Ondralla Rendalla Thambi
From Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali · 1959
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan
- Music director
- T. R. Pappa
- Details
- Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali1959
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla | It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell |
| Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil | The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi | It is not just one or two, my brother |
| Male | |
| Thendral tharum iniya | Brought by the gentle breeze, sweet |
| Thaen manamum kamazhum | The fragrance of honey wafts around |
| Thendral tharum iniya | Brought by the gentle breeze, sweet |
| Thaen manamum kamazhum | The fragrance of honey wafts around |
| Senganiyum ponkadhirum | Ripe fruits and golden sheaves of grain |
| Thandhudhavum nanjai valam | Bestowed by the rich, fertile wet fields |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla | It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell |
| Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil | The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi | It is not just one or two, my brother |
| Male | |
| Pagai vendra thirampaadum barani vagai | The 'Parani' genre that sings of victory over foes |
| Pagai vendra thirampaadum barani vagai | The 'Parani' genre that sings of victory over foes |
| Sezhum pari paadal kalambangal ettu thogai | Rich Paripadal, Kalambakam genres, and Ettuthogai anthologies |
| Vaan pugazh konda kuralodu agam puramum | Along with Thirukkural of sky-high fame, Agam and Puram poetry |
| Vaan pugazh konda kuralodu agam puramum | Along with Thirukkural of sky-high fame, Agam and Puram poetry |
| Semporul thandha thamizh sanga | The great literary treasure of the Tamil Sangam |
| Ilakkiya perum selvam | That bestowed golden wisdom upon us |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla | It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell |
| Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil | The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi | It is not just one or two, my brother |
| Male | |
| Mullaikku thaer koduthaan velpaari | Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper |
| Mullaikku thaer koduthaan velpaari | Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper |
| Vaan mugilinum pugazh padaitha ubagaari | A benefactor whose fame eclipsed even the rain clouds |
| Mullaikku thaer koduthaan velpaari | Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper |
| Vaan mugilinum pugazh padaitha ubagaari | A benefactor whose fame eclipsed even the rain clouds |
| Sollukku thalai koduthaan arul meeri | Overflowing with grace, he offered his head for a word |
| Kavi sollukku thalai koduthaan arul meeri | Overflowing with grace, he offered his head for the poet's word |
| Andha vallalaam kumunan pol vaazhndhavar varalaaru | Such is the history of those who lived like the philanthropist Kumanan |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla | It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell |
| Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil | The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi | It is not just one or two, my brother |
| Male | |
| Imaiyathai vettri kondaan oru cheran | A Chera king conquered the Himalayas |
| Imaiyathai vettri kondaan oru cheran | A Chera king conquered the Himalayas |
| Adhil yetrinaan puli kodiyai ezhil chozhan | Upon which the handsome Chola carved his tiger flag |
| Aaa…aaaa…. | Aaa…aaaa…. |
| Imaiyathai vettri kondaan oru cheran | A Chera king conquered the Himalayas |
| Adhil yetrinaan puli kodiyai ezhil chozhan | Upon which the handsome Chola carved his tiger flag |
| Tamil annai koluvirukka tharani ellaam | So Mother Tamil could sit enthroned across the whole world |
| Tamil annai koluvirukka tharani ellaam | So Mother Tamil could sit enthroned across the whole world |
| Aval thaazh paniya vaal eduthaan nedu maaran | Nedumaaran unsheathed his sword so all would bow at her feet |
| Innum ondralla rendalla thambhi solla | Yet, it is not just one or two, my brother, to tell |
| Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil | The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil |
| Ondralla rendalla thambhi | It is not just one or two, my brother |
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி சொல்ல
ஒப்புவமை இல்லாத அற்புதம் தமிழ்நாட்டில்
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
It is not just one or two, my brother
தென்றல் தரும் இனிய
தேன் மணமும் தவழும்
தென்றல் தரும் இனிய
தேன் மணமும் தவழும்
செங்கனியும் பொன்கதிரும்
தந்துதவும் நஞ்சைவளம்
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி சொல்ல....
