Illai Enban Yaarada
From Annai Abirami · 1972
- Lyricist
- Lyricist Not Known
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
- Details
- Annai Abirami1972
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Annai irukkum idam paaradaa | Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend! |
| Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Annai irukkum idam paaradaa | Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend! |
| Female | |
| Ulagin aadhaara jjanani maakaali | She is the foundation of the world, Mother Mahakali! |
| Maraiyum melaana agila naayagiyai | She is the supreme ruler of the universe, superior even to the sacred scriptures! |
| Female | |
| Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Annai irukkum idam paaradaa | Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend! |
| Female | |
| Agala kumari varum kadalum uyar karaiyil | On the high shores where the expansive sea meets Kanyakumari, |
| Agila puvanamarul annaiyae | Oh Mother who blesses the entire universe! |
| Chorus :Annaiyae… | Chorus: Oh Mother... |
| Female :Nilaiyil oru sirithum thalarvum azhivumilai | Female: She has no weakness or destruction in Her eternal state, |
| Nimalar oli kumari kanniyae…. | Oh flawless, radiant virgin Maiden! |
| Chorus :Kanniyae…. | Chorus: Oh Maiden... |
| Female :Annaiyae kanniyaai minnuvaal | Female: Mother shines eternally as the divine Maiden! |
| Chorus :Annaiyae kanniyaai minnuvaal | Chorus: Mother shines eternally as the divine Maiden! |
| Female | |
| Avalai illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Annai irukkum idam paaradaa | Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend! |
| Female | |
| Mamadurai vaazhum maharaniyae | Oh Queen residing in the great city of Madurai! |
| Bhoomiyil uyir yaavum arul deviyae | Oh Goddess who bestows grace upon all living beings on Earth! |
| Mamadurai vaazhum maharaniyae | Oh Queen residing in the great city of Madurai! |
| Bhoomiyil uyir yaavum arul deviyae | Oh Goddess who bestows grace upon all living beings on Earth! |
| Female | |
| Namaval adi meedhu panivomadaa | Let us bow down at Her divine feet, my friend! |
| Naadiya porul yaavum arulvaaladaa | She will grant whatever wish or blessing we seek, my friend! |
| Namaval adi meedhu panivomadaa | Let us bow down at Her divine feet, my friend! |
| Chorus :Panivomadaa | Chorus: Let us bow down, my friend! |
| Female :Naadiya porul yaavum arulvaaladaa | Female: She will grant whatever wish or blessing we seek, my friend! |
| Chorus :Arulvaaladaa | Chorus: She will grant it, my friend! |
| Female | |
| Magaththaana kalaiyarivu edhu kelu athu tharuvaal | Ask for great artistic knowledge and wisdom, She will grant it! |
| Magaththaana kalaiyarivu edhu kelu athu tharuvaal | Ask for great artistic knowledge and wisdom, She will grant it! |
| Ninainthu ninainthu kuzhainthu kuzhainthu | Thinking of Her repeatedly and melting with devotion, |
| Ulam magizhnthaadu | Dance with a joyful heart! |
| Female | |
| Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Annai illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says the Mother does not exist, my friend? |
| Female | |
| Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal | She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram, |
| Aaa…aa…aa….aa….aa…aa…. | Aaa...aa...aa...aa...aa...aa... |
| Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal | She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram, |
| Kaasiyil visalatchi thunaiyirupaal | She stays as a supportive presence as Visalakshi in Kasi, |
| Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal | She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram, |
| Kaasiyil visalatchi thunaiyirupaal | She stays as a supportive presence as Visalakshi in Kasi, |
| Female | |
| Kannil karunai pozhinthiduvaal | She showers compassion from Her divine eyes, |
| Annai avarai arinthiduvaal | Mother knows and understands Her devotees, |
