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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Idhuvae Punyabhoomi

From Harichandra -1944 Film · 1944

Lyricist
C. A. Lakshmana Das
Singer
P. U. Chinnappa
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Harichandra -1944 Film1944

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Idhuvae punyabhoomi unmaiThis is truly the holy land in truth.
Idhuvae punyabhoomiThis is the holy land.
Jegadheesa naadal maevum bhoomiThe land graced by the rule of the Lord of the Universe.
Idhuvae punyabhoomiThis is the holy land.
Jegadheesa naadal maevum bhoomiThe land graced by the rule of the Lord of the Universe.
Idhuvae punyabhoomiThis is the holy land.
Male
Podhuvil gnaana bhogabhoomiIn general, a land of wisdom and cosmic enjoyment.
Podhuvil gnaana bhogabhoomiIn general, a land of wisdom and cosmic enjoyment.
Bhoodha ghosha bhoomiThe land echoing with the sounds of all living beings and elements.
Male
Mahaa raaja yoga bhoomiThe land of supreme royal yoga.
Bhoodha ghosa bhoomiThe land echoing with the sounds of all living beings and elements.
Mahaa raaja yoga bhoomiThe land of supreme royal yoga.
Chadhurvinodha vaedha dhyaanaMeditation on the four delightfully pleasant Vedas,
Saaram maevum motchabhoomiThe land of salvation embodying their true essence.
Chadhurvinodha vaedha dhyaanaMeditation on the four delightfully pleasant Vedas,
Saaram maevum motchabhoomiThe land of salvation embodying their true essence.
Male
Idhuvae punyabhoomiThis is the holy land.
Jegadheesa naadal maevum bhoomiThe land graced by the rule of the Lord of the Universe.
Idhuvae punyabhoomiThis is the holy land.
Male
Idartheerar thaazhndhaalumEven if great saviors and noble souls fall low,
Iyaoozh vidaadhu maelumRelentless fate and karma will not leave them.
Idartheerar thaazhndhaalumEven if great saviors and noble souls fall low,
Iyaoozh vidaadhu maelumRelentless fate and karma will not leave them.
Madamaiyaasai maadhar saeyarIgnorant desires, women, and children,
Madamaiyaasai maadhar saeyarIgnorant desires, women, and children,
Madamaiyaasai maadhar saeyarIgnorant desires, women, and children,
Mattrullorum saambalAnd all others will ultimately turn to ash.
Pughazh pettra paerum saambalEven those who attained immense fame will turn to ash.
Mattrullorum saambalAnd all others will ultimately turn to ash.
Pughazh pettra paerum saambalEven those who attained immense fame will turn to ash.
Oru kudaiyin keezh arasaala sengolThose who ruled under a single royal umbrella holding the scepter,
Kondapaerum saambalEven those great kings will turn to ash.
Oru kudaiyin keezh arasaala sengolThose who ruled under a single royal umbrella holding the scepter,
Kondapaerum saambalEven those great kings will turn to ash.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1944 Tamil movie 'Harichandra' reflects deep spiritual wisdom and the classical philosophical theme of 'Mayana Vairagyam' (cremation ground detachment). The initial portion exalts the sacredness of the land, describing it as a divine realm governed by the Lord of the Universe, enriched with Vedic chantings, spiritual yoga, and wisdom. In the second half, the song transitions to a profound contemplation on mortality and impermanence. It highlights that regardless of one's heroic stature, familial attachments, fame, or supreme royal authority over vast kingdoms, fate pursues everyone equally, and all worldly pride and bodies ultimately reduce to ash.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Idhuvae punyabhoomi / Mattrullorum saambal

The repetitive usage of 'bhoomi' (land) in the first half and 'saambal' (ashes) in the second half creates a strong rhythmic end rhyme (Iyaipu) emphasizing contrast between sacred life and ultimate mortality.

Monaiviruhttham (Initial Alliteration / Refrain)

Madamaiyaasai maadhar saeyar

The repetition of 'Madamaiyaasai maadhar saeyar' creates an alliterative cadence that highlights worldly attachments.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Oru kudaiyin keezh arasaala sengol Kondapaerum saambal

'Oru kudaiyin keezh arasaala sengol' (ruling under a single umbrella with a scepter) serves as a classic metaphor for sovereign imperial authority, which is starkly contrasted with turning into 'saambal' (ashes).

Did you know?

Trivia

The 1944 Tamil film 'Harichandra' starred P. U. Chinnappa in the title role. The story follows King Harichandra, renowned for his uncompromising truthfulness, who loses his kingdom, family, and status, eventually serving as a guard at a cremation ground. Songs like this capture the core thematic essence of Harishchandra's trials at the cremation grounds.

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