One of the poems which illustrated why Kamban is hailed as one of the greatest Tamil poets. Situation: Hanuman is in search of Sita in Lanka. Finally seeing her in Ashoka vanam, he goes to her and identifies himself. To prove he was a messenger from Rama, he shares Rama's ring to her. Hanuman narrates... Continue Reading →
Cheeky poem from Thiruvalluvar! Loss can also be a victory. -------------- Thirukural 1327 ஊடலின் தோற்றவர் வென்றார்; அது மன்னும் கூடலின் காணப்படும். While arguing (with your wife), suffering defeat is also a victory! You will realize it later in your sexual union! Poet: Valluvar Translated by Palaniappan Vairam Sarathy மனைவியுடன் ஊடலில் தோற்பதும் வெற்றிதான், அது பின் வரும் புணர்ச்சியில்... Continue Reading →
Tamil love lyric tradition passing on Sangam literature to Thiruvalluvar. Thirukkural 1104 நீங்கின் தெறூஉம், குறுகுங்கால் தண்ணென்னும், தீ யாண்டுப் பெற்றாள், இவள்? I burn if I touch her, I feel cool when I approach her, Where did she acquire such fire? Poet: Valluvar Translated by Palaniappan Vairam Sarathy விட்டால் சுடவைக்கும், தொட்டால் குளிரவைக்கும் (காமத்) தீயை எங்கிருந்துப் பெற்றால் இவள்! Reference:... Continue Reading →
This is a cheeky poem. Thalaivan is having relationship with another women. His wife knows about this and sulks about this other women all over the village. The other women gets upset and utters this poem which literally trolls the character of Thalaivan. ஐங்குறுநூறு 90, ஓரம்போகியார், மருதத் திணை – பரத்தை சொன்னது, தலைவியின் தோழியரும் தலைவனும்கேட்கும்படியாக மகிழ்நன் மாண் குணம் வண்டு கொண்டன... Continue Reading →
How Sangam literature saved Kalaingar Karunanithi's political career 50 years ago!
Final poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 270, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தோழி தலைவியிடம் சொன்னது கிழங்கு அகழ் கேழல் உழுத சிலம்பில், தலை விளை கானவர் கொய்தனர் பெயரும், புல்லென் குன்றத்துப் புலம்பு கொள் நெடு வரை காணினும் கலிழு நோய் செத்துத் தாம் வந்தனர், நம் காதலோரே. Thinking about your... Continue Reading →
This poem is the ninth poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 269, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தோழி தலைவியிடம் சொன்னது, சிறைப்புறத்தானாக இருந்த தலைவன் கேட்கும்படி கேழல் உழுதெனக் கிளர்ந்த எருவை, விளைந்த செறுவில் தோன்றும் நாடன், வாராது அவண் உறை நீடின், நேர் வளை இணை ஈர் ஓதி நீ அழத், துணை நனி... Continue Reading →
This poem is the eight poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 268, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தோழி தலைவியிடம் சொன்னது, சிறைப்புறத்தானாக இருந்த தலைவன் கேட்கும்படி தாஅ இழந்த தழு வரிக் குருளையொடு, வள மலைச் சிறு தினை உணீஇய, கானவர் வரை ஓங்கு உயர் சிமைக் கேழல் உறங்கும், நன் மலை நாடன், பிரிதல்... Continue Reading →
This poem is the seventh poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 267, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தோழி தலைவியிடம் சொன்னது, சிறைப்புறத்தானாக இருந்த தலைவன் கேட்கும்படி சிறு கண் பன்றிப் பெருஞ்சின ஒருத்தல், துறுகல் அடுக்கத்து வில்லோர் மாற்றி, ஐவனம் கவரும் குன்ற நாடன், வண்டுபடு கூந்தலைப் பேணிப், பண்பு இல சொல்லும், தேறுதல் செத்தே.... Continue Reading →
This poem is the sixth poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 266, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தோழி தலைவனிடம் சொன்னது சிறு கண் பன்றிப் பெருஞ்சின ஒருத்தலொடு, குறுங்கை இரும்புலி பொரூஉம் நாட! நனி நாண் உடைய மன்ற, பனிப் பயந்தன, நீ நயந்தோள் கண்ணே. You are the man from a... Continue Reading →
This poem is the fifth poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 265, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தலைவி தலைவனின் நண்பர்களிடம் சொன்னது புலி கொல் பெண்பால் பூ வரிக் குருளை, வளை வெண் மருப்பின் கேழல் புரக்கும், குன்று கெழு நாடன் மறந்தனன், பொன் போல் புதல்வனோடு என் நீத்தோனே. Ainkurunūru 265, Kapilar, Kurinji... Continue Reading →
This poem is the fourth poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 264, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தோழி தலைவனிடம் சொன்னது இளம் பிறையன்ன கோட்ட கேழல், களங்கனியன்ன பெண்பால் புணரும், அயம் திகழ் சிலம்ப! கண்டிகும், பயந்தன மாதோ, நீ நயந்தோள் கண்ணே. Ainkurunūru 264, Kapilar, Kurinji Thinai – What the... Continue Reading →
This poem is the third poem of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 263, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தலைவி தோழியிடம் சொன்னது நன் பொன் அன்ன புனிறு தீர் ஏனல், கட்டளை அன்ன கேழல் மாந்தும், குன்று கெழு நாடன், தானும் வந்தனன், வந்தன்று தோழி, என் நலனே. Your lover from radiant hillock,... Continue Reading →
second one of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar in Ainkurunooru. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation.
