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Macha Rekai album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Devi Jeganmatha

From Macha Rekai · 1950

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
T. R. Mahalingam
Music director
C. R. Subbaraman
Movie name
Macha Rekai
Movie release year
1950
Lyrics added on
15 Dec 2023

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Devi jaganmatha
Devi jaganmatha naan unnai
Thedi vandhen amma
Tharunamindrae arul puriyum
Devi jaganmatha naan unnai
Thedi vandhen amma
Tharunamindrae arul puriyum
Devi jaganmatha
Thaaviyae anaitha thaayum engae..haa..aa
Thaaviyae anaitha thaayum engae..
Thaarani mel naan undhan seyaningae ennai
Thaaviyae anaitha thaayum engae
Thaarani mel naan undhan seyaningae
Thaamarai neerpola thavithu nindren
Naan thaamarai neerpola thavithu nindren
Sathiya maevum buvanaraani enaiyaal
Thanjam sadha karuna sei maakaali
Devi jaganmatha
Puvirajan endrennai pugalndhaal enna
Vetri pordhanil pugazh maalai anindhaal enna
Puvirajan endrennai pugalndhaal enna
Vetri pordhanil pugazh maalai anindhaal enna
Boodha meedhae sodhanai aagathae
Boodha meedhae sodhanai aagathae
Pottrugindren nee thunai seivaai ambaa
Devi jaganmatha naan unnai
Thedi vandhen amma
Tharunamindrae arul puriyum
Devi jaganmatha ..jaganmathaa
O Goddess, Mother of the universe!
O Goddess, Mother of the universe,
I have come seeking you, O Mother!
This is the very moment to grant your grace,
O Goddess, Mother of the universe,
I have come seeking you, O Mother!
This is the very moment to grant your grace,
O Goddess, Mother of the universe!
Where is the mother who rushed to embrace me? Ah...
Where is the mother who rushed to embrace me?
Here I am, your child upon this earth, where is the mother
Who rushed to embrace me?
Here I am, your child upon this earth!
I stand in restless agony like water on a lotus leaf,
I stand in restless agony like water on a lotus leaf!
O Queen of the universe filled with truth, rule over my life!
I surrender at your feet; show your endless mercy, O Mahakali!
O Goddess, Mother of the universe!
What does it matter if the world praises me as king?
What does it matter if I wear garlands of victory in battle?
What does it matter if the world praises me as king?
What does it matter if I wear garlands of victory in battle?
Do not put me to such a trial on this earth,
Do not put me to such a trial on this earth!
I praise you with all my heart; stand by me, O Mother!
O Goddess, Mother of the universe,
I have come seeking you, O Mother!
This is the very moment to grant your grace,
O Goddess, Mother of the universe... Mother of the universe!
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Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song is a deeply emotional devotional prayer addressed to the Supreme Mother (Devi/Mahakali). The protagonist surrenders to the Divine, expressing anguish and seeking urgent grace and protection from earthly tribulations. Even if worldly accolades and regal power are bestowed upon him, he finds them meaningless without the spiritual security of the Mother's love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Simile)

Thaamarai neerpola thavithu nindren

Compares the protagonist's restless state of mind and vulnerability to a drop of water resting unstable on a lotus leaf ('Thaamarai neerpola thavithu nindren').

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Thaaviyae anaitha thaayum engae..

Repetition of the initial letter 'Thaa' across successive lines to create rhythmic flow ('Thaaviyae', 'Thaarani', 'Thaamarai').

Iyaibhu (End Rhyme)

Puvirajan endrennai pugalndhaal enna

Repetition of ending refrain 'enna' to accentuate the futility of worldly achievements.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Macha Rekai' (1950) featured music by the legendary composer C. R. Subbaraman and was produced under Sri Sukumar Productions starring T. R. Mahalingam, who also rendered this song in his signature high-pitched, powerful classical style.

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