Thrikarthikekku - Kadathukaran

Thrikarthikaikku – Kadathukaran

Composition – MS Baburaj

Lyrics – Vayalar Rama Varma

Singers – KP Udayanhanu , P Leela 

Prelude – The song “ Thrikarthikekku “ from the 1965 film “ Kaduthukaran “ brings along with it the grandeur of the Scorpio month . This song is a revelation in itself when Vayalar brings forth the festivals and temple rituals of Kerala in one song . His mastery over the intricacies of nature shows his greatness in penning the lyrics . Trying to understand this song and travelling through the poet’s mind was an enriching experience for me . 

Thrikarthikkaikku thiri koluthan vanna nakshtra kanyakale

Oh damsels like the stars ! You have come to light the lamps on “Thrikarthika” day.

Ningal kaithapoo kadavil kallivallam thuzhayum kadathukarane kando ?

Did you see the oarsman who rows the boat along the lake shore with “ Kaithapoo “ flowers  ( fragrant screw pine or Ketki or Kewda flowers ) ?

Neram poyi neram poyi neyambal viriyanai neram poi neram poi

Oh oh !

The time has passed and it’s time for the “ Neyambal “ ( water snowflake flowers ) to bloom .

 

Kanaka nila thiri kattil kedum munpe kaavil thozhan ponam

I should go to the sacred grove to pray before the golden flame of the lamp gets blown out by the breeze.

Kathalikali kanenam karpuram uzhiyenam

Kalamezuthum pattum kelkenam  

I have to see Kathakali ( classical dance drama of Kerala ) , burn the camphor for fragrance , and ward off negative energies , hear Kalamezuthum pattu ( the art of making powder painting on the floor with natural pigments accompanied by a song invoking the god or goddess and dance ) .

 

Puluruvan ezha ara ravulla nerath poovum prasadavumai

Kadavu kadanu ingu porum vazhikkuru kariyam kathil chollenam

Oru kayiram kathil chollenam

I will whisper a secret in your ears when we cross the lake in your boat with me having flowers and the divine offering made to God when there are seven and a half hours left for daybreak .

Thrikarthikkaikku thiri koluthan vanna nakshtra kanyakale

Oh damsels like the stars ! You have come to light the lamps on “Thrikarthika” day.

Ningal vrischika raavil vellipoo vitharum vilakkukariye kando ?

Vilakkukariye kando ?

Did you see the maiden scattering silver flowers holding a lamp during the night of the Scorpio month ?

Postlude – The resplendence of the Scorpio month is celebrated by the lyricist in the song by mentioning “ Thrikarthika “ and “ Kalamezhuthum pattu “ both celebrated from mid -November to mid- December . “ Thrikarthika “, which is the festival of light, is celebrated by lighting earthen lamps to bring knowledge and dissipate ignorance and darkness . From a feminine point of view , “ Thrikarthika “ is associated with the birthday of goddess Shakti . The earthen lamp symbolises the body, and the flame is analogous to the soul . This festival of lights is for the purification of the mind , body and soul and to attain a state of self actualisation . 

The ritual of “ Kalamezuthupattu “ is a temple ritual in which powder painting is made of natural colours and pigments accompanied by songs invoking the deity . The basic principle of Kalamezuthupattu lies in the universal law of creation , preservation and destruction of the universe,  by which the drawing is created , preserved and erased following various rituals in segments . 

Vayalar has mentioned  “ Kathakali “, which is the classical dance drama of the state of Kerala . Kathakali is held in the forecourt of the temple, usually related to the festival season of the temple accompanied by a fair . The silver stars in the sky are compared to maidens lighting lamps on the day of Thrikarthika . In the beginning of the song , Vayalar has mentioned two flowers , Kaitha poo ( fragrant screw pine flower ) and Neyambal ( water snowflake flower ) which both grow near water bodies symbolising the whole story of the film eponymous with an oarsman ferrying people in a boat .

