Language Ramblings

Language Sideblog! Don't expect any coherence though, this is just where I post random thoughts I have about linguistics and languages. And I have a lot of them 😬 . Main: @cyndaquillt

[langbloor]

Translation of Uddhav Sandesh by Surdas

Uddhav-Gopi Samvad/Uddhav-Gopi Dialogue (Part 2-1)

Prev | Next

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

जानि करि बावरी जनि होहु । तत्व भजै वैसी ह्वै जैहौ, पारस परसैं लोहु ॥ मेरौ बचन सत्य करि मानौ, छाँड़ौ सबकौ मोहु । तौ लगि सब पानी की चुपरी, जौ लगि अस्थित दोहु ॥ अरे मधुप ! बातैं ये ऐसी, क्यौं कहि आवतिं तोह । सूर सुबस्ती छाड़ि परम सुख, हमैं बतावत खौह ॥1॥ Jani kari baavri jani hohu. Tatva bhajay waisi hwai jaihau, paras parasaein lohu. Merau bachan satya kari manau, chhadau sabkau mohu. Tau lagi sab pani ki chupri, jau lagi asthi dohu. Arey madhup! Batain ye aisi, kyoun kahi aavatin toh. Soor subasti chhadi param sukh, humain batavat khauh. (1)

Knowing (this) the women went crazy. Meditate on the essence just like, philosopher's stone touches iron. Think of my words as true, leave all attachments. Then seeming as if washed with water, restless belittled. O Bee! Words like this, why were they said to you. Soor leaving good city (of) extreme happiness, tells us this glutton. (1) ऊधौ हरि गुन हम चकडोर । गुन सौं ज्यौं भावै त्यौं फेरौ, यहे बात कौ ओर ॥ पैड़ पैंड़ चलियै तो चलियै, ऊबट रपटै पाइँ । चकडोरी की रीति यहै फिरि, गुन हीं सौं लपटाइ ॥ सूर सहज गुन ग्रंथि हमारैं, दई स्याम उर माहीं । हरि के हाथ परै तौ छूटै, और जतन कछु नाहिं ॥2॥

Udhau Hari gun hum chakdor. Gun saun jyaun bhavai tyaun pherau, yahe baat kau or. Paid paind chaliyai to chaliyai, ubat rapate paain. Chakdori ki riti yahai phiri, gun hi saun lapatai. Soor sahaj gun granthi humarain, dai Syam ur maahi. Hari ke haath parai tau chhoote, aur jatan kachhu nahin. (2)

Uddhav we become a pinwheel (for) quirks of Hari. As (we) like the quirks (we) transform, this is the last word. Walking the ways, bad roads mud on feet. A pinwheel's manner is to whirl, this is the quirk it engulfs. Soor our simple ways and tomes, impart into Shyam's chest. Hari slips away from palms when grasped, there is no solution to this. (2) उलटी रीति तिहारी ऊधौ, सुनै सो ऐसी को है । अलप बयस अबला अहीरि सठ, तिनहीं जोग कत सोहे ॥ बूचि खुभी, आँधरी काजर, नकटी पहिरै बेसरि । मुड़ली पटिया पारौ चाहै, कोढ़ी लावै केसरि ॥ बहिरी पति सौ मतौ करै तौ, तैसोइ उत्तर पावै । सो गति होइ सबै ताकी जो ,ग्वारिनि जोग सिखावै ॥ सिखई कहत स्याम की बतियाँ, तुमकौं नाहीं दोष । राज काज तुम तैं न सरैगो, काया अपनी पोष ॥ जाते भूलि सबै मारग मैं, इहाँ आनि का कहते । भली भई सुधि रही सूर, नतु मोह धार मैं बहते ॥3॥

Ulti riti tihari Udhau, sunai so aisi ko hai. Alap bayas abala ahiri sath, tinahin jog kat sohe. Buchi khubhi, aandhari kajar, nakti pahirai besari. Mudali patiya parau chahai, kodhi lavai kesari. Bahiri pati sau matai karai tau, taisoi uttar paavai. So gati hoi sabai taaki jo, gwarini jog sikhavai. Sikhai kahat syam ki batiyan, tumkaun nahin dosh. Raaj kaaj tum tain na saraigo, kaya apni posh. Jate bhuli sabai marag main, ihan aani ka kahte. Bhali bhai sudhi rahi Soor, natu moh dhaar main. bahte. (3)

Your ways are the opposite Uddhav, listen who is like that. Young women stupid cowherdesses, how will they like yoga. An ear dangler on the woman without ears, kohl on the blind, one without nose wearing a nosering. Bald woman falls on the edge of the bed, a leper applies turmeric. When a deaf woman consults her husband, she hears what she wants to. Ones with this demeanour, (you) will teach cowherdesses yoga. You are saying what Shyam taught you, this isn't your fault. You couldn't finish royal errands, the body is our costume. I forgot all ways as soon as I left, what could I say after coming here. Soor it would be nice to have some sense, otherwise I would flow away in the currents of attachment. (3) अँखियाँ हरि दरसन की प्यासी । देख्यौ चाहतिं कमलनैन कौं, निसि-दिन रहतिं उदासी ॥ आए ऊधौ फिरि गए आँगन, डारि गए गर फाँसी । केसरि तिलक मोतिनि की माला, बृंदावन के बासी ॥ काहु के मन की कोउ जानत, लोगनि के मन हाँसी । सूरदास-प्रभु तुम्हरे दरस कौं, करवट लेहौं कासी ॥4॥

Ankhiyan Hari darasan ki pyasi. Dekhyau chaahtin kamalnain kaun, nisi din rahtin udasi. Aaye Udhau phiri gaye aangan, daari gaye gar phaansi. Kesari tilak motini ki mala, Brindaban ke baasi. Kahu ke. man ki kou janat, logani ke man haansi. Soordas-prabhu tumhare daras kaun, karvat lehaun kaasi. (4) Eyes thirst too see Hari. (They) want to see the lotus-eyed, everyday remains despair. Came Uddhav and went to the courtyard, put a noose on (our) neck. Saffron forehead mark necklace of pearls, Vrindavan's dweller. Who knows what's in another's heart, laughter in people's hearts. Soordas' Lord for a glimpse of you, we will die at Kashi. (4) जब तैं सुंदर बदन निहार्‌यौ । ता दिनतैं मधुकर मन अटक्यौ, बहुत करी निकरै न निकार्‌यौ ॥ मातु, पिता, पति, बंधु, सुजन नहिं, तिनहूँ कौ कहिबौ सिर धार्‌यो । रही न लोक लाज निरखत, दुसह क्रोध फीकौ करि डार्‌यौ ॥ ह्वैबौ होइ सु होइ सु होइ कर्मबस, अब जी कौ सब सोच निवार्‌यौ । दासी भई जु सूरदास प्रभु, भलौ पोच अपनौ न विचार्‌यौ ॥5॥

Jab tain sundar badan niharyau. Ta dintain Madhukar man atakyau, bahut kari nikarai na nikaryau. Matu, pita, pati, bandhu, sujan nahi, tinahun kau kahibau sir dharyo. Rahi na lok laaj nirakhat, dusah krodh pheekau kari daaryau. Hwaibau hoi su hoi su hoi karmabas, ab jee kau sab soch niwaryau. Dasi bhai ju surdas prabhu, bhalau poch apnau na vicharyau. (5) When (we) admired his beautiful body. That day O Bee is stuck in our heart, even if we try it doesn't leave. Mother, father, husband, friend, no good people, what do we say to them what is on our minds. No care for the world or shame remains, another person's anger pales. Whatever happens happens (we) happened to be possessed, now solve the thoughts of our hearts. Became a slave to Soordas' Lord, don't belittle own thoughts. (5)

[specialagentartemis]

Native American Words in English

A series of common English words with Native language origins!

