Kurai ondrum illai

Magical experience

One of my favourite carnatic songs rendered so beautifully by the one and only MS is called ‘kurai ondrum illai’. I have heard this song a million times but to be frank not all the words made complete sense. I hate to admit it but the Tamil was too high for me…

But lately I downloaded the lyrics and the meaning of the lyrics and then suddenly the words came alive and made complete sense. The Tamil was completely understood and it was more beautiful than the translation of course. I copied the song on to my i-pod with the intention of listening to it at some prospective ‘right moment’!!


One morning this week I was rushing with all the chores in the morning, the coffee, the milk for the kids, the lunch and the packed snack etc. And then finally in the pouring rain beneath my large umbrella, I was all washed and showered and fresh as a morning bird on my way to work!! It suddenly seemed the perfect moment to connect to this preserved piece of ‘magic’. And lo and behold. As the words poured out, so profound, and so filled with emotion (bhava).. The world around seemed to be rejoicing.. The rain drops were splashing about more energetically, the green leaves swayed merrily to the music and even onlookers seemed to be all happy and smiling. That was truly uplifting moment.


I have heard this song a many times and each time it evokes a very emotional response, sometimes with tears, sometimes with joy, and some times a calming peace. Please listen to this one!!!!