Kayamboo Kannil Vidarum - Nadi

Kayamboo Kannil Vidarum – Nadi

Composition – G Devarajan

Lyrics – Vayalar Rama Varma

Singer – KJ Yesudas

Prelude – I was filled with amazement on hearing this song, as it takes one to a pristine land of joy . It’s a perfect love song picturised on Prem Nazir and Sharada from the 1969 movie “ Nadi “ . The frame of Prem Nazir singing this song while strumming a guitar on a boat in endearment of Sharada creates ripples in the heart . The whole story of the film is based on the theme of the hero and heroine from two rival families staying on houseboats falling in love with each other . 

Kayamboo kannil vidarum

The “ Kayam poo “ ( a blue flower ) blooms in your eyes.

Kamaladalam kavilil vidarum

The petals of lotus bloom on your cheeks. 

Anuragavati nin chodakalil nin alipazham pozhiyum

Oh beloved ! Your lips create a rumble in my heart like a thunderstorm accompanied by hailstones.

 

Ponnarananam bhoomiku charthum

Puzhayude ekantha pulinathil

The solitary riverbank is like the golden waist chain offered to the earth.

Nin mridu smerathin indrajalam kandu

Nithya vismayavumai njan irangi

Sakhi njan irangi

Oh beloved !  I left with everlasting wonder after seeing the magic of your gentle smile.

 

Ninnekurichu njan padiya pattinu

Niravadhi olangal shruti ittu

The waves set the musical pitch for the song I sang about you.

Nin mano rajyathe nila kadambil nee

Ente ee kalithoni ketti ittu

You moored my playful boat to the burflower tree (kadambu) of your heart’s kingdom .

Postlude – The river is an important theme in this song . The golden sands of the riverbank are compared to the golden waist chain offered to earth by nature by the lyricist Vayalar . The waves are said to set a musical pitch to the song sung by the hero . As the houseboat forms the chief character in this film , the lyricist has penned the lyrics by saying that the boat of the hero is moored to the burflower tree in the kingdom of the heroine’s heart . Again the colour blue is used for denoting water, which is analogous to the river on which the story is set . The first line of the song also speaks of a blue flower called “ Kayam poo “ . The song has the hue of blue in it .  

Periyare Periyare - Bharya

Periyare Periyare – Bharya

Composition – G Devarajan

Lyrics – Vayalar Rama Varma

Singers – AM Raja , P Susheela

Prelude – On hearing the song "Periyare Periyare" , it might seem like a simple song . But the metaphor of comparing the “Periyar “ river to a young girl who traverses the journey from childhood to youth, finally meeting her lover , the ocean, is just spellbinding .The genius of Vayalar lies in giving human attributes and emotions to a river as she moves along her course, meandering her way into the hearts of people she encounters and touching their lives in innumerable ways. This song is an ode to all the river goddesses in our country ,India,  revered through generations as being the lifeline of human existence. 

Periyare periyare parvatha nirayude panineere

Oh Periyar river ! You are like the redolent rose water of the mountain ranges.

Kulirum kondu kunungi nadakkum malayali penanu nee

Oru malayalee penanu nee

You are a Malayali girl who has a frolicsome gait, feeling the coolness of the snow.

 

Mayiladum kunnil pirannu

You were born in the hill where the peacock dances.

Mayilanchi kaatil valarnu

You grew up in the grove of “ Henna “ shrubs.

Nagaram kanath nanam marath

Nadan pennu anu nee

Oru nadan pennanu nee

You are a shy village belle who is oblivious to the charms of the city life.

 

Ponnalakkal ponnalakkal norrinuduthu

Pokan orungaka anello

You are getting ready to start your journey after pleating your waves like a saree. 

Malayattur palliyil perunnal kudanam

Shivarathri kanenam nee

Aluva shiva rathri kanenam nee

You have to gather at the “Malayattoor church” and celebrate the annual festival there . You have to celebrate the “Aluva Shiva Rathri “ by spending the night in reverence of Lord Shiva by being awake .

