Ezhaigalin
From Thambi Durai · 1997
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Thambi Durai1997
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Ezhaigalin saamiyae | O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Chorus | |
| Ezhaigalin saamiyae | O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Male | |
| Unna kumbidaama iruppavan | One who does not worship you, |
| Somaariyammaa | Is a lazy good-for-nothing! |
| Chorus | |
| Ezhaigalin saamiyae | O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Male | |
| Madhura meenaatchi | Madurai Meenakshi, |
| Kaanji kaamaatchi | Kanchi Kamakshi, |
| Kaasi visaalaatchi | Kashi Visalakshi, |
| Panakkaara saami thaan | Are all deities for the rich! |
| Male | |
| Ezhaigalin saamiyae | O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Chorus | |
| Ezhaigalin saamiyae | O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Male | |
| Kaasu illaadhavan | Without letting a person without money, |
| Kitta varaamalae | Even come close to them, |
| Katti kaappaathura koyil undu | There are temples built to guard wealth, |
| Ezha vandhaalumae | Even if a poor person comes, |
| Koozha thandhaalumae | Or offers simple porridge, |
| Yetrum un koiyil pol engae undu | Where else is a temple like yours that accepts it? |
| Male | |
| Aaththaa un kannaala | Mother, if with your eyes, |
| Paathaalae thannaalae | You merely look, automatically, |
| Aanandham undaagum | Joy will arise, |
| Ellorkkum innaalae | For everyone on this day! |
| Veppilaiyil selai katti | Draped in a saree of neem leaves, |
| Veetrirukkum dheviyae | O Goddess who is enthroned! |
| Chorus | |
| Unna kumbidaama iruppavan | One who does not worship you, |
| Somaariyammaa | Is a lazy good-for-nothing! |
| Chorus | |
| Ezhaigalin saamiyae | O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Male | |
| Ammaa un kaatchiyaa | Mother, is it your divine vision? |
| Ingae un saatchiyaa | Is it your living witness here? |
| Kanni penn shenbagam vandhaalammaa | The maiden Shenbagam has arrived, O Mother! |
| Aaththaa un naakku thaan | Mother, it is your tongue indeed, |
| Koorum nal vaakku thaan | That utters good words of prophecy, |
| Kettaa ennaalumae sonnaalammaa | When asked, she spoke at all times, O Mother! |
| Male | |
| Poo pookkum kaadellaam | All the forests will bloom with flowers, |
| Ponnaagum mannellaam | All the soil will turn to gold, |
| Kaappaathum ammaava | The Mother who protects us, |
| Kondaadum oorellaam | The entire village celebrates! |
| Paambu endrum vembu endrum | Appearing as a snake and as a neem tree, |
| Thondrugindra maari | Such is Goddess Maari who manifests! |
| Chorus | |
| {Ezhaigalin saamiyae | {O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa} (2) | Goddess Maariyamma!} (x2) |
| Male | |
| Unna kumbidaama iruppavan | One who does not worship you, |
| Somaariyammaa | Is a lazy good-for-nothing! |
| Chorus | |
| Ezhaigalin saamiyae | O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Male | |
| Madhura meenaatchi | Madurai Meenakshi, |
| Kaanji kaamaatchi | Kanchi Kamakshi, |
| Kaasi visaalaatchi | Kashi Visalakshi, |
| Panakkaara saami thaan | Are all deities for the rich! |
| Chorus | |
| {Ezhaigalin saamiyae | {O deity of the poor, |
| Maariyammaa | Goddess Maariyamma! |
| Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae | O deity of our Irukkangudi, |
| Maariyammaa} (2) | Goddess Maariyamma!} (x2) |
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
குழு :
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!
உன்னக் கும்பிடாம
இருப்பவன் சோமாரியம்மா
குழு :
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!
மதுர மீனாட்சி காஞ்சி காமாட்சி
காசி விசாலாட்சி பணக்கார சாமிதான்
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
One who does not worship you,
Is a lazy good-for-nothing!
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!
காசு இல்லாதவன் கிட்ட வராமலே
கட்டிக் காப்பாத்துற கோயில் உண்டு
ஏழ வந்தாலுமே கூழ தந்தாலுமே
ஏற்றும் உன் கோயில்போல் எங்கே உண்டு
Madurai Meenakshi,
Kanchi Kamakshi,
Kashi Visalakshi,
Are all deities for the rich!
