Kadaikkan Vaithennai / Begada /Triputa / Ramaswami Sivan / K V Narayanaswamy

LYRICS AND MEANING Krithi: Kadaikkan vaittennai Ragam: Begada Thalam: Triputa Composer: Ramaswamy Sivan Vocal: K V Narayanaswamy Palghat Kollengode Viswanathan Narayanaswamy (popularly known as K. V. Narayanaswamy or KVN) was born on 15 November 1923 in Palakkad, Kerala, into a Tamil Brahmin family with a strong musical tradition. His early exposure to Carnatic music came from his mother, who was a trained musician. K. V. Narayanaswamy was one of the most revered Carnatic vocalists of the 20th century, known for his meditative and soulful music. KVN was initially trained by C. S. Krishna Iyer, a violinist and vocalist. Later, he became a disciple of the legendary Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, whose bhani (style) emphasized clarity in sahitya (lyrics), a balanced approach to melody and rhythm, and a structured concert format. KVN deeply imbibed these principles, shaping his unique style. He also learned from T. Brinda, a renowned Veena Dhanammal lineage musician, who influenced his rendition of padams and javalis. KVN’s concerts were marked by their serenity, clarity, and bhava-laden renditions. He was known for his impeccable shruti alignment, smooth voice modulation, and an ability to bring out the essence of a raga with minimal ornamentation. His performances were deeply introspective, rich in emotion (bhava), and carried a sense of devotion (bhakti). KVN received several prestigious awards, including Sangeetha Kalanidhi (1986) – The highest honor in Carnatic music, awarded by the Music Academy, Chennai, Padma Shri (1976) , Sangeet Natak Akademi Award,Sangeetha Kalasikhamani etc. KVN remained humble and devoted to music throughout his life. He passed away on 1 April 2002, leaving behind a treasure trove of classical music that still resonates with listeners. In this composition, Sri Ramaswamy Sivan praises Devi Rajarajeshwari, who is also known as Gauri, Karunakari, and Shivashankari. The krithi express deep devotion, surrender, and a plea for the divine mother’s grace. Pallavi Kadaikkan vaittennai alamma gauri rajarajeshwari karunakari shivashankari (Kadaikkan) Anupallavi Udaikkum ten malar pozhil shuzh (jagadamba) umbargal ulagum pugazh mukhavayal ulankulirndilangu mangalam tarum (Kadaikkan) Charanam 1 Chandikai vibhuthi kanen kalittun anbaraip-penen shandai vadu sheyya nanen thaye Or gati kanen kandanaiyodu dandanai shyumoru chandanai edir pandanai mayidanai Mundanai uyir undanai karunayamudam pozhindidam perum padam tarum (Kadaikkan) Charanam 2 Tanjamenbor tamai nokki sarva bhagyamum undakki chanchalam yavaiyum pokki tangumai perinbam tekki kanjamukhi niranjani varu bhavabhanjani janaranjani adiyavar nenjinil ninaiyum jananiyurugi nirantaram purandaran karam tozhum (Kadaikkan) Charanam 3 Santatham pugazhndu guhadasan manattanbu migha vandanai shei marakatavalliye ulamuruga vandari ayanum darishanai puriyum tripurasundari kumari nirantari varakandari anudinam agat-tirundilangi mangalam tharum (Kadaikkan) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Meaning: Please rule over me glancing at me through the corner of your eye, Oh mighty goddess Shivashankari, with your immense compassion. Oh mother of the universe, who is surrounded by orchard with freshly blossomed fragrant flowers, you are praised by earthlings as well as celestials. You grant immense prosperity out of compassion deep in your heart to your devotees. Oh goddess durga, I failed to see the sacred ash held by you. I do not happily entertain your devotees. However, I do not hesitate to indulge in arguments and fights. I am not able to see a path of salvation. You devoured the demons chandan, bhandan, mayidan, and mundan who bore the burden of your rejection and punishment. You shower mercy on us and lead us into salvation. You glance at those who seek your refuge and confer prosperity on them. You remove all their worries and confer lasting happiness on them. Oh lotus-faced mother, you are the beloved of your devotees who destroys their bondage to the earthly life. You are the mother who occupies the hearts of your devotees. You are worshipped all the time by Indra. Oh beautiful emerald creeper, who is saluted and praised by your devotee (GuhadAsan) from the bottom of his heart which is filled with immense love, you are the most beautiful lady in the three worlds viewed by VishNu and Brahma. You reside always in my mind and glow radiantly. Please offer your grace to me through the corner of your eye! ( Meaning Courtesy: Sethu Subramanyan) -------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER : These songs have been uploaded for hearing pleasure only and as an archive for Carnatic music. By this I don't wish to violate any copyrights owned by the respective owners of these songs if any. I don't own any copyright of the songs myself. If anything is in violation of the copyright you own, then please let me know, I shall remove it from my Youtube channel.