Oothukkadu Venkata Subbaier

Nillamal Pogum Nilave
By Oothukadu Venkatasubba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam: Udaya Chandrika
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi

Nillamal pogum nilave - chathu,
Nindru po, avar varum alave,
Nenjil idam konda kannanai kana,
Neram kadanthu varuvathu oru neethi,
Nirai mathiyagavum oru thingalagum,
Neethi ariyatha unnudaya chethi.

Oh moon who goes without stopping,
Please wait till he comes and then go,
To see Krishna who has occupied my mind,
One justice is for you to come very late,
You would take one month to become full,
This news of yours is due to ignorance of justice.

Anupallavi

Pallayiram kodi tharagaikal choozha,
Bhavani vanthai, kuraivu illaye - antha,
Pangaya kannan manam irangi varum neram varai,
Paarthu po, ondrum thavaru illaye.

Surrounded several thousand crores of stars,
You came, did you have any problem,
Till the time that Krishna with lotus like eyes comes
If you wait and go, is there any problem in it.

Charanam

Nala adiyargal pudai choozha, ingu raja nadai pottu varalaam,
Nadha kuzhal oothi, Raga mozhi pesi, kadal uravadi varalaam,
Aanalum ondru undu nischayam, ithu,
Yenthan aavi pogum mun vandhalum varalaam.

He could come surrounded by several sages and come with a royal stride,
He could come playing a musical flute, taking a lilting language and come talking of love,
But there is some thing very definite, this
Could be before the soul leaves my body. 

Paarvai Ondru Podhume
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Surutti
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Parvai ondru podhume,
Sanga, padhuma nidhi irandum valliyar,
Thandhal yenna-Kannan

Anupallavi

Kar mugil pol, anna kadhirena, mathiyena,
Karuvizhi kadalai sathe thirandhu,
Karunai mazhai pozhindharul agam kulira

Charanam.

Annai Yasoda aruginile chendru,
Vennai thirudi vandha vinthai solla poga
Annayin pinne chendru anaithu kondu nindru,
Sollathe yendru kannal chollidum - Kannan

English Translation

Pallavi

That look itself is sufficient,
What if I am given the Sanga and Padma treasures,
The look of Krishna is sufficient

Anupallavi

Like a dark cloud, like the awn of paddy, like the moon,
If the ocean of black eye is slightly opened,
And if mercy is torrentially rained making our heart cool

Charanam

Going near his mother Yasodha,
When I am complaining to her,
About the magical way he stole the butter,
If he goes behind her, hugs her from there,
And when he tells me not to tell by his eyes, that look.

Pesade Pongaladi
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

[This is the judgement of mother Yasoda to accusations made in Thaye Yasoda and defence by Krishna in Illai, Illai, Amma.]

Raga Madhyamavathi

Pallavi

Pesade pongalad en,
Pillai vanthu ungal veetil kallam ittan endru cholli,
Pesugindreer, kaiyai kaiyai veesugindreer, velai illai

Anupallavi

Kasam poo meniyulla kattazhagan en pillai,
Kaalayil irunthu ennai kanamum agalavillai,
Vachama gocharamai vanthu sonneer, intha sollai ungal,
Vambukkum thumbukkum yen magan thaano, velai illai

Charanam

1. Ival aanaal miga nanan kondaval enru,
Intha Maharajan veetai sondha veedu yendru enni,
Ingum angum alainthu thirithal, aval,
Uvamayodi ulari kkotti mutham ittan endru cholli,
Oor ariya muzhakki vittu naam agudhu enral.

2. Kaiyum meyyum aaga pidithu vanthen endru cholli,
Kanakkaga pesinal ival oru kalli,
Meyyaga kaattadi endral, vizhiyum paraparathathu thaan,
Miralum pillayai katti vizhikkirale palli.

3. Oru kuzhandai azhudalo, Kannan kili vittan,
Uri ondru vizhundalo, Kannan thalli vittan,
Kar vennai kanom endral, Kannan kollai ittan, Ungal,
Karpanai seyyum poykku Kannano agapattan.

English Translation

Pallavi

Go away silently, you tell that my son,
Has done mischief in your homes and,
You are waving and waving your hands,
You do not have any work, go away silently.

Anupallavi

My son who is very pretty and of the blue lotus colour,
Has never gone away from me even for an instant since morning,
You have come and told me with description and action,
For your gossiping was my son the only victim,
You do not have any work, go away silently

Charanam

1. This lady is of a very shy type,
And thought that the king's house was hers,
And wandered here and there inside,
And she told with simile that he kissed her,
And told it to the entire town and says, she is shy.

2. Telling that she physically caught and brought him,
This mischievous one talked clearly,
I really caught him, she told with her eyes showing emotion,
And she was blinking because she had tied her fearsome son.

3. If a child cries, you tell Krishna pinched him,
If an Uri falls, you tell Krishna threw it down,
If butter is not visible, you say Krishna robed it,
Is there no limit to your imaginative lies,
Did you not get any one else to blame?

Podhum Podhum Kanna
By Oothukadu Venkatasubba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam: Saranga
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi

Podhum, podhum kanna-indha,
Bhuvanamamengum indira jalam cheyyum,
Mohana murali ganam

Oh Krishna, sufficient, sufficient.
This playing of mind catching music of the flute,
Which does great magic all over the universe.

Anupallavi

Nadhamayamaki, geetha mayamagi, indha,
Jnalam yellam indra jalam cheyyum,
Mohana murali Ganam.

This playing of mind catching playing of the flude,
Which becomes musical notes and lyrics,
And which does great magic all over the world.

Charanam

Veedu thirumba vendaamo-Veetil kai,
Velai theera vendamo-Kanna,
Madu karaka Vendaamo-engal,
Mamiyar thedum munne manai poga Vendamo.

Oh Krishna, Should we not return home,
Should we not complete domestic chores at home
Should we not milk the cows and,
Should we not reach home before our mother in law searches for us.

Pollatha Pillai Ondrai
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Karahara Priya
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Pollatha pillai ondrai petha Yasodai,
Yellorkkum melaanaal-Nammai,
Yereduthum paaathanaal.

Anupallavi

Pullankuzhal oothi, kandrudan Aadi,
Punnagai ondru konde, manathil idam thedi,
Nillatha kaliyan thalai mel Aadi,
Neelavanna kolahalan yendra

Charanam

Arangamillathu aravu patameri nadamaadum,
Aayiram kan paarkka giriyai kudai naadum,
Karam kol moongil ondraal ganamisaithu Aadum,
Karuthodu uriyeri vennai kalavadum.

English Translation

Pallavi

Yasoda who gave birth to that mischievous child,
Became greater than all - She
Has become who does not even see us.

Anupallavi

Playing with the calf along with his flute,
Finding a place in our mind, just by his smile,
Who without stopping danced on the head of Kalinga,
And who was of blue colour and noisy.

Charanam

He danced on the hood of a snake since he did not have a stage,
He used the mountain as an umbrella with one thousand eyes seeing,
He was playing music with a bamboo in his hand,
And he was stealing butter from the rope himself.