ஒப்புவமை இல்லாத அற்புதம் தமிழ்நாட்டில்
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி
Brought by the gentle breeze, sweet
The fragrance of honey wafts around
Brought by the gentle breeze, sweet
The fragrance of honey wafts around
Ripe fruits and golden sheaves of grain
Bestowed by the rich, fertile wet fields
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
It is not just one or two, my brother
பகை வென்ற திறம்பாடும் பரணி வகை
பகை வென்ற திறம்பாடும் பரணி வகை
செழும் பரிபாடல் கலம்பங்கள் எட்டுத்தொகை
வான் புகழ் கொண்ட குறளோடு அகம் புறமும்
வான் புகழ் கொண்ட குறளோடு அகம் புறமும்
செம்பொருள் தந்த
தமிழ்ச் சங்க இலக்கிய பெரும் செல்வம்.......
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி சொல்ல
ஒப்புவமை இல்லாத அற்புதம் தமிழ்நாட்டில்
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி
The 'Parani' genre that sings of victory over foes
The 'Parani' genre that sings of victory over foes
Rich Paripadal, Kalambakam genres, and Ettuthogai anthologies
Along with Thirukkural of sky-high fame, Agam and Puram poetry
Along with Thirukkural of sky-high fame, Agam and Puram poetry
The great literary treasure of the Tamil Sangam
That bestowed golden wisdom upon us
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
It is not just one or two, my brother
முல்லைக்குத் தேர் கொடுத்தான் வேள்பாரி
முல்லைக்குத் தேர் கொடுத்தான் வேள்பாரி
வான் முகிலினும் புகழ் படைத்த உபகாரி
முல்லைக்குத் தேர் கொடுத்தான் வேள்பாரி
வான் முகிலினும் புகழ் படைத்த உபகாரி
சொல்லுக்குத் தலை கொடுத்தான் அருள் மீறி
கவிச் சொல்லுக்குத் தலை கொடுத்தான் அருள் மீறி
இந்த வள்ளலாம் குமணன் போல் வாழ்ந்தவர் வரலாறு
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி சொல்ல
ஒப்புவமை இல்லாத அற்புதம் தமிழ்நாட்டில்
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி
Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper
Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper
A benefactor whose fame eclipsed even the rain clouds
Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper
A benefactor whose fame eclipsed even the rain clouds
Overflowing with grace, he offered his head for a word
Overflowing with grace, he offered his head for the poet's word
Such is the history of those who lived like the philanthropist Kumanan
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
It is not just one or two, my brother
இமயத்தை வெற்றி கொண்டான் ஒரு சோழன்
இமயத்தை வெற்றி கொண்டான் ஒரு சோழன்
அதில் ஏற்றினான் புலி கொடியை எழில் சோழன்
ஆஅ...ஆஅ....
இமயத்தை வெற்றி கொண்டான் ஒரு சோழன்
அதில் ஏற்றினான் புலி கொடியை எழில் சோழன்
தமிழ் அன்னை கொலுவிருக்க தரணி எல்லாம்
தமிழ் அன்னை கொலுவிருக்க தரணி எல்லாம்
அவள் தாழ் பணிய வாழெடுதான் நெடு மாறன்
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி சொல்ல
ஒப்புவமை இல்லாத அற்புதம் தமிழ்நாட்டில்
ஒன்றல்ல ரெண்டல்ல தம்பி
A Chera king conquered the Himalayas
A Chera king conquered the Himalayas
Upon which the handsome Chola carved his tiger flag
Aaa…aaaa….
A Chera king conquered the Himalayas
Upon which the handsome Chola carved his tiger flag
So Mother Tamil could sit enthroned across the whole world
So Mother Tamil could sit enthroned across the whole world
Nedumaaran unsheathed his sword so all would bow at her feet
Yet, it is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
It is not just one or two, my brother
Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
Ondralla rendalla thambhi
It is not just one or two, my brother
Thendral tharum iniya
Brought by the gentle breeze, sweet
Thaen manamum kamazhum
The fragrance of honey wafts around
Thendral tharum iniya
Brought by the gentle breeze, sweet
Thaen manamum kamazhum
The fragrance of honey wafts around
Senganiyum ponkadhirum
Ripe fruits and golden sheaves of grain
Thandhudhavum nanjai valam
Bestowed by the rich, fertile wet fields
Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
Ondralla rendalla thambhi
It is not just one or two, my brother
Pagai vendra thirampaadum barani vagai
The 'Parani' genre that sings of victory over foes
Pagai vendra thirampaadum barani vagai
The 'Parani' genre that sings of victory over foes
Sezhum pari paadal kalambangal ettu thogai
Rich Paripadal, Kalambakam genres, and Ettuthogai anthologies
Vaan pugazh konda kuralodu agam puramum
Along with Thirukkural of sky-high fame, Agam and Puram poetry
Vaan pugazh konda kuralodu agam puramum
Along with Thirukkural of sky-high fame, Agam and Puram poetry
Semporul thandha thamizh sanga
The great literary treasure of the Tamil Sangam
Ilakkiya perum selvam
That bestowed golden wisdom upon us
Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
Ondralla rendalla thambhi
It is not just one or two, my brother
Mullaikku thaer koduthaan velpaari
Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper
Mullaikku thaer koduthaan velpaari
Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper
Vaan mugilinum pugazh padaitha ubagaari
A benefactor whose fame eclipsed even the rain clouds
Mullaikku thaer koduthaan velpaari
Vel Paari gifted his chariot to a jasmine creeper
Vaan mugilinum pugazh padaitha ubagaari
A benefactor whose fame eclipsed even the rain clouds
Sollukku thalai koduthaan arul meeri
Overflowing with grace, he offered his head for a word
Kavi sollukku thalai koduthaan arul meeri
Overflowing with grace, he offered his head for the poet's word
Andha vallalaam kumunan pol vaazhndhavar varalaaru
Such is the history of those who lived like the philanthropist Kumanan
Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla
It is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
Ondralla rendalla thambhi
It is not just one or two, my brother
Imaiyathai vettri kondaan oru cheran
A Chera king conquered the Himalayas
Imaiyathai vettri kondaan oru cheran
A Chera king conquered the Himalayas
Adhil yetrinaan puli kodiyai ezhil chozhan
Upon which the handsome Chola carved his tiger flag
Aaa…aaaa….
Aaa…aaaa….
Imaiyathai vettri kondaan oru cheran
A Chera king conquered the Himalayas
Adhil yetrinaan puli kodiyai ezhil chozhan
Upon which the handsome Chola carved his tiger flag
Tamil annai koluvirukka tharani ellaam
So Mother Tamil could sit enthroned across the whole world
Tamil annai koluvirukka tharani ellaam
So Mother Tamil could sit enthroned across the whole world
Aval thaazh paniya vaal eduthaan nedu maaran
Nedumaaran unsheathed his sword so all would bow at her feet
Innum ondralla rendalla thambhi solla
Yet, it is not just one or two, my brother, to tell
Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil
The unparalleled wonders in the land of Tamil
Ondralla rendalla thambhi
It is not just one or two, my brother
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic song serves as an ode to the glorious heritage, nature, literature, and history of the Tamil land. The singer addresses a younger brother figure, emphasizing that the wonders and achievements of Tamil Nadu are vast and countless ('ondralla rendalla'). The lyrics highlight the natural fertility of the land with wafting breezes and golden harvests, before delving into rich literary traditions like the Sangam works, Thirukkural, Paripadal, and Parani poetry. Furthermore, the song pays homage to legendary ancient Tamil kings and philanthropists. It recalls Vel Paari, who donated his royal chariot to support a frail jasmine creeper, King Kumanan, who offered his own head to fulfill a poet's pledge, and the mighty Chera, Chola, and Pandya (Nedumaaran) rulers who conquered distant lands to establish the supremacy of Mother Tamil. Through Seerkazhi Govindarajan's grand rendition and Kannadasan's lyrical brilliance, the song instills pride in Tamil culture and history.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Ondralla rendalla thambhi solla / Oppuvaamai illadha arpudham tamil nattil”
The initial letters 'O' in 'Ondralla' and 'Oppuvaamai' create Monai, adding rhythmic flow to the refrain.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Mullaikku thaer koduthaan velpaari / Vaan mugilinum pugazh padaitha ubagaari”
The ending words 'velpaari' and 'ubagaari' rhyme at the end of consecutive lines, forming Iyaipu.
Personification
“Tamil annai koluvirukka tharani ellaam”
The Tamil language is personified as 'Tamil Annai' (Mother Tamil) enthroned majestically over the world.
Hyperbole (Uvamanai / Exaggeration)
“Vaan mugilinum pugazh padaitha ubagaari”
King Paari's generosity is praised as being even greater and more famous than rain-bearing clouds that give life to earth.
Did you know?
Trivia
This iconic song from 'Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali' (1959) features lyrics by Kaviarasu Kannadasan and music composed by T. R. Pappa. Rendered powerfully by the classical maestro Seerkazhi Govindarajan, the song became an anthem for Tamil pride and cultural education across Tamil Nadu. It is frequently cited in educational curricula and cultural festivals to showcase the literary and historical legacy of ancient Tamil rulers and poets.
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