Kudagu Naadu Ponni
From Kuzhanthai Ullam · 1969
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan, P. Susheela
- Music director
- S. P. Kothandapani
- Details
- Kuzhanthai Ullam1969
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Kudagumalai magale… | Daughter of Coorg hills... |
| Konattu marumagalae..aee | Daughter-in-law of the Chola realm... |
| Kaveri poopattinathilae … | In the port city of Kaveripoompattinam... |
| Kadalaadum thirumagalae | Divine daughter who merges with the ocean. |
| Female | |
| Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni. |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni. |
| Chorus :Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | Chorus: Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni. |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni. |
| Male | |
| Aadi maadham ponni aadum maadham | The month of Aadi is when River Ponni dances in swell. |
| Chorus :Aadi maadham ponni aadum maadham | Chorus: The month of Aadi is when River Ponni dances in swell. |
| Male :Anna nadai aavesam aagum maadham | Male: The month when her gentle swan-like walk turns into a roaring surge. |
| Chorus :Anna nadai aavesam aagum maadham | Chorus: The month when her gentle swan-like walk turns into a roaring surge. |
| Chorus | |
| Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni. |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni. |
| Female | |
| Ayirameenum kendai meenum iraippal | She scatters Ayirai and Kendai fish as abundance. |
| Ponni akkaraikkum ikkaraikkum vaazhvu koduppaal | Ponni bestows life and prosperity to both banks. |
| Chorus :Ayirameenum kendai meenum iraippal | Chorus: She scatters Ayirai and Kendai fish as abundance. |
| Ponni akkaraikkum ikkaraikkum vaazhvu koduppaal | Ponni bestows life and prosperity to both banks. |
| Female | |
| Payir mugathil irundhu pachai kaatuvaal | She reveals lush greenery through the face of growing crops. |
| Ponni paadupadum ezhai veetil aduppu moottuvaal | Ponni lights the hearth in the hardworking poor man's home. |
| Male | |
| Podu …. | Play on! |
| Chorus | |
| Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni. |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni. |
| Male | |
| Kaveriyaal kandathu thaan ethanai vamsam | How many dynasties has River Kaveri witnessed! |
| Aval karaiyinilae kaanbathu thaan ethanai amsam | How many exquisite qualities are beheld along her banks! |
| Kaveriyaal kandathu thaan ethanai vamsam | How many dynasties has River Kaveri witnessed! |
| Aval karaiyinilae kaanbathu thaan ethanai amsam | How many exquisite qualities are beheld along her banks! |
| Poo virithu pottirukkum punnagai manjam | A smiling floral bed spread out in full bloom, |
| Adhil poi vilunthu aaduthamma kaadhalar nenjam | Falling into which, the hearts of lovers rejoice and dance. |
| Podu | Play on! |
| Chorus | |
| Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | Ponni in whose waters Kannagi and Madhavi once bathed, |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | The picture-perfect maiden who stepped into our grand epic Silappatikaram. |
| Female | |
| Kannagiyum maadhaviyum aadiya ponni | Chorus: Ponni in whose waters Kannagi and Madhavi once bathed, |
| Engal kaaviyathil yerivitta oviya kanni | The picture-perfect maiden who stepped into our grand epic Silappatikaram. |
| Chorus :Kannagiyum maadhaviyum aadiya ponni | Male: The holy Kaveri waters that gather and bring boundless virtues, |
| Engal kaaviyathil yerivitta oviya kanni | Bring auspicious wedding hours to the women who revere her. |
| Male :Punniyathai vaari varum kaaveri theertham | Bring auspicious wedding hours to the women who revere her. |
| Adhai pottrukkindra pengalukku serum muhurtham | Male: Play on! |
| Chorus | |
| Adhai pottrukkindra pengalukku serum muhurtham | Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni. |
| Male :Podu | The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni. |
| Chorus | |
| Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | The month of Aadi is when Ponni dances. |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | The month when her swan-like gait transforms into passionate power. |
| Aadi maadham ponni aadu maadham | Play on! |
| Anna nadai aavesam aagum maadham | Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni. |
| Male | |
| Podu | The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni. |
| Chorus | |
| Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni. |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni. |
| Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu | |
| Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu | |
குடகுமலை மகளே ! கோனாட்டு மருமகளே !
காவிரிப்பூம்பட்டினத்திலே கடலாடும் திருமகளே !
Daughter of Coorg hills...
Daughter-in-law of the Chola realm...
In the port city of Kaveripoompattinam...
Divine daughter who merges with the ocean.
