The simple lyrics of Nandanar songs are penned by the great contemporary composer, Gopalakrishna Bharathi and are set in soulful ragas which makes it a listener’s delight. His songs have immortalized Nandanar’s story. I shared the story of Nandanar with my siblings and kuttis in the car and they were hooked to these songs all the way. Every time I listen to one of these songs, my heart goes out for Nandanar!
The story of Nandanar is a folk myth. Nandan was a simple farmer who was a bond slave of a landlord, but an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and pined for a darshan of the God at Chidambaram. Gopalakrishna Bharathi’s epic musical “NandanAr Charithram” was written in the early 19th century. This was made in to a hugely successful Tamil movie in 1942 starring the great actor, M.M. Dandapani Desikar, who had also sung all the popular numbers. Till today, it is a classic vintage movie.
Since Nandanar was a harijan, he could not enter any temple though he longed to do so and was all the time praying to the Lord to give him a darshan. The Lord performed a miracle for him at Tiruppungur ( 8 kms from Vaideeshwaran Kovil) where the “Nandi” was obstructing Nandanar's view from outside and the Lord asked “Nandi” to move aside to give a glimpse of his Darshan! ( We made sure that we visited the temple and were amazed to see the nandi away from its central position.!)
(Click to enlarge the pictures)
Coming back to the story, Nandanar was determined to go to Chidambaram some day to be with the Lord, and would constantly say “Nalaip Poven, Nalip Poven” which eventually earned him the name “Thiru Nalaip Povar”. His landlord imposed impossible conditions for him to fulfill before he would be allowed to make the trip to Chidambaram. By the Lord's grace, he overcame all the conditions miraculously. When Nandanar finally arrived in Chidambaram, the Dikshidars of the temple did not allow him to enter the temple. The Lord himself appeared in their dreams and commanded them to allow him. Next day, Nandanar had the bath in the holy tank and was taken in a procession to the sanctorum. But once he entered it, he disappeared into space and attained Moksha. Nandanar has been included as one of the 63 Nayanmars who are worshipped in all Shiva temples as the most blessed devotees of the Lord.
And now for his famous songs,
1.“Sivaloga Nadhanaik Kandu Sevithidivom Vareer”– where Nandanar gathers his people to worship Lord Shiva.
2.“Vazhi maRaiththirukkudhE malaipOlE oru mADu paDuththirukkudhE” - This bull, the size of a mountain, is lying there and blocking my view of the Lord, sung when Nandanar visits Tiruppungoor while standing outside the temple premises. This song is moving while Nandanar sings “thEraDiyil ninRu dharisiththAlum pOdhum kOvil varamAttEn ayyE” (It is enough if I see the Lord from the place where the temple chariot is parked; I need not enter the temple)..
3.Unable to stand this, the Cosmic Lord orders Nandi, the bull to move (“Satre vilagi irum piLLAy—just move a bit, my son!), lest Nandanar, an ardent devotee, should get angry..
4.Nandanar’s incessant pining to visit Chidambaram --“Chidambaram pOgAmal iruppEnO?” – Shall I spend my lifetime here without visiting Chidambaram?) and his daily ranting that he will visit Chidambaram “tomorrow”.
5.“VaruvArO varam tharuvArO endhan manadhu sanchalikkudhaiyyE” where he is patiently waiting everyday for the Lord’s order — (Will He appear and give me the boon?)
6.“Uththaran thaarum aiye – Enakkoruvarumillai Paragadhiadaya” – Where Nandanar seeks permission from his landlord to go to Chidambaram..
7.”VarugalAmO Ayya, Nan Undhan Arugil Nindru Kondadavum Padavum – Ange”- At Chidambaram, Nandhanar asks Lord Natraja whether he could enter the temple.
8.“Kanda Mani Aduthu – Adhaik Kandu Pinivaduthu” – when Nandanar arrives at the border of Chidambaram..
9.“Enneneramum Undhan Sannidhiyile Nan Irruka Vendum Ayya , Ponayya” – Upon reaching Chidambaram, Nandanar longs to be with the Lord..
10.“Iyye Metha Kadinam” – where Nandhanar responds to his Landlord’s requests him to be his preacher..
My mother’s favorite song is “Enneramum” sung by K.V.Narayanswamy and it is like a ever green melody ringing in my ears!.. Nithyashree’s album of Gopala Krishna Bharathiar’s songs is awesome with classics like “ Eppo varuvaaro, Pirava Varam Tharum and Idhuthaano thillaisthalam. Aruna sairam’s rendition of “Sababathiku Veru Deivam” is too good.
And that’s about it! I've put in what I know, this list is not complete with your comments and favorites. With Pranams to the musical genius, Gopala Krishna Bharathiar.. I am signing off..