ஆண் குழு :
பெத்தெடுத்த தாயாட்டம்
குத்தம் கொற பாக்காம
பக்தருக்கு காட்சி தர
காசு பணம் கேக்காம
O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!
பெண் குழு :
மக்களையே ஆதரிக்கும்
மாரியம்மன் நீதானே
மண்ணுலகம் வாழ்த்தோதும்
பெண்ணரசி பொன் மானே
O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!
ஆத்தா உன் கண்ணால
பாத்தாலே தன்னாலே
ஆனந்தம் உண்டாகும்
எல்லோர்க்கும் இந்நாளே
வேப்பிலையில் சேலைகட்டி
வீற்றிருக்கும் தேவியே
Without letting a person without money,
Even come close to them,
There are temples built to guard wealth,
Even if a poor person comes,
Or offers simple porridge,
Where else is a temple like yours that accepts it?
பெண் குழு :
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
ஆண் குழு :
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
Mother, if with your eyes,
You merely look, automatically,
Joy will arise,
For everyone on this day!
Draped in a saree of neem leaves,
O Goddess who is enthroned!
உன்னக் கும்பிடாம
இருப்பவன் சோமாரியம்மா
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
One who does not worship you,
Is a lazy good-for-nothing!
அம்மா உன் காட்சியா
இங்கே உன் சாட்சியா
கன்னிப்பெண் செண்பகம் வந்தாளம்மா
ஆத்தா உன் நாக்குதான்
கூறும் நல்வாக்குதான்
கேட்டா எந்நாளுமே சொன்னாளம்மா
O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!
ஆண் குழு :
நல்ல குறி நீதானே
சொல்ல வேணும் வாயாலே
நன்ம வந்து சேராதோ
காவல் நிக்கும் தாயாலே
Mother, is it your divine vision?
Is it your living witness here?
The maiden Shenbagam has arrived, O Mother!
Mother, it is your tongue indeed,
That utters good words of prophecy,
When asked, she spoke at all times, O Mother!
பெண் குழு :
பூச வச்ச பானையில
பொங்க வைப்போம் எல்லாரும்
மாவிளக்க நெய்ய விட்டு
ஏத்தி வைப்போம் நாள் தோறும்
All the forests will bloom with flowers,
All the soil will turn to gold,
The Mother who protects us,
The entire village celebrates!
Appearing as a snake and as a neem tree,
Such is Goddess Maari who manifests!
பூப்பூக்கும் காடெல்லாம்
பொன்னாகும் மண்ணெல்லாம்
காப்பாத்தும் அம்மாவ
கொண்டாடும் ஊரெல்லாம்
பாம்பு என்றும் வேம்பு என்றும்
தோன்றுகின்ற மாரியே
{O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!} (x2)
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
One who does not worship you,
Is a lazy good-for-nothing!
உன்னக் கும்பிடாம
இருப்பவன் சோமாரியம்மா
குழு :
ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா
O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!
மதுர மீனாட்சி காஞ்சி காமாட்சி
காசி விசாலாட்சி பணக்கார சாமிதான்
குழு :
{ஏழைகளின் சாமியே மாரியம்மா
எங்க எருக்கங்குடி தெய்வமே மாரியம்மா} (2)
Madurai Meenakshi,
Kanchi Kamakshi,
Kashi Visalakshi,
Are all deities for the rich!
{O deity of the poor,
Goddess Maariyamma!
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Goddess Maariyamma!} (x2)
Ezhaigalin saamiyae
O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Ezhaigalin saamiyae
O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Unna kumbidaama iruppavan
One who does not worship you,
Somaariyammaa
Is a lazy good-for-nothing!
Ezhaigalin saamiyae
O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Madhura meenaatchi
Madurai Meenakshi,
Kaanji kaamaatchi
Kanchi Kamakshi,
Kaasi visaalaatchi
Kashi Visalakshi,
Panakkaara saami thaan
Are all deities for the rich!
