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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanna Unai Nambi

From Vinayaka Chathurthi · 1959

Lyricist
Samudrala
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Ghantasala
Details
Vinayaka Chathurthi1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Vaan mughil vannaOh Lord with the dark blue complexion of rain clouds!
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Aalaai manimalar thaalaaiOh Lord reclining on a banyan leaf, possessing lotus-like feet!
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Female
Kaaliya naagathin garvamae adangaIn order to humble the arrogance of the serpent Kaliya,
Thaandavam aadiya yadhu baala ..aaaOh Yadava youth who performed the cosmic dance upon its hood!
Kaaliya naagathin garvamae adangaIn order to humble the arrogance of the serpent Kaliya,
Thaandavam aadiya yadhu baalaOh Yadava youth who performed the cosmic dance upon its hood!
Female
Govardhana giri kudai eduthae unLifting the Govardhana mountain as an umbrella,
Govardhana giri kudai eduthae unLifting the Govardhana mountain as an umbrella,
Aanirai aandanai gopala….aaa..aa..aaOh Gopala, you protected and ruled over the herds of cattle!
Aanirai aandanai gopalaOh Gopala, you protected and ruled over the herds of cattle!
Female
Mann paalamudhan mayangida seidhidumEnchanting the earth with your sweet, nectar-like music,
Mann paalamudhan mayangida seidhidumEnchanting the earth with your sweet, nectar-like music,
Mohana murali lolaaa..aa..aaaOh charming lover who plays the enchanting flute!
Female
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Vaan mughil vannaOh Lord with the dark blue complexion of rain clouds!
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Female
Nin padha vindhanai maadhava mandhramaeMeditating upon your lotus feet is the ultimate chanting of Madhava's name,
Nin padha vindhanai maadhava mandhramaeMeditating upon your lotus feet is the ultimate chanting of Madhava's name,
Nin padha sevaiyae punniya poojaiyaeServing your holy feet is the most auspicious divine worship,
Nin padha sevaiyae punniya poojaiyaeServing your holy feet is the most auspicious divine worship,
Female
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Vaan mughil vannaOh Lord with the dark blue complexion of rain clouds!
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.
Aalaai manimalar thaalaaiOh Lord reclining on a banyan leaf, possessing lotus-like feet!
Kannaa unai nambhinenaeOh Krishna, I have placed my complete trust in you.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kannaa unai nambhinenae is a deeply emotional Tamil devotional song dedicated to Lord Krishna, expressing absolute faith and spiritual surrender (Saranagathi). The devotee praises Krishna's divine qualities, comparing His rich complexion to dark rain clouds and recalling His glorious acts from Hindu mythology, such as subduing the arrogant multi-hooded serpent Kaliya through his cosmic dance and lifting the Govardhana hill as an umbrella to protect the people and cattle of Gokulam.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora / Refrain

Kannaa unai nambhinenae

The line 'Kannaa unai nambhinenae' acts as the central refrain repeated throughout the song to reinforce the theme of total faith and devotion.

Metaphor (Uvama / Uruvagamm)

Vaan mughil vanna

Krishna's complexion is metaphorically compared to 'Vaan mughil' (dark rain-bearing sky clouds).

Alliteration (Monai)

Govardhana giri kudai eduthae un

Repetition of consonant sounds in 'Govardhana giri' creates a pleasing rhythmic effect.

Imagery

Mohana murali lolaaa..aa..aaa

The lyrics evoke vivid visual and auditory imagery of Krishna dancing on the serpent Kaliya and playing his enchanting flute.

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Trivia

This song belongs to the 1959 mythological film 'Vinayaka Chathurthi' (released simultaneously in Telugu as 'Vinayaka Chavithi'). The music was composed by the legendary maestro Ghantasala, with vocals rendered by P. Susheela. The film was renowned for its rich classical compositions dedicated to Krishna and Ganesha.

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