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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ayya Nin Karunai

From Kalyaniyin Kanavan · 1963

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Kalyaniyin Kanavan1963

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Male
Aiyaa nin karunai alavattarathendruOh Lord, knowing that your mercy is boundless and infinite,
Arigindra enthan nenjamae….This heart of mine understands...
Poiyaana vaazhvil pulan vaiththalandriApart from immersing my senses in this illusory life,
Pugazh vendi nindren konjamae….I stood seeking just a little fame...
Male
Kai kollumazhavu karunai nee thanthaaiYou bestowed grace in abundance, as much as my hands could hold,
Kadan theerkkum enthan panjamae….ae….Relieving the debt of my spiritual poverty...
Neiyaakki ennai nin dheepamaakkuMelt me into ghee and make me your lamp,
Nin paadham kolvaen thanjamae….I shall take absolute refuge at your feet...
Thanjamae…..ae…..ae….ae….ae….ae….ae..ae..ae…Refuge... (surrendering completely)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a deeply emotional prayer of surrender and spiritual awakening written by Kannadasan. The devotee reflects on their past mistakes of chasing temporary sensory pleasures and worldly fame in an impermanent life. Despite these human shortcomings, God's infinite grace pours forth abundantly, wiping away all spiritual poverty and hardship. In the climax of the prayer, the devotee offers complete self-surrender, asking God to consume their ego like ghee fueling a sacred lamp, ultimately finding supreme peace and salvation at the Lord's divine feet.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

“Neiyaakki ennai nin dheepamaakku”

The speaker asks to be transformed into 'ghee' (clarified butter) to fuel the divine lamp, symbolizing complete self-sacrifice, melting away of the ego, and ultimate devotion.

Initial Alliteration (Monai)

“Poiyaana vaazhvil pulan vaiththalandri / Pugazh vendi nindren konjamae….”

The repetition of the initial 'P' sound ('Poiyaana', 'pulan', 'Pugazh') enhances the musicality and rhythmic resonance of the lines.

Juxtaposition / Contrast (Muraan)

“Pugazh vendi nindren konjamae… / Kai kollumazhavu karunai nee thanthaai”

The poet contrasts human insignificance and selfish desire for 'a little fame' with the overwhelming, hand-filling abundance of divine mercy.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kalyaniyin Kanavan (1963) featured music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and starred Sivaji Ganesan alongside B. Saroja Devi. Kannadasan's lyrics in this song showcase his signature philosophical depth, blending personal remorse with profound devotional surrender.

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