Pullaai Piravi Thara Venum Kanna
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Chenchurutti
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi
Pullai piravi thara venum Kanna,
Punithamana pala koti piravi thanthalum,
Brundavana methyl oru

Anupallavi

Pullagilum nedu naal nillathu, aathalinaal,
Kallay piravi thara venume, kanna,
Kamala malarinaikal anaya, yenathu ullam,
Pulakitha muthidum bhava mathidumena

Charanam

Oru kanam un paadam padum yen mele,
Maru kanam naan uyarven, men mele un,
Thirumeni, yen mele amarnthidum, oru kale,
Thiru magalena malaradi peyanthunai,
Thodarntha radhaikku idam tharuvene,
Disai disai yenganum paravidum,
Kuzhalisai mayangi varum pala gopiyarudane,
Chirantha rasamigu nadam nee aadavum,
Sruthiyodu layam kalanthu padavum,
Thilaippile varum kalippile,
Yenakku inai yarena magizhvene,
Thavamigu surarodu munivarum iyalaa,
Thanitha perum peru adaivene,
Yevvuyirkkum ul kalakkum,
Iraivane yamunai thuraivane yenakku oru

English Translation

Pallavi
Oh Krishna, give me birth as a grass,
Even if you give me crores of births which are sacred,
Give me birth as a grass in Bridavan

Anupallavi

A grass will not live for a very long time, so,
Krishna, give me birth as a stone, so that,
When your lotus like feet touches me,
My heart would be filled with joy and I would be bereft of births
Charanam

For a second your feet would touch me,
And the next second I would rise and rise,
But suppose your sacred body happens to sit on me,
Like the Goddess Lakshmi, I would move like a flower,
And continue to give some place to sit for Radha,
And the music from your flute would waft in all directions,
And many Gopis charmed by the music of the flute,
Would start dancing the great Rasa leela,
And in the exuberance that rises everywhere,
They will start singing as if the sound of the tune mixes with the tempo,
And I would be happy thinking that no one is equal to me,
And I would get the great luck that even,
The devas with great penance and sages can never hope to attain,
And Oh God who mixes in the mind of all,
Oh God who is the shores of river Yamuna,
Please give me a birth.

Saptha Raga Malikai
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Raga Maikai
Thalam Yeka thalam

1. Ananda Bhairavi
Yengum iyarkkai manam kamazha,
Yenthizhyaar ullangalum niekizha,
Pongum makizhamalar poothu kulungum vanathhil,
Pullanuzhal ganam ithu kelai,
Punniyathai kathu kondu meelai.

2. Bandhuvarali
Yetti yeti parkuumoru killai.
Innisayai karkumoru kili pillai,
Thatti thatti kuralaal thalamittu Aadi oru,
Ththikinamthom poduthoru anipillai-indha,
Sangeethathil lokamellam kollai.

3. Churutii
Bhairavi, Malavi, Khamboji, Sudha,
Panchamam, kamasu, danyasi,
Pallavi ranjanam rakthi, padangal, thillana yendru,
Paka Vadhyam kuyil kanam paadum athai,
Parthirunthu mayil kanam Aadum.

4. Kaapi
Vazhai ilai, thennai olai, thanam,
Vana charam, macham kothi thanam
Ezhu vagai koodal oli eerirandu vagai yennum,
Innisai vathi swarangalaalum,
Ithanayum kuzhal kondu thaavum.

5. Deva Manohari
Chekka chivantha malar kootam kanden,
Chirikkuthu vandu nadamattam,
Pakkathodu valari samarangal veesuvathenna,
Pangu kondu veesuthadi, thokai, antha,
Pankaja Kannan vethi vakai.

6. Vasanmthaa
Naradarin veenai sruthi konjum,
Nandiyin madddalam kooda kenjum,
Aar athan perumai cholli Aatha vallar ingu yendru,
Aahaa yendru Gandharwar chollum-antha,
Anandathil thondar kulam vellum.
 
7. Jaya Narayani
Rukku, Yajur, Sama atharvanam,
Niroopikkuthu pullankuzhal ganam,
Chikkal ondrum illamal upanishada kootamellam,
Chevikke thavuthadi daralam-intha,
Chethikkul irukkuthu yeralam.

English Translation

1. With all places having the scent of nature,
With heart of sweet maidens melting,
In the forest where ebbing scent of Spanish cherry flowers waft,
Please hear this music from the flute,
And come out of it guarding good deeds.

2. One parrot is starching and stretching and seeing,
Another parrot is learning sweet music,
One squirrel stamping and stamping,
Keeps the beat with its voice,
And due to the music the entire world is being robbed.

3. Bhairavi, Malavi, Khamboji, Sudha Panchamam Swara,
Kamas, Dhanyasi, Pallavi, getting united, Rakthi Ragas,
Lyrics, Thillana, accompanying instruments,
Which is sung by a group of Koels,
And seeing it a group of peacocks dance.

4. Banana leaf, Coconut leaflet, charity,
Cracker show, musical accompaniment
Seven types of notes, the four types of sound of mixing,
And swaras of music would be,
Beaten by the flute

5. I Saw the crowd of very red flowers,
The bees are laughing and flying,
Along with sound the fans and chowrie are moving,
They are taking part and fanning, that peacock feather,
Which is sign of victory of the lotus like Krishna.

6. The Veena of Narada will request,
The drum of Nandi will beg,
As to who can tell its greatness,
And Gandarwas will appreciate and in,
That happiness the group of devotes will win.

7. The music of the flute proves,
The Rik, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Vedas,
And all the Upanishads without any problem,
And lot of it jumps to the ears and within,
There is lots and lots of news.

Solli Mudiyumo
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Churutti
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Solli mudiyumo -yengal,
Thooya gurunathan sondhamenna, sondhamendru

Anupallaavi

Alli kulathil malarnthaluim, vanathu,
Azhagu mathikkenna sondham? Athu pol,
Pullum, malarum, kamalam thanakkum antha,
Pon kathiron thanakkum yenna sondham?
Purinthavar undo, athanilum pulamayaana thuravakinum manam kamazha,
Pothavizh malarthathudan thenalinthu muralum padiyanathru vandudan,
Mullai malkku yethgu uravo-athu purinthum mozhi varumo, athanilum ithu,
Chollum perathu ullam iraathu-thellam padathu kallam irathu

Charanam

1. Ayiram ayiram vedangal cholvathai,
Arul kadaikkan ondru chollume-naan cheytha,
Ananda thavam yellam vellume,
Poiithai yaridamum chonnalum puriyathu,
Purinthavar yaar yendru chollume-antha,
Punniya Sangathil yennai thallume

2. Maayai yenum thirai moodi marainthidum Aayinum oru kanam venumo,
Maravi -thanathan-amaran -anilan avan ivan yenpathum manatharintha,
Aayamudal ulagellam avanarula-ivanilathu thiruvarul perumo,
Aaruyir thanakkum, mai thanakkum yethu uravo, athanilum miguntha uravenin ithai

English Translation

Pallavi

Would it be possible to tell,
That my holy guru is mine and mine

Anupallavi

Even if the moon opens up in the lily tank,
What is the relation of moon to the beauty of the sky, and like that,
What is the relation of the golden sun,
To the grass as well as the opening of the lotus flower,
Are there people who have understood this
Even for the more poetic who has the scent of detachment,
The relation of bee which searches and roams in search of honey with that of jasmine flower,
Even if they understand, when they tell it,
The heart will not be there, there won't be clarity and no cheating.

Charanam

1. The grace and look of his will tell what is told by thousands of Vedas,
And it would win over all the joyful penance that I did,
If I tell this no one will understand,
Please tell me who has understood this,
And push me in to that holy company.

2. The screen of illusion would cover it but is there a need for a second,
The Sage, the lord of riches, the devas, the fire, and others, once the mind understands,
We would understand all the world if he showers his grace - without him, would we get the blessing,
The relation between him and me is more than the relation of this body to the soul.

Sri Rama Jayame Jayam
By Oothukadu Venkatasubba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

[The great Venkata Kavi gives the story of the great Ramayana in a song form.]

Ragam: Nattai
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi

Sri Rama jayame jayam,
Chelvathile mudhalakiya vedam,
Cheivathile thalayaagiye bodham,
Uyvathile muthalakiya nadham,
Ulkathile mudhalakiya Geetham.