Moose

Language of Origin: Eastern Algonquian family

Place of Origin: Northeastern US/Southeastern Canada

The largest extant species of deer in the world, and the second-largest animal in North America. The Eastern Algonquian languages spoken in what is now New England, Quebec, and New Brunswick all have a similar word for this animal: Massachusett/Wampanoag moos or m8s, Narragansett moos, Penobscot mos, Passamaquoddy mus, Mohegan-Pequot mos, Abenaki mos or moz. The English adoption could have come from any of them; it is first attested in English in the 1610s as “Mus” and “Moos.” Speculated to ultimately derive from the proto-Algonquian *moswa “(he) strips off” referring to moose stripping off bark to eat.

By the way, this is why the plural of “goose” is “geese” but the plural of “moose” is just “moose”; they come from different language origins! “Goose” is Germanic while “moose” is Algonquian. The plural “mooses” can be seen briefly in the 1700s before the plural settled as “moose” in the 1800s.

[specialagentartemis]

Native American Words in English

A series of common English words with Native language origins!

Canoe

Language of origin: Arawakan family, likely Taíno

Place of Origin: Cuba or Hispaniola

The Island Arawakan word kanowa or canaoua "canoe" or "boat" was adopted into Spanish as canoa and used by Columbus and following Spaniards to refer to Taíno boats in the 1500s; adopted into English for Native American styles of lightweight narrow or dugout boats more generally.

[hagiomoto]

Heads up to Hindi speaking oomfies!!

This guy is cool as helll

[specialagentartemis]

Native American Words in English

A series of common English words with Native language origins!

Squash

Language of Origin: Narragansett

Place of Origin: Rhode Island

Topical for the season! Squash refers to a wide variety of related fruits from the Americas, including the famous pumpkin. Squash were staple crops in many American Indigenous communities. The English word comes from the Narragansett (or possibly closely related languages like Wampanoag) askutasquash, a compound word meaning "the things that can be eaten raw," from askut "green, raw, uncooked" and asquash "eaten (plural)." The word "squashes" for these foods was being used by English settlers by the 1640s.

Etymologically unrelated to the verb that means "to squeeze, to crush."

[winnipegwinterpeg]

The Manitoba Museum has launched a free, online game to help teach Anishinaabemowin to anyone who wants to learn a few words or refresh their knowledge. Anishinaabemowin only has 50,000 native speakers, and is classified as severely endangered. Come play Anishinaabemowin with Amik now!

[asambhavami]

listen here: (x)

poet: arun chakraborty

language: bengali (jhumoor)

painting: praween karmakar

Note (tw death ideation): the song was written by the poet after seeing a barren shimul [red cotton] tree on the banks of a river in a time where it should have been bursting with flowers. So, he imagined it belonged to the barren red soil landscapes of Bengal's foothills. He imposes an anthropomorphic image onto the tree which makes for a darker narrative as the poet brings up calls to death in the interludes.

Laal-paahaari'r deshe jaa,

Go to the land of the red hills [like Purulia],

Raanga-maati'r deshe jaa,

Go to the land of red soil [Raktamrittika/Rangamati is also a historical town],

[H]ekhaan tore maanaise na go,

Here doesn't suit you, go,

Ikkebaare maanaise nai go.

Here doesn't suit you at all.

Aare okhaan gele maadol paabi,

Hey, if you go there you'll get [the sounds of] the maadol drums,

Meye mawrod'er aador paabi,

[And] the affections of both women and men,

Morbi, tui more jaa!

You'll die, go die!

Ikkebaare more jaa!

Go absolutely die!

Aare nodi'r dhaare shimul'er phool,

Hey, beside the river [there should be] red cotton flowers [on the tree],

Naana paakhi'r baasha re.

Home to many birds.

Kaal shawkaal'e phutibe phool,

Maybe the flowers would have bloomed the next morning,

Mone chhilo aasha re.

So I had hoped.

Tui bhalobeshe chole geli,

You loved me and then left,

Kaymon baap'er bayte re tui?

Which father's son are you [derogatory implication]?

Morbi, tui more jaa!

You'll die, go die!

Ikkebaare more jaa!

Go absolutely die!

[asambhavami]

Listen at: (x)

poet: rabindranath tagore (bhanusimha padavali)

language: brajabuli

raga: bhairavi

painting: traditional

Marana re, tuhu mama Shyam-samaan!

O Death, you are just like my Shyam (Krishna)!

Megha-barana tujha megha-jataa-juta, rakta-kamala-kara rakta-adhara-puta,

[Your] Complexion is like a [storm] cloud, [you have] cloud-coloured matted locks, blood-red palms and blood-red lips,

Taapa-bimochana korun koro tawbo mrityu-awmrita kawre daan.

Grant me a compassionate death that removes my [burning] sorrow.

Tuhu mama Shyam-samaan!

You are just like my Shyam (Krishna)!

Marana re, Shyam tohaar-i naam,

O Death, Shyam is but your name,

Chira-bisarala jaba, niradaya Maadhaba

[Even] When he forgot me forever, that heartless Shyam

Tuhu na bhoibi moye baam!

You will never turn away [from me]!

Aakula Raadha-rijha ati jarajara, jharayi nawyawna-dou anukhana jhawrajhawra -

A fervent Radha's heart is burning [as if poisoned], her eyes rain unceasingly -

Tuhu mama Maadhaba, tuhu mama dosara, tuhu mama taapa ghuchaaom

You're my Madhava (Krishna), you are my friend, you [come] erase my [burning] sorrow,

Marana, tu aaore aao.

Death, you come, you come.

Bhuja-paashe tawbo lawho sambodhayi, aankhi-paat majhu deho tu rodhayi,

Bind me in your arms and speak to me, close my eyelids yourself,

Kora-upar tujha rodayi rodayi, neend bharaba saba deha.

Sobbing incessantly in your arms, [my] entire body will go to sleep.

Tuhu nahi bisarabi, tuhu nahi chhorabi, Raadha-hriday tu kabahun na todabi

You will not forget me, you will not leave me, Radha's heart you will never break

Hiya-hiya raakhobi onudina onukhana - atulan tohar leha.

You will keep me in your heart every day, every second - unparalleled is your compassion.

Doora songe tui baansi bajaosi,

From afar you play your flute,

Anukhana daakasi, anukhana daakasi

Every second you call me, every second you call,

Raadha Raadha Raadha,

Radha Radha Radha,

Dibasa phuraolo, abahu ma jaobo,

The day is gone, now I shall too

Biraha taapa taba abahu ghuchaobo,

I shall end your pain of separation now,

Kunja-baata para abahu ma dhaobo

Towards the garden in the forest I shall now run

Sab kachhu tutaibo baadha!

Breaking [overcoming] all obstacles!

Gagana saghana aba, timira-magana bhaba,

The sky is clouded now, immersed in darkness,

Tadit-chakita ati ghora megha-raba,

With terrible lighting amidst the thunderous clouds,

Shaal-taal-taru sabhaya-tabadha saba - pantha bijan ati ghora.

The shaal and taal trees are all terrified - the path is fearsomely deserted.

Ekali jaawobo tujha abhisaare,

Alone I shall go to meet you, you are my beloved,

Jaa'ke piya tuhu ki bhaya taare,

You yourself are whose beloved, what do they have to fear,

Bhawyaw-baadha shawba awbhawyo-murati dhori, pantha dekhayobo mora.

