For the various versions on the etymology of Telugu, see Telugu language. The image of the mother is used as a metaphor for all the prosperity and culture of the region. She is the embodiment of various aspects of cultural legacy like the architecture of Amaravati; the classical music immortalised by Tyagaraja; the lyrical beauties of Tikkana, who rendered the Mahabharata into Telugu; the physical bravery of Rani Rudrama Devi of the 13th century Kakatiya dynasty; the 'devotion to husband' of Mallamma; the sharp intelligence of Timmarusu, who was the Prime Minister of Krishna Deva Raya; or the fame of Krishna Deva Raya. It may be seen that while invoking the cultural legacy of the Telugus, the song covers all the three important regions: Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra and Telangana.
రుద్రమ్మ భుజశక్తి మల్లమ్మ పతిభక్తి
తిమ్మరసు ధీయుక్తి, కృష్ణరాయల కీర్తి
మా చెవులు రింగుమని మారుమ్రోగేదాక
నీపాటలే పాడుతాం, నీ ఆటలే ఆడుతాం
జై తెలుగు తల్లి, జై తెలుగు తల్లి!
To our Mother Telugu a garland of jasmines
Devoted we are to our great Mother who birthed us
With gold in thy belly and grace in thine eyes
Our Mother whose smile wealth poureth forth.
Full of life and vigour is river Godavari
Full of elation the river Krishna floweth
Crops of gold shall they yield bountifully
Glinting and shining gems shall roll forth.
The exotic sculptures of Amaravati
The riveting choral voice of Tyāgayya
The wondrous writings of Tikkayya
Gloriously withstood the tests of time.
Rudramma's strength and Mallamma's fidelity
Timmarasu's courage and Krishnadevaraya's glory
Until our ears ring with pleasantries
We'll sing thy songs, we'll play thy games
Victory, victory to our Mother Telugu!
