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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naadhar Mudi

From Digambara Samiyar · 1950

Lyricist
Pampatti Sithar
Singers
P. Leela, K. V. Janaki
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Digambara Samiyar1950

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
Naadhar mudi mel irukkum nagapaambaeOh cobra residing on the crown of Lord Shiva,
Naadhar mudi mel irukkum nagapaambaeOh cobra residing on the crown of Lord Shiva,
Nachu paiyai vaithirukkum nalla paambae…yeOh good serpent carrying a venomous sac...
Naadhar mudi mel irukkum nagapaambaeOh cobra residing on the crown of Lord Shiva,
Female
Baadhalathil kudi pugum paikkum paambaeOh hood-spreading serpent that enters into the netherworld,
Paadi paadi vilaiyaadu paambaeSing and play happily, oh snake!
Baadhalathil kudi pugum paikkum paambaeOh hood-spreading serpent that enters into the netherworld,
Paadi paadi vilaiyaadu paambaeSing and play happily, oh snake!
Naadhar mudi mel irukkum nagapaambaeOh cobra residing on the crown of Lord Shiva,
Female
Kuttramatra sivanukku kundalamaanaaiYou became the earring for the flawless Lord Shiva,
Koorum thirumaalanukku kudai aanaaiYou became the protective umbrella for the praised Lord Vishnu,
Kuttramatra sivanukku kundalamaanaaiYou became the earring for the flawless Lord Shiva,
Koorum thirumaalanukku kudai aanaaiYou became the protective umbrella for the praised Lord Vishnu,
Kattrai kuzhal paarvathikku kanganamaaiYou became the bangle for Goddess Parvati with thick tresses of hair,
Kattrai kuzhal paarvathikku kanganamaaiYou became the bangle for Goddess Parvati with thick tresses of hair,
Karavaamal ullang kalithaadu paambaeDance with joyful bliss in your heart without holding back, oh snake!
Female
Aadu paambae vilayaadu paambaeDance, oh snake! Play, oh snake!
Aadu paambae vilayaadu paambaeDance, oh snake! Play, oh snake!
Nee aadu paambae vilayaadu paambaeYou dance, oh snake! Play, oh snake!
Aadu paambae nee aadu paambaeDance, oh snake! You dance, oh snake!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song adapts the mystical verses of Paambatti Siddhar, a renowned Tamil Siddhar saint. On a surface level, it praises the holy serpent, addressing its divine roles in Hindu mythology—as the earring adornment of Lord Shiva, the protective multi-headed umbrella (Adisesha) of Lord Vishnu, and the sacred wrist bangle of Goddess Parvati. On a deeper philosophical level, the serpent represents 'Kundalini Shakti', the divine spiritual energy residing within a human being. The lyrics urge this awakened energy to ascend to the highest spiritual chakra ('Naadhar mudi') and dance with divine, uninhibited joy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor / Allegory (Uvamai)

“Naadhar mudi mel irukkum nagapaambae”

The snake is used as a central metaphor for Kundalini energy ascending the chakras toward spiritual liberation.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

“Kuttramatra sivanukku kundalamaanaai”

Repetition of the initial 'Ku' sound across 'Kuttramatra' and 'kundalamaanaai'.

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

“Paadi paadi vilaiyaadu paambae”

Rhythmic repetition of words like 'Paadi paadi' (singing) and 'Aadu paambae' (dance, snake) to create an incantatory cadence.

Emona / Rhyme (Iyaibu)

“Aadu paambae vilayaadu paambae”

Matching end sounds ('paambae') in sequential lines to reinforce the lyrical structure.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics are attributed to Paambatti Siddhar, one of the 18 canonical Siddhars of Tamil Siddha tradition, who famously composed all his verses addressed to a snake ('Aadu Paambae'). The film 'Digambara Samiyar' (1950) featured legendary actor M. N. Nambiar in the lead role of a master-of-disguise detective, and music composer G. Ramanathan successfully brought these ancient philosophical verses into mainstream Tamil cinema.

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