Fear and obstacles, now in the form of benevolence, shall show me my path.

Bhaanu-simha bhawne - 'Chhiye chhiye Radha chanchala hridaya tohari.

Bhanusimha says, 'Shame, shame Radha! Your heart is fickle and unsteady.

Madhava pahu mama, priya sa marana-se, aba tuhu dekha bichari.'

My Lord Madhava is more beloved to me than Death, now you think it over.'

[asambhavami]

Listen at: (x)

poet: unknown

language: bengali

painting: syamarani dasi

Kaankhe-te gaagori koinya'r,

A water-pot at the daughter's waist

Pindawn neelaambori,

The blue fabric wrapped around her,

Ponthe te shawb chaaiya thaake,

Everyone stares back in the street,

[Moder] Shundawr koinya heri.

Seeing our beautiful daughter.

Awngero laaboni koinya'r,

The graceful beauty of the daughter,

Baaiya pore bhoome,

Spills drop by drop to the floor,

Keoa bone photaao she phul,

Someone help the forest flower bloom,

[Moder] Koinya'ro joibone.

Of our daughter's youth.

Kaajol meghe shaajlo haashi,

Seeing the black clouds, she smiles,

Bijuli'r o jhawla,

Like the lightning above her,

Aandhaar ghawre aainle koinya,

If you bring the daughter to a dark room,

[Moder] Aandhaar hawy ujaala.

Our darkness dispels.

Deeghola paanshire

The anticipating saussurea leaves in the lake,

Jemon nawya jawle bhaashe,

Like they float over the new water (after rain),

Shemoto koinya'ro joibon,

Like that the daughter's youth,

Lilua baataashe bhaashe.

Floats in the nostalgic wind.

[asambhavami]

Listen here: (x)

poet: rabindranath tagore (chitrangada - the dance drama)

raga: sahana

picture: mahua ray choudhury (dadar kirti)

Aami Chitraangawda, aami raajendro-nondini.

I am Chitrangada, daughter of the mighty king.

Nohi debi, nohi shaamaanna naari.

Not a goddess, not an ordinary woman.

Pooja kori more raakhibe oordhe

[That you will] Worship me, and keep me up on a pedestal

She nohi nohi,

That I am not, I'm not.

Hela kori more raakhibe pichhe

Neglecting me, you will leave me behind

Se nohi nohi.

That I am not, I'm not.

Jodi paarshe raakho more

If you keep me by your side

Shawnkawte shawmpawde,

In trouble in wealth (success),

Shawmmoti daao jodi kothin brawte

If you permit in the difficult task(s) ahead

Shawhaay hote,

To be your helper,

Paabe tawbe tumi chinite morey.

Only then will you get to truly know who I am.

Aaj shudhu kori nibedawn -

Today, only this I present unto you -

Aami Chitraangawda raajendro-nondini.

I am Chitrangada, daughter of the mighty king.

[asambhavami]

Listen at: (x)

poet: rabindranath tagore (bhanusimha padavali)

language: brajabuli

raga: behag

painting: syamarani dasi

Ham jab na rawbo, sajani,

When I shall not be there anymore, friend,

Nibhrita basanta-nikunja-bitaane

In the secluded flower garden in the forest

Aashobe nirmala rajani,

A clear night will [still] come,

Milana-pipaasita aashabe jab, sakhi,

Thirsty for union when he shall come, friend,

Shyam hamaari aashe,

My Shyam [Krishna] with hope of finding myself,

Phukaarawbe jab Raadha Raadha

[When he shall] call out, 'Raadha Raadha'

Murali uradha-shwaase,

[His] Flute out of breath,

Jab sab gopini aashobe chhutai,

When all cowherd-maidens shall come running,

Jab ham aashobo na,

When I shall not come,

Jab sab gopini jaagabe chamakai,

When all cowherd-maidens shall wake up with a jolt,

Jab ham jaagabo na,

When I shall not wake,

Taba ki kunja-patha hamari aashe

Then will, in my anticipation, at the path leading to the garden

Herabe aakula Shyam?

Stare a fervent Shyam?

Ban ban pherai so ki phukaarawbe

Will he wander from forest to forest calling out

Raadha Raadha naam?

The name Raadha again and again?

Na Jamuna, so ek Shyam mama,

No Yamuna, Shyam's the sole one of mine,

Shyam-kaw shata shata naari -

[And] Shyam has hundreds of women -

Ham jab jaawobo shata shata Raadha

When I shall go away [from this earth] hundreds of Raadhas

Charane rawhawbe taari.

Will remain at his feet.

Taba sakhi Jamune, jaai nikunje,

Then friend Yamuna, going to the garden in the forest,

Kah tyagaba de?

Will he give it up?

Hamaari laagi e Brindaabana-me

For me in this Vrindavan

Kaha sakhi royawba ke?

Say friend, who shall cry?

Bhaanu kahe chupi - maan-bhare rawho,

Bhanu says, stealthily - keep this anger alive with love,

Aao bane, braja-naari,

Come to the forest, o woman of the braja,

Milawbe Shyama-ka thara-thara aadawra,

[You will] Get Shyam's trembling affection,

Jhara-jhara lochana-baari.

[And] The tears raining from his eyes.

[langbloor]

Translation of Uddhav Sandesh by Surdas

Uddhav-Gopi Samvad/Uddhav-Gopi Dialogue (Part 1-2)

Prev | Next

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

ऊधौ हम आजु भईं बड़ भागी । जिन अँखियन तुम स्याम बिलोके, ते अँखियाँ हम लागीं ॥ जैसे सुमन बास लै आवत, पवन मधुप अनुरागी । अति आनंद होत है तैसें, अंग-अंग सुख रागी ॥ ज्यौं दरपन मैं दरस देखियत, दृष्टि परम रुचि लागी । तैसैं सूर मिले हरि हमकौं, बिरह-बिथा तन त्यागी ॥6॥

Udhau hum aaju bhain bad bhagi. Jin akhiyan tum Syam biloke, te ankhiya hum laagi. Jaise suman baas lai aavat, pavan madhup anuragi. Ati anand hot hai taisen, ang-ang sukh ragi. Jyaun darpan main daras dekhiyat, drishti param ruchi lagi. Taisain Soor mile Hari humkaun, birah-bitha tan tyagi. (6)

Uddhav we are very fortunate today. The eyes with which you gaze upon Shyam, those eyes fell on us. Just like a flower's fragrance brings with it, wind of the romantic bee. Extremely pleasurable that is, each part becomes a lover of happiness. The mirror that lets us get a glimpse, that vision is the most interesting. This way Soor we attain Hari, separation and pain leave our bodies. (6)

(अलि हौं) कैसैं कहौं हरि के रूप रसहिं । अपने तन मैं भेद बहुत बिधि, रसना जानै न नैन दसहिं ॥ जिन देखे ते आहिं बचन बिनु, जिनहिं बचन दरसन न तिसहिं । बिनु बानी ये उमँगि प्रेम जल, सुमिरि-सुमिरि वा रूप जसहिं ॥ बार-बार पछितात यहै कहि, कहा करौं जो बिधि न बसहिं । सूर सकल अँगनि की गति, क्यौं समुझावैं छपद पसुहिं ॥7॥

(Ali haun) Kaisain kahaun Hari ke roop rasahin. Apne tan main bhed bahut bidhi, rasna janai na nain dasahin. Jin dekhe te aahin bachan binu, jinahin bachan darsan na tisahin. Binu bani ye umangi prem jal, sumiri-sumiri va roop jasahin. Baar-baar pachitat yahai kahi, kaha karaun jo bidhi na basahin. Soor sakal angani ki gati, kyaun samujhavain chhapad pasuhin. (7)

