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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kalaimaadhum Alaimaadhum

From Rathna Kumar · 1949

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
P. Bhanumathi
Music directors
G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
Details
Rathna Kumar1949

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kalaimaadhum alaimaadhum irupuramumSaraswati and Lakshmi seated on both sides worshipping you,
Amarndhu thozha kadaikkan nokkumAs you cast your graceful side-glance upon them,
Ulageendra unadhu ila nagaimugam kandu…Seeing your tender smiling face that gave birth to the universe...
Aa…aa…Aa...aa...
Kadaikkan nokkum ulageendraCasting a side-glance, O Mother who birthed the universe,
Unadhu ila nagaimugam kanduSeeing your tender smiling face,
Ullam aanandha vellam alaimodhaAs the heart overflows like a surging flood of joy,
Thottilittu thaalaattiPlacing you in a cradle and singing a lullaby,
Unn mazhalai amudham undaTo partake in the sweet nectar of your baby talk,
Malairaajan seidha maathavamWas the great penance performed by Himavan, the King of Mountains.
Pugazhum tharamo moovulaga maadhaaIs it possible to fully praise you, O Mother of the three worlds?
Female
Inbam koduppaval neeYou are the giver of joy,
Inbam koduppaval neeYou are the giver of joy,
Nambinor thunbam thudaippaval neeYou are the one who wipes away the sorrow of those who trust in you,
AmbaaO Divine Mother!
Inbam koduppaval neeYou are the giver of joy,
Nambinor thunbam thudaippaval neeYou are the one who wipes away the sorrow of those who trust in you,
Female
Unn baaram unn adiyaalYour burden rests upon your humble devotee,
Unn baaram unn adiyaal ambaaYour burden rests upon your humble devotee, O Divine Mother,
Unn baaram unn adiyaalYour burden rests upon your humble devotee,
Paedhai enakkuFor naive and innocent me,
Unn paadham thunai yarivaaiKnow that your divine feet are my only refuge,
Inbam koduppaval neeYou are the giver of joy.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

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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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