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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Marane Un Malarkanai

From Illarame Nallaram · 1958

Lyricist
P. Hanumandha Rao
Singers
P. Susheela, S. Janaki, P. B. Sreenivas
Music director
K. G. Moorthy
Details
Illarame Nallaram1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Haa..aaa..aaa..aa…Haa..aaa..aaa..aa…
Female
Maaranae …O Lord of Love (Manmatha)...
Un malarkanai magimaiyai kanavaeTo see the greatness of your flower arrows,
Innaalae aaval thaanae meerudhaeMy desire overflows today.
Un malar kanai magimaiyai kanavaeTo see the greatness of your flower arrows,
Innaalae aaval thaanae meerudhaeMy desire overflows today.
Male
Kaamini sandhegam yaenoO passionate woman, why this doubt?
Mogini en vanmai yaavum kannaal paaradiO enchantress, behold all my power with your own eyes!
Female :Un perumaiyum theramaiyum podhumaeFemale: Enough of your pride and talent!
Sollaalae venugaanam aagumaaCan words alone produce the music of a flute?
Female
Ahaahaa ..un veeram idhu thaano madhanaAhaahaa... is this your bravery, O Madhana?
Ahaahaa ..un veeram idhu thaano madhanaAhaahaa... is this your bravery, O Madhana?
Male :Ariyaamal pesudhal aagumoodi radhiyaeMale: Speaking without knowing will lead to foolishness, O Rathi!
Ariyaamal pesudhal aagumoodi radhiyaeSpeaking without knowing will lead to foolishness, O Rathi!
Female :Ahaahaa ..un veeram idhu thaano madhanaFemale: Ahaahaa... is this your bravery, O Madhana?
Aanandha jodhi munn anjaamal nee varuvaaiyooWill you fearlessly step before the blissful divine light?
Female
Om namashivayaOm Namah Shivaya
Om namashivayaOm Namah Shivaya
Om namashivayaOm Namah Shivaya
Unnadimai allavooAm I not your servant?
Naan unnadimai allavooAm I not your servant?
Naan urugum nilai sollavoo ..oooShall I explain my melting state?
Naan unnadimai allavoo …Am I not your servant?
Naan urugum nilai sollavoo ..oooShall I explain my melting state?
Naan unnadimai allavoo …Am I not your servant?
Female
Ennudal neeyandro iniya vaazhvilaeAre you not my very body in this sweet life?
Ennudal neeyandro iniya vaazhvilaeAre you not my very body in this sweet life?
Anbodu uravaadum enadhaasai naadhanaeMy desired lord who bonds with love,
Unnadimai allavooAm I not your servant?
Naan urugum nilai sollavoo ..ooo..Shall I explain my melting state?
Naan unnadimai allavoo …Am I not your servant?
Female
Karunai kannaal paarumaeLook upon me with eyes of mercy,
Veru gadhiyillai ini yaarumaeThere is no other refuge for anyone now.
Karunai kannaal paarumaeLook upon me with eyes of mercy,
En manavaalan uyir thaarumaeGrant life to my husband,
Kurai theerumae….And relieve my sorrow.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Illarame Nallaram' (1958) depicts a dramatic mythic exchange involving Manmatha (the god of love) and Rathi, culminating in a devout plea to Lord Shiva. It opens with playful romantic banter where Rathi challenges Manmatha's prowess and flower arrows, prompting him to boast of his overwhelming power. However, as the divine presence of Lord Shiva's 'Aanandha Jodhi' (Blissful Flame) appears, the tone turns solemn. Realizing the futility of mortal pride in front of the Supreme Lord, the characters shift into complete devotion, chanting 'Om Namashivaya'. Rathi surrenders as a humble servant, pleading passionately for mercy and asking Lord Shiva to restore her husband's life, thereby transforming romantic pride into sacred devotion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Un malarkanai magimaiyai kanavae

Malar kanai (flower arrows) represents the subtle yet powerful weapons of love and desire wielded by Manmatha.

Rhetorical Question

Sollaalae venugaanam aagumaa

Sollaalae venugaanam aagumaa asks whether mere words can equal the melody of a flute, highlighting empty boasting.

Alliteration (Moni)

Karunai kannaal paarumae

Repetition of the 'Ka' sound in 'Karunai kannaal' creates a gentle, rhythmic plea.

Anaphora / Devotional Chanting

Om namashivaya

Repeated invocation of 'Om namashivaya' and 'Naan unnadimai allavoo' emphasizes total surrender and intense devotional grief.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Illarame Nallaram' (1958) was directed by P. Pullaiah with music composed by K. G. Moorthy. This song features a rare collaborative vocal effort combining P. Susheela, S. Janaki, and P. B. Sreenivas, capturing the classical narrative of Manmatha Dahanam (the burning of Kama) and Rathi's poignant prayer to Shiva.

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