(O Bee) how does one describe Hari's form and essence. He keeps several methods in his body, sorrowful eyes cannot taste the pleasure. The one who sees hopes without speech, the one who's speech it is does not show up. Without words this ambitious water of love, remembers the exact form. Every time (we) say while suffering, speak of the method that is unreigned. Soor with the motion of all limbs, why does the bee explain to the animal. (7)

हम तौ सब बातनि सचु पायौ । गोद खिलाइ पिवाइ देह पय, पुनि पालनै झुलायौ ॥ देखति रही फनिग की मनि ज्यौं, गुरुजन ज्यौं न भुलायौ । अब नहिं समुजति कौन पाप तै, बिधना सो उलटायौ ॥ बिनु देखैं पल-पल नहिं छन-छन, ये ही चित ही चायौ । अबहिं कठोर भए ब्रजपति-सुत, रोवत मुँह न धुवायौ ॥ तब हम दूध दही के कारन, घर घर बहुत खिझायौ । सो सब सूर प्रगट ही लाग्यौ , योगऽरु ज्ञान पठायौ ॥8॥

Hum tau sab batani sachu payau. God khilai pivai deh pay, puni palanai jhulayau. Dekhati rahi phanig ki mani jyaun, gurujan jyaun na bhulayau. Ab nahin samujati kaun pap tai, bidhna so ultayau. Binu dekhain pal-pal nahin chhan-chhan, ye hi chit hi chaayau. Abahin kathor bhaye Brajpati-sut, rovat munh na dhuvayau. Tab hum doodh dahi ke karan, ghar ghar bahut khijhayau. So sab Soor pragat hi lagyau, yogaaru gyan pathayau. (8)

We found truth in all words. (We let him) play in (our) laps fed him our body's milk, then swung (him) in the cradle. (We) gazed upon him like a Naga's gem, one that Gurus don't get hypnotized by. Now (we) don't get what sin was that, the ways of the world flipped. Without seeing (him) not every moment but every second, the heart only wants this. Now Braj's lord's son has become harsh, a crying face doesn't get washed. Back then for milk and curd, every house would get irritated. All that Soor is now visibly known, then (he) sends the knowledge of yoga. (8)

मधुकर कहिऐ काहि सुनाइ । हरि बिछुरत हम जिते सहे दुख, जिते बिरह के धाइ ॥ बरु माधौ मधुबन ही रहते, कत जसुदा कैं आए । कत प्रभु गोप-बेष ब्रज धरि कै, कत ये सुख उपजाए ॥ कत गिरि धर्‌यौ, इन्द्र मद मेट्यौ, कत बन रास बनाए । अब कहा निठुर भए अबलनि कौं, लिखि लिखि जोग पठाए ॥ तुम परबीन सबे जानत हौ, तातैं यह कहि आई । अपनी को चालै सुनि सूरज, पिता जननि बिसराई ॥9॥

Madhukar kahiye kahi sunai. Hari bicchurat hum jite sahe dukh, jite birah ke dhai. Baru Madhau Madhuban hi rahte, kat Jasuda kain aaye. Kat prabhu gop-besh braj dhari kai, kat ye sukh upajaye. Kat giri dharyau, Indra mad metyau, kat bin raas banaye. Ab kaha nithur bhaye abalani kaun, likhi likhi jog pathaye. Tum paarbeen sabe janat hau, tatain yah kahi aai. Apni ko chalai suni Suraj, pita janani bisarai. (9)

Bee do tell why make us listen to this. Hari's separation has made us live in despair, we live in this melancholy. Madhav might as well have stayed in Madhuban, why did he come to Yashoda. Why did god take up the guise of a cowherd, why cultivated such happiness. Why did he hoist the hill, erased Indra's enraged madness, why did he cast his charm. Now why is he harsh towards weak women, sends yoga in writing. You are learned and know it all, tell him this. The Sun walks its own path listens to itself, leaves behind father and mother. (9)

[hagiomoto]

Arwi: The lost language of the Arab-Tamils

Coastal towns across southern India still reveal how medieval travellers once used the power of language to further trade and forge deep con

Arwi dates to the 8th Century CE when travel and trade in the medieval world sparked a curious intermingling of tongues. It leapt to prominence in the 17th Century, when more Muslim Arab traders landed in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which was full of Tamil speaking people. The traders brought with them rich tapestries and the finest textiles and perfumes like frankincense and myrrh – records say they longed to establish a deeper connection with the local people because they felt connected by a common religion but spoke two different languages. The Arabic that the traders spoke intermingled with the local language of Tamil to create what scholars call Arabu Tamil, or Arwi. The script employs a modified alphabet of Arabic, but the actual words and their meanings are borrowed from the local Tamil dialect. The Indian Ocean trade at the time was dominated by Arabian and Persian traders who landed in India before European colonialists. Travel and trade shaped how these languages evolved "Arabic Tamil, called Arwi, was just one of the many languages that found expression in Arabic script," explained Mahmood Kooria, a lecturer in the history of the Indian Ocean world before 1750, at the University of Edinburgh. "The Indian Ocean trade at the time was dominated by Arabian and Persian traders who landed in India before European colonialists," he said. "Travel and trade shaped how these languages evolved."

[langbloor]

Translation of Uddhav Sandesh by Surdas

Uddhav-Gopi Samvad/Uddhav-Gopi Dialogue (Part 1-1)

Prev | Next

(Translation notes under the cut.)

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

सुनौ गोपी हरि कौ संदेस करि समाधि अंतर गति ध्यावहु, यह उनकौ उपदेस ॥ वै अविगत अविनासी पूरन, सब-घट रहे समाइ । तत्व ज्ञान बिनु मुक्ति नहीं है, बेद पुराननि गाइ ॥ सगुन रूप तजि निरगुन ध्यावहु, इस चित इक मन लाइ । वह उपाइ करि बिरह तरौ तुम, मिलै ब्रह्म तब आइ ॥ दुसह सँदेस सुनत माधौ को, गोपी जन बिलखानी । सूर बिरह की कौन चलावै, बुड़तिं मनु बिनु पानी ॥1॥

Sunon gopi Hari kau sandes. Kari samadhi antar gati dhyavahu, yah unkau updes. Vai avigat avinasi pooran, sab-ghat rahe samai. Tattva gyan binu mukti nahin hai, bed puranani gai. Sagun roop taji nirgun dhyavahu, is chit ik man lai. Vah upai kari biraha tarau tum, milai brahma tab aayi. Dusaha sandes sunat Madhau ko, gopi jan bilakhani. Soor biraha ki kaun chalavai, budatin manu binu paani. (1)

Listen gopi Hari's message. Meditate and focus with your heart, this is his advice. That who is unknown invincible complete, assimilated into everyone's heart. There is no release without knowledge of the essence, sing veda and puranas. Leave the one with form and pray to the formless, your heart and mind will be one. With this solution break your separation, then you'll attain the creator. Listening to Madhau's unbearable message, the gopis were saddened. Soor who operates despair, the heart drowns without water. (1)

