- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Sivagami
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Jun 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Arpudha Leelaigalai' is a profound devotional composition praising Lord Shiva's divine sports and boundless mercy. Written by Papanasam Sivan and rendered by M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, the song addresses Shiva as the ruler of the universe (Agilaanda Naayagan) and Supreme Consciousness (Sithparan). It highlights Shiva's forgiving nature towards the errors of His devotees and his protective grace. The lyrics explicitly refer to famous Saivite Thiruvilaiyadal (divine sports) in Madurai and Chidambaram, such as Lord Shiva walking as a mediator to the residence of Paravai Nachiyar for His devotee Sundarar out of fondness for devotional music, and carrying firewood on His head as a vendor to protect musician Banabhadra. The singer surrenders completely to God's enigmatic play, acknowledging that while Shiva tests human beings, He ultimately bestows eternal bliss alongside Goddess Parvati and dispels all grief.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question
“Arpudha leelaigalai yaararivaar”
The phrase 'yaar arivaar' (who can comprehend?) is used repeatedly to emphasize the unfathomable, mysterious nature of Lord Shiva's divine acts.
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Unnai katti maraippaai / Ennai aatti alaipaai”
Rhyming of the second consonant 'n' between 'Unnai' and 'Ennai' creates a rhythmic cadence in the verse.
Mythological Allusion (Thiruvilaiyadal)
“Paattilaasaiyaal andru paravaimanai / Thoodhu nadanthava viragu sumandhava”
Refers directly to Lord Shiva's divine acts recorded in Tamil Saivite literature: serving as a messenger to Paravaiyar for Saint Sundarar and carrying firewood for Banabhadra.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Oottuvai thunbam ottuvaai”
Contrasts the act of granting joy ('inbam oottuvai') with driving away pain ('thunbam ottuvaai').
Did you know?
Trivia
'Arpudha Leelaigalai' was composed by Papanasam Sivan for the 1960 film 'Sivagami', scored by K. V. Mahadevan. It features one of the last recorded cinematic performances of the legendary Carnatic singer-actor M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT), released after his demise in 1959. The song showcases MKT's iconic vocal range and emotional depth in high-pitch Carnatic devotional style.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Sivagami
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.