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Lyrics & meaning

Ambigai Naadagam

From Sakthi Leelai · 1972

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
T. K. Ramamoorthy
Details
Sakthi Leelai1972

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai
Agilam muluthum iyakkumShe who moves and orchestrates the entire universe
Aval mandhira punnagai kandenI witnessed her magical, enchanted smile
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai
Agilam muluthum iyakkumShe who moves and orchestrates the entire universe
Aval mandhira punnagai kandenI witnessed her magical, enchanted smile
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai
Female
Ponnidam poonkoondhal sathiradavumHer golden, flower-adorned tresses dance gracefully
Minnalil uruvaana idaiyaadavumHer waist, formed as if from lightning, sways in rhythm
Ponnidam poonkoondhal sathiradavumHer golden, flower-adorned tresses dance gracefully
Minnalil uruvaana idaiyaadavumHer waist, formed as if from lightning, sways in rhythm
Female
Vennira poopola nudhalaadavumHer forehead sways gently like a white flower
Vennira poopola nudhalaadavumHer forehead sways gently like a white flower
Vizhigalil …nadamidumDancing within her eyes...
Vizhigalil nadamidumDancing within her eyes
Kanaigal pazhagum azhagum inaiyumThe beauty of her sharp, arrow-like eyes unites
Female
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai
Agilam muluthum iyakkumShe who moves and orchestrates the entire universe
Aval mandhira punnagai kandenI witnessed her magical, enchanted smile
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai
Female
Santhana kumbam rendu sendadavumAs two sandalwood pots come together
Thangiya kangal ennum vandaadavumHer eyes dance like hovering bees
Santhana kumbam rendu sendadavumAs two sandalwood pots come together
Thangiya kangal ennum vandaadavumHer eyes dance like hovering bees
Sundhara mugam kandu mana maadavumBeholding her captivating face, the mind dances in joy
Sundhara mugam kandu mana maadavumBeholding her captivating face, the mind dances in joy
Female
Iravilum pagalilum avalaiyaeNight and day, contemplating only her
Ninaivadhu sugamena varugiraarThey come, finding joy in remembering her
Arivilum uravilum avalaiyeIn knowledge and in relationships, reaching her
Adaivathu pugazhena ninaikiraarThey consider to be the highest glory
Mangaiyar poongodi sengani thaen mozhiA maiden like a flowering vine, with sweet honeyed speech
Ammanai kandathum vandhadhu vaazhvadiUpon seeing the Mother, life's purpose is fulfilled
Arasanum kudigalum dharisanamKings and subjects alike come for her divine sight
Avalukkum enakkum poruthamThere is a deep cosmic harmony between her and me
Female
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai
Agilam muluthum iyakkumShe who moves and orchestrates the entire universe
Aval mandhira punnagai kandenI witnessed her magical, enchanted smile
Ambigai nadagamThe drama of Goddess Ambigai

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Ambigai Nadagam' from Sakthi Leelai (1972) is a devotional extolment celebrating the divine play and captivating beauty of Goddess Sakthi (Ambigai). Kannadasan's lyrics depict the entire cosmos as a divine theater governed by Ambigai's charming smile and graceful movements. Her physical grace—from her flower-laden hair and lightning-thin waist to her arrow-like eyes—is described using vivid classical poetic imagery. The song further illustrates the universal devotion she commands, noting that both royalty and common citizens seek her divine presence day and night. Achieving union with her through wisdom and devotion is portrayed as the ultimate purpose of human life, culminating in a sense of harmony between the devotee and the Goddess.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani (Simile)

Minnalil uruvaana idaiyaadavum

Comparing the waist's slender swiftness to lightning ('Minnalil uruvaana idai') and the eyes to honeybees ('vandaadavum').

Rupaka (Metaphor)

Ambigai nadagam

Describing the physical world and divine acts as a theatrical play ('Ambigai nadagam').

Iyaibu (Rhyme / End Rhyme)

Ponnidam poonkoondhal sathiradavum

Use of matching verbal suffixes '-aadavum' creating rhythmic flow across lines.

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Kanaigal pazhagum azhagum inaiyum

Comparing eyes to sharp arrows ('Kanaigal') that strike with beauty.

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Trivia

Sakthi Leelai (1972) was a popular devotional mythological film featuring music composed by T. K. Ramamoorthy after his separation from the famed M. S. Viswanathan duo. P. Susheela's rendition of this song remains a celebrated classic in Tamil devotional film music.

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