परी पुकार द्वार गृह-गृह तैं, सुनी सखी इक जोगी आयौ । पवन सधावन, भवन छुड़वन, रवन-रसाल, गोपाल पठायौ ॥ आसन बाँधि, परम ऊरध चित, बनत न तिनहिं कहा हित ल्यायौ । कनक बेलि , कामिनि ब्रजबाला, जोग अगिनि दहिबे कौं धायौ ॥ भव-भय हरन, असुर मारन हित, कारन कान्ह मधुपुरी छायौ । ब्रज मै जादव एकौ नाहीं, काहैं उलटौ जस बिथरायौ ॥ सुथल जु स्याम धाम मैं बैठौ, अबलनि प्रति अधिकार जनायौ ॥ सूर बिसारी प्रीति साँवरै, भली चतुरता जगत हँसायौ ॥2॥

Pari pukaar dwar grih-grih tain, suni sakhi ik jogi aayau. Pavan sadhavan, bhavan chhudavan, ravan-rasaal, Gopal pathayau. Aasan baandhi, param uradh chit, banat na tinahin kaha hit lyayau. Kanak beli, kamini brajbala, jog agini dahibe kaun dhayau. Bhav-bhay haran, asur maran hit, karan Kanh Madhupuri chhayau. Braj main Jadav ekau nahin, kahain ultau jas bithrayau. Suthal ju syaam dham main baithau, abalani prati adhikar janayau. Soor bisari priti Saanware, bhali chaturta jagat hansayau. (2)

Every door and house is beckoned with a call, listen friend a yogi has come. One who prays the wind, left his house, sent by sweet husband Gopal. Packing his seat, peak high chest, words cannot express the wellness he brings. Golden creepers, seductive maidens of Braj, (he) runs over to give (them) the fire of yoga. Capturer of all feelings and fears, for killing a demon, Kanha went to Madhupuri. No Yadav is left in Braj, why is prosperity being showered backwards. Wherever Shyam is that place is pious, he lauds his godliness over weak maidens. Soor the love of the Dusky One was lost, the one who made the world laugh with cunning. (2)

देन आए ऊधौ मत नीकौ । आवहु री मिलि सुनहु सयानी, लेहु सुजस कौ टीकौ ॥ तजन कहत अंबर आभूषन, गेह नेह सुत ही कौ । अंग भस्म करि सीस जटा धरि,सिखवत निरगुन फीकौ ॥ मेरे जान यहै जुवतिनि कौ, देत फिरत दुख पी कौ । ता सराप तें भयौ स्याम तन, तउ न गहत डर जी कौ ॥ जाकी प्रकृति परी जिय जेसी, सोच न भली बुरी कौ । जैसैं सूर ब्याल रस चाखैं, मुख नहिं होत अमी कौ ॥3॥

Den aaye udhau mat neekau. Avahu ri mili sunahu sayani, lehu sujas kau teekau. Tajan kahat ambar aabhushan, geh neh sut hi kau. Ang bhasm kari sees jata dhari, sikhavat nirgun pheekau. Mere jaan yahai juvatani kau, det phirat dukh pi kau. Ta saraap ten bhayau Syam tan, tau na gahat dar jee kau. Jaki prakriti pari jiya jesi, soch na bhali buri kau. Jaisain Soor byal ras chakhain, mukh nahin hot amee kau. (3)

Uddhav comes to give knowledge of love. Come O meet listen young women, take the mark of good fortune. Says to part with clothes and jewelry, house affection and sons. With ashes on the limbs and head tied with matted hair, the unsocial teaches of the formless. I came to know that to maidens, he gives sadness to drink. This curse was inflicted on Shyam's body, yet fear doesn't take root in his heart. One's heart is as their nature, no thought is good or bad. Just like Soor a snake when tastes a juice, its mouth does not fill with elixir. (3)

प्रकृति जो जाकैं अंग परी । स्वान पूँछ कोउ कोटिक लागै, सूधी कहुँ न करी ॥ जैसें काग भच्छ नहिं छाँड़ै, जनमत जौन घरी । धौए रंग जात नहिं कैसेहुँ, ज्यौं कारी कमरी ॥ ज्यौं अहि डसत उदर नहिं पूरत, ऐसी धरनि धरी । सूर होइ सो होइ सोच नहिं, तैसेइ एऊ री ॥4॥

Prakriti jo jaakain ang pari. Swan poonch kou kotik laagai, soodhi kahun na kari. Jaisen kaag bhachchh nahin chhandai, janamat jaun ghari. Dhaue rang jaat nahin kaisehun, jyaun kaari kamri. Jyaun ahi dasat udar nahin poorat, aisi dharani dhari. Soor hoi so hoi soch nahin, taisei eu ri. (4)

Nature is what is bestowed on whoever's part. A dog's tail looks curved to some, it can't be straightened. Just like a crow won't leave food no matter where it's born. Washed colours don't leave, a black blanket. The snake that cannot fill its belly without biting, this stance holds. Soor what happens doesn't remain a thought, this is just like that. (4)

समुझि न परति तिहारो ऊधौ । ज्यौं त्रिदोष उपजैं जक लागत, बोलत बचन न सूधौ ॥ आपुन कौ उपचार करो अति, तब औरनि सिख देहु । बड़ौ रोग उपयौ है तुमकौं भवन सबारैं लेहु । ह्वाँ भेषज नाना बाँतिन के, अरु मधु-रिपु से बैद । हम कातर डरपतिं अपनै सिर, यह कलंक है खेद ॥ साँची बात छाँड़ि अलि तेरी, झूठी को अब सुनिहै । सूरदास मुक्ताहल भोगी, हंस ज्वारि क्यौं चुनिहै ॥5॥

Samujhi na parti tiharo Udhau. Jyaun tridosh upjain jak lagat, bolat bachan na soodhau. Aapun kau upchar karo ati, tab aurani sikh dehu. Badau rog upyau hai tumkaun bhavan sabarain lehu. Hwan bheshaj nana baantin ke, aru madhu-ripu se baid. Hum katar darpatin apnai sir, wah kalank hai khed. Saanchi baat chhadi ali teri, jhoothi ko sab sunihai. Soordas muktahal bhoji, hans jwari kyaun chunihai. (5)

You are incomprehensible Uddhav. The three faults that emerge when Jak* takes root, make one speak not easily. Cure yourself quickly, then preach to others. You have contracted a massive disease take shelter soon. There you will find medicines for various things, and healers to create enmity with honey. We anxious fearful at our heads, bear the mark of sadness. Leave your true words behind O Bee, listen to the lies. Soordas the consumer of pearls, why does the swan choose the gambler. (5)

*jak : Yaksha, bhoot or preta that protects wealth. Ghun lagna/infestation in wheat products. Miser.

[langbloor]

Translation of Uddhav Sandesh by Surdas

Uddhav ka gopiyon ko pati dena/Uddhav gives the letter to the gopis (Part 2)

Prev | Next

(Translation notes under the cut.)

