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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Makaali Madhuneeli

From Sarvam Sakthi Mayam · 1986

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Ben Surendar
Details
Sarvam Sakthi Mayam1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Maakaali madhuneeliOh Mahakali, dark-hued goddess Madhuneeli!
Ongaari thirisooliOh fierce divine mother, holder of the trident!
Female
Koduthaai enna ninaithaaiWhat were your thoughts when you gave life?
Pillai pirithaai aangaariYou separated my child from me, oh wrathful goddess!
Female
Paarpaai pillai ezhundhae varaLook upon us so that my child rises again,
Kadaikann arul maariShower your merciful grace from the corner of your eyes!
Female
Enaipaar ini enakkaar thunaiLook at me, who else is my support now?
En saei uuyir thaa neeGive back life to my child, you must!
Enaipaar ini enakkaar thunaiLook at me, who else is my support now?
En saei uuyir thaa neeGive back life to my child, you must!
Sirumaavadu vizhithae ezha olithaa deviShine your divine light so those tender raw-mango-like eyes awaken, Oh Goddess!
Female
Konji kulaviya pinju magal thanaiThe sweet young daughter who was fondled and caressed lovingly,
Nanju kondu pomoWill poison take her away from me?
Vanjanai ennidam vaithathennadiWhy did you harbor such deceit against me,
Ranjitha komala maariOh pleasing, delicate Goddess Mariamman?
Female
Venjinam pokkidu nanjinai neekkiduQuell your intense anger, remove the poison,
Nal vazhi kaatitidu thaayaeShow us the right path, Oh Mother!
Female
Vaendinen unnai vaendinenI begged you, I pleaded with you,
En pillai uyir thara vaendinen oo oo ooI begged you to grant life back to my child, oh oh oh...
Vaendinen unnai vaendinenI begged you, I pleaded with you,
En pillai uyir thara vaendinenI begged you to grant life back to my child,
Uyir thara vaendinenI begged you to grant her life,
Uyir thara vaendinenI begged you to grant her life!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant devotional song from 'Sarvam Sakthi Mayam' (1986) portrays a heart-wrenching maternal lament directed at Goddess Kali/Mariamman. A desperate mother stands over her young daughter who has succumbed to poison, questioning the Goddess's cruelty in granting a child only to snatch her away. Switching between despair, outrage, and utmost devotion, she implores the fierce yet compassionate divine mother to neutralize the venom, calm her divine rage, and resurrect the little girl.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Urvagathai)

Sirumaavadu vizhithae ezha olithaa devi

'Sirumaavadu' compares the child's small, delicate eyes to tender raw mango buds ('maavadu').

Emoni / End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Maakaali madhuneeli / Ongaari thirisooli

Rhyming endings 'madhuneeli' and 'thirisooli' create a rhythmic, ritualistic chant effect.

Internal Rhyme (Edhugai / Iyaibu)

Venjinam pokkidu nanjinai neekkidu

Internal rhyming of 'Venjinam' (intense anger) and 'nanjinai' (poison) links the divine wrath directly with the cause of tragedy.

Repetition / Anaphora (Pinvarunilai Ani)

Vaendinen unnai vaendinen

Repetition of 'Vaendinen' emphasizes the intense desperation and persistent prayer of the mother.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Sarvam Sakthi Mayam' (1986) is a classic Tamil devotional drama film directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan. Lyricist Vaali is renowned for crafting emotionally charged devotional songs in Tamil cinema that blend deep scriptural epithets of Goddess Sakthi with raw human sorrow.

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