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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Amba Pethaikku Irangi

From Kanavaney Kankanda Deivam · 1955

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
P. Leela
Music directors
A. Rama Rao, Hemant Kumar
Details
Kanavaney Kankanda Deivam1955

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ambaa paedhaikkiranguvadhu vambaaO Mother Goddess, is showing mercy to this innocent girl a burden?
Vaeru gadhi yaedhu jagadhambaaO Mother of the Universe, what other refuge do I have?
Paedhaikkiranguvadhu vambaaIs showing mercy to this innocent girl a burden?
Vaeru gadhi yaedhu jagadhambaaO Mother of the Universe, what other refuge do I have?
Female
Kan pol enai valartha thandhaiMy father who raised me like his own eyes,
Iru kan pera yengum en sindhaiMy mind longs for him to regain both his eyes.
Kan pol enai valartha thandhaiMy father who raised me like his own eyes,
Iru kan pera yengum en sindhaiMy mind longs for him to regain both his eyes.
Kalakkam theerumo karunai varumoWill my distress end? Will your grace shower upon me?
Kalakkam theerumo karunai varumoWill my distress end? Will your grace shower upon me?
Female
JagadhambaaO Mother of the Universe!
Paedhaikkiranguvadhu vambaaIs showing mercy to this innocent girl a burden?
Vaeru ghadhi yaedhu jagadhambaaO Mother of the Universe, what other refuge do I have?
Female
Naaga logham sendravaraiWill I see the one who went to the World of Serpents,
Kan kulira kanbaenoTo my heart's delight with soothing eyes?
Naaga logham sendravaraiWill I see the one who went to the World of Serpents,
Kan kulira kanbaenoTo my heart's delight with soothing eyes?
Jeyamenum madhura mozhi kaetppenoWill I hear the sweet word of victory?
Jeyamenum madhura mozhi kaetppenoWill I hear the sweet word of victory?
Kanavaamo nin thiruvulam edhuvo dheviIs this a dream, or what is your divine will, O Goddess?
Nin thiruvulam edhuvo dheviWhat is your divine will, O Goddess?
Female
JagadhambaaO Mother of the Universe!
Paedhaikkiranguvadhu vambaaIs showing mercy to this innocent girl a burden?
Vaeru ghadhi yaedhu jagadhambaaO Mother of the Universe, what other refuge do I have?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant devotional song expresses a young woman's sincere prayer to the Divine Mother, Jagadhambaa. Distressed by her family's misfortune, she prays for her blind father—who lovingly raised her like his own eyes—to regain his sight. She also anxiously prays for the safety and success of her beloved, who has journeyed to Naaga Lokam (the realm of serpents), seeking a sweet message of his victory and safe return.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Kan pol enai valartha thandhai

Compares the father's loving care to protecting one's own eyes ('Kan pol enai valartha thandhai').

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Ambaa paedhaikkiranguvadhu vambaa

The second consonant 'mb' rhymes across lines ('Ambaa', 'vambaa', 'Jagadhambaa').

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Kalakkam theerumo karunai varumo

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in 'Kalakkam' and 'karunai'.

Refrain (Pallavi repetition)

Vaeru gadhi yaedhu jagadhambaa

The line calling out to Jagadhambaa repeats throughout the song to emphasize emotional helplessness and surrender.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kanavaney Kankanda Deivam (1955) was a major hit starring Gemini Ganesan and Anjali Devi. Written by legendary Carnatic composer Papanasam Sivan, the song features classical depth and emotional devotion typical of his legendary compositions.

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