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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ichai Kiliyendru

From Velum Mayilum Thunai · 1979

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Latha
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Velum Mayilum Thunai1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ichai kiliyendru somanukkuAs a parrot of desire, beside Lord Soma (Shiva),
Idamirukkum meenatchiResides Goddess Meenakshi.
Pachai kiliyendru maari vandhuTransforming into a green parrot,
Bhakthaikku kaatchi thandhaalShe appeared and gave darshan to her devotee.
Female
Dhakshan pettredutha thalir kodiyaeO tender vine born to King Daksha,
Thirumadhurai meenatchiMeenakshi of divine Madurai,
Nambhum adiyavarkkum nallavarkkumTo believing devotees and righteous people,
Naalellaam nee saatchiYou stand as an eternal witness every day.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional hymn composed by Kannadasan glorifies Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai. It describes her divine nature as the beloved consort sitting alongside Lord Shiva (Soma) and her loving grace in appearing before her devoted followers in the form of her iconographic green parrot. The song invokes her ancient lineage as Dakshayani (the tender vine born to Daksha) and highlights her role as an omnipresent, day-long witness and protector for all righteous and faithful devotees.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Pachai kiliyendru maari vandhu

The second consonant sound 'cha' (ch) rhymes between 'Ichai' (line 1) and 'Pachai' (line 3).

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Dhakshan pettredutha thalir kodiyae

Goddess Meenakshi is metaphorically called a 'thalir kodi' (tender vine) and an 'ichai kili' (parrot of desire).

Mounai (First-letter Alliteration)

Nambhum adiyavarkkum nallavarkkum

The 'Na' sound is repeated at the beginning of 'Nambhum', 'nallavarkkum', and 'Naalellaam'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Velum Mayilum Thunai' (1979) is a classic devotional film directed by Ra. Sankaran with music by the Shankar-Ganesh duo. Kannadasan's lyrics seamlessly integrate classical iconography—specifically Goddess Meenakshi's association with a green parrot and her mythological origins as Dakshayani—into accessible devotional poetry.

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