Spgm 056 - The Ornament Streets Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran
Spgm 056 - The Ornament Streets
He came across the streets,
Where assorted ornaments,
Made of diamond and gold,
Free from faults were sold.
Jewels of emerald, blue stone,
Arsenic and fine crystal stone,
Which dazzled the public eyes,
Were sold for a fancy price.
Cat's eye like Pushparagams,
Honey drops like Vaiduriyams,
Sparkling blue stone gems,
Redish-yellow Komedhagams,
Also twinkling five sided Manickams,
These shops dealing such gems,
Kovalan was amazed to see as he went
Thru' the Madurai jewel street.
THE STREET FOR GOLD
Four kinds of ornament gold,
For Buyer's choice were sold.
There were experts in this field
Their small flags high they held.
THE WEAVERS' STREET
Cloths out of cotton,
Nice cloths silken,
Those out of hairs,
Were sold in the fairs.
THE STREETS FOR PROVISIONS
It was a busy market for pulses,
Grains, pepper kept on sales.
There every agent ran after,
Their prospective customer.
REACHED THE FORTRESS SIDE
Nook and corner he wandered.
At their lay outs he wondered.
Streets branched in fours some.
And went off in threes some.
It was midday sun pouring hot,
But he went thru' every spot,
Where shade gave him comfort,
And relief from the burning heat.
His joy then knew no bound,
O'er what all he found,
All places well planned,
In this city at last he landed.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/10/2024 2:56:51 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Hi Raja, The poem has captured the intrigues of the story well. I have not read Silappathikaram in original, for I dont read Tamil. But the story I have heard right from my childhood, from my mother. Very famous in my native place, which is very close to Kodungallur, where the famour Amman Temple is said to be dedicated to Kannagi. The narrative, descriptive details poetic depiction are enchanting, reflective of the Tamil Civilization of the yore. The culture and language of Kerala have emanated from the rich Tamil culture, civilization and language. Thank you for rendering this very famous poem of Tamil in English, so those who do not read Tamil (like me) are benefited. We get a true picture of the Tamil culture of the old days..
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Dr. Abdul Kalam former President of India, who knew Tamil very well read the book in full and wrote to me his letter appreciating the entire work and in particular a stanza he liked the most one at the end. Please read this posting till the end and give me your considered views for my record.