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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannizhantha Pillaikku

From Enippadigal · 1979

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Movie name
Enippadigal
Movie release year
1979
Lyrics added on
28 Oct 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
Anbu mikka oru manam
Nallavarkku oru gunam
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
Anbu mikka oru manam
Nallavarkku oru gunam
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
{Thaayin kural kettadhundu
Thanthai mugam paarththadhundu
Jeevanattra kangalukku
Dhevan mugam therigindradhu} (2)
Andha mara kilaidhanilae
Vanthamarntha paravai ondru
Andha mara kilaidhanilae
Vanthamarntha paravai ondru
Thanthadhoru anbu kandu
Thanthai thannai maranthadhundu
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
Anbu mikka oru manam
Nallavarkku oru gunam
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
{Yaetri vitta yaeni ondru
Nindrabadi nirkkiradhu
Yeri vitta oru manamo
Veru vazi nadakkiradhu} (2)
Yetriyadhum kuttramillai
Yaeniyilum pavamillai
Yetriyadhum kuttramillai
Yaeniyilum pavamillai
Maatriyadhu kadavul ennum
Maayakkaaran leelaiyamma
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
{Dhevanavan kovililae
Kodai veiyil sudugiradhu
Dhevi aval vaasalilo
Selva mazhai pozigiradhu}(2)
Nallavarkku porul edharkku
Naadi varum pugazh edharkku
Nallavarkku porul edharkku
Naadi varum pugazh edharkku
Unnudaiya vasanthaththilae
Ondrum illai rasippatharkku
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
Anbu mikka oru manam
Nallavarkku oru gunam
Kannizhantha pillaikku
Dheivam thantha dharisanam
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God,
A heart filled with deep love,
The true nature of a good soul.
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God,
A heart filled with deep love,
The true nature of a good soul.
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God.
I have heard a mother's voice,
I have seen a father's face;
To these lifeless eyes,
The face of God now appears.
Upon that tree branch,
A bird that came and perched—
Upon that tree branch,
A bird that came and perched—
Seeing the love it gave,
The father forgot his own pain.
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God,
A heart filled with deep love,
The true nature of a good soul.
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God.
A ladder that helped someone climb up
Still stands right where it was,
Yet the heart that reached the top
Now walks a different path.
Helping someone climb was not a crime,
Nor is the ladder to blame.
Helping someone climb was not a crime,
Nor is the ladder to blame.
What changed it all is the play
Of that master illusionist called God.
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God.
In the temple of that God,
The summer heat scorches,
Yet at the doorstep of worldly desire,
A shower of wealth pours down.
Why do good souls need riches?
Why do they need fame that comes looking?
Why do good souls need riches?
Why do they need fame that comes looking?
In this springtime of yours,
There is nothing left to enjoy.
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God,
A heart filled with deep love,
The true nature of a good soul.
For a child who lost its sight,
A vision granted by God.
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This poignant song from 'Enippadigal' (1979) reflects on life's ironies, devotion, morality, and divine play. Using the metaphor of a visually impaired child receiving a spiritual vision of God, lyricist Kannadasan contrasts physical blindness with inner divine insight. The song addresses themes of filial devotion, selfless help, and the painful nature of human ingratitude. Through the powerful metaphor of a ladder left behind after helping someone reach higher ground, the lyrics critique human selfishness and how people often forget those who elevated them. Ultimately, it emphasizes that pure-hearted people do not chase worldly riches or fame, accepting life's vicissitudes as the divine illusion (leela) of God.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamanai)

“Yaetri vitta yaeni ondru Nindrabadi nirkkiradhu”

The ladder (Yaeni) is used as a metaphor for a selflessly helpful person or mentor who aids others in climbing to higher status while remaining stationary themselves.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

“Yaetri vitta yaeni ondru ... Veru vazi nadakkiradhu”

The second consonant 'y' (ya/ee) rhymes across the consecutive lines ('Yaetri' and 'Veru').

Monaif (Initial Alliteration)

“Yetriyadhum kuttramillai / Yaeniyilum pavamillai”

Repetition of the initial sound 'Ye' across adjacent lines creates rhythmic harmony.

Irony and Contrast

“Dhevanavan kovililae Kodai veiyil sudugiradhu Dhevi aval vaasalilo Selva mazhai pozigiradhu”

Contrasts the harsh heat in the God's temple with the rain of wealth at the Goddess's door to show the paradoxical distribution of worldly fortune.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Enippadigal' (1979) stars Sivakumar and Shoba, directed by P. Madhavan with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The title 'Enippadigal' translates to 'Ladder Steps', directly referencing the iconic ladder metaphor written by Kannadasan in this song to depict human ambition and betrayal.

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