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

निरखति अंक स्याम सुंदर के बार बार लावतिं लै छाती । लोचन जल कागद मसि मिलि कै, ह्वै गइ स्याम स्याम जू की पाती ॥ गोकुल बसत नंदनंदन के, कबहुँक बयारि न लागी ताती । अरु हम उती कहा कहैं ऊधौ, जब सुनि बेनु नाद सँग जाती ॥ उनकैं लाड़ बनति नहिं काहूँ, निसि दिन रसिक-रास-रस राती । प्रान-नाथ तुम कबहि मिलौगे, सूरदास प्रभु बाल-सँघाती ॥5॥

Nirakhati ank Syam sundar ke bar bar lavatin lai chhati. Lochan jal kagad masi mili kai, hwvai gai syam Syaam ju ki pati. Gokul basat nandanandan ke, kabahunka bayari na lagi tati. Aru hum uti kaha kahain Udhau, jab suni benu naad sang jati. Unkain laad banti nahin kaahon, nisi din rasik-raas-ras rati. Pran-nath tum kabahi milauge, Soordas prabhu baal-sanghati. (5)

Reads beautiful Shyam's letter repeatedly clutching it to the chest. Tears mix with ink on paper, Shyam ji's letter turns black. Gokul dwelling Nanda's son, would never feel the breeze was warm. What do I tell you Uddhav, (we) would go together at the sound of the flute. No one can give love like him, the playboy that plays everyday. Lord of (our) life when will you meet us, Soordas's Lord (our) childhood companion. (5)

पाती मधुबन तैं आई । ऊधौ हरि के परम सनेही, ताकैं हाथ पठाई ॥ कोले पढ़ति, कोउ धरति नैन पर, काहूँ हृदै लगाई । कोउ पूछति फिरि फिर ऊधौ कौं, आपुन लिखी कन्हाई ? बहुरौ दई फेरि ऊधौ कौं, तब उन बाँचि सुनाई । मन मैं ध्यान हमारौ राख्यौ, सूर सदा सुखदाई ॥6॥

Pati Madhuban tain aayi. Udhau Hari ke param sanehi, taakain hath pathai. Kole padhati, kou dharati nain par, kaahun hridai lagai. Koi poochati phiri phir Udhau kaun, aapun likhi kanhai? Bahurau dai pheri Udhau kaun, tab un baanchi sunai. Man main dhyan humarau rakhyau, Soor sada sukhdai. (6)

Letter arrives from Madhuban. Uddhav is Hari's most beloved, (Hari) sent it through him. Some read it on their laps, some hold it on their eyes, some clutch it to their chest. Some go around Uddhav and ask, Did Kanhaiya write this himself? They circled Uddhav again, then (he) reads aloud. Keep me in your hearts, Soor you'll always get happiness. (6)

लिखि आई ब्रजनाथ की छाप । ऊधौ बाँधे फिरत सीस पर, बाचत आवै ताप ॥ उलटि रीति नंदनंदन की, घर-घर भयौ संताप । कहियौ जाइ जोग आराधैं, अविगत अकथ अमाप ॥ हरि आगैं कुबिजा अधिकारिनि, को जीवै इहिं दाप । सूर सँदेस सुनावत लागे, कहौ कौन यह पाप ॥7॥

Likhi aai Brajnath ki chhap. Udhau baandhe phirat sees par, baachat aavai taap. Ulti riti nandanandan ki, ghar-ghar bhayau santaap. Kahiyau jai jog aaraadhain, avigat akath amaap. Hari aagain Kubija adhikarini, ko jeevai ihin daap. Soor sandes sunavat lage, kahau kaun yah paap. (7)

Written comes the stamp of Brajnath. Uddhav goes around with it tied to his head, protected from the heat. Opposite are the ways of Nand's son, every house has heat. (He) says pray and meditate, on the unknown unsaid unmeasurable. Kubja became able in front of Hari, why live in the heat of jealousy/despair. Soor (he) narrates the message, say what sin is that. (7)

कोउ ब्रज बाँचत नाहिंन पाती । कत लिखि-लिखि पठवत नंद-नंदन, कठिन बिरह की काँती ॥ नैन स्रजल कागद अति कोमल , कर अँगुरी अति ताती । परसैं जरैं, बिलौकैं भीजै, दुहूँ भाँति दुख छाती ॥ को बाँचै ये अंक सूरप्रभु कठिन मदन-सर-घाती । सब सुख लै गए स्याम मनौहर, हमकौं दुख दै थाती ॥8॥

Kou braj baanchat nahin paati. Kat likhi-likhi pathavat nand-nandan, kathin birah ki kaanti. Nain srajal kagad ati komal, kar anguri ati tati. Parasain jarain, bilaukain bheejai, duhun bhaanti dukh chhati. Sab sukh lai gaye Syam manauhar, humkaun dukh dai thati. (8)

No one read the letter in Braj. Why did Nanda's son write and send (this), difficult is the stinging separation. Tears in eyes paper very fragile, (tears) warm the fingers. Leaving it burns, seeing it dampens, both ways the chest saddens. Why read these letters Soor's lord tough Madan cuts off the head. The heart stealer Shyam took all our happiness, left behind despair with us. (8)

ऊधौ कहा करैं लै पाती । जौ लौं मदनगुपाल न देखैं, बिरह जरावत छाती ॥ निमिष निमिष मोहि बिरसत नाहीं, सरद जुहाई राती । पीर हमारी जानत नाहीं, तुम हौ स्याम सँघाती ॥ यह पाती लै जाहु मधुपुरी, जहँ वै बसैं सुजाती । मन जु हमारे उहाँ लै गए, काम कठिन सर घाती ॥ सूरदास प्रभु कहा चहत हैं, कोटिक बात सुहाती । एक बेर मुख बहुरि दिखावहु, रहैं चरन रज-राती ॥9॥

Udhau kaha karain lai pati. Jau laun Madangupal na dekhen, birah jaravat chhati. Nimish nimish mohi birasat nahin, sarad juhai rati. Pir humari janat naahin, tum hau Syam sanghati. Yah pati lai jahu madhupuri, jahan vai basain sujati. Man ju humare uhan lai gaye, kaam kathin saar ghati. Soordas prabhu kaha chahat hain, kotik baat suhati. Ek ber mukh bahuri dikhavahu, rahain charaan raj-rati. (9)

Uddhav (we) say take the letter. Till we don't see Madangopal, separation burns our chests. With each blink our attachment doesn't leave, cold joins the night. Our Pir* doesn't know, you are Shyam's companion. Take this letter to Madhuban, where people from upper class/caste live. Took our hearts there, did the tough job (of) decapitation. Soordas' Lord (we) want to say, a crore words are decorated. Show us (your) face one more time, stamen of the night at your feet. (9)

*Pir : A Sufi spiritual guide

[langbloor]

Translation of Uddhav Sandesh by Surdas

Uddhav ka gopiyon ko pati dena/Uddhav gives the letter to the gopis (Part 1)

Prev | Next

(Translation notes under the cut.)

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

ब्रज घर-घर सब होति बधाइ । कँचन कलस दूब दधि रोचन, लै वृँदाबन आइ ॥ मिली ब्रजनारि तिलक सिर कीनौ, करि प्रदच्छिना तासु । पूछत कुसल नारि-नर हरषत, आए सब ब्रज-बासु ॥ सकसकात तनधकधकात उर, अकबकात सब ठाढ़े । सूर उपँग-सुत बोलत नाहीं, अति हिरदै ह्वै गाढ़े ॥1॥

Braj ghar-ghar sab hoti badhai. Kanchan kalas doob dadhi rochan, laye Vrindaban aai. Mili Brajnari tilak sir keenau, kari pradacchina tasu. Poochat kusal nari-nar harshat, aaye sab braj-basu. Saksakat tankadhkat ur, akbakat sab thade. Soor Upang-sut bolat nahin, ati hirdai hvyai gadhe. (1)

Celebrations in every home of Braj. Gold, urns durva grass curd of love, bring to Vrindavan. Maidens of Braj meet (Uddhav) applying a mark on (his) forehead, they go around him. Ask of regards women and men with glee, come all dwellers of Braj. Bodies shake with fear hearbeat thumps in chests, stupefied all stand. Soor Upangsut says nothing, the heart grows denser. (1)

ऊधौ कहौ हरि कुसलात । कह्यौ आवन किधौं नाहीं, बोलिऐ मुख बात ॥ एक छिन जुग जात हमकौं, बिनु सुने हरि प्रीति । आपु आए कृपा कीन्हीं , अब कहौ कछु नीति ॥ तब उपँग-सुत सबनि बोले, सुनौ श्रीमुख जोग । सूर सुनि सब दौरि आईं, हटकि दीन्हौ लोग ॥2॥

