Nallathor Veenai Seithe | Bharathiyar Songs with Meanings

 NALLATHOR VEENAI SEITHE

It is more than 100 years since this great poet left us. History has shows that a  few of his dreams have been realized. I am honored and gifted to sing his songs. One of the heart capturing poem from "MAHA KAVI SUBRAMANYA BHARATHIYAR' is Nallathor Veenai Seithe.

Bharathi is considered as one of the pioneers of modern Tamil literature. Bharathi used simple words and rhythms, unlike his previous century works in Tamil, which had complex vocabulary. He also employed novel ideas and techniques in his devotional poems. He used a  metre called Nondi Chindu in most of his works, which was earlier used by Gopalakrisha Bharathiyar. Bharati's poetry expressed a progressive, reformist ideal. His imagery and the vigour of his verse were a forerunner to modern Tamil poetry in different aspects. He was the forerunner of a forceful kind of poetry that combined classical and contemporary elements. He had a prodigious output penning thousands of verses on diverse topics like Indian Nationalism, love songs, children's songs, songs of nature, glory of the Tamil language, and odes to prominent freedom fighters of India like Tilak, Gandhi and Lajpat Rai. His poetry not only includes works on Hindu deities like Shakti, Kali, Vinayagar, Murugan, Sivan, Kannan, but also on other religious gods like Allah and Jesus. His insightful similarities have been read by millions of Tamil readers. 

This poem "Nallathor Veenai Seithe" is considered as one of his classics, and has found its way into popular Tamil culture through films and music. In this poem, the poet Bharathi prays to his deity, Shiva Shakthi, to grand him a few wishes.

Bharathi Prays to God Shivasakthi - You created me with flaming knowledge. This world should benefit from me. Otherwise I do not want to be a burden to this land where I was born. I want you to give me mind and health and life to do what I want to do. Give me the boon to sing about you even when my body is burnt. You will have no objection to grant me this.

LYRICS

Nallathor veenai seithe - adhai,

nalam keda puzhuthiyil yerivathundo ?

Solladi Shiva Shakthi, yenai

Sudar migum arivudan padaithu vittay.

Vallamai thaarayo ? indha,

Maanilam payunura vazhvadakke.

Solladi ShivaShakthi - nila

Sumaiyena Vazhnthida puriguvayo ?

Visayuru panthinai pol - ullam,

Vendiya padi sellum udal kaetten,

Nasayaru manam kaetten, nitham navamena,

Dasyuru sudar tharum Uyir kaetten.

Dasayinai thee sudinum - Shiva

Sakthiyai padum nal agam kaetten,

Asaivaru mathi kaetten, Ivai,

Arulvathil unakkaethum thadai ulatho ?

TRANSLATION

After making a pretty Veena,

Does anyone throw it in dust ?

Please tell me Oh, Power of Lord Shiva,

You have made me with, 

Glowing Sparks of wisdom,

Would you not give me the strength,

For making my country live with a purpose ?

Please tell me Oh, Power of Lord Shiva,

Am I to live here as its simple burden ?

I asked you for a body,

Which can travel as it wants like a ball,

I asked you for a mind to cut off poisonous thoughts,

I asked you for a soul which is new everyday,

I asked you for a tongue, which would sing,

About you, even if it is burnt,

And I asked you but for a stable mind.

I asked for a mind that will sing the power of Shiva,

Who will burn my body,

I asked for a mind that cuts of desires

Is there any problem for you to grant all these ?

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