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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aandavan Tamizhanada

From Manimekalai · 1959

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. R. Mahalingam
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Manimekalai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aandavan thamizhandaGod himself is a Tamilian!
Endrum anbenum neriyaaleAlways following the path of love,
Arivukondu ulagai vendruConquering the world through wisdom,
Singam polaFierce like a lion,
Aandavan thamizhandaGod himself is a Tamilian!
Male
Paandiyar kodi meedhu panbudan meen aadaOn the flag of the Pandyas, the fish symbol sways with dignity,
Pani malai kodi meedhu villaadaOn the snowy mountain peaks, the Chera bow flag dances,
Paandiyar kodi meedhu panbudan meen aadaOn the flag of the Pandyas, the fish symbol sways with dignity,
Pani malai kodi meedhu villaadaOn the snowy mountain peaks, the Chera bow flag dances,
Thaen magal kaaveri selvanin kodi meedhuOn the flag of the Chola king, the beloved son of river Kaveri,
Thaen magal kaaveri selvanin kodi meedhuOn the flag of the Chola king, the beloved son of river Kaveri,
Pongiyae sinam kondu pagaivendruSurging with fury to vanquish the enemies,
Urangonda puliyum nindru muzhungi aadaThe powerful tiger stands, roars, and dances,
Aandavan thamizhandaGod himself is a Tamilian!
Male
Anjana vazhi maadhar araneriyumThe virtuous life of women wearing eye-kohl,
Anjana vazhi maadhar araneriyumThe virtuous life of women wearing eye-kohl,
Aaruvagai thozhilgalum aatrum muraiyumThe six traditional occupations and their methods of practice,
Vensinang kollum veerar por vagaiyumThe warfare strategies of warriors consumed by fierce anger,
Vensinang kollum veerar por vagaiyumThe warfare strategies of warriors consumed by fierce anger,
Vadaverppinodu kavi kattru vaazha vazhi pettravanHe who mastered Tamil arts along the Northern mountains and earned a glorious way of life,
Engal kottravan uttra pugazh……The supreme glory attained by our monarch...
Aandavan thamizhandaGod himself is a Tamilian!
Male
Kannam sivandha annamThe swan with blushing red cheeks,
Kannam sivandha annamThe swan with blushing red cheeks,
Kaadhal vannam pazhagu munnamBefore experiencing the colors of love,
Kannam sivandha annamThe swan with blushing red cheeks,
Kaadhal vannam pazhagu munnamBefore experiencing the colors of love,
Kangalodu thalai kunivathumLowering her head along with her eyes,
Adhanai kavingar naanamena mozhivadhumUnknownWhich poets describe as maidenly modesty,
Kangalodu thalai kunivathumLowering her head along with her eyes,
Adhanai kavingar naanamena mozhivadhumWhich poets describe as maidenly modesty,
Engal thaai vaziyil vandha seedhanam endraagumeHas become a rich heritage passed down through our mothers!
Murasu pongiye saedhi sollaAs the war drums beat loudly to proclaim the news,
Male
Aandavan thamizhandaGod himself is a Tamilian!
Endrum anbenum neriyaaleAlways following the path of love,
Arivukondu ulagai vendruConquering the world through wisdom,
Singam polaFierce like a lion,
Aandavan thamizhandaGod himself is a Tamilian!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1959 movie 'Manimekalai' celebrates the rich cultural heritage, history, and values of the Tamil people. The lyrics extol the glorious triad of ancient Tamil dynasties—the Pandyas (symbolized by the fish emblem), the Cheras (symbolized by the bow emblem on the Himalayas), and the Cholas (symbolized by the tiger emblem along the Kaveri river). Kannadasan highlights how Tamils have traditionally conquered through love and intellect rather than mere brutality, comparing their noble spirit to a lion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Singam pola

Compares the noble and courageous disposition of the Tamilian to that of a lion ('Singam pola').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kannam sivandha annam

Metaphorically compares a beautiful, blushing young woman to a swan with red cheeks ('Kannam sivandha annam').

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Aandavan thamizhanda / Endrum anbenum neriyaale

The second letters 'nd' in 'Aandavan' and 'Endrum' rhyme across consecutive lines.

Monaif (Alliteration)

Paandiyar kodi meedhu panbudan meen aada

Repetition of the initial 'P' sound in 'Paandiyar' and 'Panbudan'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by G. Ramanathan and sung powerfully by T. R. Mahalingam, this song remains an iconic anthem of Tamil pride. Lyricist Kannadasan skillfully weaves references to Sangam literature, ancient Tamil royal emblems (Fish, Bow, Tiger), and traditional female virtues into a popular cinematic melody.

Keep listening

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