 

Nadake theli neeru nalkanem

You have to give crystal clear water to the villages , towns and cities.

Nadodi pattukal padenam

You have to sing nomadic songs as you continue your journey.

Kadalil nee chellanam

Kamukane kananam

Kalyanam ariyikkenam

Ninte kalyanam ariyikkenam

You have to go to the sea and meet your lover . You should inform us about your wedding with the sea .

Postlude – This song is about the “ Periyar river “ which originates from the Sivagiri hills of the Western Ghats . The song is picturised on Sathyan and Ragini when they are on a boat ride . The boat ride gives an opportunity to move along the ebb and flow of the waves of the river . There is the mention of the river as she flows from her source in the mountains to her mature stage when she reaches the city of Kochi, situated in Kerala before joining the Arabian Sea . Two historical pilgrimage sites of Hinduism and Christianity are mentioned, namely the "Aluva Shiva temple" and the "Malayatoor St. Thomas church" situated on the banks of the “ Periyar river “ . The “Maha Shiva Rathri “ festival, which literally translates to the great auspicious night of Lord Shiva, and "Malayattur Perunnal",  which is the annual festival held on the first Sunday after Easter in Malayattoor are mentioned in the song .

 

Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal - Ashwamedham

Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal – Ashwamedham

Composition – G Devarajan

Lyrics – Vayalar Rama Varma

Singer – P Susheela 

Prelude – I just came across this song when I was searching for songs written by the greatest lyricist,“Vayalar Rama Varma “ . When I watched the video of the song on, You Tube , actress Sheela appeared with her charm and beauty . It seems this is a pre- wedding song about the desires of the bride in her conjugal life . 

Ezhu sundara ratrikal

Seven beautiful nights.

Ekanta sundara ratrikal

Solitary beautiful nights.

Vikara taralita gatrikal

The waist chain moves in the body due to passion . 

Vivaha purna ratrikal

The nights after tying the nuptial knot.

 

Manasa sarasil paranirangiya

Marala kanyakale manoharingakale

Oh gentle sensual nymphs! You have flitted down in the magical pool of my mind.

Ningade pavizha chundil ninnoru

Mangalapatram enikku tharu

Offer a benedictory verse from your red coral stone- coloured lips.

Ee poo ethiri poo pakarami poovu tharam

Offer a benedictory verse from your red coral stone-coloured lips.

 

Vasara swapnam chirakukal nalkiya

Vasantha dhutikale virunnukarikale

Oh spring messengers ! You are the guests who have been given wings by your dreams at daybreak.

Ningade swarna thalikayil ninnoru

Sangamam deepam enikku tharu

From your golden plate , give me a lamp to light as I enter my new home after taking the wedding vows of union . 

Ee poo ethiri poo pakarami poovu tharam

I will give you some flowers in return for that. 

Postlude – I am a novice as far as understanding the nuances of the songs of the yesteryears between the 1950s and 1980s is concerned . But I am trying to make sense out of it to get acquainted with the songs of my parents’ generation, which startled them and us alike  with the literary prowess of stalwarts like Vayalar Rama Varma , P Bhaskran , ONV Kurup etc . Only Vayalar can imagine sensual nymphs flitting down the pool to deliver a benedictory verse  . The spring season is imagined by Vayalar to give a panoramic view of golden flowers compared to a golden plate .  

Anubhooti Pookum Nin Mizhikalil - Utram Nakshtram

Anubhooti Pookum Nin Mizhikalil – Uttramnakshtram

Composition – Sunny Stephen

Lyrics – K Jayakumar

Singer – KS Chitra

Prelude – The song “ Anubhooti Pookum Nin Mizhikalil “ popped up in my You Tube videos one day suddenly . I was just enchanted by this song, which lay unknown to me as a hidden gem, just like the pearl in an oyster . When I heard it for the first time , I just got a heavenly feeling, just as the saying goes “ Heard songs are sweet , unheard songs are sweeter “ . This song is from a shelved movie “ Utram Nakshtram . “ 

Anubhooti pookum nin mizhikalil

Nokki njan veruthe irenere neram

I sat gazing at your eyes for a long time, in which insights bloom.