The victory of Rama is the real victory,
It is the first Veda among all the wealth,
The greatest teaching which has been composed,
And the first of the entire world.

1. Samashti Charanam

Paralum Dasarathan bhagiyamai,
Payasam vaitha thoru pathiramai,
Cheeralum Kosalaikke vaaithathumai,
Dinakaran kulathirkku nethiramai

As great luck to Dasaratha who was ruling the world,
As the vessel in which payasam (sweet dish) was kept.
That which happened to the very great Kousalya,
Became the eye to the clan of Sun God

2. Madhyama Kalam

Theeratha Paramananda tharu thiru thava kousikanum kettathu,
Thedi vantha thadagai yenum arakki devaloka muravum kanai pottathu,
Aaralum iyalatha Siva dansai alakshiyamaga valaithu pottathu,
Azhakakina Janakan magalai thirumanam kondu Ayodhi Nagar meettathu.

He heard the inexhaustible divine joy from the sage Kaushika of great penance,
He send an arrow to send the Thadaga who came in search of him to land of devas,
He bent without any effort the bow of Lord, which was impossible to handle by any one,
He married the very pretty daughter of Janama and returned back to Ayodhya.

3. Varaali

Parasuraman thiru thavathinai vaangi,
Pattabhishekam urum cheythiyaal Yengi,
Varam irandal Kakieyi kai ongi,
Vakku thantha padiye pattanam neengi.

He received the divine penance done by Parasurama,
He received the news about his coronation,
And then the power of Kaikeyi increased by the boons received by Kaikeyi,
And as per the words given, he moved away from the town,

4. Madhyama Kalam

Padagil yeri Guhanudan alavalaavi, Mandakini karai kadanthu chendrathu,
Bhakthiyodu vantha sathiya neri yenum Bharathanukke Padukayum thanthu,
Adavi thalamana Panchavati chendru alayum mareechanai kondrathu,
Aaruyir deviyai thedum vazhi thanile, Anumathani kande viyan kondathu

He got into the boat, talked with Guha and then crossed Ganges and went further,
He gave his sandals to the very truthful Bharatha who came with great devotion,
He reached Panchavati a place in the forest and killed Mareecha who wandered there,
And when he was searching for his life like queen, he saw Lord Hanuman and was surprised.

5. Aarabhi

Vanara mannanudan nesathai kondi,
Vali thanakkum mokshataye thanthu,
Janakiyai ilangapuri kandu,
Thavi vandha Hanumanai pugazhndu

He then established friendship with the monkey king,
And gave salvation to Vali,
And praised Hanuman who saw Janaki in Lanka town,
And came back by jumping and crossing the sea.

6. Madhyama Kalam

Thadangal ariyatha kadalinai kadanthagidavum, anai kattiyum nindrathu,
Thanjamena vandhaVibheeshanaukku, thanaaka Lanka puriyai thanthathu,
Thidam kondu Ravananayum mayakki, chendru irunthu nalai vaa yendrathu,
Jeyam kondu Pushpaka ratha meriyum thirumbi thannangar Ayodhi vanthathu.

He constructed a bridge over the sea which was never tied up and crossed it,
He gave the city of Lanka to Vibheeshana who came to surrender to him,
He with force made Ravana faint and told him to go then and come back the next day,
And after victory he climbed the Pushpaka Vimana and came back to his city of Ayodhya.

7. Gaulai

Nanmani vatta kudai Bharathanum thanga,
Lakshmanan Satrugnanum Chamaram yentha,
POn perum padathinai Anumanum thanga,
Punniya kadallinnulle yavarum neentha.

With the great gem like Bharatha holding the round umbrella,
With Lakshmana and Shatrugna swinging the chowries,
With Hanuman holding his gold like feet,
All people were swimming in to the divine sea of blessing.

8. Madhyama Kalam

Bhuviyum vaan ulagum ondru koodi vara, pothisai pada vaazhthiyum nindrathu,
Pongu mangala milanka, Dundhubhi muzhanga, marai mozhi chazhangavum nindrathu,
Thava nirai sindhu gangai, kaviri, godhavari, narmadhai poompunal eendhathu,
Dandaka mandalam vaithu vasishtarum than kara pattabhishekamum kondathu.

Theearth and heavens came together, singing songs of praise and stood there greeting him,
Auspiciousness ebbed, the big drums blared and the Vedas were chanted,
Penance filled precious waters of Sindhu, Ganges, Cauvery, Godavari and Narmadha were brought,
And sage Vasishta holding a staff and water pot, performed the coronation then.

9. Manirangu

Kasikkum veesam yena karunayai cheyyum,
Gangaikkum adhikamai mangalam cheyyum,
Vaasiyaam moolathidai manathu arinthe uyyum,
Maamaayai ithai kettal thaanaka poyyum.

This prayer would do mercy like a part done by Benares,
Would do more auspiciousness than Ganges,
And would make the mind understand the origin and grant him salvation,
And the great illusion would go away as one hears this.

10. Madhyama Kalam

Varithiyai anai katti nadanthathu,
Vanathile malai sumanthu chedrathu,
Vanathile kidantha perum parayai,
Masu neeki peru vazhvayayum thandathu,
Kariyamethilum thunayaga nindrathu,
Kalanayum vazhakadiyum vendrathu,
Gathiyiladha kanam, nidhiyena vanthathu,
Kaviyilum Venkata kaviyum unarnthathu.

A dam was built to stop the sea,
A mountain was carried over the sky,
A big rock which was lying in the forest,
Was purified and a great life was given to it,
It stood as help in all that we did,
It argued with God of death and won over him,
And when we were helpless, it came like a treasure,
And even Venkata Kavi realized because of it.

Swagatham Krishna
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Raga Mohana
Tala Aadi

Pallavi

swaagatam krishha saranaagatam krishnaa
madhuraapuri sadanaa mridu vadanaa madhusoodana iha

Anupallavi

Boga Thaptha sulabha supushpa gandha kalapa,
Kasthuri thilaka mahitha mama kantha nanda gopa Kandha

Charanam

Mushtikasura Chanoora malla, Madhu soodhana, Kuvalayapeeda,
Mardhana, Kalinga narthana, Gokula Rakshana, Sakala sulakshana,
Deva sishta jana pala, Sankalpa kalpa, kalpa satha koti samprabhava,
Dheera, Muni jana vihara. Madana sukumara, Daithya samhara, deva,
Madhura madhura rathi sahasa, sahasa Vruja yuvathi jana manasa poojitha.

English Translation

Pallavi

Welcome to you Krishna, Surrender to you Krishna
He who lived in Mathura, He who has a tender face, He who killed Madhu

Anupallavi

He who is hot with passion, he who is easy to get, He who is like a flower,
He who apples sandal paste, He who puts musk Thilaka,
He who is honoured, He who is my lord and baby son of Nanda Gopa.

Charanam

Killer of Madhu, wrestlers Mushtika and Chanoora and elephant Kuvalayapita,
He who danced on Kaalinga, He who saved Gokula, He who has all good signs,
H who looked after devas and good people, He who created time just by thought,
He who is powerful in hundred crores of eons, He who is brave,
He who lived with sages, He who is pretty God of love, He who killed Asuras,
He who is sweet to devas, He who is bold in sweet passionate acts,
He who is worshipped in the minds of maidens of Brindavan.

Thanakku Nigarilla Swami
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Shuddha Saveri
Thalam Roopakam

Pallavi

Thakku nigrailla swami-yengal,
Sarasa Rajagopala Sawmi,
Tharu vennayum podadendru, marupadi oru thotharavidum

Anupallavi

Vanathin maamalar veesi vandhe nindralum,
Kanatha chaya kondayil thogai katti nindralum,
Manathin azhagellam mugathil kaanuthe,
Vambu cheyya yendru vandharpor thonuthe-un,
Gunathai yennavum, yen manam naanuthe,
Kottavaa, yen manam kollayai poguthe.

