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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaani Nilam Vendum

From Andhaman Kaidhi · 1952

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singers
C. S. Jayaraman, M. L. Vasanthakumari
Music director
G. Govindarajulu Naidu
Details
Andhaman Kaidhi1952

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaani nilam vendum…mm mm mm mmI need a piece of land... mm mm mm mm
Kaani nilam vendum paraasakthiI need a piece of land, O Supreme Goddess Parasakthi!
Kaani nilam vendumI need a piece of land.
Male
Thoonil azhgiyadhaai…With beautiful pillars...
Aa…aaa…aa….aa…aa…aaa….aaa….aaa…aaa…Aa... aaa... aa... aa... aa... aaa... aaa... aaa... aaa...
Thoonil azhagiyadhaai nan maadangalBeautiful multi-storied mansions with elegant pillars,
Thooya nirathinadhaai anguOf pure color right there,
Thoonil azhagiyadhaai nan maadangalBeautiful multi-storied mansions with elegant pillars,
Thooya nirathinadhaai andhaOf pure color in that place,
Kaani nilathidaiyae or maaligaiAmidst that piece of land, a palace
Katti thara vendum andhaMust be built and given to me, in that
Kaani nilathidaiyae or maaligaiAmidst that piece of land, a palace
Katti thara vendumMust be built and given to me.
Female
Angu kaeni aruginilae…There, near the water well...
Ae…ae….ae…ae…a.e…ae…Ae... ae... ae... ae... ae... ae...
Kaeni aruginilae…Near the water well...
Thennai mara keetrum ilaneerumCoconut fronds and tender coconut water,
Kaeni aruginilaeNear the water well,
Thennai mara keetrum ilaneerum…Coconut fronds and tender coconut water...
Male
Pathu pannirendu thennai maramTen to twelve coconut trees
Andha pakkatthilae venumMust be present right beside it,
Pathu pannirendu thennai maramTen to twelve coconut trees
Andha pakkatthilae venumMust be present right beside it.
Nalla muthuchudar polae nilaa oliMoonlight gleaming like a radiant pearl
Munbu varavenumMust shine in front of me,
Nalla muthuchudar polae nilaa oliMoonlight gleaming like a radiant pearl
Munbu varavenumMust shine in front of me.
Female
Kathum kuyilosai sattrae vandhuThe coel bird's soft call should come
Kaadhil pada venumAnd fall upon my ears,
Kathum kuyilosai sattrae vandhuThe coel bird's soft call should come
Kaadhil pada venumAnd fall upon my ears.
Endhan sitham maginzhndhidavaeTo make my soul rejoice,
Nandraayilam thendral varavenumA fine gentle breeze must come,
Endhan sitham maginzhndhidavaeTo make my soul rejoice,
Nandraayilam thendral varavenumA fine gentle breeze must come.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In this iconic poem written by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar, the poet prays to Goddess Parasakthi for a humble yet idyllic sanctuary. He envisions a piece of land featuring a stately palace with grand pillars and pure white walls, accompanied by a well surrounded by ten to twelve coconut trees. To complete his serene paradise, he desires soft pearl-like moonlight shining in his courtyard, the melodic chirping of cuckoos floating into his ears, and a sweet, cool breeze to delight his soul.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Nalla muthuchudar polae nilaa oli

Compares the soft, luminous moonlight to the gleam of a pure pearl ('muthuchudar polae').

Imagery

Thennai mara keetrum ilaneerum

Evokes vivid sensory imagery of nature—coconut fronds, tender coconuts, a well, moonlight, and birdsong.

Assonance / Monai

Pathu pannirendu thennai maram

Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds in consecutive words like 'Pathu pannirendu'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kaani Nilam Vendum' is one of Subramanya Bharathiyar's most celebrated poems expressing an idealized connection between human living and pristine nature. The song was adapted into the 1952 classic film 'Andhaman Kaidhi' with music directed by G. Govindarajulu Naidu.

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