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Isaimozhi
Rathna Kumar album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Kalaimaadhum Alaimaadhum

From Rathna Kumar · 1949

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
P. Bhanumathi
Music directors
G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
Movie name
Rathna Kumar
Movie release year
1949
Lyrics added on
29 May 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kalaimaadhum alaimaadhum irupuramum
Amarndhu thozha kadaikkan nokkum
Ulageendra unadhu ila nagaimugam kandu…
Aa…aa…
Kadaikkan nokkum ulageendra
Unadhu ila nagaimugam kandu
Ullam aanandha vellam alaimodha
Thottilittu thaalaatti
Unn mazhalai amudham unda
Malairaajan seidha maathavam
Pugazhum tharamo moovulaga maadhaa
Inbam koduppaval nee
Inbam koduppaval nee
Nambinor thunbam thudaippaval nee
Ambaa
Inbam koduppaval nee
Nambinor thunbam thudaippaval nee
Unn baaram unn adiyaal
Unn baaram unn adiyaal ambaa
Unn baaram unn adiyaal
Paedhai enakku
Unn paadham thunai yarivaai
Inbam koduppaval nee
With the Goddess of Wisdom and the Goddess of Wealth on either side,
Seated in worship as you look upon them with a graceful glance,
Seeing your youthful, smiling face that gave birth to the universe...
Ah... ah...
Gazing with a gentle glance, O Mother of the universe,
Seeing your youthful, smiling face,
As waves of endless joy surge in the heart,
Laying you in a cradle and singing lullabies,
Tasting the sweet nectar of your baby words,
The great penance done by the King of the Mountains—
Can anyone describe its glory, O Mother of the three worlds?
You are the one who brings happiness,
You are the one who brings happiness,
You wipe away the sorrow of those who trust in you,
O Mother Goddess!
You are the one who brings happiness,
You wipe away the sorrow of those who trust in you,
Your humble devotee is your responsibility,
Your humble devotee is your responsibility, O Mother Goddess!
Your humble devotee is your responsibility,
For a simple soul like me,
Know that your sacred feet are my only shelter,
You are the one who brings happiness!
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This devotional song praises Goddess Parvati (Amba), celebrating her supreme divinity and maternal grace. The speaker describes how even Saraswati (Kalaimagal) and Lakshmi (Alaimagal) worship her from either side. It highlights the supreme fortune of Himavan, the King of Mountains, who was blessed to rock the infant Goddess in a cradle and enjoy her divine infant speech. The song transitions into a passionate plea for protection, hailing the Goddess as the dispenser of ultimate joy and the savior who dispels the grief of devout believers. Recognizing one's own innocence and ignorance, the devotee surrenders completely at her sacred feet, seeking her refuge and enduring grace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kalaimaadhum alaimaadhum irupuramum

The second consonant 'la' matches in 'Kalaimaadhum' and 'alaimaadhum', creating a melodic Tamil poetic rhythm.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ullam aanandha vellam alaimodha

The joy within the heart is metaphorically described as a surging flood ('aanandha vellam').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Unn mazhalai amudham unda

Childish babble/speech is metaphorically described as divine nectar ('mazhalai amudham').

Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)

Inbam koduppaval nee

The line 'Inbam koduppaval nee' is repeated to emphasize the joyful nature of the divine Mother.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Rathna Kumar' (1949) was a classical Tamil cinematic drama starring P. U. Chinnappa and M. G. Ramachandran. The lyrics were penned by the famed composer and lyricist Papanasam Sivan, known as Tamil music's 'Tamil Tyagayya' for his deep devotional Carnatic compositions.

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