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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nayagan Vadivai

From Karaikkal Ammaiyar · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan
Details
Karaikkal Ammaiyar1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Naayagan vadivai naan paarthenI saw the form of my lord and husband
Naayagan vadivai naan paarthenI saw the form of my lord and husband
Nalla naadagam aadidum vizhi paarthenI saw eyes that enact a wonderful play
Nalla naadagam aadidum vizhi paarthenI saw eyes that enact a wonderful play
Thaayinum karunai manam paarthenI saw a heart with mercy greater than a mother's
Thaayinum karunai manam paarthenI saw a heart with mercy greater than a mother's
Thalaivanukkae ennai thandhu vittenI have surrendered myself to that leader
Andha thalaivanukkae ennai thandhu vittenI have given myself to that very leader
Female
Naayagan vadivai naan paarthenI saw the form of my lord and husband
Female
Pirappin kaaranam arindhenaeI understood the reason for my birth
Penmaiyin maenmaiyai purindhaenaeI understood the greatness of womanhood
Pirappin kaaranam arindhenaeI understood the reason for my birth
Penmaiyin maenmaiyai purindhaenaeI understood the greatness of womanhood
Sirappin illaram unarndhenaeI realized the glory of righteous family life
Sirappin illaram unarndhenaeI realized the glory of righteous family life
Undhan saevaiyil nallaram kandenaeI found true virtue in serving you
Undhan saevaiyil nallaram kandenaeI found true virtue in serving you
Female
Naayagan vadivai naan paarthenI saw the form of my lord and husband
Female
Sathiyam enbathu kanavanTruth itself is the husband
Adhil thathuvam enbathu manaiviAnd philosophy within it is the wife
Sathiyam enbathu kanavanTruth itself is the husband
Adhil thathuvam enbathu manaiviAnd philosophy within it is the wife
Uthamam enbathu vaazhvuPurity and excellence form life itself
Uthamam enbathu vaazhvuPurity and excellence form life itself
Adhai unarnthavarkkillai endrum thaazhvuThose who realize this will never suffer a downfall
Adhai unarnthavarkkillai endrum thaazhvuThose who realize this will never suffer a downfall
Female
Naayagan vadivai naan paarthenI saw the form of my lord and husband
Nalla naadagam aadidum vizhi paarthenI saw eyes that enact a wonderful play
Thaayinum karunai manam paarthenI saw a heart with mercy greater than a mother's
Thalaivanukkae ennai thandhu vittenI have surrendered myself to that leader
Andha thalaivanukkae ennai thandhu vittenI have given myself to that very leader
Female
Naayagan vadivai naan paarthenI saw the form of my lord and husband

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie Karaikkal Ammaiyar (1973) portrays Punitavati (before she becomes the saint Karaikkal Ammaiyar) expressing her deep love, reverence, and spiritual devotion toward her husband. She sees divine grace in her husband's presence, equating him to a lord who embodies truth and ultimate righteousness. Through Kannadasan's philosophical lyrics, the act of serving one's partner and upholding domestic virtue (Illaram) is presented as a spiritual path that reveals the purpose of life and womanhood. The song emphasizes that a life built on truth, virtue, and mutual understanding prevents any degradation of character.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Sathiyam enbathu kanavan / Adhil thathuvam enbathu manaivi

The lyricist equates the husband to 'Truth' (Sathiyam) and the wife to the underlying 'Philosophy' (Thathuvam).

Simile / Comparison (Uwamai)

Thaayinum karunai manam paarthen

The husband's heart is compared to a mother's compassion, stating it exceeds even a mother's love.

Erhugai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Pirappin kaaranam arindhenae / Sirappin illaram unarndhenae

The second letters of 'Pirappin' and 'Sirappin' rhyme ('ra'), creating rhythmic harmony.

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Pirappin kaaranam arindhenae / Penmaiyin maenmaiyai purindhaenae

Initial letters 'Pa' and 'Pe' share consonant alliteration across adjacent lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film Karaikkal Ammaiyar (1973) features music composed by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. This particular track is rendered by P. Susheela, highlighting the early domestic life of Saint Karaikkal Ammaiyar before her miraculous transformation into a skeletal devotee of Lord Shiva.

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