Karalinte ullilo kavyam

There is a poem in my heart.

Ariyathe neeyente hridayamam venuvil

Anuraga sangeethamyi

Unknown to me , you became a love song played by my flute-like heart . 

Madhuramen mounavum padi

My sweet silence also sang .

Azhakinte poornima mizhikalil viriyumbol

neeyente jeevanayi theerum 

When the moon of splendour blooms in your eyes , you will become my life.

Ullam nirayum ritukantiayi nee

In en kinavil tudichu

You ,who fill my heart with the radiance of seasons, throbbed like a heartbeat of my dream. 

Kalabham pozhiyum chandrodayam pol

Nee ente ullil virinju

You bloomed in my heart like the moon, which reflected light as cool as the sandalwood paste. 

Mridutaramudirum  surabhila ravin kathiray

You are like the moonlight that spreads in the fragrant night. 

Nee en punyam pole .

You are my virtue . 

Mizhiyil theleyum niramulla vaanil

Oru raja hamsam parannu

A royal swan flew in the colourful sky which is reflected in the eyes.

Parayan vaikkum oru vakkinullil

Abhilasha madhuram kinninju

Sweetness dripped through the word which I said late.

Madhuritamunarum tharalita malarin mozhiyay

You are like the voice of the swaying flower sweetened with nectar.

Nee en punyam pole

You are my virtue .

Postlude – The lyrics by K Jayakumar and composition by Sunny Stephen have blended together perfectly to create a classic song which is an ode to love in every sense . K Jayakumar pens down the lyrical poetry by writing down about the eyes of the beloved and the deafening silence of the unspoken words . He has also brought in the theme of being loyal in any relationship  by comparing the beloved to an embodiment of virtue and purity . 

 

 

Itramel Manamulla - Mazha

Ethramel Manamulla – Mazha

Composition – Raveendran

Lyrics – K Jayakumar

Singer – KJ Yesudas 

Prelude – The lyrical poetry “ Ithramel Manamulla “ set to tune in the raag “ Mohanam “ from the film “ Mazha “ has enchanted Keralites for a long time . The song appears when the character of Ramanuja Shastrigal  renders the poem written by Bhadra when it gets published in a magazine . Ramanuja Shastrigal and Bhadra are played by Biju Menon and Samyuktha Varma, respectively . Bhadra is really mesmerised by the first shower of love in her teenage years that she feels for the musician Ramanuja Shastrigal . Her love takes the form of words and music in the film . 

Itramel manamulla kudamulla poovukkalku etra kinakkal undayirikkum ?

How many dreams would a bunch of fragrant flowers have ?  

Sandhyambarathinte manda smithangalil ava etra azhagu ullath ayirikkum

?

How beautiful would they look when the evening sky gently smiles at them ? 

 

Poovinte swapnangal pookelekalum mridulavum soumyavum ayirikkum

The dreams of a flower will be softer and gentler than those of a bunch of flowers .

Thamara nool pol pozhiyum nilavilum yadukula kamboji ayirikkum

The moonlight which sheds like lotus silk, will be like the raga “ Yadukula Kamboji “

 

Nitya vilolamam swapnangalum njanum ellam rahasyavum pankuvaikkum

The permanent restless dreams and I share all secrets with each other.

Atmvavinullil vannu ariyathe padarunna aa raga parimalam ayirikkum .

A melody unknown to me imbues in the heart like the scent of flowers . 

