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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kolam Kan Kulira Kanden

From Sri Murugan · 1946

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
U. R. Jeevarathinam
Music directors
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Sri Murugan1946

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kolam kann kulira kandenI saw your divine form, bringing refreshing joy to my eyes.
Kolam kann kulira kandenI saw your divine form, bringing refreshing joy to my eyes.
Thirukkolam kann kulira kandenI saw your sacred divine form, bringing refreshing joy to my eyes.
Kolaagala kumara vaelaaOh grand and festive Kumara who wields the Vel!
Kolaagala kumara vaelaaOh grand and festive Kumara who wields the Vel!
Thirukkolam kann kulira kandenI saw your sacred divine form, bringing refreshing joy to my eyes.
Female
Naalaa maraisol gnjaana sakthiswaroobaaOh embodiment of the power of wisdom extolled by the four Vedas!
Swaroobaa…aa…aa…aa…aa…aa…Oh divine embodiment!
Naalaa maraisol gnjaana sakthiswaroobaaOh embodiment of the power of wisdom extolled by the four Vedas!
Naalaa maraisol gnjaana sakthiswaroobaaOh embodiment of the power of wisdom extolled by the four Vedas!
Kalandha valli dheivaanai iruvarumBoth Valli and Deivayanai who are united with you,
Female
Kalandha valli dheivaanai iruvarumBoth Valli and Deivayanai who are united with you,
Gnjaaniyar pugazh iru sakthigalallavoAre they not the two divine energies praised by enlightened sages?
Gnjaaniyar pugazh iru sakthigalallavoAre they not the two divine energies praised by enlightened sages?
Female
Naan virumbum vannamJust in the magnificent way that I wished to behold,
Maamayil vaagan unnOf you who ride upon the majestic peacock,
Female
Kolam kann kulira kandenI saw your divine form, bringing refreshing joy to my eyes.
Thirukkolam kann kulira kandenI saw your sacred divine form, bringing refreshing joy to my eyes.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional hymn composed by Papanasam Sivan expresses the ecstatic joy of a devotee beholding the sacred vision of Lord Murugan. The singer rejoices at witnessing Murugan's majestic form, describing Him as the personification of supreme wisdom (Jnana Shakti) proclaimed by the four Vedas.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora / Repetition (Ettugai)

Kolam kann kulira kanden

The refrain 'Kolam kann kulira kanden' and 'Thirukkolam kann kulira kanden' is repeated to emphasize the overwhelming visual and spiritual fulfillment experienced by the devotee.

Metaphor (Uruvam)

Naalaa maraisol gnjaana sakthiswaroobaa

Lord Murugan is addressed as 'Gnjaana sakthiswaroobaa' (the literal form/embodiment of wisdom power), and His consorts Valli and Deivayanai are conceptualized as the twin spiritual powers (Iccha Shakti and Kriya Shakti) praised by sages.

Alliteration (Moonaai)

Kolam kann kulira kanden

Consonant repetition of 'K' in 'Kolam', 'kann', 'kulira', 'kanden' creates a melodic and rhythmic flow suited for Carnatic music rendering.

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Trivia

Sri Murugan (1946) was a blockbuster mythological film produced by Jupiter Pictures. The lyrics were written by the revered Carnatic composer Papanasam Sivan, often hailed as Tamil music's 'Tamil Tyagayya'. Interestingly, M. G. Ramachandran played a supporting role as Lord Shiva in this film early in his career.

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