These verses are not just dialogue—they are emotional outcries, oaths, and prayers set in strict metre ( chandas ). Lyrics (Telugu): ఎవరికి తెలుసు నా ఈ కష్టాలు ఎవరికి తెలుసు నా వేదనలు సత్యమే నాకు దైవం – నే సత్యమును విడవను నన్ను సత్యమెన్నడు విడువదు Transliteration: Evariki telusu nā ī kaṣṭālu? Evariki telusu nā vēdanalu? Satyamē nāku daivaṁ – nē satyamunu viḍavanu Nannu satyamennaḍu viḍuvadu.
చందమ్మ నా కోడలు? ఆవిడ నేనా? శవమ్ము నా కొడుకు – ఈ శ్మశానము నా మనోనిలయమా? Transliteration: Chandamma nā kōdalu? Āviḍa nēnā? Śavam'ma nā koḍuku – ī śmaśānamu nā manōnilayamā? satya harischandra padyalu lyrics
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most famous Satya Harischandra padyalu , their lyrics, a simple meaning, and why they continue to inspire. The most famous lyrical version of this story comes from the Telugu play Satya Harischandra , written by G.V. Krishna Rao (popularly known as the play staged by the Surabhi theatre troupe). Later, the 1960 Telugu movie Bhakta Harischandra (N.T. Rama Rao’s production) immortalized many of these padyalu . These verses are not just dialogue—they are emotional
A word spoken once – I will not break. I am Satya Harischandra – I will not fail. Context: When sage Vishwamitra tests him, Harischandra refuses to go back on his promise to donate his entire kingdom, even knowing the consequences. This padyam is short but thunderous—often quoted to mean “a promise is a promise.” 3. The Lament on the Cremation Ground – “Chandamma Naa Kodalu” This is one of the most heart-wrenching verses. Harischandra’s wife, Chandramati, sings it as she carries their dead son to the cremation ground – where her own husband is now the guard. Satyamē nāku daivaṁ – nē satyamunu viḍavanu Nannu
Harischandra’s answer— Everything —is why we still remember his name and recite his verses. They are not just poetry. They are a mirror and a challenge.
Is the moon my daughter-in-law? Am I that woman? The corpse is my son – and this cremation ground my mind’s abode? Why it’s unforgettable: The stark contrast between royal life and the burning ground is captured in a single, devastating metaphor. It makes you feel the price of truth. 4. The Anthem-Like Closing Verse In many performances, the play ends with a chorus or a narrator’s verse praising the ideal of truth.