Udhau kahau Hari kusalat. Kahyau aavan kidhaun nahin, boliae mukh bat. Ek chhin jug jaat humkaun, bin sune Hari priti. Aapu aaye kripa keenhin, ab kahau kachu niti. Tab Upang-sut sabani bole, sunau Shrimukh jog. Soor suni sab dauri aai, hatki deenhau log. (2)

Uddhav give us Hari's regards. Say he'll come or not, utter words from your mouth. One moment of ours doesn't pass by, without hearing of Hari's love. Your arrival is a blessing, now tell us the way. Then Upangsut speaks to everyone, listen to Shrimukh's answers. Soor everyone listens and runs over, people had to be held back. (2)

गोपी सुनहु हरि संदेस । गए संग अक्रूर मधुबन, हत्यौ कंस नरेस ॥ रजक मार्‌यौ बसन पहिरे, धनुष तोर्‌यौ जाइ । कुबलया, चानूर मुष्टिक, दिए धरनि गिराइ ॥ मातु पितु के बंद छोरे, बासुदेव कुमार । राज दीन्हौ उग्रसेनहिं, चौंर निज कर ढार ॥ कह्यौ तुमकौं ब्रह्म ध्यावन, छाँड़ि बिषय बिकार । सूर पाती दई लिखि मोंहिं, पढ़ौ गोप-कुमारि ॥3॥

Gopi sunahu Hari sandes. Gaye sang Akrur Madhuban, hatyau Kansa nares. Rajak maryau basan pahire, dhanush toryau jai. Kubalaya*, Chanur* Mushtik*, diye dharni girai. Matu pitu ke band chore, Basudev kumar. Raj deenhau Ugrasenahin, chaunr nij kar dhar. Kahyau tumkaun Brahma dhyavan, chhandi bishay bikar. Soor pati dai likhi monhi, padhau gopa-kumari. (3)

Cowherdesses, listen to Hari's message. Went to Madhuban with Akrur, killed King Kansa. Hit a washerman wore clothes, tore apart a bow. Kubalaya*, Chanur* Mushtik*, were killed by him. Mother and father released from prison, by the young Vasudev. The kingdom was given to Ugrasen, (Hari) himself held the whisk. Told you to meditate on Brahma, leave behind useless topics. Soor letters he has sent, read young cowherdesses. (3)

पाती मधुबन ही तैं आई । सुंदर स्याम आपु लिखि पठई, आइ सुनौ री माई ॥ अपने गृह तैं दौरीं, लै पाती उर लाई । नैननि निरखि निमेष न खंडित, प्रेम-तृषा न बुझाई ॥ कहा करौं सूनौ गह गोकुल, हरि बिनु कछु न सुहाई । सूरदास ब्रज चूक तैं, स्याम सुरति बिसराई ॥4॥

Pati Madhuban hi tain aain. Sundar Syam aapu likhi pathai, aai sunau ri mai**. Aapne grih tain daurin, lai pati ur laai. Nainani nirakhi nimesh na khaandit, prem-trisha na bujhai. Kaha karaun sunau gah Gokul, Hari binu kachu na suhai. Soordas Braj chook tain, Syam surati bisarai. (4)

Letter comes from Madhuban. Beautiful Shyam writes to you, come listen O Mothers**. From their homes come running, taking the letter to their chests. Inspecting with their eyes without blinking, their thirst for love unquenched. What to do listen Gokul, no wits left without Hari. Soordas misses Braj, Shyam's love is forgotten. (4)

*Kubalaya, Chanur, Mushtik were Kansa's aides. Kubalaya was Kansa's elephant, Chanur was Kansa's wrestler, and Mushtik was a councilman under Kansa.

**Uddhav is using 'mai' (lit. mother) to refer to the women of Vrindavan here as a form of respect

[langbloor]

Translation of Uddhav Sandesh by Surdas

Uddhav Braj aagman/Uddhav arrives in Braj (Part 2)

Prev | Next

(Translation notes under the cut.)

Note : I am a native hindi speaker but do not speak Braj Bhasha! If you notice a translation error please feel free to send in a correction as a polite ask or a DM.

Devanagari verse is followed by a romanized transliteration (in italics) and then an English translation.

Source

जबहिं कह्यौ ये स्याम नहीं । परीं मुरछि धरनी ब्रजबाला, जो जहँ रही सु तहीं ॥ सपने की रजधानी ह्वै गइ, जो जागीं कछु नाहीं । बार बार रथ ओर निहारहिं, स्याम बिना अकुलाहीं ॥ कहा आइ करिहैं ब्रज मोहन, मिली कूबरी नारी । सूर कहत सब उधौ आए , गईं काम -सर मारी ॥7॥

Jabahin kahyau ye Syam nahi. Parin murchhi dharni brajbalaa, jo jahan rahi su tahin. Sapne ki rajdhani hwai gai, jo jagin kachu nahi. Baar baar rath or niharahin, Syam bina akulahin. Kaha aai karihain Braj Mohan, mili koobari nari. Soor kahat sab udhau aaye, gain kaam-sar mari. (7)

When it was said this isn't Shyam. A droopiness caught hold of the maidens of Braj, wherever they were. Became the capital city of dreams, there is no use waking up. (They) glance at the chariot repeatedly, anxious without Shyam. Where did Braj Mohan go, women meet by the well. Soor everyone says Uddhav is here, their chores are all forgotten. (7)

भली भई हरि सुरति करी । उठौ महरि कुसलात बूझिऐ, आनँद उमँग भरी ॥ भुजा गहे गोपी परबोधति, मानहु सुफल घरी । पाती लिखि कछु स्याम पठायौ, यह सुनि मनहिं ढरी ॥ निकट उपँगसुत आइ तुलाने, मानौ रूप हरी । सूर स्याम कौ सखा यहै री, स्रवननि सुनी परी ॥8॥

Bhali bhai hari surati kari. Uthau mahari kusalat bujhiei, anand umang bhari. Bhuja gahee gopi parabodhati, manahu suphal ghari. Pati likhi kachu Syam pathayau, yah suni manahin dhari. Nikat Upangsut aai tulane, manau roop hari. Soor Syam kau sakha yahai ri, sravanani suni pari. (8)

Even though they kept loving hari. The ladies* got up thinking all is well, full of joy and hope. They held arms and consoled (each other), understand this is an auspicious time. Shyam has written and sent some letter, hearing this their hearts gain strength. As Upangsut approaches in comparison, his form is just like Hari. Soor O this is Shyam's friend, (these words) fall into ears. (8)

निरखत ऊधौ कौं सुख पायौ । सुंदर सुलज सुबंस देखियत, यातैं स्याम पठायौ ॥ नीकैं हरि-संदेस कहैगौ, स्रवन सुनन सुख पैहै । यह जानति हरि तुरत आइहैं, यह कहि हृदै सिरैहै ॥ घेरि लिए रथ पास चहूँधा, नंद गोप ब्रजनारी । महर लिवाइ गए निज मंदिर , हरषित लियौ उतारी ॥ अरघ देत भीतर तिहिं लीन्हौ, धनि धनि दिन कहि आज । धनि धनि सूर उपँगसुत आए , मुदित कहत ब्रजराज ॥9॥

