Nanduni pattu takes its name from the musical instrument nanduni which is a two stringed lute, and is performed for the goddess Bhadrakali. It is usually performed at rituals for lower Hindu castes in Bhadrakali/Bhagavati temples and private houses (Bhagavati Kollam). It is also known as Tottam pattu. Nanduni pattu is also sung as part of the dance ritual Karika Thullal. This song is from the Kannagi Kovalan story, of which this song describes the first part as follows: Kannagi and Kovalan lived in Kaveripoom Pattanam. After they were married, Kovalan fell in love with a dancer called Madhavi. He was destroyed by her financially and emotionally and returned to Kannagi who accepted him. To get over their misfortunes, Kannagi and Kovalan go to Madurai.