Bijibal’s song “Kadinte Ullupolane” is from the album Poyyamozhi, with lyrics by M R Renukumar. Starring Jaffer Idukki and Nathaniel, it begins by declaring the heart is like the deep inside of a forest. This comparison sets the stage for a journey into an internal wilderness.
The verses create a map of this inner landscape using cardinal directions. A red ‘Vaka’ tree is placed in the north, while a green ‘Teak’ tree is in the south. These locations are connected to physical feelings, as the lyrics state the senses cry out and the body sweats.
Kaadinte Ullu PolaneIt’s like the deep inside of a forest
Ente UllamThis heart of mine
Kodum Kaadinte Ullu PolaneIt’s like the depths of a dense forest
Ente UllamThis heart of mine
Perum Kaattukku Ullu PolayyaIt’s like the core of a great wind
En ManathuThis mind of mine
Perum Kaattukku Ullu PolayyaIt’s like the core of a great wind
En ManathuThis mind of mine
Kaadinte Vadakku Purathoru VaakamaramTo the north of the forest, there’s a ‘Vaka’ tree
Vaakamarathinte Kombakku Sivappu NiramThe branch of the ‘Vaka’ tree is the color red
Vaakamarathinte Kombakku Sivappu NiramThe branch of the ‘Vaka’ tree is the color red
Kaathal Kadanja ThaaneIt’s carved from the very essence
Ente ThadiThis body of mine
Raavin Kaathal Kadanja ThaaneCarved from the very essence of the night
Ente ThadiThis body of mine
Iravin Kaathal Kadanja Thayya EnnudelMy body is shaped from the core of the night
Iravin Kaathal Kadanja Thayya EnnudelMy body is shaped from the core of the night
Kaadinte Thekku Purathoru Thekku MaramTo the south of the forest, there’s a ‘Teak’ tree
Thekku Marathinte Kombakku Pachcha NiramThe branch of the ‘Teak’ tree is the color green
Kiru Kiru Kiru KiraWith a rustling, creaking sound
Nilakal KarayaneMy senses begin to cry out
Kunu Kunu Kunu KunaWith a low, humming sound
Nudal ViyarkkatheMy forehead begins to sweat
Kaadinte Kizhakku Purathoru KonnamaramTo the east of the forest, there’s a ‘Konna’ tree
Kondrai Marathukku Kombukku Manja NiramThe branch of the ‘Konna’ tree is the color yellow
Kondrai Marathukku Kombukku Manja NiramThe branch of the ‘Konna’ tree is the color yellow
Medukal Kayarave Melukal UyaraneAs I climb the hills, my body rises higher
Kaadakam Pookkane Chillakal VerkkanneThe deep forest blooms, its branches taking root
Ennudel Minnuthu Ennudel MinnuthuMy body gleams, my body gleams
Kaadin Padinja Purathoru PaalamaramTo the west of the forest, there’s a ‘Pala’ tree
Palai Marathukku Kombakku Vellai NiramThe branch of the ‘Pala’ tree is the color white
Udalaake PollaneMy whole body is burning
ThunjathileraneI’m climbing to the very tip
Thulli VerakkaneLeaping and trembling
Thullikal PaatraneDroplets are scattering everywhere
The song completes its map with a yellow ‘Konna’ tree to the east and a white ‘Paala’ tree to the west. Each tree and color is linked to a different bodily state, such as gleaming, burning, or trembling. This creates a full cartography of the self, defined by nature.
