Chakravarthini - Chembarathi

 

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Lyrics – Vayalar Ramavarma

Composition - G Devarajan 

Prelude – The song “ Chakravarthini “ from the film Chembarathi has been the pulse of Keralites throughout the world due to its dreamy lyrics and heart-stirring melody .

Chakravarthini ninakku njan ente

Shilpagopuram thurannu

Oh Empress ! I have opened my ornamental sculpted tower over the entrance gate for you.

Pushpapadukam purathu vekku nee

Keep your footwear made of flowers outside the temple.

Nagnapadayay akathu varu

Come inside barefoot.

Salbanjikakal kaikalil kusumathalam enthi varavelkkum

The sculptures of young women welcome you with a plate with flowers in their hands .

Panchaloha mani mandirangangil manvilakkukal pookum

The earthen lamps bloom in the temple with the bell made of five metals. 

Devasundarikal kankalil pranaya dahmode nadamadum

The heavenly nymphs with love and desire in their eyes dance in front of me. 

Chaitrapadmadala mandapangalil rudraveenakal padum thane padum

The rudraveena ( a musical instrument ) sings by itself in the pillared hall of the temple decorated by the petals of the lotus from the spring season.

 

Sharadendukala chutinum kanaka parijata malar thukum

The autumnal moon with its 16 phases showers golden parijata flowers ( night-flowering jasmine )  on the precincts of the temple . 

Shilpakanyakakal ninte veedhikalil rathna kambalam neerthum

The statues of young maidens will fill your pathway with a carpet of gems . 

Kamamohinikal nine en hridaya kavyaloka sakhi akkum

The goddesses of enchantment make you the partner of my poetic world in my heart.

Machakangalil manju shayayil lajja kondu njan mudum nine mudum

I will embrace you in the beautiful bed in the attic, and you will blush with shyness.

Postlude – The precincts of the temple with the gateway ,lamps and garland of flowers have been a source of inspiration for every lyricist . The great poet Vayalar Rama Varma enters into the mind of Keralites,  stringing together the visions of the sculptures, flowers blooming in the trees and the lamps adorning the temple premises.