Kaaviri Nagarinil Lyrics Translation: Vaazhnthu Kattukiren | P. Susheela
P. Susheela’s commanding voice anchors ‘Kaaviri Nagarinil’ from the album ‘Vaazhnthu Kattukiren.’ Lyricist Kannadasan and composer M. S. Viswanathan craft a narrative of betrayal and defiance. The track adapts the Kannagi epic with clear emotional intensity.
Kannadasan questions why society guards female chastity alone while men face no scrutiny. The lyrics state directly: ‘If God does not protect my life, I will lock the temple.’ This challenges both divine and patriarchal authority through decisive action.
Kaveri Nagarinil Kadarkarai OraththilOn the seashore in the city of the Kaveri.
Kannagi VaazhnthirunthaalKannagi lived her life.
Oru Mannavan MaalaiyittaanAnd a king married her.
Kaveri Nagarinil Kadarkarai OraththilOn the seashore in the city of the Kaveri.
Kannagi VaazhnthirunthaalKannagi lived her life.
Oru Mannavan MaalaiyittaanAnd a king married her.
Avan Pooviri Manjaththil Porunthidum MunbeBefore he could even settle on their flower-strewn bed,
Madhavi Vaazhavanthaal AdhaiyumMadhavi came into his life, and that too,
Kannagi Kaana VanthaalKannagi had to witness.
Kannagi Kaana VanthaalKannagi had to witness.
Kaveri Nagarinil Kadarkarai OraththilOn the seashore in the city of the Kaveri.
Kannagi VaazhnthirunthaalKannagi lived her life.
Oru Mannavan MaalaiyittaanAnd a king married her.
Ippadi Vaazhvathu InbamendrenniThinking that living like this is happiness,
Illaram KaanugindromWe observe domestic life.
Adhu Eppadiyaavathu VaazhvathendraalBut if living however one pleases becomes the way,
Ellaiyai ThaandugiromWe are crossing the line.
Karpena Solvathu Pengalai MattumSpeaking of chastity only keeps women
Kaavalil Vaiththu VidumUnder strict guard.
Adhai Virpanai Porulaai Kanavan NinaiththaalIf the husband treats it like a commodity for sale,
Veedhikku Vanthu VidumIt will end up on the streets.
Mm Veedhikku Vanthu VidumMm, it will end up on the streets.
Kaveri Nagarinil Kadarkarai OraththilOn the seashore in the city of the Kaveri.
Kannagi VaazhnthirunthaalKannagi lived her life.
Oru Mannavan MaalaiyittaanAnd a king married her.
Vilaimagal Oruththu KalaimagalaanaalIf a courtesan becomes a goddess of art,
Kulamagal Ennaavaal EnnaavaalWhat will become of the noble wife? What will she be?
Aval Vedhanai Migunthu Naayagan ThanakkaeOverwhelmed by pain, she will become a test
Sodhanai PennaavaalFor the hero himself.
Varuvathu Varattum Naanum PenthaanLet come what may, I am a woman too.
Vaazhnthae KaattukiraenI will live and prove my worth.
Vaazhnthae KaattukiraenI will live and prove my worth.
Vaazhnthae KaattukiraenI will live and prove my worth.
En Vazhkkaiyai IraivanIf the Divine
Kaakkavillai EndraalFails to protect my life,
Koyilai PoottugiraenI will lock the temple doors.
Koyilai PoottugiraenI will lock the temple doors.
Kaveri Nagarinil Kadarkarai OraththilOn the seashore in the city of the Kaveri.
The song’s demand for justice makes the Kaaviri Nagarinil lyrics translation essential for understanding Tamil feminist discourse. P. Susheela’s delivery transforms personal pain into collective resistance against inequality.