| Mannilae yaavarum annaiyin perarul | Everyone on this earth lives in the supreme grace |
| Thannilae vaazhgiraar | Flowing from Her presence! |
| Female | |
| Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa… | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Chorus :Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa…. | Chorus: Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Female | |
| Thirukadavoorinil abhiramiyaai | As Abhirami in Thirukaddavur, |
| Thirukadavoorinil abhiramiyaai | As Abhirami in Thirukaddavur, |
| Thigazhpaval kaalanai urundodavae | She who shines made Yama, the God of Death, roll away, |
| Thiruppatham veesina kadhal keladaa | Hear the grand tale of how She swung Her sacred foot! |
| Dhinam dhinam thaayinai pugazhvomadaa | Let us praise the Mother day after day, my friend! |
| Chorus :Dhinam dhinam thaayinai pugazhvomadaa | Chorus: Let us praise the Mother day after day, my friend! |
| Female | |
| Vaanaga kathirai maamathi sudarai | Who created the sun's rays and the moon's gentle light? |
| Bhoomiyai suzhala vaiththaval yaar | Who made the Earth revolve in its orbit? |
| Kaanavarkkum uyar vaanavarkkum | To mortals, elevated celestial beings, and the Holy Trinity, |
| Arul moovarkkum mathi thanthaval yaar | Who bestowed supreme wisdom upon them all? |
| Female | |
| Aadhi thyaapari aanaval yaar | Who became the primeval, all-pervading Goddess? |
| Aayiram aayiram peyarudaiyaal | She who possesses thousands upon thousands of sacred names! |
| Theeyinil meviya soodaavaal | She became the intrinsic heat residing inside fire, |
| Neerinil than thuli thaanaavaal | She became the cool droplet existing inside water, |
| Neeliyai… | As Neeli... |
| Chorus :Neeliyai… | Chorus: As Neeli... |
| Female :Sooliyai… | Female: As Sooli... |
| Chorus :Sooliyai | Chorus: As Sooli... |
| Female :Kaaliyai | Female: As Kali... |
| Chorus :Kaaliyai | Chorus: As Kali... |
| Female :Sakthiyai | Female: As Shakti! |
| Female | |
| Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa | Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
| Annai irukkum idam paaradaa | Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend! |
| Ulagil | In this world... |
| Chorus :Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa…… | Chorus: Who says She does not exist, my friend? |
இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா
இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா
அன்னை இருக்கும் இடம் பாரடா
இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா
அன்னை இருக்கும் இடம் பாரடா...
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
உலகின் ஆதார ஜனனி மாகாளி
மறையும் மேலான அகில நாயகியை
She is the foundation of the world, Mother Mahakali!
She is the supreme ruler of the universe, superior even to the sacred scriptures!
இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா
அன்னை இருக்கும் இடம் பாரடா
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
அகல குமரி வரும் கடலும் உயர் கரையில்
அகில புவனமருள் அன்னையே...
குழு :
அன்னையே.....
நிலையில் ஒரு சிறிதும் தளர்வும் அழிவுமில்லை
நிமலர் ஒளி குமரி கன்னியே....
குழு :
கன்னியே......
அன்னையே கன்னியாய் மின்னுவாள்...
குழு :
அன்னையே கன்னியாய் மின்னுவாள்..
On the high shores where the expansive sea meets Kanyakumari,
Oh Mother who blesses the entire universe!
Chorus: Oh Mother...
Female: She has no weakness or destruction in Her eternal state,
Oh flawless, radiant virgin Maiden!
Chorus: Oh Maiden...
Female: Mother shines eternally as the divine Maiden!
Chorus: Mother shines eternally as the divine Maiden!
அவளை இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா
அன்னை இருக்கும் இடம் பாரடா...
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
மாமதுரை வாழும் மகராணியே
பூமியில் உயிர் யாவும் அருள் தேவியே
மாமதுரை வாழும் மகராணியே
பூமியில் உயிர் யாவும் அருள் தேவியே
Oh Queen residing in the great city of Madurai!
Oh Goddess who bestows grace upon all living beings on Earth!
Oh Queen residing in the great city of Madurai!
Oh Goddess who bestows grace upon all living beings on Earth!