Charanam

Yengal yasodaikku ippadi oru pillai yeno vandhu pirantheeo, oho,
Pongu paalkadal poi thuyil thythathum, podhathu yendru ingu vandheeo-Aanaal,
Angayil thangidum theenkuzhal yeno-un,
Azhaginil mayangathaar yarukkum thano,
Pongum uvagayum punnagai yeno,
Podakuraikku indha vambugal yeno.

English Translation

Pallavi

Our passionate God Rajagopala,
Is one who does not have any one equal to him,
He is one who troubles us again,
Saying that the butter we gave is not sufficient.

Anupallavi

Though he comes and stands there fanning the big flowers of the forest,
Though he wears bird feathers in his coloured bun like made up hair,
We are able to see all the prettiness of his mind on his face,
We feel as if he has come to tease us,
And when I think of your character, my mind becomes shy,
Oh king my mind is being stolen by you.

Charanam

To our Yasoda, why were you born as a son like this,
After doing a false sleep in the ebbing ocean of milk,
Did you come thinking that it was not sufficient enough,
Why is there a sweet flute on your hips,
Is it meant for those people who do not fall for your beauty,
What for is the ebbing joy and the sweet smile,
And if that is not sufficient why this teasing sport of yours.

Thaye Yasoda
By Oothukkadu Venkata Subbaiyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Raga Todi
Thala Aadi

Pallavi

Thaye Yasoda undan Ayar kulathu uditha mayan,
Gopalakrishnan cheyyum jalathai Keladi

Anupallavi
Thaye keladi undan payyanai pole inda,
Vayyagathil oru pillai naan kandathillai

Charanam

1. Kalil chilambhu konja, kai valai kulunga, muthu malaigal asaya, theru vasalil vandan,
Kal asayum kai asayum talamodu isaindu vara Neela vanna Kannan ivan narthanam aadinaan,
Balan endru taavi anaitha ennai maalayittavan pol vayil muthamittanadi,
Balan alladi un magan jalam miga cheyyum Krishnan nalu pergal ketka cholla nana miga agudhadi

2. Andru oru naal inda vazhi vanda virundivarum ayarnthu paduthu urangum podinile Kannan,
Tindarthu poga kaiyil irunda vennayai anda virundinar vayil niraithu marainthaan, anda
Nindai migu pazhi inge pavam ange enra padi chinthai miga nondhi davum seyya thagumo,
Nanda gopar kkinda vidham andha migu pillai pera nalla tavam seidaradi, enna seivomadi.

3. Vennai vennai taarum endran, Vennai thandhal thindru vittu pennai tharum endru kettu kannadikkindran,
Vana mayil nrithamadi manninai padathal etri kannile vittu kalavadinaan,
Pannishayum kuzhal oodinaan, kettu nindra panbile, arugil vandu vambugal cheydaan,
Penninattukendru vandal puniiyangal koto koti enni unakkagumaadi, kannaimai yai pogudhadi.

4. Munda naal andhi nerathil sondamudan kitte vandu vindhaigal palavum cheydhu vilayadinaan,
Pandu ala vagilum vennai thandhal viduven endru mundu ukilai thottu ezhuthu poradinaan,
Anda Vasudevan ivan thaanadi Yasodhe maindan ena thottizhuthu madi mel vaithen, vaithaal,
Sundara mugattai kandu chinthai mayangu neram anthara Vaikundamodu ellam kattinaan.

5. Thotillile pillai killi vittathum avai alara,
Vitta kariyam agala vennai thindran,
Kattina kandrai avizhthu ettiyum olithu vittu,
Mattilla thumbai kazhuthil maati kondan,
Vittu vittu amme endran kanrinai ppola,
Athiyilladha madum amma enrathe,
Kittina kuvalayodum ettinan un sela magan,
Patiyil karavay idum palai ooturaan adi.

6. Chuthi chuthi ennai vanthu Athai veetu vazhi kettan,
Chitha thukku ettum varai cholli nindren,
Athudan vittano, parum, aathankarai vazhi kettan,
Athanayum solli vittu nindren,
Vitthagami ondru kettan- nanam aguthe,
Muthathakku vazhi kettu satham ittanadi,
Athanai idam koduthu mrthavum valarthu vittai,
Ithanai avanai cholla kutham illayedi.

7. *Vennai vennai taarum endran, Vennai thandhal thindru vittu pennai tharum endru kettu kannadikkindran,
Vana mayil nrithamadi manninai padathal etri kannile vittu kalavadinaan,
Pannishayum kuzhal oodinaan, kettu nindra panbile, arugil vandu vambugal cheydaan,
Penninattukendru vandal puniiyangal koto koti enni unakkagumaadi, kannaimai yai pogudhadi.

8. Munda naal andhi nerathil sondamudan kitte vandu vindhaigal palavum cheydhu vilayadinaan,
Pandu ala vagilum vennai thandhal viduven endru mundu ukilai thottu ezhuthu poradinaan,
Anda Vasudevan ivan thaanadi Yasodhe maindan ena thottizhuthu madi mel vaithen, vaithaal,
Sundara mugattai kandu chinthai mayangu neram anthara Vaikundamodu ellam kattinaan.
*Note Charanam 3 and 4 are repeated again as 7 and 8. This is taken from www.karnatik.com/c1446.shtml

English Translation

Pallavi

Oh Mother Yasoda, please hear the mischief,
Being done by your son Gopalakrishnan,
Who is the enchanter born in cow herd's clan.

Anupallavi

Oh mother, please hear, I have not seen,
Any one like your son in this world.

Charanam

1. He came in the street gate with anklets lisping, with bangles shaking, with beaded chain moving,
And that blue coloured Krishna danced moving his legs and his hands according to the beats,
And he kissed me on my mouth like my wedded husband when I hugged him thinking he is a baby,
And so your son is not a baby, he is the Krishna who does tricks that I am ashamed to tell in hearing of others.

2. One day, when a stranger who was a guest was sleeping deeply, Krishna,
Filled his mouth with the butter remaining in his hands after eating and disappeared,
And the very bad name came to us while the sin was with him which made us worried.
Is it proper to do this, what penance did Nandagopa do to get this mischievous kid, what shall we do?

3. He asked “Butter, butter” and when I gave it he ate it and asked for a girl with a wink,
He danced like a peacock and with his feet threw the mud in my eyes and behaved badly with me,
He sang in his flute pretty melodies and when we were hearing it, came near us and behaved badly,
Oh Yasoda, you would be doing billions of good deeds for all girls, if you watch over him well.

4. Day before yesterday, at dusk, as a relation he came near me and showed me several tricks,
And asked me for atleast butter like a ball and when I gave him, he caught hold my front hairs and struggled,
Oh Yasodha, He is the same Vasudeva, whom I considered as son and pulled him and put on my lap,
He showed me his pretty face and when I was bewitched, he showed me all pleasures including Vaikundam.

5. He pinches the babies in the cradle and when we rush,
Leaving our jobs and go there to stop their crying
He stole the butter and ate it,
He released the calf from its rope, put the noose round himself,
And started shouting Amme and the cow thinking,
That it is his calf shouting for milk started saying Ambe,
And with the pot he got, your darling son went near the cow,
And started drinking milk from the cow like a calf.

6. He walked round and round me asked for way to aunt's house,
And I explained well to the best of my knowledge,
Then e asked me way to the river bank,
I told him every thing and stood there,
Then he asked me something which makes me shy,
He asked me way for a kiss and made lot of noise,
You should not have spoiled him like this, Yasoda,
For now we cannot find fault with him.