This poem is the first one of series of 10 poems from Ainkurunooru with reference to wild boar. These poems by Kapilar speak of love and separation. ஐங்குறுநூறு 261, கபிலர், குறிஞ்சித் திணை – தோழிதலைவியிடம் சொன்னது, சிறைப்புறத்தானாக இருந்த தலைவன் கேட்கும்படி மென்தினை மேய்ந்த தறுகண் பன்றி, வன் கல் அடுக்கத்துத் துஞ்சும் நாடன், எந்தை அறிதல் அஞ்சிக் கொல், அதுவே மன்ற வாராமையே? My man is from the land... Continue Reading →
Tamil literature is box of surprises. This proverb is just not the kind you would expect in Tamil especially post Sangam. The proverb tells about superiority of importance one's own action over that of prayer and luck.
What is true fame? Poet’s advice to his ruler 2000 years ago! Pretty much describes Tamil Nadu’s current situation!
Karka Nirka's 10th anniversary. A thank you note and 10 of my favorite blogs over the years. Share your favorite blog as comment.
Another gem from Auvviyar of Sangam age. A poet par excellence, most of us know her songs on Adhigaman Neduman Anci. In way some of her poems were prelude to hero build up songs in Tamil cinema. But the side most of us don’t know is the sensitive and mostly aggressive love poems. This a poem from a lover lorn Thalaivan's point of view.
God is within your soul,when you realize this you realize he has no names, no color and no size. This is the essence of Civavakkiyar's poem below. Sivavakkiyar is considered to be one of the greatest Shidda poets along side Thirumoolar and Pattinathar. His poems questions Hindu religious structure, Brahmanical supremacy, idol worship, authority... Continue Reading →
It is not easy for women especially if the marriage doesn't work out. Thaliavan has started philandering and he is not allowed to enter the house by Thalaivi. When Panki (Thalaivi's friend) comes to advice her of not have love quarrels with her husband and asks her to let him in. Thalaivi responds that as husband he should care for her like a father and mother. And feels he isn't behaving like that, when there is no love how can there be love quarrel is her central question. Sangam literature deals with every facet of love and marital life.
Next time you vote for a reality show or in an appraisal cycle, think about this poem! Beautiful poem on Self esteem from Purananuru.
A verse from Malaipatukatam on integrity of a kings council. Malaipatukatam (Echoes on the Mountain) by Peruilkunrur Perutikaucikanar is dated c. 210 A.D.The title of the poem is taken from line 348; the original title was perhaps different. A poem of 583 lines celebrates Nannan the son of Nannan,and describing various aspects of life in different communities of his territory, It contains some exquisite pictures of nature.
By far one of the best love and philosophical poem, I have read in Tamil. It is a surprise to me it matches Sangam love poems but surpasses them here by it deep philosophy.This poem has layers, each passing day I was realizing a new meaning to the poem. Plain vanilla translation would neither emphasize the philosophy of the poem nor the intended meaning of the poem.
Brahmins were respected for their negotiation skill during Sangam age and were valued as messengers. There is a puram poem where a Brahmin stopped war just thorugh his negotiation. He our hero who is full of love asks Brahmin messenger a crazy question. After all love makes a person crazy.
Poem on the feeling of Thalaivi due to her periods and the oncoming separation between Thalaivi and Thalaivan.
Kasumalai and our most famous Sami Dollar (Murugan dollar, Aaiyappan dollar) are probably effect of our trade with Rome. An article which traces back the roots of 2 Indian ornaments.
Simple poem which points out how men behave while in love and after marriage.
Olive oil was imported in Tamil Nadu 2000 years ago from Europe. Yes, you read it right.
