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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadi Varum

From Durga · 1990

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. S. Chithra
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Durga1990

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aadi varum paadi varumA beautiful chariot comes dancing and singing,
Azhagu radham onnuHere comes a beautiful chariot.
Naan aanai katti poradikkumI am the girl who threshes grain using elephants,
Marudha jillaa ponnuA bold girl from the Madurai district!
Female
Aadi varum paadi varumA beautiful chariot comes dancing and singing,
Azhagu radham onnuHere comes a beautiful chariot.
Naan aanai katti poradikkumI am the girl who threshes grain using elephants,
Marudha jillaa ponnuA bold girl from the Madurai district!
Kanni oru rosaathaanThis maiden is like a rose,
En kaaval indha raasathaanAnd my protector is this noble king!
Female
Aadi varum paadi varumA beautiful chariot comes dancing and singing,
Azhagu radham onnuHere comes a beautiful chariot.
Naan aanai katti poradikkumI am the girl who threshes grain using elephants,
Marudha jillaa ponnuA bold girl from the Madurai district!
Female
Pottu vchu poo mudichuAdorned with a bindi and flowers,
Palapalannu minnum indhaShining brightly and dazzled,
Sittu oru silai azhagaaLike a beautiful spritely statue,
Sanangal ellaam ennumAll the people reckon her to be.
Female
Katti vecha marikolundhuLike a tied bundle of fragrant sweet marjoram,
Kamakmnnu veesum idhuSpreading a rich scent around,
Etta nikkum ilasugal melOver the youth standing at a distance,
Valai eduthu veesumShe casts a captivating spell!
Female
Anji nadakkum thanga radham thaanShe is a golden chariot walking with graceful poise,
Sindhu padikkum nandhavanam thaanShe is a garden singing traditional melodies.
Indru nenachu yengi thavikkumThinking of her today and yearning deeply,
Inga irukkum rombha manam thaanThere are many hearts right here!
Female
Kaavalukku veru raasaOh king, who else is there for protection,
Unna vittaa yaaruOther than you?
Velaigala paaru raasaLook after your duties, my king,
Vaangi thaaren soruI will buy and serve you food!
Eppavum namakku veedhiyil pozhappuOur livelihood is always on the street,
Ulladha suruttu verenna nenappuWe roll up whatever we have, what other thought is there?
Female
Aadi varum paadi varumA beautiful chariot comes dancing and singing,
Azhagu radham onnuHere comes a beautiful chariot.
Naan aanai katti poradikkumI am the girl who threshes grain using elephants,
Marudha jillaa ponnuA bold girl from the Madurai district!
Female
Aadi varum paadi varumA beautiful chariot comes dancing and singing,
Azhagu radham onnuHere comes a beautiful chariot.
Naan aanai katti poradikkumI am the girl who threshes grain using elephants,
Marudha jillaa ponnuA bold girl from the Madurai district!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

Keep listening

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