7. He asked Butter, butter and when I gave it he ate it and asked for a girl with a wink,
He danced like a peacock and with his feet threw the mud in my eyes and behaved badly with me,
He sang in his flute pretty melodies and when we were hearing it, came near us and behaved badly,
Oh Yasoda, you would be doing billions of good deeds for all girls, if you watch over him well.

8. Day before yesterday, at sdusk, as a relation he came near me and showed me several tricks,
And asked me for atleast butter like a ball and when I gave him, he caught hold my front hairs and struggled,
Oh Yasodha, He is the same Vasudeva, whom I considered as son and pulled him and put on my lap,
He showed me his pretty face and when I was bewitched, he showed me all pleasures including Vaikundam.

Thedariya Selvame
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachamder

Ragam Vaantha
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Thedariya selvame, vaa,
Thingal chadaimudi gangai aninthidum,
Yengal irai tharum ingithame.

Anupallavi

Needoli Mahendra neela mani kooti,
Nerthi perum magudam Aarayum chooti
Kooda un nethiyidai sindhooram theeti,
Kozhi neerum kunkumum theeti mukuram katti,
Kothodu manam Kadamba malar maalayum,
Muthamidum vagayara,
Kundamaravinda makarandhamodu gandhamura,
Vindayani munthuravaga,
Kurui nagai tharam polivura kanda,
Kollayai pona manam kooda,
Athikamarai veethikal pala nithiyariyum padi muyala,
Mathiyamukha ninathu kazhal pathiyavena yengum.

English Translation

Pallavi

Oh wealth which is difficult to search, please come,
Oh pleasant one given by our God who wears the moon and Ganges.

Anupallavi

Wearing the extremely shining blue Sapphire,
Wearing the very properly made six crowns,
Along with saffron mark on your forehead,
Also wearing sacred ash and kumkum, showing flower buds,
Wearing the scented garland of Kadamba flowers along with the bunch.

Theril Vandhano
By Oothukadu Venkatasubba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam: Useni
Thalam: Roopakam

Pallavi

Theril vandhano- velan, Theril vandhano-ingu, Neril nindrano,
Cheerongum kshetramagiya Sikkil Singara Velavan Nerai ithikkil

Did Velan come in a Chariot, Did he come in a chariot here, did he stand in front of you,
The pretty Valan of the famous temple of Sikkil, did he come straight here,

Anupallavi

Parijatha malar vaasam,
Pakkam yengum manam veesum-antha,
Kariyam un kaikal pesum,
Kandhanukku Un peril ooyatha nesam

He lives in Parijatha flower,
His scent spreads on all sides and that,
Aspect your hands would talk,
And that Skandha has unending love towards you.

Charanam

Parkulam keezhkarai andru-unnai,
Parthu mayangi naan nindru,
Yaarkkum thetiyathu yendru nee,
Aganthai konaayodi, nandru, nandru,
Ahankaram chollathadi, Angarakan pollathadi,
Singara Velan cheitha thirisaman ithu, Darisinamura

On the lower bank of the milk tank,
I saw you and stood there greatly attracted,
And you thought nobody knows about it,
And did you become proud of that, good, good,
Do not talk proudly, Angaraka (Mars) is a bad one,
This is the mischief done by Singara Velan - to see him.

Therodum Veethiyil
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam: Nattai
Thalam: Aadhi

Pallavi

Therodum veethiyele ithenna kolam,
Devaki kalyana vaibhogam - Vasu,
Devanukkum ivalukkum mana kolam

What is this happening in the avenue where chariot runs,
It is the wedding of Devaki, to her and to Vasudeva,
It is the scene of their marriage.

Anupallavi

Parodu vin athirumpadi nadham,
Pannarntha muzhavam kadal alai polae mothum,
Therodu pin chillum anthanar othum,
Thiruvana Vedam chellum nooru kadham.

There is a sound which makes the sky tremble along with earth,
Which is like ocean filled of music, beating its tides,
And the sound of auspicious Vedas recited by,
The Brahmins who walk behind the chariot going to one hundred miles.

Charanam

1. Udan piranthakukku oru kalyanam yendru,
Ulloora Kamasakku aasayum thondrum,
Thidam kondu therottiyai thalliye thanum,
Chernthu pidithan antha kudirayin chenam.

Realising that is the wedding of his sister,
To Kamsa deep in his mind, the wish arose,
And with great force he pushed the charioteer away,
And himself got the stirrup of those horses together.

2. Aduthu yeri piditha maru kanam thannil,
Asareeri kettathu yi mana pennil,
Yedutha yettam piravi kollume unnai,
Yendrathum Kamsan kudithane mannil.

Immediately as he neared and caught them together,
A voice from the sky said, "the eighth birth,
Of this girl would definitely kill you,"
And as soon as he heard that Kamsa jumped on the earth.

Thu Thu Thu Thu Yengal
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam: Bilahari
Thalam: aadhi

Pallavi

Thu, Thu, Thu, thu - Yengal
Thoo malar kannan peril yaro kan vaithirunthal

Bad, bad, bad, bad, if some one,
Has kept an evil eye on our Krishna who is like a pure flower.

Anupallavi

Oothum kuzhal melo-kili pol.
Pesum mozhi meetho-ullam,
Mothum punnagai meetho-Kannan,
Munnindravargal chinthai kalanthu,
Thannai maranthu kan vaithirunthal

If those standing before Krishna, with a mind which has merge,
And forgetting themselves had kept an evil eye on
The flute that he uses to sing,
Or the words spoken by him like a parrot,
Or his pretty smile which dashes on the mind,

Charanam

NItham oru gandam vanthu pizhaithalum,
Neram povathu bharam thane,
Kutham cholli yenna payano mane-aayar.
Kulam vaazha vaitha Govindan nindra nilai kandu,
Yarum Kan vaithirundhaal

If we survive an unfortunate happening daily,
It is still difficult to spend our time,
And so what is point in criticizing, oh dear like lady,
If some one had kept in evil eye seeing the pose of Govinda,
Who had come to protect the cowherd clan.

Vandathuvum Ponathuvum
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Bilahari
Thalam Jambai

Pallavi

Vanthathuvum, ponathuvum,
Imai pozhudhu aanaalum,
Manamanro kalavanathe,
Thayirodu navaneetham kalavida

Anupallavi

Nandagopan cheytha thavam nallathoru payanagi,
Indha vithamaga vanthu inba muzhukkattuthadi

Charanam

Kalinil vazhintha thayir, kamala malar kolamida,
Kayyin vazhi vaarum vennai Ghana kuzhal moodiyida,
Neela vanna Kannan ivan, nettamizhnthathu amudhagi,
Nenjamellam pongi, miga niraivagi, aadavida

English Translation

Pallavi

Though his coming and then returning,
Happened in the time span of the lash of the eyelids,
It was the mind that was stolen along with the curd and butter.

Anupallavi

The penance done by Nandagopa turned in to a useful thing,
Came in this form and drenches us in joy.

Charanam

The curd that flowed on to the feet was drawing patterns on the floor,
And the butter that was gathered in the hand closed the holes of musical flute,
And this blue coloured Krishna became the nectar that flowed,
And ebbed all over the mind and filled up everywhere.

Varunikka Thiranillaye
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Nayagi
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi
Varunikka thiranillaye,
Mathavam ulla Nanda gopa Maharajanum, yasodai yenum antha,
Madarasiyum kadalodu Kannanai vari anaithidum chedhi anaithayum.

Anupallavi

Darani mudhalana lokam,
Darani mudalana pathinalu lokam,
Sankyam thathuvam pala pala yogam,
Param porul ithuvennum pazhamurai Vedam,
Parthathum illai, yengum kettathumillai, indha,
Paravasathil veru ondrum ninavum illai.

