are equated to divine nectar ('amuthu') in sweetness.

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Trivia

Composed by the legendary violin virtuoso Kunnakudi Vaidhiyanathan, known for his masterful blending of classical Carnatic ragas into film scores, the song features rich vocal phrasing delivered by Vani Jairam. The lyrics written by Kannadasan draw heavily upon Vaishnavite literature, referencing Godhai (Andal) and Radha to express bridal mysticism (Nayaki Bhava).

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