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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Muthu Tamil Maduraiyin

From Thanga Gopuram · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
P. Susheela, L. R. Eswari, Anjali Kousalya
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Thanga Gopuram1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
…………………...
Female
Muthu thamizh madhuraiyin arasatchiThe governance of Madurai, rich in the three forms of Tamil,
Muthu thamizh madhuraiyin arasatchiThe governance of Madurai, rich in the three forms of Tamil,
Mani mookkuththi olividum meenaatchiGoddess Meenakshi, whose gem-studded nose ring shines brightly,
Pattu vanna maegangal kankaatchiThe silky, colorful clouds are a wondrous spectacle,
Pattu vanna maegangal kankaatchiThe silky, colorful clouds are a wondrous spectacle,
Ingu paravaikku kooda undu manasatchiHere, even the birds possess a conscience,
Female
Kannukkum manathukkum vaeliyittuPlacing a boundary of modesty for both the eyes and the heart,
Females :VaeliyittuFemales: Placing a boundary,
Female :Nalla kaalththil kazhuththukku thaaliyittuTying the sacred thread around the neck in an auspicious time,
Females :ThaaliyittuFemales: Tying the sacred thread,
Female
Kannukkum manathukkum vaeliyittuPlacing a boundary of modesty for both the eyes and the heart,
Nalla kaalththil kazhuththukku thaaliyittuTying the sacred thread around the neck in an auspicious time,
Penmaikku pugazh tharum jaathiyadiThis is the fine lineage that brings glory to womanhood, my dear,
Ee….ee…..ee…..aa…..ha…..aaa….(Vocalizing / Melodic humming)
Idhu annaiyin vazhi vantha needhiyadiThis is the righteous virtue passed down through the maternal lineage, my dear,
Females :Idhu annaiyin vazhi vantha needhiyadiFemales: This is the righteous virtue passed down through the maternal lineage, my dear,
Female
Thanithani piranthana moondru pengalThree girls were born as distinct individuals,
Anbu sariththiram padiththana aaru kangalSix eyes read the history of love together,
Females :Anbu sariththiram padiththana aaru kangalFemales: Six eyes read the history of love together,
Female :Ini thanithaniyae selvathillaiyadiFemale: They will never walk separately again, my dear,
Oru ilaiyinil pinniya mullaiyadiThey are like jasmine blossoms intertwined on a single leaf, my dear,
Females :Oru ilaiyinil pinniya mullaiyadiFemales: They are like jasmine blossoms intertwined on a single leaf, my dear.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from Thanga Gopuram (1971) is a celebratory tribute to sisterhood, womanhood, and traditional Tamil values rooted in the cultural heritage of Madurai. Set under the metaphorical reign of Goddess Meenakshi, the song highlights moral boundaries, maternal lineage, and righteous living that govern the society.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Muthu thamizh madhuraiyin arasatchi ... Mani mookkuththi olividum meenaatchi

The lines end with matching 'atchi' sound endings (Arasatchi, Meenaatchi, Kankaatchi, Manasatchi), creating a strong rhythmic cadence.

Personification

Ingu paravaikku kooda undu manasatchi

Attributing human moral consciousness and conscience ('manasatchi') to birds in nature.

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Oru ilaiyinil pinniya mullaiyadi

Comparing the three sisters and their unbreakable bond to jasmine flowers intertwined on a single leaf.

Numerical Metaphor

Thanithani piranthana moondru pengal / Anbu sariththiram padiththana aaru kangal

Using 'three women' and 'six eyes' in parallel to poetically symbolize their combined perspective and shared love.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song from the 1971 movie 'Thanga Gopuram' features lyrics penned by Kavinar Kannadasan and music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. It visually and lyrically celebrates the unity of three sisters.

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