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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanaka Sabai

From Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum · 1983

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singer
Gopala Krishnan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kanaga sabai thiru nadanamThe divine dance in the Golden Assembly,
Kandu kazhiththaal aanantham adainthaenBeholding and rejoicing in it, I attained supreme bliss.
Kanaga sabai thiru nadanamThe divine dance in the Golden Assembly,
Kandu kazhiththaal aanantham adainthaenBeholding and rejoicing in it, I attained supreme bliss.
Male
Kanaga sabai thiru nadanamThe divine dance in the Golden Assembly,
Kandu kazhiththaal aanantham adainthaenBeholding and rejoicing in it, I attained supreme bliss.
Male
Nandhi pendi siva rangal kondaadaWhile Nandi and the celestial attendants celebrate Shiva's divine forms,
Naaratha thunburum sangeetham paadaWhile Narada and Tumburu sing heavenly music,
Male
Kanaga sabaapathi naattinam aadaWhile the Lord of the Golden Hall performs His dance,
Gopaala kirushnan thaalam podaWhile Gopala Krishna keeps the rhythmic time,
Male
……………….....
Male
Kanaga sabai thiru nadanamThe divine dance in the Golden Assembly,
Kandu kazhiththaal aanantham adainthaenBeholding and rejoicing in it, I attained supreme bliss.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional lyrical piece captures the ecstatic experience of witnessing Lord Shiva's divine cosmic dance (Ananda Tandavam) in the Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall) of Chidambaram. The worshipper expresses reaching ultimate spiritual joy (Aanantham) upon watching this celestial spectacle. The song paints a grand divine gathering where sage musicians Narada and Tumburu sing music, Nandi and Shiva's attendants celebrate, Lord Vishnu (Gopala Krishna) provides the rhythmic time beats (thaalam), and Lord Shiva (Kanagasabapathi) dances in full majesty.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

kondaada / paada / aada / poda

Lines 7 through 10 feature a strict end-rhyming scheme utilizing the verb suffix pattern (-aada / -poda).

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Kanaga sabai thiru nadanam / Kandu kazhiththaal aanantham adainthaen

Repetition of the 'Ka' / 'Kanaga' consonant sound across lines creating a melodious rhythm.

Visual and Auditory Imagery

Naaratha thunburum sangeetham paada / Kanaga sabaapathi naattinam aada / Gopaala kirushnan thaalam poda

Creates a vivid scene depicting a cosmic concert featuring major Hindu deities combining music, percussion, and dance.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum' (1983) was directed by Sridhar Rajan and won the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director. The musical score for the movie was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, incorporating classical Carnatic elements to suit the film's revolutionary yet culturally rooted narrative.

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