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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadi Varum

From Durga · 1990

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. S. Chithra
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Movie name
Durga
Movie release year
1990
Lyrics added on
19 Mar 2026

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Aadi varum paadi varum
Azhagu radham onnu
Naan aanai katti poradikkum
Marudha jillaa ponnu
Aadi varum paadi varum
Azhagu radham onnu
Naan aanai katti poradikkum
Marudha jillaa ponnu
Kanni oru rosaathaan
En kaaval indha raasathaan
Aadi varum paadi varum
Azhagu radham onnu
Naan aanai katti poradikkum
Marudha jillaa ponnu
Pottu vchu poo mudichu
Palapalannu minnum indha
Sittu oru silai azhagaa
Sanangal ellaam ennum
Katti vecha marikolundhu
Kamakmnnu veesum idhu
Etta nikkum ilasugal mel
Valai eduthu veesum
Anji nadakkum thanga radham thaan
Sindhu padikkum nandhavanam thaan
Indru nenachu yengi thavikkum
Inga irukkum rombha manam thaan
Kaavalukku veru raasa
Unna vittaa yaaru
Velaigala paaru raasa
Vaangi thaaren soru
Eppavum namakku veedhiyil pozhappu
Ulladha suruttu verenna nenappu
Aadi varum paadi varum
Azhagu radham onnu
Naan aanai katti poradikkum
Marudha jillaa ponnu
Aadi varum paadi varum
Azhagu radham onnu
Naan aanai katti poradikkum
Marudha jillaa ponnu
Dancing and singing along,
here comes a lovely chariot!
I am a girl from Madurai district,
where elephants thresh the harvest grain!
Dancing and singing along,
here comes a lovely chariot!
I am a girl from Madurai district,
where elephants thresh the harvest grain!
This young girl is like a rose,
and my protector is this Raja!
Dancing and singing along,
here comes a lovely chariot!
I am a girl from Madurai district,
where elephants thresh the harvest grain!
Wearing a bindi and flowers in her hair,
shining so bright and radiant,
"Is this little bird a lovely statue?"
that is what all the people think!
A tied bunch of sweet marjoram
spreading its rich fragrance,
casts a captivating net
over the youth standing at a distance!
A golden chariot walking gracefully,
a garden of flowers singing a sweet tune!
Thinking of her today and pining with longing,
are so many hearts gathered here!
For my protection, Raja,
who is there besides you?
Show your tricks now, Raja,
and I will buy you food!
Our living is always on the street,
let's pack up what we have, what else is there to think?
Dancing and singing along,
here comes a lovely chariot!
I am a girl from Madurai district,
where elephants thresh the harvest grain!
Dancing and singing along,
here comes a lovely chariot!
I am a girl from Madurai district,
where elephants thresh the harvest grain!
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This upbeat and energetic song from the film Durga (1990) expresses the pride, spirit, and charm of a courageous young woman hailing from the Madurai region. She describes herself as a grand, lively chariot and a proud native daughter of Madurai who carries herself with dignity, while also acknowledging her loyal protector and street-side livelihood.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor & Simile

Azhagu radham onnu / Kanni oru rosaathaan

Compares the girl to a moving chariot ('Azhagu radham'), a rose ('Rosaathaan'), and sweet marjoram ('Marikolundhu') to emphasize her beauty and radiance.

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Aadi varum paadi varum

Rhyming of the second letter 'di' in 'Aadi' and 'paadi'.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Naan aanai katti poradikkum

Referencing 'Aanai katti poradikkum', a classical cultural phrase denoting grand prosperity where elephants were used to thresh harvested grain.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie Durga (1990), directed by Rama Narayanan, featured Baby Shamili in the lead role along with a trained monkey and dog. The song became popular for its vibrant folk-based rhythm composed by Shankar-Ganesh and energetic delivery by K. S. Chithra.

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