நாமவள் அடி மீது பணிவோமடா
நாடிய பொருள் யாவும் அருள்வாளடா
நாமவள் அடி மீது பணிவோமடா
குழு :
பணிவோமடா
நாடிய பொருள் யாவும் அருள்வாளடா
குழு :
அருள்வாளடா
Let us bow down at Her divine feet, my friend!
She will grant whatever wish or blessing we seek, my friend!
Let us bow down at Her divine feet, my friend!
Chorus: Let us bow down, my friend!
Female: She will grant whatever wish or blessing we seek, my friend!
Chorus: She will grant it, my friend!
மகத்தான கலையறிவு எது கேளு அது தருவாள்
மகத்தான கலையறிவு எது கேளு அது தருவாள்
நினைந்து நினைந்து குழைந்து குழைந்து
உளம் மகிழ்ந்தாடு
Ask for great artistic knowledge and wisdom, She will grant it!
Ask for great artistic knowledge and wisdom, She will grant it!
Thinking of Her repeatedly and melting with devotion,
Dance with a joyful heart!
இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா
அன்னை இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா...
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Who says the Mother does not exist, my friend?
காஞ்சியில் காமாட்சி கொலுவிருப்பாள்
ஆஅ....ஆ....ஆ....ஆ....ஆ....
காஞ்சியில் காமாட்சி கொலுவிருப்பாள்
காசியில் விசாலாட்சி துணையிருப்பாள்
காஞ்சியில் காமாட்சி கொலுவிருப்பாள்
காசியில் விசாலாட்சி துணையிருப்பாள்
She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram,
Aaa...aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...
She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram,
She stays as a supportive presence as Visalakshi in Kasi,
She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram,
She stays as a supportive presence as Visalakshi in Kasi,
கண்ணில் கருணை பொழிந்திடுவாள்
அன்னை அவரை அறிந்திடுவாள்
மண்ணிலே யாவரும் அன்னையின் பேரருள்
தன்னிலே வாழ்கிறார்
She showers compassion from Her divine eyes,
Mother knows and understands Her devotees,
Everyone on this earth lives in the supreme grace
Flowing from Her presence!
இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா......
குழு :
இல்லையென்பான் யாரடா......
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Chorus: Who says She does not exist, my friend?
திருக்கடவூரினில் அபிராமியாய்
திருக்கடவூரினில் அபிராமியாய்
திகழ்பவள் காலனை உருண்டோடவே
திருப்பதம் வீசின கதை கேளடா
தினம் தினம் தாயினை புகழ்வோமடா
குழு :
தினம் தினம் தாயினை புகழ்வோமடா
As Abhirami in Thirukaddavur,
As Abhirami in Thirukaddavur,
She who shines made Yama, the God of Death, roll away,
Hear the grand tale of how She swung Her sacred foot!
Let us praise the Mother day after day, my friend!
Chorus: Let us praise the Mother day after day, my friend!
வானக கதிரை மாமதிச் சுடரை
பூமியை சுழல வைத்தவள் யார்
கானவர்க்கும் உயர் வானவர்க்கும்
அருள் மூவர்க்கும் மதி தந்தவள் யார்
குழு :
மூவர்க்கும் மதி தந்தவள் யார்
Who created the sun's rays and the moon's gentle light?
Who made the Earth revolve in its orbit?
To mortals, elevated celestial beings, and the Holy Trinity,
Who bestowed supreme wisdom upon them all?
ஆதி தயாபரி ஆனவள் யார்
ஆயிரம் ஆயிரம் பெயருடையாள்
தீயினில் மேவிய சூடாவாள்
நீரினில் தன் துளி தானாவாள்
நீலியை.....
குழு :
நீலியை.....
சூலியை......
குழு :
சூலியை......
காளியை....
குழு :
காளியை....
சக்தியை
Who became the primeval, all-pervading Goddess?
She who possesses thousands upon thousands of sacred names!
She became the intrinsic heat residing inside fire,
She became the cool droplet existing inside water,
As Neeli...
Chorus: As Neeli...
Female: As Sooli...
Chorus: As Sooli...
