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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadhi Sivan

From Thiruvarutchelvar · 1967

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Thiruvarutchelvar1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomaeMay we receive His divine grace
Engal aadhi sakthi naayagiyinOf our primeval Goddess Sakthi
Thunai peruvomaeMay we receive her support and guidance
Female
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomaeMay we receive His divine grace
Engal aadhi sakthi naayagiyinOf our primeval Goddess Sakthi
Thunai peruvomaeMay we receive her support and guidance
Female
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomaeMay we receive His divine grace
Female
{Vaedhangalin thaththuvathai{The philosophy of the ancient Vedas
NaadiduvomaeLet us seek and pursue
Thiru venneerum kungumamumSacred ash and vermilion
Soodiduvomae} (2)Let us adorn on our foreheads} (2)
Anjezhuththai kaalamellaamThe sacred five-letter mantra (Na-Ma-Si-Va-Ya)
Nenjil vaippomaeLet us keep enshrined in our hearts forever
Anjezhuththai kaalamellaamThe sacred five-letter mantra (Na-Ma-Si-Va-Ya)
Nenjil vaippomaeLet us keep enshrined in our hearts forever
Avan adiyavarkkum anbarukkumTo His humble followers and loving devotees
Thondu seivomaeLet us perform selfless service
Avan adiyavarkkum anbarukkumTo His humble followers and loving devotees
Thondu seivomaeLet us perform selfless service
Female
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomaeMay we receive His divine grace
Engal aadhi sakthi naayagiyinOf our primeval Goddess Sakthi
Thunai peruvomaeMay we receive her support and guidance
Female
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomaeMay we receive His divine grace
Female
{Naavukkarasar paadippugazhum{The Lord praised in song by Saint Naavukkarasar
NaadhanallavaaIs He not the Supreme Master?
Andha naadhaththukkae perumai thandhaThe divine soul who brought glory to that sacred music
Jeevan allavaa} (2)Is He not the eternal soul?} (2)
Pesum thamizh paattukkellaamFor all spoken Tamil poetry and songs
Thandhai allavaaIs He not the ultimate Father?
Pesum thamizh paattukkellaamFor all spoken Tamil poetry and songs
Thandhai allavaaIs He not the ultimate Father?
Adhai pillai thamizh endru sonna annaiyallavaaIs She not the Mother who called it child Tamil (Pillai Thamizh)?
Adhai pillai thamizh endru sonna annaiyallavaaIs She not the Mother who called it child Tamil (Pillai Thamizh)?
Female
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomaeMay we receive His divine grace
Engal aadhi sakthi naayagiyinOf our primeval Goddess Sakthi
Thunai peruvomaeMay we receive her support and guidance
Male
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomaeMay we receive His divine grace
Engal aadhi sakthi naayagiyinOf our primeval Goddess Sakthi
Thunai peruvomaeMay we receive her support and guidance
Male
Aadhi sivan thaal panindhuBowing at the feet of Lord Shiva, the primordial one
Arul peruvomae …ae….May we receive His divine grace... ae...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional song from the classic movie Thiruvarutchelvar expresses deep reverence to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sakthi. It urges believers to surrender to the divine feet of Shiva, seek the philosophy of the Vedas, wear holy symbols like sacred ash (Vibhooti) and vermilion (Kungumam), and constantly chant the Panchakshara (five-letter) mantra 'Namasivaya'. Furthermore, it emphasizes the Shaivite ethos that serving God's devotees is equivalent to serving God himself.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Aadhi sivan thaal panindhu / Engal aadhi sakthi naayagiyin

The second consonant 'dhi' (தி) rhymes across lines 'Aadhi' (ஆதி) and 'Aadhi' (ஆதி). Also seen in 'Anjezhuththai' and 'Nenjil'.

Monaai (Alliteration / First letter matching)

Avan adiyavarkkum anbarukkum

The starting sound 'A' repeats in 'Aadhi' and 'Arul', as well as 'Avan', 'adiyavarkkum', and 'anbarukkum'.

Anaphora (Repetition for emphasis)

Aadhi sivan thaal panindhu / Arul peruvomae

The refrain 'Aadhi sivan thaal panindhu / Arul peruvomae' is repeated throughout to reinforce devotion.

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Trivia

Thiruvarutchelvar (1967) is a biographical devotional drama film starring Sivaji Ganesan, centered on the lives of Shaivite saints (Nayanmars) like Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar. The music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and the song was sung by P. Susheela and T. M. Soundararajan with lyrics penned by Kannadasan.

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