Every time I tell any of my friends that Kuthu villaku is probably imported from Greece or Rome, they give me a surprising look. Lighting Swan lamp, Anna villaku has become an Indian tradition. Be it starting a new store or hosting an international dignitary, it starts with lighting the swan lamp. But these Swan lamps were very popular imports from Greece and Rome. Sangam Literature has reference to these imports...
Reading Sangam literature can always throw you some pleasant surprises. This is one of such surprise. Krishna stealing Gopika's dress while they were bathing in Yamuna, is absent in any of Sanskrit litertaure before 5th century and the earliest available literature for the theme is available only in Sangam literature. Below lines for Agananooru are the earliest available lines on this motif.
What better day to publish this post other than birthday of Barathiyar. Probably he is not poet par excellence. His poems does not have alliterations of Kabilar, flow of Illango or mesmerism of Kamban, but probably he brought in second wave of revolutionary poems after the Siddhar poems of Civavakkiyar and Pattinathar. Dissatisfied with Auvaiyar's version which was more peacetime work, Barathiyar wrote this version of Aathichoodi to inspire youth.
Describe Auvvaiyar - most likely answer, old women with stick who sang proverbs and was disciple of Murugan and Eesan. This is one of the greatest Myths which you can safely debunk. In one of my other post I have written how at least 3 poets existed in Tamil Nadu with name of Auvvaiyar. The first one was of Sangam Age. A poet par excellence, most of us know her songs on Adhigaman Neduman Anci. In way some of her poems were prelude to hero build up songs in Tamil cinema. But the side most of us don't know is the sensitive and mostly aggressive love poems.
Probably one of the greatest visual imagery in Tamil literature. Any body who wants to understand the greatness of Sangam Tamil poets need to read the poem and see my visual representation. Nothing more to say from my end the picture would say the rest!
Short and sweet poem from Kurunthokai. Quite a beautiful verse in Tamil. I have added transliterated version for people who cant read in Tamil. Enjoy this beautiful poem.
Beautiful love poem from the ancient Tamils. One more example why Tamil love literature is considered to be classic across the world. The poem talks about how for lovers they get isolated and the whole world become each other when they are in love. Separation is a fear which they want to escape. The pain of separation is greater than death to these lovers.
Transient nature of life becomes the theme of Sivavakkiyar's poem here. Sivavakkiyar is considered to be one of the greatest Shidda poets along side Thirumoolar and Pattinathar. His poems questions Hindu religious structure, Brahmanical supremacy, idol worship, authority of Vedas and Agamas, caste systems. He has written around 520 poems. Below poem questions the madness of love and love for oneself/body.
#MeToo is trending for the past few days. The case of taking advantage by people in power, people in anonymity is not a new age activity. These have been for ages. This is the time when Indian courts are debating about Martial rape and Indian government arguing case of husbands taking advantage of their position of strength in society and physical strength should not be considered a case of rape. The post looks at the wisdom and view of women of 2000 years ago.
This poem is dedicated to the women and children who bare the brunt heavy office workload of their husbands. The poem which pretty much says Men being men worry more about wealth/career than family. Poem emphasizes 'Men are like this' as a sort proverb 2000 years ago.
Sangam literature explores every facet of love. Poem here talks about love between couples at the time of their child birth.
Vadivelu version of Inna Narpathu by Poet Kapilar
When you know 'Kannale valai veesura‘ , ‘ava veesuna valaila sikkittan’ were used 2000 years before your romantic heroes used it in films!!!!
This one of the master piece in Tamil Literature. A beautiful poem describing beauty of a women. Kovalan on his wedding night with Kannagi, describes her beauty. Must read for anyone whether you know Tamil or not.
One poem which shows street smartness of our Tamil guys when it comes to love!
Poem believed to be sung by a Pandiya King. While most of us dream of being a king, his poem shows us life is nothing without children. புறநானூறு 188, பாடியவர்: பாண்டியன் அறிவுடை நம்பி, திணை: பொதுவியல், துறை: பொருண்மொழிக் காஞ்சி படைப்புப் பல படைத்துப் பலரோடு உண்ணும் உடைப் பெருஞ் செல்வர் ஆயினும் இடைப்படக் குறுகுறு நடந்து சிறு கை நீட்டி இட்டும் தொட்டும் கவ்வியும் துழந்தும் நெய்யுடை... Continue Reading →
This is one of cheeky poems of Sangam literature. It has level of boldness to it.
Kamban's greatness in 60 second
Tamils had beautiful skill of being heroic, yet poetic in their verses. This is one of the brilliant examples. Buildup comes natural to these poets!
This is one of the cutest poems in Sangam literature. Thalaivi is getting caught by mother. The situation is beautifully portrayed in few lines.