Female: As Kali...
Chorus: As Kali...
Female: As Shakti!
இல்லையென்பார் யாரடா
அன்னை இருக்கும் இடம் பாரடா
உலகில்
குழு :
இல்லையென்பார் யாரடா....
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
In this world...
Chorus: Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Annai irukkum idam paaradaa
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Annai irukkum idam paaradaa
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
Ulagin aadhaara jjanani maakaali
She is the foundation of the world, Mother Mahakali!
Maraiyum melaana agila naayagiyai
She is the supreme ruler of the universe, superior even to the sacred scriptures!
Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Annai irukkum idam paaradaa
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
Agala kumari varum kadalum uyar karaiyil
On the high shores where the expansive sea meets Kanyakumari,
Agila puvanamarul annaiyae
Oh Mother who blesses the entire universe!
Chorus :Annaiyae…
Chorus: Oh Mother...
Female :Nilaiyil oru sirithum thalarvum azhivumilai
Female: She has no weakness or destruction in Her eternal state,
Nimalar oli kumari kanniyae….
Oh flawless, radiant virgin Maiden!
Chorus :Kanniyae….
Chorus: Oh Maiden...
Female :Annaiyae kanniyaai minnuvaal
Female: Mother shines eternally as the divine Maiden!
Chorus :Annaiyae kanniyaai minnuvaal
Chorus: Mother shines eternally as the divine Maiden!
Avalai illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Annai irukkum idam paaradaa
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
Mamadurai vaazhum maharaniyae
Oh Queen residing in the great city of Madurai!
Bhoomiyil uyir yaavum arul deviyae
Oh Goddess who bestows grace upon all living beings on Earth!
Mamadurai vaazhum maharaniyae
Oh Queen residing in the great city of Madurai!
Bhoomiyil uyir yaavum arul deviyae
Oh Goddess who bestows grace upon all living beings on Earth!
Namaval adi meedhu panivomadaa
Let us bow down at Her divine feet, my friend!
Naadiya porul yaavum arulvaaladaa
She will grant whatever wish or blessing we seek, my friend!
Namaval adi meedhu panivomadaa
Let us bow down at Her divine feet, my friend!
Chorus :Panivomadaa
Chorus: Let us bow down, my friend!
Female :Naadiya porul yaavum arulvaaladaa
Female: She will grant whatever wish or blessing we seek, my friend!
Chorus :Arulvaaladaa
Chorus: She will grant it, my friend!
Magaththaana kalaiyarivu edhu kelu athu tharuvaal
Ask for great artistic knowledge and wisdom, She will grant it!
Magaththaana kalaiyarivu edhu kelu athu tharuvaal
Ask for great artistic knowledge and wisdom, She will grant it!
Ninainthu ninainthu kuzhainthu kuzhainthu
Thinking of Her repeatedly and melting with devotion,
Ulam magizhnthaadu
Dance with a joyful heart!
Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Annai illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says the Mother does not exist, my friend?
Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal
She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram,
Aaa…aa…aa….aa….aa…aa….
Aaa...aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...
Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal
She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram,
Kaasiyil visalatchi thunaiyirupaal
She stays as a supportive presence as Visalakshi in Kasi,
Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal
She reigns in state as Kamakshi in Kanchipuram,
Kaasiyil visalatchi thunaiyirupaal
She stays as a supportive presence as Visalakshi in Kasi,
Kannil karunai pozhinthiduvaal
She showers compassion from Her divine eyes,
Annai avarai arinthiduvaal
Mother knows and understands Her devotees,
Mannilae yaavarum annaiyin perarul
Everyone on this earth lives in the supreme grace
Thannilae vaazhgiraar
Flowing from Her presence!
Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa…
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Chorus :Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa….
Chorus: Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Thirukadavoorinil abhiramiyaai
As Abhirami in Thirukaddavur,
Thirukadavoorinil abhiramiyaai
As Abhirami in Thirukaddavur,
Thigazhpaval kaalanai urundodavae
She who shines made Yama, the God of Death, roll away,
Thiruppatham veesina kadhal keladaa
Hear the grand tale of how She swung Her sacred foot!