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
குழு :
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Chorus: Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
ஆடி மாதம் பொன்னி ஆடும் மாதம்
குழு :
ஆடி மாதம் பொன்னி ஆடும் மாதம்
அன்ன நடை ஆவேசம் ஆகும் மாதம்
குழு :
அன்ன நடை ஆவேசம் ஆகும் மாதம்
The month of Aadi is when River Ponni dances in swell.
Chorus: The month of Aadi is when River Ponni dances in swell.
Male: The month when her gentle swan-like walk turns into a roaring surge.
Chorus: The month when her gentle swan-like walk turns into a roaring surge.
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
அயிரமீனும் கெண்டை மீனும் இரைப்பாள் பொன்னி
அக்கரைக்கும் இக்கரைக்கும் வாழ்வு கொடுப்பாள்
குழு :
அயிரமீனும் கெண்டை மீனும் இரைப்பாள் பொன்னி
அக்கரைக்கும் இக்கரைக்கும் வாழ்வு கொடுப்பாள்
She scatters Ayirai and Kendai fish as abundance.
Ponni bestows life and prosperity to both banks.
Chorus: She scatters Ayirai and Kendai fish as abundance.
Ponni bestows life and prosperity to both banks.
பயிர் முகத்தில் இருந்து பச்சை காட்டுவாள் பொன்னி
பாடுபடும் ஏழை வீட்டில் அடுப்பு மூட்டுவாள்
போடு
She reveals lush greenery through the face of growing crops.
Ponni lights the hearth in the hardworking poor man's home.
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
Play on!
காவிரியாள் கண்டதுதான் எத்தனை வம்சம் அவள்
கரையினிலே காண்பதுதான் எத்தனை அம்சம்
காவிரியாள் கண்டதுதான் எத்தனை வம்சம் அவள்
கரையினிலே காண்பதுதான் எத்தனை அம்சம்
பூ விரித்துப் போட்டிருக்கும் புன்னகை மஞ்சம் அதில்
போய் விழுந்து ஆடுதம்மா காதலர் நெஞ்சம் ..போடு
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
How many dynasties has River Kaveri witnessed!
How many exquisite qualities are beheld along her banks!
How many dynasties has River Kaveri witnessed!
How many exquisite qualities are beheld along her banks!
A smiling floral bed spread out in full bloom,
Falling into which, the hearts of lovers rejoice and dance.
Play on!
கண்ணகியும் மாதவியும் ஆடிய பொன்னி எங்கள்
காவியத்தில் ஏறிவிட்ட ஓவியக் கன்னி
குழு :
கண்ணகியும் மாதவியும் ஆடிய பொன்னி எங்கள்
காவியத்தில் ஏறிவிட்ட ஓவியக் கன்னி
புண்ணியத்தை வாரிவரும் காவிரித் தீர்த்தம்
அதைப் போற்றுகின்ற பெண்களுக்குச் சேரும் முகூர்த்தம்
குழு :
அதைப் போற்றுகின்ற பெண்களுக்குச் சேரும் முகூர்த்தம்
போடு ...
Ponni in whose waters Kannagi and Madhavi once bathed,
The picture-perfect maiden who stepped into our grand epic Silappatikaram.
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
ஆடி மாதம் பொன்னி ஆடும் மாதம்
அன்ன நடை ஆவேசம் ஆகும் மாதம்
Chorus: Ponni in whose waters Kannagi and Madhavi once bathed,
The picture-perfect maiden who stepped into our grand epic Silappatikaram.
Male: The holy Kaveri waters that gather and bring boundless virtues,
Bring auspicious wedding hours to the women who revere her.
Bring auspicious wedding hours to the women who revere her.
Male: Play on!
போடு ...
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
குடகுநாடு பொன்னி பிறந்த நாடு
சோழ நாடு பொன்னி புகுந்த வீடு
The month of Aadi is when Ponni dances.
The month when her swan-like gait transforms into passionate power.
Play on!
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Kudagumalai magale…
Daughter of Coorg hills...
Konattu marumagalae..aee
Daughter-in-law of the Chola realm...
Kaveri poopattinathilae …
In the port city of Kaveripoompattinam...
Kadalaadum thirumagalae
Divine daughter who merges with the ocean.
Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Chorus :Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
Chorus: Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Aadi maadham ponni aadum maadham
The month of Aadi is when River Ponni dances in swell.
Chorus :Aadi maadham ponni aadum maadham
Chorus: The month of Aadi is when River Ponni dances in swell.
Male :Anna nadai aavesam aagum maadham
Male: The month when her gentle swan-like walk turns into a roaring surge.
Chorus :Anna nadai aavesam aagum maadham
Chorus: The month when her gentle swan-like walk turns into a roaring surge.
Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Ayirameenum kendai meenum iraippal
She scatters Ayirai and Kendai fish as abundance.
Ponni akkaraikkum ikkaraikkum vaazhvu koduppaal
Ponni bestows life and prosperity to both banks.
Chorus :Ayirameenum kendai meenum iraippal
Chorus: She scatters Ayirai and Kendai fish as abundance.
Ponni akkaraikkum ikkaraikkum vaazhvu koduppaal
Ponni bestows life and prosperity to both banks.
Payir mugathil irundhu pachai kaatuvaal
She reveals lush greenery through the face of growing crops.
Ponni paadupadum ezhai veetil aduppu moottuvaal
Ponni lights the hearth in the hardworking poor man's home.
Podu ….
Play on!
Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Kaveriyaal kandathu thaan ethanai vamsam
How many dynasties has River Kaveri witnessed!
Aval karaiyinilae kaanbathu thaan ethanai amsam
How many exquisite qualities are beheld along her banks!
Kaveriyaal kandathu thaan ethanai vamsam
How many dynasties has River Kaveri witnessed!
Aval karaiyinilae kaanbathu thaan ethanai amsam
How many exquisite qualities are beheld along her banks!
Poo virithu pottirukkum punnagai manjam
A smiling floral bed spread out in full bloom,
Adhil poi vilunthu aaduthamma kaadhalar nenjam
Falling into which, the hearts of lovers rejoice and dance.
Podu
Play on!
Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
Ponni in whose waters Kannagi and Madhavi once bathed,
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
The picture-perfect maiden who stepped into our grand epic Silappatikaram.
Kannagiyum maadhaviyum aadiya ponni
Chorus: Ponni in whose waters Kannagi and Madhavi once bathed,
Engal kaaviyathil yerivitta oviya kanni
The picture-perfect maiden who stepped into our grand epic Silappatikaram.
Chorus :Kannagiyum maadhaviyum aadiya ponni
Male: The holy Kaveri waters that gather and bring boundless virtues,
Engal kaaviyathil yerivitta oviya kanni
Bring auspicious wedding hours to the women who revere her.
Male :Punniyathai vaari varum kaaveri theertham
Bring auspicious wedding hours to the women who revere her.
Adhai pottrukkindra pengalukku serum muhurtham
Male: Play on!
Adhai pottrukkindra pengalukku serum muhurtham
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
Male :Podu
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
The month of Aadi is when Ponni dances.
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
The month when her swan-like gait transforms into passionate power.
Aadi maadham ponni aadu maadham
Play on!
Anna nadai aavesam aagum maadham
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
Podu
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
Coorg is the birthplace of River Ponni.
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
The Chola kingdom is the marital home of Ponni.
Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu
Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic song celebrates the holy River Kaveri (also known as Ponni), personifying her as a revered daughter born in the Coorg mountains and given in marriage to the fertile Chola kingdom. The lyrics highlight the cultural, agricultural, and spiritual significance of the river, particularly during the Tamil month of Aadi (Aadi Perukku festival), when Kaveri overflows with life-giving waters that bring prosperity, sustenance, and happiness to farmers and lovers alike. Furthermore, Kannadasan connects the river to Tamil literature and history, referencing iconic literary figures like Kannagi and Madhavi from the epic Silappatikaram, who bathed in these sacred waters. The song pays tribute to Kaveri as both a divine mother feeding the poor and a historic witness to powerful Chola dynasties.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification (Uruvagam / Maandharumai)
“Kudagunaadu ponni pirandha naadu / Chola naadu ponni puguntha veedu”
River Kaveri is personified as a young bride born in Coorg (Kudagu) and married into the Chola country, attributing human traits like 'Anna nadai' (swan walk) and 'Punnagai manjam' (bed of smiles).
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kudagumalai magale… Konattu marumagalae”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds 'K' across words in consecutive lines (Kudagumalai, Konattu, Kaveri, Kadalaadum).
Ezhugai / Rhyming Endings
“Kaveriyaal kandathu thaan ethanai vamsam / Aval karaiyinilae kaanbathu thaan ethanai amsam”
Matching end sounds in lines such as 'vamsam' and 'amsam', providing melodic symmetry.
Allusion (Ilakkia Kurippu)
“Kannagiyum maadhaviyum aadiya ponni / Engal kaaviyathil yerivitta oviya kanni”
Direct reference to epic figures Kannagi and Madhavi from Ilango Adigal's Tamil epic 'Silappatikaram', grounding the river in ancient Tamil literary history.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by S. P. Kothandapani with lyrics by Kannadasan, this song remains one of the most famous cultural anthems celebrating the river Kaveri and the festival of Aadi Perukku in Tamil Nadu.
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