Nirakhat Udhau kaun sukh payau. Sundar sulaj subans dekhiyat, yatain Syam pathayau. Neekain Hari-sandes kahaigau, sravan sunan sukh paihai. Yah janati Hari turat aaihain, yah kahi hriday siraihai. Gheri liye rath paas chahundha, Nand gop brajnari. Mahar livai gaye nij mandir, harshit liyau utari. Aragh det bheetar tihin leenhau, dhani dhani din kahi aaj. Dhani dhani Soor Upangsut aaye, mudit kahat Brajraj. (9)

Seeing** Uddhav they rejoice. Beautiful, bashful, looks like from a good family, Shyam sent him. He'll give us good tidings of Hari, saying this (they) console hearts. Gather around the chariot from all four sides, Nanda, cowherds, and maidens of Braj. Lord (Nanda) takes (Uddhav) to his own temple (house), helps (Uddhav) disembark with delight. Respectfully welcomes him inside, says what a fortunate day it is. Fortunate is Soor (for) Upangsut came, Brajraj says this with delight.(9)

कबहुँ सुधि करत गुपाल हमारी । पूछत पिता नंद ऊधौ सौं, अरु जसुदा महतारी ॥ बहुतै चूक परी अनजानत, कहा अबकैं पछिताने । बासुदेव घर भीतर आए , मैं अहीर करि जाने ॥ पहिलैं गर्ग कह्यौ हुतौ हमसौ, संग दुःख गयौ भूल । सूरदास स्वामी के बिछुरै, राति दिवस भयौ सूल ॥10॥

Kabahun sudhi karat Gupal humari. Poochat pita Nand Udhau saun, aru Jasuda mahatari. Bahutai chook pari anjanat, kaha abkain pachitane. Basudev ghar bheetar aaye, main aheer kari jane. Pahilain Garg*** kahyau hutau humsau, sang dukh gayau bhool. Soordas swami ke bichurai, rati divas rati diwas bhayau sool. (10)

When does Gopal think of us. Asks father Nanda to Uddhav, with mother Yashoda. (We) made a grave mistake unknowingly, what use is regretting now. Vasudev comes inside my house, what would the cowherd me know. If Garg*** had told me before, that with (Krishna) I would forget my sadness. Soordas' Lord's separation, is like spears impaling me night and day. (10)

कह्यौ कान्ह सुनि जसुदा मैया । आवहिंगे दिन चारि पाँच मैं, हम हलधर दोउ भैया । मुरली बेंत बिषान हमारौ, कहूँ अबेर सबेरौ । मति लै जाइ चुराइ राधिका, कछुक खिलौना मेरौ ॥ जा दिन तैं हम तुम सौं बिछरै, काहु न कह्यौ कन्हैया । प्रात न कियौ कलेऊ कबहूँ, साँझ न पय पियौ घैया ॥ कहा कहौं कछु कहत न आवै, जननी जो दुख पायौ । अब हमसौं बसुदेव देवकी, कहत आपनौ जायौ ॥ कहिऐ कहा नंद बाबा सौं, बहुत निठुर मन कीन्हौ । सूर हमहिं पहुँचाइ मधुपुरी, बहुरि न सोधौ लीन्हौ ॥11॥

Kahyau Kanha suni Jasuda maiya. Aavahinge din chari paanch main, hum haldhar dou bhaiya. Murali bent bishan humarau, kahoon aber saberau. Mati lai jai churai Radhika, kachuk kahyau kanhaiya. Prat na kiyau kaleu kabahun, saanjh naa paay piyau ghaiya. Kaha kahaun kachu kahat na aavai, janani jo dukh payau. Ab humsaun basudev devaki, kahat aapnau jayau. Kahiae kaha Nand baba saun, bahut nithur man keenhau. Soor hamahin pahunchai Madhupuri, bahuri na sodhau leenhau. (11)

Says Kanha listen Mother Yashoda. We'll come in 4-5 days, me and Haldhar two brothers. Flute, reed stick, horn of mine, sometimes with a little delay. Radha steals away my wits, and some toys of mine. The day I parted from you, no one called me Kanhaiya. I didn't break my fast in the morning, didn't drink milk and cream in the evening. What to say I can't bring myself to speak, the despair that a mother obtains. Now Vasudev and Devaki tell me, that (Krishna) is their own. Say where is someone like Father Nanda, who has a heart so harsh. Soor we were the ones to drop him off at Madhupuri, then didn't even ask for his tidings. (11)

हमतैं कछु सेवा न भई । धोखैं ही धोखैं जु रहे हम, जाने नाहिं त्रिलोकमई ॥ चरन पकरि कर बिनती करिबौ, सब अपराध क्षमा कीबै । ऐसौ भाग होउगौ कबहूँ, स्याम गोद पुनि मैं लीबै ॥ कहै नंद आगैं ऊधौ के, एक बेर दरसन दीबे । सूरदास स्वामी मिलि अबकैं, सबै दोष निज मन कीबे ॥12॥

Humtain kachu seva na bhai. Dhokhain hi dhokhain ju rahe hum, jane naahin trilokamai. Charan pakati kar binati karibau, sab aparadh kshama keebai. Aisau bhaag hougau kabahun, Syam god puni main leebai. Kahai Nand aagain Udhau ke, ek ber darsan deebe. Soordas swami mili abkain, sabai dosh nij man keebe. (12) We couldn't do anything to serve. We remained in deceit, didn't realize the manner of the three realms. We hold onto (your) feet and beg, forgive all our crimes. When will we get such luck, the blessing of fostering Shyam. Says Nanda to Uddhav, at least once let me look. Soordas' Lord when I meet you this time, all my heart's blemishes will be taken away. (12)

ऊधौ कहौ साँची बात । दधि, मह्यौ नवनीत माधव, कौन के घर खात ॥ किन सखा सँग संग लीन्हे, गहे लकुटी हाथ । कौन की गैयाँ चरावत, जात को धौं साथ ॥ कौन गोपी कूल-जमुना, रहत गहि गहि घाट । दान हट कै लेत कापै, रोक किनकी बाट ॥ कौन ग्वालिनि साथ भोजन, करत किनतैं बात ॥ कौन कैं माखन चुरावन, जाति उठिकै प्रात ॥ इतौ बूझत माइ जसुमति, परी मुरछित गात । सूरदास किसोर मिलबहु, मटि हिय की तात ॥13॥

Udhau kahau saanchi baat. Dadhi, mahyau navaneet Madhav, kaun ke ghar khat. Kin sakha sang sang leenhe, gahe lakuti haath. Kaun ki gaiya charavat, jaat ko dhaun sath. Kaun gopi kool-jamuna, rahat gahi gahi ghat. Daan hat kai let kapai, rok kinki baat. Kaun gwalini sath bhojan, karat kintain baat. Kaun kain makhan churawan, jati uthikai prat. Itau boojhat mai Jasumati, pari murchhit gaat. Soordas kisor milbahu, mati hiya ki tat. (13)

Uddhav speak the truth. Curd, buttermilk butter Madhav, drinks in whose home. Together with which friends, does he hold a wooden stick in hand. Whose cow does he graze, goes with whom. Which cowherdesses on the shores of the Yamuna, stop him by its banks. Who does he stubbornly get alms from, who does he stop on the streets. Which milkmaid does he eat with, who does he talk to. Whose butter does he steal, first thing in the morning. Mother Yashomati understands, but sings with gloom. Soordas one finds many youths, the sons of this land. (13)

*Mahari : Translated here as 'ladies', Mahari has a connotation of respect

**Nirakhat : Translated here as 'seeing', nirakhat has a connotation of inspecting but not in a negative sense. 'Checking out' can also be a valid translation.

***Garg : Nanda's family priest