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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nallar Inakkamum

From Annai Abirami · 1972

Lyricist
Pattinathar
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
Details
Annai Abirami1972

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
Nallaar inakkamumAssociation with virtuous people,
Ninposai nesamum nyanamumLove for worshipping You, and divine wisdom—
Alaathu veru nilaiyulathoIs there any supreme state other than these?
Agamum porulumHouse and material wealth,
Female
Ilaaalum suttramum maintharumWife, relatives, and children,
Vaazhvum ezhil udambumWorldly life and this beautiful physical body—
Ellaam velimayakkaeAll of these are merely external illusions!
Female
Iraivaa kachchi yaegampanaeOh Supreme Lord of Kanchipuram (Ekambareswarar)!
Iraivaa kachchi yaegampanae…..Oh Supreme Lord of Kanchipuram!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In this profound verse composed by the medieval ascetic poet Saint Pattinathar, the seeker reflects on the contrast between permanent spiritual truths and transient worldly attachments. The poet rhetorically asks if there is any higher achievement in human life than associating with righteous souls, cultivating deep devotion to God, and acquiring spiritual wisdom. In contrast, material possessions, family ties, sensory pleasures, and the physical body's fleeting beauty are identified as outer illusions (veli-mayakkam) that distract the soul from ultimate truth. The verse concludes with a passionate address to Lord Shiva enshrined at Kanchipuram as Ekambareswarar ('Kachchi Yaegampan'). The devotee surrenders all worldly pride and attachment at the Lord's feet, recognizing divine grace as the sole reality worth pursuing. Expressed through P. Susheela's poignant rendition in the film Annai Abirami, the verse serves as a powerful reminder of renunciation and devotion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question (Aiyavina)

“Alaathu veru nilaiyulatho”

The poet asks 'Is there any other state?' to emphatically assert that devotion, noble company, and divine wisdom are the only true pursuits in life.

Polysyndeton (Enummai)

“Ilaaalum suttramum maintharum”

The repeated use of the conjunctive suffix '-um' (Ilaaalum, suttramum, maintharum) creates a rhythmic listing of worldly attachments, highlighting their collective weight.

Antithesis (Maran)

“Ellaam velimayakkae”

Contrasts eternal spiritual virtues listed in the opening lines with transient material bonds, declaring all physical aspects to be mere external illusion (velimayakkam).

Repetition for Emphasis (Anaphora/Invocation)

“Iraivaa kachchi yaegampanae”

The evocative address to Lord Ekambaranathar of Kanchipuram is repeated to highlight spiritual surrender and divine longing.

Did you know?

Trivia

These lyrics are taken from the classical works of Saint Pattinathar, a famous 10th-century Tamil saint renowned for his devotional verses on detachment and renunciation. Music composer Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan adapted this timeless poem into the soundtrack of the 1972 devotional film Annai Abirami, sung soulfully by P. Susheela.

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