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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Gnanapazhame Meignana

From Srivalli · 1961

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
T. R. Mahalingam, Chorus
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Movie name
Srivalli
Movie release year
1961
Lyrics added on
18 Jan 2025

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Gyaana pazhamae
Gyaana pazhamae meigyaana pazhamae
Gyaana pazhamae meigyaana pazhamae
Naan marai pugalum naadha naalum arulum
Gyaana pazhamae meigyaana pazhamae
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Chorus :Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Kaanurai valliyum kunjariyum magizha
Kaathirundhom kadhirvel muruga
Kaanurai valliyum kunjariyum magizha
Kaathirundhom kadhirvel muruga
Chorus :Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Kalaiselvam pugazh selvam
Sagala selvamum thandhu
Kalaiselvam pugazh selvam
Sagala selvamum thandhu
Kaatharulvaai sakthivel muruga
Kaatharulvaai sakthivel muruga
Chorus :Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
Shanmugha kugha muruga
O fruit of divine wisdom!
O fruit of divine wisdom, fruit of true knowledge!
O fruit of divine wisdom, fruit of true knowledge!
O Lord praised by the four Vedas, who bestows grace every day!
O fruit of divine wisdom, fruit of true knowledge!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
Chorus: O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
To bring joy to forest-dwelling Valli and Devayanai,
We have waited for you, O Muruga with the radiant spear!
To bring joy to forest-dwelling Valli and Devayanai,
We have waited for you, O Muruga with the radiant spear!
Chorus: O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
The wealth of arts and the wealth of fame,
Granting all kinds of prosperity,
The wealth of arts and the wealth of fame,
Granting all kinds of prosperity,
Protect and bless us, O Muruga with the mighty spear!
Protect and bless us, O Muruga with the mighty spear!
Chorus: O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
O Shanmukha, Guha, Muruga!
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

'Gyaana Pazhamae' is a classic Hindu devotional song dedicated to Lord Muruga, portraying Him as the very fruit and ultimate embodiment of true divine wisdom ('Gyaana'). The song praises Lord Muruga as the supreme deity reverenced by the four Vedas, invoking His holy names such as Shanmukha, Guha, and Kadhirvel. It also references His divine consorts—Valli, who hails from the forest, and Deivanai (Kunjari). The emotional core of the song lies in earnest surrender and prayer. The devotees request Lord Muruga to grant them artistic excellence ('Kalaiselvam'), glorious reputation ('Pugazh selvam'), and all forms of worldly and spiritual prosperity ('Sagala selvamum'), while asking for His eternal protection through His sacred spear (Sakthivel).

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Gyaana pazhamae meigyaana pazhamae

Lord Muruga is metaphorically praised as the 'Fruit of Wisdom' (Gyaana Pazham), personifying spiritual enlightenment as a divine fruit.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kaanurai valliyum kunjariyum magizha / Kaathirundhom kadhirvel muruga

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across consecutive lines creates rhythmic flow.

Anaphora / Repetition (Sol Niraivinipoli)

Shanmugha kugha muruga

The rhythmic chant of Lord Muruga's divine names is repeated like a mantra to intensify devotional fervor.

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Trivia

The 1961 film 'Srivalli' is a devotional classic based on the mythological story of Lord Muruga and Valli, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. Singer T. R. Mahalingam was renowned for his powerful, high-pitched vocal range and classical mastery, making his devotional renditions iconic in Tamil cinema history. The music by G. Ramanathan deeply incorporates traditional Carnatic ragas, making songs like this timeless spiritual classics.

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