Sung by P. B. Srinivas and S. Janaki, Navaduva Nudiye Kannada Nudi is a beautiful tribute to the Kannada language. This song is from the movie Gandhada Gudi, which means the “Temple Of Sandalwood.” The lyrics are penned by Chi. Udayashankar, with music composed by Rajan-Nagendra. The song features the legendary Dr. Rajkumar, with direction by Vijay and production by M. P. Shankar under the Bharani Chithra banner.
Navaduva Nudiye Kannada Nudi is a song that celebrates the richness of Kannada, comparing it to gold and sandalwood. The lyrics express deep pride in Karnataka’s culture, nature, and heritage. The song describes the land as a divine sanctuary, where rivers flow gracefully, forests bloom, and wildlife thrives in harmony. It wonders whether this land is the result of great penance or a heavenly blessing.
Below is the line-by-line translation of the complete song for you.
Navaduva Nudiye Kannada Nudi – Song Translation
Background Of The Song
This song is about love for the Kannada language and the beauty of Karnataka. It calls Kannada a golden language and Karnataka “the temple of sandalwood – Gandhada Gudi.” The song describes green forests, flowing rivers, dancing peacocks, and swaying trees, making Karnataka feel like a paradise. It also asks whether this beautiful land is a result of hard work or a blessing from the gods. The singer here is representing each and every Kannadiga (people of Karnataka). He is saying how blessed and lucky we are to speak Kannada, and staying in Karnataka.
Check out the complete song lyrics in Kannada & English transliteration here.
Song Translation
ನಾವಾಡುವ ನುಡಿಯೇ ಕನ್ನಡ ನುಡಿ,
ಚಿನ್ನದ ನುಡಿ, ಸಿರಿಗನ್ನಡ ನುಡಿ
ನಾವಿರುವ ತಾಣವೆ ಗಂಧದ ಗುಡಿ,
ಅಂದದ ಗುಡಿ, ಚೆಂದದ ಗುಡಿ
Kannada we speak, is not just a language, it’s golden.
A language full of pride, beauty, and cultural richness.
The land we live in is like a temple of sandalwood,
Filled with tradition, elegance, and deep emotional connection.
ಹಸುರಿನ ಬನಸಿರಿಗೇ ಒಲಿದು
ಸೌಂದರ್ಯ ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಧರೆಗಿಳಿದು
ಹರಿಯುವ ನದಿಯಲಿ ಈಜಾಡಿ
ಹೂಬನದಲಿ ನಲಿಯುತ ಓಲಾಡಿ
ಚೆಲುವಿನ ಬಲೆಯ ಬೀಸಿದಳು
ಈ ಗಂಧದ ಗುಡಿಯಲಿ ನೆಲೆಸಿದಳು
ಇದು ಯಾರ ತಪಸಿನ ಫಲವೋ
ಈ ಕಂಗಳು ಮಾಡಿದ ಪುಣ್ಯವೋ
ಓ ಹೊ ಹೋ..ಹಾ..
Nature itself loves our green Kannada forests.
It’s as if the goddess of beauty chose to descend here.
She swims in rivers, roams through flower gardens,
Spreading charm and grace in every corner.
This sacred land feels like a reward —
Maybe from the blessings of our ancestors.
ಚಿಮ್ಮುತ ಓಡಿವೆ ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳು
ಕುಣಿದಾಡುತ ನಲಿದಿವೆ ನವಿಲುಗಳು
ಮುಗಿಲನು ಚುಂಬಿಸುವಾಸೆಯಲಿ
ತೂಗಾಡುತ ನಿಂತ ಮರಗಳಲಿ
ಹಾಡುತಿರೆ ಬಾನಾಡಿಗಳು
ಎದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂತಸದಾ ಹೊನಲು
ಇದು ವನ್ಯ ಮೃಗಗಳ ಲೋಕವೋ
ಈ ಭೂಮಿಗೆ ಇಳಿದ ನಾಕವೋ ಆಹಹಾ… ಹೋ…
Deer play freely, peacocks dance in joy —
This land is full of life and color.
Trees sway under the breeze that touches the skies.
Birds sing above, and hearts shine with happiness.
Is this a forest full of wild beauty?
Or has heaven touched the land of Karnataka?
ನಾವಾಡುವ ನುಡಿಯೇ ಕನ್ನಡ ನುಡಿ
ನಾವಿರುವ ತಾಣವೆ ಗಂಧದ ಗುಡಿ
ಅಂದದ ಗುಡಿ ಗಂಧದ ಗುಡಿ
ಚೆಂದದ ಗುಡಿ ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧದ ಗುಡಿ
The language we proudly speak is Kannada.
Our land is not just beautiful —
It’s a living, breathing sandalwood-scented temple.
It holds culture, nature, and love —
Everything that makes Karnataka truly special.
With its poetic words and deep meaning, this song fills every Kannadiga’s heart with pride and love for their language and land.