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Lyrics & meaning

Masilla Kanniye Madhave

From Villiyanur Matha · 1983

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
Madhuri, K. J. Yesudas
Music director
G. Devarajan
Details
Villiyanur Matha1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Masilla kanniyae madhaavae um melO immaculate Virgin and Mother, those who lack
Naesam illadhavar neesarae aavaarLove for you are indeed ignoble and wretched.
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Female
Masilla kanniyae madhaavae um melO immaculate Virgin and Mother, those who lack
Naesam illadhavar neesarae aavaarLove for you are indeed ignoble and wretched.
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Male
Moodhaadhai thaaiyaasai murppadhamattraaiYou annulled the desire of the primal mother Eve and the original status of sin;
Aadhiyillaadhonai maadhae nee pettraaiO Lady, you gave birth to the One who has no beginning.
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Female
Moodhaadhai thaaiyaasai murppadhamattraaiYou annulled the desire of the primal mother Eve and the original status of sin;
Aadhiyillaadhonai maadhae nee pettraaiO Lady, you gave birth to the One who has no beginning.
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Male
Thaayae nee aanadhaal thaaparithae neeBecause you became our Mother, with deep maternal affection,
Naesam veithaalvadhu nin kadanaamaeTo govern and protect us with love is your solemn duty.
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Female
Thaayae nee aanadhaal thaaparithae neeBecause you became our Mother, with deep maternal affection,
Naesam veithaalvadhu nin kadanaamaeTo govern and protect us with love is your solemn duty.
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!
Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyaeHail, hail, hail, O Mary!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This hymn is a traditional Tamil Catholic Marian chant venerating Mother Mary for her immaculate purity and divine motherhood. The lyricist praises Mary as the spotless Virgin who brought forth Christ—the Eternal Lord without a beginning—thereby redeeming humanity from original sin inherited from the primal mother Eve. The hymn appeals to Mary's tender maternal instincts, imploring her to protect, guide, and rule over her devotees with unconditional motherly love.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Epizeuxis)

Vaazhga vaazhga vaazhga mariyae

Repetition of the word 'Vaazhga' three times consecutively for emphasis, devotion, and rhythmic cheer.

Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Moodhaadhai thaaiyaasai murppadhamattraai / Aadhiyillaadhonai maadhae nee pettraai

Matching of the second consonant sound 'dha' (தா) across consecutive lines ('Moodhaadhai' and 'Aadhiyillaadhonai').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Moodhaadhai thaaiyaasai murppadhamattraai

Matching end sounds with 'nee pettraai' and 'murppadhamattraai' creating a melodious closing cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Masilla Kanniyae' is one of the most famous classic Marian hymns sung across Catholic churches in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Written with classical Tamil literary aesthetics by scholar-lyricist Pulamaipithan, it features prominently in devotional literature and media centered around the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Villianur.

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