thavaLa(m) mathiyam eRikkum thaNalAlE: Because of the fiery rays emitted by the white moon,
sarasa mathanan vidukkum kaNaiyAlE: because of the arrows shot by the provocative God of Love (Manmathan),
kavana(m) mikavum uraikkum kuyilAlE: and because of the extreme melancholy in the cuckoo's cooing,
karuthi mikavu(m) mayakkam padavO nAn: should I ponder so much to the extent of being in a trance?
pavaLa(m) nikarum ithazhp paing kuRamAnin: She is of a green complexion with lips looking like coral; She is VaLLi, the damsel of the KuRavAs;
pariya varaiyai nikarkkum thanam mEvum: swaying on top of her hill-like bosom
thivaLu(m) maNikaL kidakkum thirumArpA: are her gem chains resting on Your broad chest, Oh Lord!
thikazhu(m) mayilin malai kaN perumALE.: You are seated in the famous place MayUragiri (KundRakkudi)*, Oh Great One!
* KundRakkudi is in RAmanAthapuram District, 7 miles west of KAraikkudi.
This song is based on the Nayaka-Nayaki Bhavam, where the poet, assuming the heroine's role, expresses the pang of separation from the hero, Murugan. The moonlight, the God of Love Manmathan, His arrows and the cuckoo are a few of the things that aggravate the agony of separation.