Charanam

Chalangai ondru noothanam-kattiya neram,
Thalar nadai nadantha pothu olithana kalam,
Kalangi acham pol yenthai yena padum,
Kandraondru thurathu thanna katti anaithidum chithamanathayum.

English Translation

Pallavi
I do not have capacity to describe, the news of,
That Nanda Gopa with great penance and the queen among women Yasoda,
Hugging with great love that Krishna.

Anupallavi

The world like the earth,
The fourteen worlds like the earth,
Several Yogas similar to the Sankhya,
The old Vedas pointing out that "This is the god",
I have never seen all these nor have I heard,
In the joyful trance I do not remember any other thing.

Charanam

When the new anklets were newly worn,
It went on making sounds when he walked slowly,
And when a calf which lost its fear started chasing him,
He hugged them with all his mind.

Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Gambheera naattai
Thalam Kandam

Pallavi

Sri Vigna Rajam Bhaje-Bhajeham bhajeham,
Bhajeham bhaje - thamiha

Anupallavi

Santhatham aham Kunjara Mukham,
Shankara sutham, Shankari sutham-Thamiha,
Santhathamaham dhanthi Sundara mukham,
Anthakanthaka sutham, Shiva Shankari sutham-thamiha

Charanam

1. Sevitha surendra, mahaneeya guna sheelam,
Japatha Samadhi sukha varada anukoolam,
Bhavitha suramani Ghana bhaktha paripalam,
Bhayankara vishanga mathanga kula kalam.

2. Kanaka keyura haravali kalitha,
Gambheera gowragiri shobham sushobham,
Kamadhi bhaya bharitha mudaa madha,
Kali kalusha kanthitham akhanda prathapam-prathapam,
Sanaka suka Narada Patanjali, Parachara,
Mathanga muni sanga sallapam - sallapam,
Sathya paramabhja nayana pramudha mukthikara,
Thathwamasi nithya nighamadhi swaroopam.

English Translation

Pallavi

Sing about the king of obstacles, I sing, I sing,
I sing, sing, now

Anupallavi

I always sing about him who has face of an elephant,
Son of Parameshwara, Son of Parvathi - now
I always sing about the pretty elephant face,
Son of the killer of the God of death, Son of Shiva and Parvathi - now

Charanam

1. He is being worshipped by Indra has character of greatness,
Is Partial to those who chant his name and meditate on him and blesses them,
He looks after those devas and sages who think about him,
He is the cause of death of the tribe of very bad poisonous elephants.

2. Wearing a golden crown and other garlands,
Who looks great and shines like the white mountain- greatly shines,
Who puts an end the dark aspects like passion, fear, arrogance and irrationality,
Who has fame, great fame, He who chats and chats with sages like,
Sanaka, Suka, Narada, Patanjali, Parachara and Mathanga
And who is the embodiment of ultimate truth and leads to salvation,
And who is the form of Vedic saying: "You are that".

Virunthondru Aakuthu Paarum
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Raga Gowri Manohari
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Virundhu ondru Aaguthu paarum-ulle,
Vena idam kidakku vaarum

Anupallavi

Arunthavamana suka muni eenthaan,
Aanandammai oruvan undu magizhhndaan,
Thirumba thirumba kodi kodi per undaar,
Seekiram vaarum, umakku nalla yogam thaan.

Charanam

1. Eeraru vidamana pakam-itharkku,
Eedo inayo nala paakam-ingu,
Varatha perkalellam kaakam,
Vandiruntha perkalakku nalla yogam

2. Chathira kuzhambu konjam podavo,
Sandekathukku konjam podavo,
Thaanai mathiram irandirandu podavo-indha,
Panthiyil innum yenna Sangosamo

3. Kannan narum kadahye payasam-engum,
Kana kidaikkathu ithuve nijam,
Vanna vanna rasa leelaye rasam-Kaiyal,
Vangi vangi unnum umakku ulagengum kaivasam.

English Translation

Pallavi

Please see that a feast is ready and there is,
Lot of space for you inside the hall.

Anupallavi

This was prepared by Sage Sukha of great penance,
And was eaten and enjoyed by one man,
Again and again billions and billions ate it,
Please come quickly, today is greatly lucky to you.

Charanam

1. There are twelve types of dishes and would,
Nala's cooking be similar or equal to it,
All those who do not come here are crows,
And it is great luck for all those who came.

2. Should I serve little of the main dish of Sastras,
Should I put it little more if you have any need,
Should I put two by two of the side dishes,
What is your hesitation in this group of guests who eat.

3. The pretty story of Krishna is the porridge (Kheer),
It is true that you will not be able to find it anywhere,
The colored Rasa Leela is the soup (Rasam),
Take it in your hands and eat and then all the world would be in your hand.

Virunthu Ondru
By Oothukkadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam: Gowri Manohari
Thalam: Adhi

Pallavi

Virunthu ondru aakuthu paarum-ulle,
Vena idam kidakku paarum.

See that a great feast is getting ready,
Come and see that there is lot of place inside.

Anupallavi

Arunthavamana Sukha muni eendhaan,
Anandamai oruvan undu magizhndhaan,
Thirumbha, thirumbha kodi per Undaar,
Seekiram vaarum, Umakku nalla yogam thaan.

The sage Sukha who was a great penance gave this,
And one man ate it and became very happy,
Again and again crores of people partook it,
Please come quickly, You are indeed greatly lucky.

Charanam

1. Eeraru vidhamna paakam - itharkku,
Eedo inayo nala Pakam - Ingu,
Varaaatha perkal yellam Kaakam,
Vandhirundha perkalukku nalla, nalla yogam.

There are twelve type of preparations,
And would Nala's cooking be comparable or similar to this,
All those people who do not come here are crows,
And all those who come are indeed greatly fortunate.

2. Sathira kuzhambhu konjam podavo,
Sandehathukku konjam podavo,
Thaanaai mathiram irandirandu podavo-Indha,
Panthiyil innum yenna sankochamo.

Shall I serve little of the main course of Sasthras,
If you have any doubt, for that shall I serve little more,
Shall I put two and two of those side dishes,
And what is the need for shyness in this row for food.
 
3. Kannan narum kathaye Payasam, engum,
Kana kidaikathu ithuve nijam,
Vanna vanna Rasa leelaye RasamKaiyal,
Vangi vangi unnum umakku ulakengum kaivasam.

The payasam (sweet dosh) in this feast is the great story of Krishna,
And this which can never be seen any where is the real truth,
The colourful dance of Raasa is its Rasam (soup)
And for you who again and again receive and take it, this is the truth.

Vishamakkara Kannan
By Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Chenchurutti
Thalam Eka

Pallavi

Vishamakkara Kannan, polladha,
Vishamakkara Kannan

Anupallavi

Vedikkayai pattu paadi
Vidha vidhamay aattam aadi,
Nazhikkoru leelai seyyum,
Nandagopala Krishnan.

Charanam

1. Neela megham pol iruppan-paadinaale,
Nenjil vandhu kudiyiruppaan,
Kola pullanguzhal oodhi gopikalai kallam aadi,
Konjum podhu, konjam pola vennai thaadi yendru aatamudan,

2. Pinnalai pinnaadi izhuppan - yetho,
Pesi pesi jadai kaatti azhippan,
Yennathuku pinnalai nee izhuthai yendraal,
Kannazhagu vendi yendhan karuthai yizhuththathu yenban

3. Pakathu veetu penai azhaippan, mugari ragam,
Paada solli vambukkizhppan,
Yenakku athu theriyadendraal - mugari ragamaa,
Yenakkathu theriyathu endral,
Nekkurugi killi vittu, aval vikki,
Vikki azhum pothu, ithu thanadi mugari yenban.