Postlude – The lyrics written by IAS officer K Jayakumar transcend the realm of worldly love and dive into spiritual love . The turning point of this lyrical piece of poetry is when the raga “ Yadukula Khamboji “ gets mentioned in the song . That was a masterstroke by the lyricist to bring the recurring theme of divine love between Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha . The “ Yadukula Khamboji “ raga is derived from the parent raga “ Hari Khamboji “ whose Hindustani equivalent is the raag “Khamaj “ . The raga “ Hari Khamboji “ is usually sung while performing thumris and horis . Thumri is light classical music which has its roots in eastern Uttar Pradesh and is often sung in accompaniment with the dance form of Kathak . The undeniable heroine of thumri is our Goddess Radha, who brings forth along with her the dichotomies of pain and pleasure , love and longing, and union and separation from Lord Krishna . The different vagaries of emotions in love will be an eternal subject which will evolve in the literary world as long as the universe exists.  

Ashadam Padumbol - Mazha

Aashadam Padumbol – Mazha

Composition – Raveendran

Lyrics – K Jayakumar

Singers – KJ Yesudas , KS Chitra

Prelude – The song “ Ashadam Padumbol “ is like the opulence which nature gets with the onset of the monsoon season . I noticed this song while thinking about the raag “Amritavarshini “  which is the raag which causes rain . This song is analogous to the movie “Mazha “ which means rain, released in 2000, which was based on eminent writer Kamala Das's collection of stories “ Nashtapetta Neelambari “ . As rain has been romanticised in literature and poetry for evoking emotions of love , this song appears when Ramanuja Shastrigal and Bhadra fall in love with each played by “ Biju Menon “ and “ Samyukhtha Varma “, respectively . 

Ashadam padumbol athmavin ragangal ananda nrittam adumbol

The melodies of the soul dance joyfully when the monsoon sings. 

Vellaram mutthum kond aakasham premathin kai kumbil neetumbol manasilum mridangamam

My heart enraptures on hearing the beats of a two-sided drum ( mridangam ) when the sky lovingly extends its cupped hands dropping,  pearl-like silvery rain .

 

Ee pulnambil mazhayude then sandesham

Eni muthal ee pulnambil mazhayude then sandesham

The raindrops send a sweet message to the tip of the grass blade.

Shrutilaya hridaya mukharita jalatarangam,

The waves of water create melodic music with pitch and rhythm echoing in the heart . 

Amrita taralita navavikaram ,

A new emotion glittering like nectar emerges.

Kusuma bangithan uyiril aliyum

The beauty of the blossom melts into life.

Madan sayaka madhura kadhanam

There is sweetness in the pain when the arrow of Kamadev ( God of desire and love ) strikes, causing intoxication.

Nee meetathe unarum veenanadam

Manasil nee meetathe unarum veena nadam

The sound of “ Veena “ arises without you plucking it in my heart. 

Upavana dala kutuhala swaraparagam

There is the celebrated union of  pollen powder, like musical notes, with the petal of the flower in the grove.

Naruma vitharum nimisha shalabham

The fluttering  butterfly scatters fragrance . 

Mizhivilakkukal ninne uzhiyum

The lamps of my eyes caress you.

Mauna vichikal ninne pothiyum

The waves of silence cover you . 

Postlude – The lyrics of the song are by IAS officer K Jayakumar, who is also a noted poet . I have always noticed the songs of K Jayakumar which come with the speciality of using rare words which catch us by surprise, and we wonder how diverse and rich our mother tongue ,Malayalam, is . A special mention to Raveendran for composing this song and interspersing the voices of KJ Yesudas and KS Chitra, where the lyrical poetry is in the male voice and the akar ( open throated humming ) and sargam ( vocal notes ) are by the female voice . I somewhere feel that a playful sound of beats which sounds like “ Dandiya “ was incorporated in the song to give an ode to the folk dance of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which celebrates the dance of divine love between Lord Krishna and the cowherd women of Vrindavan .