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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Malargaliley Pala

From Thirumal Perumai · 1968

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Thirumal Perumai1968

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Malargalilae pala niram kandenI saw many colors in the flowers,
Thirumaal avan vadivam adhil kandenIn them, I saw the divine form of Lord Vishnu.
Malargalilae pala manam kandenI experienced many fragrances in the flowers,
Adhil maadhavan karunai manam kandenIn that, I perceived the divine fragrance of Madhava's mercy.
Male
Malargalilae pala niram kandenI saw many colors in the flowers,
Thirumaal avan vadivam adhil kandenIn them, I saw the divine form of Lord Vishnu.
Male
Pachai niram avan thirumaeniGreen is the color of His sacred body,
Pavala niram avan sevvidhazhaeCoral red is the color of His beautiful lips.
Pachai niram avan thirumaeniGreen is the color of His sacred body,
Pavala niram avan sevvidhazhaeCoral red is the color of His beautiful lips.
Manjal mugam avan dhevi mugamThe golden yellow face is that of His divine consort,
Venmai niram avan thiru ullamPure white is the color of His holy heart.
Manjal mugam avan dhevi mugamThe golden yellow face is that of His divine consort,
Venmai niram avan thiru ullamPure white is the color of His holy heart.
Male
Malargalilae pala niram kandenI saw many colors in the flowers,
Thirumaal avan vadivam adhil kandenIn them, I saw the divine form of Lord Vishnu.
Male
Naanilam naaranan vilaiyaattuThe entire world is the cosmic play of Lord Narayana,
Naayagan peyaril thiru paattuThis sacred song is in praise of the Supreme Lord.
Naanilam naaranan vilaiyaattuThe entire world is the cosmic play of Lord Narayana,
Naayagan peyaril thiru paattuThis sacred song is in praise of the Supreme Lord.
Aayar kula pillai vilaiyaattuIt is the divine play of the child from the cowherd clan,
Indha adiyavarkkendrum arul koottuWhich forever brings an abundance of grace to His devotees.
Aayar kula pillai vilaiyaattuIt is the divine play of the child from the cowherd clan,
Indha adiyavarkkendrum arul koottuWhich forever brings an abundance of grace to His devotees.
Male
Malargalilae pala niram kandenI saw many colors in the flowers,
Thirumaal avan vadivam adhil kandenIn them, I saw the divine form of Lord Vishnu.
Malargalilae pala manam kandenI experienced many fragrances in the flowers,
Adhil maadhavan karunai manam kandenIn that, I perceived the divine fragrance of Madhava's mercy.
Male
Malargalilae pala niram kandenI saw many colors in the flowers,
Thirumaal avan vadivam adhil kandenIn them, I saw the divine form of Lord Vishnu.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic devotional song expresses a pantheistic vision of Lord Vishnu manifested throughout nature. By observing the vibrant hues and delicate fragrances of blooming flowers, the singer beholds the holy attributes and form of Thirumal (Vishnu). Colors serve as spiritual symbols: green represents Vishnu's dusky skin, coral red denotes His lips, yellow reflects the radiant countenance of Goddess Lakshmi, and white symbolizes His pure, compassionate heart. The song exalts the material world as the divine play (Thiruvilaiyaattu or Leela) of Lord Narayana, particularly as Krishna among the cowherds, whose ultimate cosmic drama serves to bestow infinite mercy and salvation upon His faithful devotees.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Color Symbolism and Imagery

Pachai niram avan thirumaeni / Pavala niram avan sevvidhazhae

Kannadasan uses distinct colors to evoke vivid visual imagery linked directly to divine qualities (Green for Vishnu's form, Coral for His lips, Yellow for Lakshmi, White for pure intent).

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Naanilam naaranan vilaiyaattu / Naayagan peyaril thiru paattu

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'Na' across consecutive lines to create melodic rhythm.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Adhil maadhavan karunai manam kanden

The fragrance ('manam') of flowers is equated directly to the Lord's compassionate nature ('karunai manam').

Did you know?

Trivia

Although listed with unknown credits in the prompt, 'Thirumal Perumai' (1968) features legendary music director K. V. Mahadevan and iconic vocalist T. M. Soundararajan. The song exemplifies Kannadasan's mastery in integrating Vishishtadvaita philosophy (seeing the divine immanent in all creation) into simple, memorable Tamil cinema lyrics.

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