4. Vennai panai mooda koodathu, oorilulla,
Vennai panai mooda koodathu,
Ivan vanthu vizhunginaalum ketka koodathu,
Ivan amma kitta solla koodathu,
Solli vittal attahasam thaanga mudiyathu.
Summa oru pechukkum thirudan yendru solli vittal,
Amma, patti, athai athanayum thirudan yenbaan

English Translation

Pallavi

Mischievous Krishna, terribly,
Mischievous Krishna.

Anupallavi

Singing humorous songs,
Dancing in a variety of ways,
Krishna the son of Nandagopala,
Would do one play for every half an hour.

Charanam

1. He would be like the blue cloud-and if he sings,
He would come and live in our heart,
And when he sings his flute and does false love talk,
To the Gopis, he would ask them,
"Hey give me little butter."

2. He would pull their braid from behind and talk,
Sweet nothings and slowly open their braid,
And if they ask, "Why did you pull my braid?",
He would say, "my mind pulled it to get more pretty eyes."

3. He would call the lass of neighboring house, and
Ask her to sing Mukari raga and unnecessarily trouble her,
And suppose she tells "I do not know,, Is it Mukari raga,
I do not know ", he would act as if taking pity and pinch her,
And when she sobs uncontrollably, tell her "This is Mukari".

4. They told that the "butter vessel should not be closed
All the butter vessels of the town should not be closed,
Even if he comes and swallows butter he should not be questioned,
This should not be told to his mother, if we tell,
Then we would not be able to bear his violent reaction,
Suppose even if just for once we tell that he is a thief,
He would say, your mother, father, aunt and cousin are all thieves.

Yarenna Chonnalum
By Oothukadu Venkata Subbaiyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam manirangu
Talam Aadhi

Pallavi

Yarenna chonnalum anjadhe nenjame,
Ayyan Karunayai padu,
Raga alapanamudan padu-mudindhal,
Aattam pottum jathiyodum aadu,
Pala vagayai vanda piravigalo pala
AAyiram thandhalum varumo-aadhalin

Anupallavi

Narada ganamum, vedamum naana,
Gana kuzhal ondru thanthu ooduvaan,
Neeradhar kazhal aada, gopiyarum pada,
Vegu ner ner yena cholli than aduvan-andha
Ayyan karunayai padu

Charanam

Tholai arindhu, kani dhoore yerindhu,
Verum tholai thuninthu oruvan thandhan allavo,
Melai pidi avalai vendum yendre therinthu,
Virumbhi oruvan andru thanthan allavo,
Kalam yellam thavam irundhu, kanintha kani,
Kadithittu suvaithu oru naal, thandhaal allavo-Indha
Jnalamum ayiram sonnalum naam adhai,
Namakku yedarkku yendru solli,
Namum aayiram sollai solli
Ayyan karunayai padu.

English Translation

Pallavi

Oh mind, do not fear whatever one tells,
Sing about the mercies of the Lord,
Sing with tune as well as its spread,
If possible dance with jumps and proper steps,
Though you have taken several thousands of births,
And even if you give thousands of coins,
Would this chance ever come again and so

Anupallavi

Putting the music of Narada and the Vedas to shame,
He would bring a flute and play on it,
With his anklets shaking and with Gopis singing,
He would invite them to dance and also dance,
And sing about the mercy of that Lord.

Charanam

Cutting the skin, throwing away the flesh of the fruit,
And with no problem did one not give you only the skin?
Did one not give you knowingly and slowly,
Give a fist of beaten rice, with lot of desire and friendship?
Did not one lady do penance without an end, and bit and tasted,
A ripe fruit and gave it to you one day?
In spite of all the world telling you thousand opinions,
We should say, "Why should we hear this?” and tell,
His one thousand names and sing about the mercy of the Lord.

Yellayilla Vishama Karanadi
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Atana
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Yellayilla vishama karanadi,
Yethanayadi ivanaukku bakshanangal thinna,
Yeralamum nana vagai vaithirundhum yenna,
Vithagamulla otha vayathu thozharodum munna,
Vennai kalavaduraane "yennadi naan panna?"

Anupallavi

Polla thanamulla cheygayinai kandaal, ponguthadi kopam,
Punnagai pootha mugathinai kandalo manguthadi thaapam,
Yellathukkum mele ondru cholvenadi, yarukkumilatha labham,
Yengal kulathukku vanthaale indha eerezhu bhuvanangalukkum prathapam.

Charanam

Punniyanukku paaloota yenninalo,
Ponguthadi oor acham, antha,
Poothanaikku vantha gathiyakumo, yendra,
Yennam thanakuthu micham,
Pannina dhana dharumangal yaavume,
Palanaachedi podi ucham,
Pakkiyam yenninaal yenakku indha,
Eerezhu pathinalu lokavum thucham.

English Translation

Pallavi

He is a boy with limitless mischief,
How many eatables are there for him to eat,
What if every item is kept in large numbers,
He along with his mischievous friends is stealing butter,
"What can I do now?"

Anupallavi

When I see his very mischievous acts, my anger rises,
But when I see his smiling face, my pain gets reduced,
Above all that I shall tell something which is not profit for any one,
By his coming to our clan, the fame is for all the fourteen worlds.

Charanam

If we think of feeding him milk, a great fear rises in my mind,
Would I end up with the same fate that happened to Poothana,
Only that thought remains with me after that,
All the charities and gifts that I gave have all become useless,
And When I think of my great luck,
I feel that all the fourteen worlds are of no consequence.

Yenge Yengeyadi Anname
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Madhyamavathi
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Yenge, yengeyadi anname,
Innamuthu marakatha thirumeni ilavarasu Nanda Rajagopalan.

Samashti

Manga pugazh udaya bridavanathalan,
Chengoil piditha thirukayyan-antha,
Chengolayim kuzhalai, Sangeetham pada vaithu,
Nangayar manam kavantha kalvan,
Chengolayum kuzhalai-punganu pungamena,
Sangeethgam pada vaith kayyan-ila,
Mangayar manam kavarntha meyyan-thirudi
Ilai yendru kai virikkum poyyan-nenjathu,
Irundhu nadamadum ayyan,

Thisram
Ilam kamalam virinthathenna, thalam kulirum kannayyan.

English Translation

Pallavi

Where, where is my swan like friend,
The prince with nectar like emerald coloured body,
Who is the Raja Gopala of King Nanda.

Samashti

The one of Brindavan who has never diminishing fame,
The one who holds the king's staff and one,
Who made even that staff sing,
And attracted the mind of lasses,
Who made the staff in to a flute and
Made it sing music and
The one who stole the mind of young maids,
The liar who tells that he has not stolen it,
And the Lord who dances in our heart.

Thisram
The Lord Krishna who makes us please like the opening of a young lotus flower.

Yengumilla Pillai
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Atana
Thalam Aathi

Pallavi
Yengumilla pillai pethaal Yasodai,
Ini mel avalukkenna kurai?

Anupallavi
Yeduthu chonnallathu oru apacharam,
Yendi namakkul indha Vivakaaram,
Kiduthu vauthavan Nanda Gopa Rajan,
Kulamenganum nirai mangala udhavum padi Padamankaja

Charanam

Sangayillathu indha pillai pethu kolla,
Thavangal iyathiya thethanai,
Thangu thadayindri Aasai niraivera,
Dhana dharumangal yethanai,
Gangayum kasiyum Rameswaravumai,
Kanda kshethrangal yethanai?
Kai mel balanaaka-uri vennai thayir paalum,
Kalavadum neela chamathanai

English Translation

Pallavi
Yasoda gave birth to a boy, who exists nowhere,
From now on what problem does she have?

Anupallavi
If we tell her explaining things, it would be a mistake,
Hey friend, why should we get unnecessarily involved?
Nandagopa is one who is blessed,
For helping the full auspiciousness of his clan Yasoda.