Dhinam dhinam thaayinai pugazhvomadaa
Let us praise the Mother day after day, my friend!
Chorus :Dhinam dhinam thaayinai pugazhvomadaa
Chorus: Let us praise the Mother day after day, my friend!
Vaanaga kathirai maamathi sudarai
Who created the sun's rays and the moon's gentle light?
Bhoomiyai suzhala vaiththaval yaar
Who made the Earth revolve in its orbit?
Kaanavarkkum uyar vaanavarkkum
To mortals, elevated celestial beings, and the Holy Trinity,
Arul moovarkkum mathi thanthaval yaar
Who bestowed supreme wisdom upon them all?
Aadhi thyaapari aanaval yaar
Who became the primeval, all-pervading Goddess?
Aayiram aayiram peyarudaiyaal
She who possesses thousands upon thousands of sacred names!
Theeyinil meviya soodaavaal
She became the intrinsic heat residing inside fire,
Neerinil than thuli thaanaavaal
She became the cool droplet existing inside water,
Neeliyai…
As Neeli...
Chorus :Neeliyai…
Chorus: As Neeli...
Female :Sooliyai…
Female: As Sooli...
Chorus :Sooliyai
Chorus: As Sooli...
Female :Kaaliyai
Female: As Kali...
Chorus :Kaaliyai
Chorus: As Kali...
Female :Sakthiyai
Female: As Shakti!
Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa
Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Annai irukkum idam paaradaa
Look at the place where the Mother resides, my friend!
Ulagil
In this world...
Chorus :Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa……
Chorus: Who says She does not exist, my friend?
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This powerful devotional song refutes atheism or doubt regarding the presence of the Divine Mother (Shakti). It invites the listener to look at the universe around them to recognize Her pervasive energy. The lyrics take the listener on a spiritual pilgrimage across famous shrines in India, identifying the Goddess as Kanyakumari on the southern coast, Meenakshi of Madurai, Kamakshi of Kanchipuram, Visalakshi of Kasi, and Abhirami of Thirukaddavur—where She famously protected Her devotee Markandeya by kicking away Yama, the God of Death. In the latter half, the song elevates Her from local manifestations to the absolute cosmic force behind all nature and wisdom. She is described as the source of cosmic light, planetary rotation, intellect of gods and humans alike, the heat in fire, and the drop in water. Through rhythmic chanting of Her various epithets (Neeli, Sooli, Kali, Shakti), the song celebrates the Mother as the ultimate, omnipresent reality.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Questions
“Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa”
The lyricist uses challenging questions like 'Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa' (Who says She does not exist?) and 'Bhoomiyai suzhala vaiththaval yaar' (Who made the Earth revolve?) to provoke contemplation on the divine source of cosmic order.
Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Neeliyai...”
Classic Tamil poetic second-letter matching produces a strong rhythmic cadence, seen in words like 'Neeliyai', 'Sooliyai', 'Kaaliyai'.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal”
Initial consonant matching enhances musicality across adjacent lines, such as 'Kaanijiyil' and 'Kaasiyil'.
Immanence Imagery / Elemental Metaphor
“Theeyinil meviya soodaavaal / Neerinil than thuli thaanaavaal”
The Goddess is portrayed not just as an abstract deity, but as the elemental essence of nature—the heat inside fire and the moisture inside water drops.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Illaiyenbaan Yaaradaa' from the 1972 movie 'Annai Abirami' is one of Tamil cinema's most famous Classical/Devotional compositions, composed by violin virtuoso Kunnakudi Vaidhiyanathan and rendered by legend P. Susheela. Kunnakudi Vaidhiyanathan's signature fast-paced classical orchestration, combined with Susheela's powerful vocal delivery, made this song a staple playing in temples and devotional gatherings across Tamil Nadu.
Keep listening
More from Annai Abirami
Annai Abirami
Annai Abirami
Annai Abirami
Annai Abirami
Annai Abirami
Annai Abirami