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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naga Deivame Naangal

From Annai Abirami · 1972

Lyricist
Subbu Arumugam
Singer
M. R. Vijaya
Music director
Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
Details
Annai Abirami1972

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Nallavarkku nallathu sei kuladeivamaeO Clan Deity, do good to good people
Nallavarkku nallathu sei kuladeivamaeO Clan Deity, do good to good people
Engal kula deivamae….Our family deity...
Female
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Female
Aranaarin thirumaarbil aniyaaginaaiYou became an adornment on Lord Shiva's holy chest
Aa…aa….aa…..aa….aa….aa….aa….Aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...
Aranaarin thirumaarbil aniyaaginaaiYou became an adornment on Lord Shiva's holy chest
Nenu agaththodu agamaaga uravaadinaaiYou bonded intimately from deep within the heart
Sivakaami malarmaalai thanai soodinaaiYou wore the floral garland of Goddess Sivakami
Nee mudhal maalai alangaara porulaaginaai….You became the foremost garland and decorative adornment...
Female
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Female
Thirumaalin thirumeni nee thaanginaaiYou supported the divine form of Lord Vishnu
Antha deivaththin thuyilukku thunaiyaaginaaiYou became the restful bed for that God's holy sleep
Kuzhaloothum kannanThe flute-playing Krishna
Kuzhaloothum kannan un thalai meedhilaeUpon your head, flute-playing Krishna
Nindru vilaiyaadum kaalingan kalaiyaaginaai….You became the artistic spectacle of Kalinga standing and dancing...
Female
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Female
Anjuthalai neekkum karumaari thaayaeO Mother Karumari who dispels the five fears
Thalaiyil anjju thalaiyeduththu kudaiyaaginaaiYou became a five-hooded protective umbrella over Her head
Nalam kaana unai endrum nambiduvomWe will always trust in you to behold true prosperity
Vaazhvil nam veettu deivam endrae kumbiduvom…We will worship you as the guardian deity of our household in life...
Female
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Nallavarkku nallathu sei kuladeivamaeO Clan Deity, do good to good people
Nallavarkku nallathu sei kuladeivamaeO Clan Deity, do good to good people
Engal kula deivamaeOur family deity
Female
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek
Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamaeO Serpent Deity, the deity whom we seek

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional song from the 1972 movie 'Annai Abirami' praises Nagadevam (the Serpent Deity) as the family deity who protects and bestows blessings upon righteous people. The lyrics highlight the divine significance of snakes across Hindu iconography: as an ornament around Lord Shiva's neck, as Adishesha serving as the bed for Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep, as the serpent Kalinga dancing under the feet of Lord Krishna, and as the five-hooded umbrella shielding Mother Karumari Amman. The singer expresses deep faith and reverence, promising to worship the serpent god as the guardian of the home and family.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamae

The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Na' in 'Naaga' and 'Naangal' creates a melodious poetic rhythm.

Anaphora (Repetition)

Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamae

The refrain 'Naaga deivamae naangal naadum deivamae' is repeated continuously to reinforce intense devotional fervor.

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Thalaiyil anjju thalaiyeduththu kudaiyaaginaai

The serpent's five hoods are metaphorically described as a protective umbrella ('kudaiyaaginaai') over Goddess Karumari.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by the legendary violinist and composer Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan, this song features lyrics by Subbu Arumugam, a renowned Villupattu artist and scholar. The song effectively synthesizes Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Shakta traditions by illustrating the sacred serpent's presence across Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, and Goddess Karumari Amman.

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