Charanam

For getting this boy, without any doubt,
How many penances she did,
For fulfillment of her desires without any problems,
How many charities and gifts has she given?
How many temples including,
Kasi, Ganges and Rameswaram has she seen?
As an immediate result, she gave birth,
To this clever blue boy who steals curd and milk from rope storage.

Yenna Thaan Cholladi
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Yathu kula Khambodhi
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Yenna thaan choladi Kannan piditha,
Pidikku yethir undo Cholladi,
Yennnai theythidavum, ingu vaa yenavumj,
Iru iru varuven yendru piragu odi,
Kandru ondrai kayirodu inaithu,
Ilam kannai kkatti, itharkku ennai thei yendraal

Anupallavi

Anname ondru cholven kelaai, ivan,
Adam cheyvathu yellam neraaga paarai,
Mannavan invan vanthu pirantha naalai, vishamam,
Vara vara meeri pochu, oru naalai polai,
Vanthavar ponavar yarai kettalum,
Vambugal cheythaar yendru cholluvar,
Vambugal cheytrhaar yendru cholli innum,
Vaiyathe, yendru kooda cholluvaar.

Charanam

Andraikkum, ippadi thaan unna vaa, yendren,
Aagattum yendru cholli vandhaan,
Annai, kan moodi kayil thara vendum,
Appothu thaan unnuven yendraan,
Indraikku ninanthalum nanam varuthu,
Yengal Kannan indha vidham cheythaan,
Yennai ariyaathu pin nindra thanthayai,
Yenthu karamakki yengo chendraan,
Ila malar vayinil kollathena potta,
Yen budhiyai yenna chollavo,
Yetho kannai thirakka, yengalavar kai neeti,
Yediuthu unvathai chollavo.

English Translation

Pallavi

Whatever you tell, for the actions of Krishna,
Is there any possibility of opposing,
For applying oil to him, I told, "come here",
Saying "wait, wait, I will come", he ran away,
And came with a calf along with its rope,
And pointing to that told, "apply oil to it."

Anupallavi

Lady, please hear what I say and
Please see all his mischief personally,
From the time this king came over here,
His mischief has reached the boundary,
When I ask all people who come or go from here,
They would say that he did lot of mischief,
After saying that he did mischief, they would,
Also request me not to chide him.

Charanam

That day also, I told him to come and eat,
He came saying "yes",
He said mother should close her eyes and give,
Then only I will eat the food,
When I think of it, even today I feel shy,
To think that our Krishna did like this,
Without my knowing, he made his father,
Who was standing behind to extend his hands and went away,
What shall I tell my intelligence,
When I put small quantity thinking it will be too much for his flower like mouth,
When I accidentally opened my eyes, I saw my husband,
Extending his hand and eating the food.

Yenna Thaan Chonnen
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Khamboji
Thalam Aadhi

Pallavi

Yenna thaan chonnen-ival,
Ippadi mayangi vizha thappondrum illai-kannan,
Vanthaan yendru than chonnen, illai illai,
Varuvan yendru thaan chonnen.

Anupallavi

Thannalamariyatha Kannan peril-ival,
Yenna sukham kandalo, ariyene,
Punnagai madhavarukkum innavalukkum thoothu cholli,
Pothum pothum yendru Aachuthe yenakku.

Charanam

Thedi thedi oru chethi chonnal, muzhu,
Chethiyum ketkka vendaamo,
Odi odi kandrukalai othai mandayaka thekki,
oor varavu, neramakla vendamo,
Indirarkkum nanmukarkkum ullapadi arul cheythu,
Nallapadi oor thirumba vendamo.
Kodi kodi ullangalai kollai kollayaga thekkum,
Kothavan vandhan yendru chonnathai thavirthu.

English Translation

Pallavi

What did I tell her so that,
She has fainted and fallen,
I did not tell anything wrong,
I only told that Krishna has come - no, no,
I did tell her that Krishna will come.

Anupallavi

I do not know what please she found,
In Lord Krishna who is completely selfless,
For me it has become sufficient and sufficient,
By becoming the emissary of the laughing Krishna and her.

Charanam

When I search and search her and tell the news,
Should she not hear it completely,
After running and running and making the calves in to a single herd,
To come back to the village, would it not take time,
After blessing Indra and Brahma,
Should he not return home safely,
Except telling her that the king who attracts,
Billions of hearts has come, what else did I Tell.

Yennathai Cholladi Podi
By Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Ragam Useni
Thalam Adhi

Pallavi

Yennathai cholladi podi-un,
Yennathai cholladi podi,
Yengum niraivagina oru yadhu kulathoru vaandu,
Ingu vanthu nindru kondu, yennayum purintha vambu.

Anupallavi

Anname ithu cheivathu jalam,
Athattinaal vanthidum pothatha kalam,
Chinna kuzhanthai yendru yennina kalam,
Cheyyumadi che che che maha alangolam.

Charanam

Oru tharam ithanoda vishamathai kandaalo,
Ullamellam kollai poguthe,
Uthami maharasi Yasodai mel yenakku,
Unmayai poramai Aaguthe-Ivan,
Thiruttu vizhiyai kandu vittalo,
Thenum palum kasanthaguthe -naan,
Chinthai mayanginen -yendru therinthalo,
Che che che vishamangal alavukku meeruthe.

English Translation

Pallavi

Oh friend what shall I tell,
Oh friend, please tell me your thoughts,
The brat of Yadhu clan who fills all places,
When he stood here and made mischief with you.

Anupallavi

Oh swan like girl, what he does is a magical trick,
If you chide him, we will go in to bad times,
If we think that he is a little baby,
What he does, bad, bad, bad, great dishevelment

Charanam

Once we see his mischief,
We loose all our hearts to him,
I become truly jealous on,
The good lady Yasoda,
But if I see his stealing glances,
Honey and milk becomes bitter, but once,
I know that I have lost my mind,
Bad, bad, bad his mischief goes beyond limit.

Yeppadi Thaan Yennullam
By Oothukaadu Venkata Subba Iyer
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Raga Neelambari
Thala Aadhi

Pallavi

Yeppadi thaan yennullam pugundu yennai adimai kondeero,
Isai tarum kuzhal odu kundalam olira,
Ivai tharum suvayodu vandhinam arula.

Anupallavi

Oppuyar illada uthamane-oru,
Uraga nadamaadum vittagane,
Ulagirunda vaay tiranda padiyo,
Uralodu pinaindhiruppadhiyo

Charanam

Veliyil cholla manam thulludhe,
Cholla venum, venum yendra aasai kollude,
Kulir oli mugam kandu naani naani-un,
Koi malar paadathil vennai thallude,

Ini oru ulagam unnai thavira yenakkoru sukam illai Vennkadava,
Thani oru mudi mel ila mayilandi thogai aniya thandava,
Uriyeri kalavaadai thozhar oodu unakku yenakken tindhrava,
Oor ariym munbu annaiyidam sendru ondrum ariyaadu nindrava.

English Translation

Pallavi

By what means did you enter my mind and enslaved me,
Along wit flute giving music and ear studs shining,
And with bees moving around due to the taste given by those.

Anupallavi

Oh incomparably great one,
Oh magician who danced on the snake,
Did you appear with the worlds in your mouth,
Or being tied to the mortar

Charanam

My mind is jumping to tell it outside,
I am having desire to tell and to tell,
Seeing your pleasant face, my shyness,
Is pushing me like a flower on to your feet.

From now, I do not have any world except you, Oh Venkadava,
Oh dancer who kept on your head the feather of peacock,
Oh God who along with friends who stole the butter,
From the rope stand and fought within yourselves,
And before any one knew it went and stood with your mother,
As if you do not know anything at all.