Ezhaigalin saamiyae
O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Ezhaigalin saamiyae
O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Kaasu illaadhavan
Without letting a person without money,
Kitta varaamalae
Even come close to them,
Katti kaappaathura koyil undu
There are temples built to guard wealth,
Ezha vandhaalumae
Even if a poor person comes,
Koozha thandhaalumae
Or offers simple porridge,
Yetrum un koiyil pol engae undu
Where else is a temple like yours that accepts it?
Aaththaa un kannaala
Mother, if with your eyes,
Paathaalae thannaalae
You merely look, automatically,
Aanandham undaagum
Joy will arise,
Ellorkkum innaalae
For everyone on this day!
Veppilaiyil selai katti
Draped in a saree of neem leaves,
Veetrirukkum dheviyae
O Goddess who is enthroned!
Unna kumbidaama iruppavan
One who does not worship you,
Somaariyammaa
Is a lazy good-for-nothing!
Ezhaigalin saamiyae
O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Ammaa un kaatchiyaa
Mother, is it your divine vision?
Ingae un saatchiyaa
Is it your living witness here?
Kanni penn shenbagam vandhaalammaa
The maiden Shenbagam has arrived, O Mother!
Aaththaa un naakku thaan
Mother, it is your tongue indeed,
Koorum nal vaakku thaan
That utters good words of prophecy,
Kettaa ennaalumae sonnaalammaa
When asked, she spoke at all times, O Mother!
Poo pookkum kaadellaam
All the forests will bloom with flowers,
Ponnaagum mannellaam
All the soil will turn to gold,
Kaappaathum ammaava
The Mother who protects us,
Kondaadum oorellaam
The entire village celebrates!
Paambu endrum vembu endrum
Appearing as a snake and as a neem tree,
Thondrugindra maari
Such is Goddess Maari who manifests!
{Ezhaigalin saamiyae
{O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa} (2)
Goddess Maariyamma!} (x2)
Unna kumbidaama iruppavan
One who does not worship you,
Somaariyammaa
Is a lazy good-for-nothing!
Ezhaigalin saamiyae
O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Madhura meenaatchi
Madurai Meenakshi,
Kaanji kaamaatchi
Kanchi Kamakshi,
Kaasi visaalaatchi
Kashi Visalakshi,
Panakkaara saami thaan
Are all deities for the rich!
{Ezhaigalin saamiyae
{O deity of the poor,
Maariyammaa
Goddess Maariyamma!
Enga yerukkangudi dheivamae
O deity of our Irukkangudi,
Maariyammaa} (2)
Goddess Maariyamma!} (x2)
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
The song 'Ezhaigalin saamiyae' from the movie 'Thambi Durai' (1997) is a folk devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, specifically referencing the renowned Irukkangudi Mariamman temple in Tamil Nadu. Lyricist Vaali humorously and affectionately contrasts traditional, grand temple deities (Meenakshi, Kamakshi, Visalakshi) as gods of the rich with Mariamman, who is celebrated as the compassionate protector of the poor and downtrodden. She readily accepts humble offerings like porridge (koozh) and neem leaves, welcoming all devotees regardless of wealth. Narratively and emotionally, the song captures a festive village atmosphere. It weaves themes of divine prophecy, agricultural prosperity, and local folklore—where the Goddess manifests through sacred snakes, neem trees, and spiritual possession—bringing joy, protection, and unity to the entire rural community.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Madhura meenaatchi / Kaanji kaamaatchi / Kaasi visaalaatchi”
The matching end suffix '-aatchi' across these consecutive lines creates a rhythmic, musical rhyming scheme.
Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Ezha vandhaalumae / Koozha thandhaalumae”
The second consonant sound 'zha' (ழ) repeats in 'Ezha' and 'Koozha', fulfilling classic Tamil second-letter rhyming rules.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Poo pookkum kaadellaam / Ponnaagum mannellaam”
Initial consonant sounds ('Poo' / 'Pon') repeat at the beginning of consecutive lines.
Muran (Juxtaposition / Contrast)
“Panakkaara saami thaan vs. Ezhaigalin saamiyae”
Contrasts 'gods of the wealthy' with the Goddess who belongs specifically to 'the poor'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the legendary lyricist Vaali, this song honors Irukkangudi Mariamman, a hugely popular folk shrine located in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. Vaali uses colloquial Tamil slang (such as calling a non-believer a 'somaari' or lazy bum) to capture the authentic, informal relationship rural devotees share with their village deity.
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