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Lyrics & meaning

Appa Naan Venduthal

From Pudhu Vazhvu · 1957

Lyricist
Ramalinga Adigalar
Singer
M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Pudhu Vazhvu1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Appa naan vendudhal kettarul puridhal vendumOh Father, you must hear my prayer and shower your grace upon me.
Appa naan vendudhal kettarul puridhal vendumOh Father, you must hear my prayer and shower your grace upon me.
Aaruyirkatkellaam naan anbu seyal vendum….aaa…I must shower love and compassion upon all living souls.
Eppaarum eppadhamum enganum naan sendraeWherever I go, across all worlds and all realms,
Endhai nin arut pugazhai iyambidal vendum….aaa…My Father, I must sing and proclaim the glory of your divine grace.
Male
Seppaadha mel nilai mel sudhha siva maargamAbove the indescribable supreme state lies the pure path of Lord Shiva,
Thigazhndhonga arutjodhi seluthiyidal vendum…vendumMay the supreme light of grace shine brightly and guide us.
Seluthiyidal vendum….It must guide and lead us forward.
Naan seiyum thappaedhumWhatever mistakes I commit,
Naan seiyinum thappaedhum nee poruthal vendumEven if I commit faults, you must forgive them all,
Thalaivan unai piriyadha thagaimaiyum venduvanae….Oh Supreme Master, I pray for the divine state of never being separated from you.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soul-stirring devotional verse, composed by Saint Ramalinga Swamigal (Vallalar) and rendered by M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, is a profound prayer addressed to the Supreme Divine Father. The singer seeks four fundamental spiritual blessings: the ability to practice universal compassion (Jeevakarunyam) toward all living creatures, the opportunity to spread God's grace across all worlds, the guidance of the Grace-Light (Arutjodhi) along the path of Pure Truth (Suddha Sanmargam), and ultimate forgiveness for human shortcomings. The prayer culminates in a fervent plea for eternal, unbreakable union with the Almighty.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Apostrophe (Direct Address)

Appa naan vendudhal kettarul puridhal vendum

Directly addressing the Divine with intimacy and reverence using terms like 'Appa' (Father) and 'Thalaivan' (Master).

Anaphora / Iyaiputh Thodai (End Rhyme & Refrain)

Aaruyirkatkellaam naan anbu seyal vendum….aaa…

The repetitive ending with the word 'vendum' (must/implore) emphasizes intense spiritual longing and necessity.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Eppaarum eppadhamum enganum naan sendrae

Repetition of initial vowel sounds ('Eppaarum' / 'Endhai') creating rhythmic harmony.

Metaphor

Thigazhndhonga arutjodhi seluthiyidal vendum…vendum

Comparing divine wisdom and guidance to 'Arutjodhi' (Light of Divine Grace) that illuminates the ultimate spiritual path.

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Trivia

This song features verses from Ramalinga Swamigal's (Vallalar) sacred text 'Thiruvarutpa'. Sung by M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT) in the film 'Pudhu Vazhvu' (1957), it marked one of the memorable musical performances of MKT after his release from the infamous Lakshmikanthan murder trial, set to tunes by legendary composer G. Ramanathan.

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