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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maanida Jenmam Meendum Vandhidumo

From Raja Mukthi · 1948

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar
Music director
C. R. Subbaraman
Details
Raja Mukthi1948

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Maanida jenmam meendumWill a human rebirth
Vandhidumo ulageerCome again, O people of the world?
Uyar maanida jenmam meendumWill this noble human rebirth
Vandhidumo ulageerCome again, O people of the world?
Uyar maanida jenmam meendumWill this noble human rebirth
Vandhidumo…oo…oo…oo…Come again...
Male
Gnjaana vairaagyamWisdom and detachment,
Gnjaana vairaagyamWisdom and detachment,
Thavam jeeva kaarunyamPenance and compassion towards all living beings,
Unmai gnjaana vairaagyamTrue wisdom and detachment,
Thavam jeeva kaarunyamPenance and compassion towards all living beings,
Unmaiyaana bakthi pagutharivudanTrue devotion combined with wisdom and discernment,
Igapara sugam tharum karunaiyaamIs the mercy that grants happiness both in this world and the next.
Male
Maanida jenmam meendumWill a human rebirth
Vandhidumo ulageer…ee…ee…Come again, O people of the world?
Male
Karuvaraiyinul kidandhu veliyilThinking of the agony of lying in the womb
Varum thuyar ninaindhaalumAnd coming out into this world,
Karuvaraiyinul kidandhu veliyilThinking of the agony of lying in the womb
Varum thuyar ninaindhaalumAnd coming out into this world,
Male
Kudal kalangudhaeMy very insides tremble with sorrow.
Ingedhiril maranamHere right in front of us, death,
Enum vembuliyum seerudhaeLike a fierce tiger, growls and pounces.
Kalangudhae ingedhiril maranamMy mind trembles; right in front, death
Enum vembuliyum seerudhaeLike a fierce tiger growls and pounces.
Male
Iruvinai vasamaamBound by the dual deeds of good and bad karma,
Ivvudaloru neerkkumizhiThis body is merely a fragile water bubble.
Iruvinai vasamaamBound by the dual deeds of good and bad karma,
Ivvudaloru neerkkumizhiThis body is merely a fragile water bubble.
Idhanidai uyarAmidst this, to attain the high path
Neriyadaiya meiOf truth,
Iraivan arulin vaetkkaiLong for the grace of the Supreme God.
Idhanidai uyarAmidst this, to attain the high path
Neriyadaiya meiOf truth,
Iraivan arulin vaetkkaiLong for the grace of the Supreme God.
Male
Udaiyaraagi idaiyaraadhaPossessing unceasing,
Thiruvadi ninaivudanaeConstant thoughts of the holy feet,
Udaiyaraagi idaiyaraadhaPossessing unceasing,
Thiruvadi ninaivudanaeConstant thoughts of the holy feet,
Kadimadhil pandari puramadhaiTo visit the fortified holy city of Pandharpur even once,
Orumurai kandu panindhu praboBow down and pray, O Lord!
Paandu ranga jeya vittalai'Panduranga Jaya Vithala!'
Endru panindhidaPraising Him thus and bowing down,
Male
Maanida jenmam meendumWill a human rebirth
Vandhidumo ulageerCome again, O people of the world?
Uyar maanida jenmam meendumWill this noble human rebirth
Vandhidumo…oo…oo…oo…Come again...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from 'Raja Mukthi' (1948), written by Papanasam Sivan, reflects on the rarity and impermanence of human birth. The lyricist reminds mankind that the human form is a rare gift that may not be granted again, comparing the physical body to a fleeting water bubble subject to the laws of karma and the ever-looming threat of death, which is likened to a fierce tiger.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani (Simile)

Ivvudaloru neerkkumizhi

Comparing the human body to a fragile, temporary water bubble ('Ivvudaloru neerkkumizhi').

Metaphor / Rupaka

Enum vembuliyum seerudhae

Comparing death approaching in front of a person to a roaring fierce tiger ('maranam Enum vembuliyum seerudhae').

Emonai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Iruvinai vasamaam

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'I' across consecutive lines ('Iruvinai', 'Ivvudaloru', 'Idhanidai').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Raja Mukthi' (1948) featured classical Karnatic vocalist M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar in the lead role alongside V. N. Janaki (who later married M. G. Ramachandran). The song carries Papanasam Sivan's characteristic devotional fervor, incorporating standard Carnatic-bhakti themes and Vithala/Panduranga worship.

Keep listening

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