Old Tamil Poetry

Thiruppavai – 17

Our Lord who grants us clothes, water and food,
O’ Nandagopala, please wake up!
Foremost of all gentle womenfolk,the light of our clan,
O’ our Lady Yasoda, rouse yourself!
O’ Lord of Lords, you rose so big to measure the world
That the sky was just your waist high,
Give up your sleep and wake up!
O’ golden anklet wearing Baladeva,
You and your brother please let go of your sleep!

அம்பரமே தண்ணீரே சோறே அறம்செய்யும்
எம்பெருமான் நந்தகோ பாலா எழுந்திராய்
கொம்பனார்க்கு எல்லாம் கொழுந்தே குலவிளக்கே
எம்பெரு மாட்டி யசோதாய் அறிவுறாய்
அம்பரம் ஊடஅறுத்து ஓங்கி உளகுஅளந்த
உம்பர்கோ மானே உறங்காது எழுந்திராய்
செம்பொற் கழலடிச் செல்வா பலதேவா
உம்பியும் நீயுன் உறங்கேலோர் எம்பாவாய்.

In this poem, the girls have gained entrance to the mansion (temple) and waking up the family of Krishna. First they hail Nandagopalan, Krishna’s father. “You grant us all that we need in this world – clothes, food and water. We thank you for that. O’ Nandagopala, please wake up”. Next they sing the praise of Yasoda, Krishna’s mother. “O’ our Lady Yasoda, you are the foremost of all gentle womenfolk. You are the light of our clan. Please open your eyes and rouse yourself.”

Next they hail Krishna. “In Vamana Avatar, you grew so big to measure the world that the sky was just your waist high, Krishna. Give up your sleep and wake up to bless us, your devotees”. Finally they hail Baladeva, Krishna’s elder brother. “O’ golden anklet wearing Baladeva, is it fair for you and your brother to be still asleep when we are here to worship you. Please let go of your sleep”