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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kalai Saradha Devi

From Kalaivanan · 1959

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
P. B. Sreenivas, Ghantasala
Music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao
Details
Kalaivanan1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aaya aklaigal arupathu naanginaiyumMy mother who causes one to comprehend
Yeya unarvikkum en ammaiall the sixty-four fine arts,
Thooya urupalinghu polaavaalis like a pure crystal in form,
En ullathin ullae iruppavaland resides deep within my heart.
Inghu varadhu idar…aaa..aa..aaNo affliction shall ever reach here...
Male
Kalai saradha devi en thaayeO Goddess Sharadamba of the arts, my mother!
Kalai saradha devi en thaayeO Goddess Sharadamba of the arts, my mother!
Kanivaana inbamarul vaayae neeyeGrant me sweet and tender bliss, you alone.
Saradha devi en thaaye..yeGoddess Sharada, my mother!
Male
Gaana maevum iyalodi isaiyaalaeThrough literature and music filled with song,
Haa..aa.aa..Haa..aa.aa..
Gaana maevum iyalodi isaiyaalaeThrough literature and music filled with song,
Gaana maevum iyalodi isaiyaalaeThrough literature and music filled with song,
Gaana maevum iyalodi isaiyaalaeThrough literature and music filled with song,
Male
Kalaingar ulalmadhil kaaviyam polaeLike an epic poem inside the heart of artists,
Kalaingar ulalmadhil kaaviyam polaeLike an epic poem inside the heart of artists,
Kalaingar ulalmadhil kaaviyam polaeLike an epic poem inside the heart of artists,
Kalaingar ulalmadhil ..ha..aaa.aaaInside the heart of artists... ha..aaa.aaa
Kalaingar ulalmadhil ..ha..aaa.aaaInside the heart of artists... ha..aaa.aaa
Kalaingar ulalmadhil ..ha..aaa.aaa..aaa..aa..aaInside the heart of artists... ha..aaa.aaa
Kalaingar ulalmadhil kaaviyam polaeLike an epic poem inside the heart of artists,
Male
Kangal pol ulavum bharathiyaeO Goddess Saraswati, who moves like watchful eyes,
Kangal pol ulavum bharathiyaeO Goddess Saraswati, who moves like watchful eyes,
Kangal pol ulavum bharathiyaeO Goddess Saraswati, who moves like watchful eyes,
Carnatic :………………………[Carnatic classical vocal swara improvisations]
Male :Kangal pol ulavum bharathiyaeMale: O Goddess Saraswati, who moves like watchful eyes,
All :Kadaitherida varamarul marai pugazhthiruAll: Grant us boons for salvation, O revered mother praised by the Vedas,
Male
Kalai saradha devi en thaayeO Goddess Sharadamba of the arts, my mother!
Kalai saradha devi en thaayeO Goddess Sharadamba of the arts, my mother!
Kanivaana inbamarul vaayae neeyeGrant me sweet and tender bliss, you alone.
Kalai saradha devi en thaaye..yeO Goddess Sharadamba of the arts, my mother!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from Kalaivanan (1959) is a solemn invocation to Goddess Sharada (Saraswati), the deity of knowledge, music, and wisdom. The lyrics open with a traditional tribute to the goddess who bestows mastery over all sixty-four classical arts (Aayatha Kalaigal Arupathu Naangu). Described as pure as a crystal and residing within the devotee's heart, she wards off all afflictions and sorrow. The song further extols her influence on literature (Iyal) and music (Isai), stating that she dwells in the creative hearts of artists like timeless epic poetry. The devotees pray to her as the divine vision guiding their steps and seek her blessings for spiritual liberation and everlasting happiness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Thooya urupalinghu polaavaal

Compares the pure form of Goddess Saraswati to a clear, spotless crystal (Thooya Urupalingu).

Alliteration (Monai / Etukai)

Gaana maevum iyalodi isaiyaalae

Use of matching rhythmic sounds and initial/second letter rhyming pattern (Gaana / Kalaingar).

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Kangal pol ulavum bharathiyae

Compares the guidance of Goddess Saraswati (Bharathi) to the constant watchful motion of eyes.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kalaivanan (1959) is a classical musical drama starring A. Nageswara Rao and P. Bhanumathi. The opening line 'Aaya kalaigal arupathu naanginaiyum' directly references the ancient Tamil literary classification of the 64 traditional arts and crafts.

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