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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Devi Devi Thaaye

From Bhakta Prahlada · 1967

Lyricist
Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
S. Rajeswara Rao
Details
Bhakta Prahlada1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Devi …..deviGoddess .....Goddess
Thaayae varam thandharul siva gowriyaeO Mother, grant me a boon, O Shiva Gowri!
Thamarai thaalinai naan panindhen thaayaeO Mother, I bow down to your lotus feet.
Female
Pathiyidam paadhiyaai iruppadhanaleAs you reside as half of your Lord's body,
Pathiyidam paadhiyaai iruppadhanaleAs you reside as half of your Lord's body,
Paraman thunaiyaal nalam perum deviO Goddess who bestows well-being with Paraman's support,
Paraman thunaiyaal nalam perum deviO Goddess who bestows well-being with Paraman's support,
Female
Kaalathin kodumai kanavanai pirindhenDue to the cruelty of time, I am separated from my husband,
Kaalathin kodumai kanavanai pirindhenDue to the cruelty of time, I am separated from my husband,
Kaanavae enakkarul thaaraaiGrant me grace so that I may see him!
Thaayae varam thandharul siva gowriyaeO Mother, grant me a boon, O Shiva Gowri!
Thamarai thaalinai naan panindhen thaayaeO Mother, I bow down to your lotus feet.
Female
Aaruyir naayagan thanimaiyilaeMy beloved soulmate in solitude,
Aaruyir naayagan thanimaiyilaeMy beloved soulmate in solitude,
Korathavathaal naligindraarooIs he suffering due to severe penance?
Korathavathaal naligindraarooIs he suffering due to severe penance?
Female
Thavam niraiveravae kavalaiyum theeravaeMay the penance be fulfilled and worries cease,
Thavam niraiveravae kavalaiyum theeravaeMay the penance be fulfilled and worries cease,
Viraindharul seivaai deviHasten to grant your grace, O Goddess!
Female
Thaayae varam thandharul siva gowriyaeO Mother, grant me a boon, O Shiva Gowri!
Thamarai thaalinai naan panindhen thaayaeO Mother, I bow down to your lotus feet.
Thaayae …thaayaeO Mother... O Mother!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant devotional song is sung by Queen Kayadhu (wife of Hiranyakashipu) in the 1967 mythological film 'Bhakta Prahlada'. She prays to Goddess Parvati (Shiva Gowri), seeking her blessings and divine grace during a period of painful separation from her husband, who has embarked on a severe penance in isolation. Kayadhu extolling the Goddess as Ardhanarishvari—the divine half of Lord Shiva—pleads for her husband's safety, the successful completion of his penance, and their speedy reunion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (உருவகம்)

Thamarai thaalinai naan panindhen thaayae

Lotus Feet ('Thamarai Thaal') metaphorically attributes the divine beauty and purity of a lotus flower to the Goddess's feet.

Personification

Kaalathin kodumai kanavanai pirindhen

Time ('Kaalam') is personified as cruel ('kodumai') for causing the separation between husband and wife.

Iyaibu / Internal Rhyme (இயைபு)

Thavam niraiveravae kavalaiyum theeravae

End-rhyming structure of 'niraiveravae' and 'theeravae' adds rhythmic, emotional cadence to the supplication.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Bhakta Prahlada' (1967) was a classic multi-lingual film produced by AVM Productions. Composed by legendary maestro S. Rajeswara Rao and rendered by S. Janaki, this song highlights classical Carnatic ragas used to convey pathos and earnest devotion.

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