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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neerundu Pozhikindra

From Arutperum Jothi · 1971

Lyricist
Ramalinga Adigalar
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Arutperum Jothi1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Neerundu pozhigindra kaarunduThere are water-bearing clouds that shower rain.
Neerundu pozhigindra kaarunduThere are water-bearing clouds that shower rain.
Viilaigindra nilanundu palanumunduThere is fertile land that yields crops, along with bountiful harvests.
Nithiyundu thuthiyundu mathiyundu kathikondaThere is treasure, praise, intellect, and a guided direction embraced,
Neriyundu nilaiyumunduThere is a righteous path, and a steadfast status of life.
Female
Neerundu pozhigindra kaarunduThere are water-bearing clouds that shower rain.
Female
Oorundu perundu maniyundu paniyunduThere is a town, a name, precious gems, and ornamentations.
Udaiyundu kodaiyumunduThere are fine garments, and generous acts of charity.
Undundu magizhavaeyunavunduIndeed, there is food to eat and rejoice over.
Saanthamurum ulamundu valamumunduThere is a peaceful mind, and complete prosperity.
Female
Neerundu pozhigindra kaarunduThere are water-bearing clouds that shower rain.
Viilaigindra nilanundu palanumunduThere is fertile land that yields crops, along with bountiful harvests.
Female
Thaerundu kariyundu pariyunduThere are chariots, elephants, and royal horses.
Mattrulla selvangal yaavumunduAll other forms of worldly wealth exist as well.
Thaerundu kariyundu pariyunduThere are chariots, elephants, and royal horses.
Mattrulla selvangal yaavumunduAll other forms of worldly wealth exist as well.
Thaenundu vanduru kadampaniyumThere are bees seeking sweet nectar and wearing Kadamba garlands,
Ninpathath thiyaana mundaainarasaeAnd above all, there is meditation upon Your divine feet, O Supreme Lord!
Female
Thaarunda chennaiyirIn the garland-adorned city of Chennai,
Kanatha kottaththulvalarResiding in the grand shrine of Kandhakottam,
Thalamongu kantha vaelaeO Kandhavel, whose temple flourishes with glory!
Thanmugath thuiyamani yunmuga saivamaniO pure gem with a benevolent face, O jewel of Saivism,
Shanmuga deiva maniyae…..O Shanmuga, the divine jewel!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic devotional verse, composed by Ramalinga Adigalar (Vallalar), lists the vast abundance of worldly blessings that exist in life—such as rain-laden clouds, fertile lands, wealth, status, chariots, elephants, garments, delicious food, and a calm mind. However, the spiritual culmination emphasizes that among all these worldly riches, the greatest gift is the inclination to meditate upon the divine feet of Lord Murugan. Set in the context of the Kandhakottam temple in Chennai, the hymn praises Lord Murugan (Kandhavel/Shanmuga) as the ultimate source of grace and supreme jewel of Saivism, reminding devotees that worldly prosperity is meaningful only when paired with sincere spiritual devotion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Repetition of '-undu')

Viilaigindra nilanundu palanumundu

The suffix '-undu' (meaning 'there exists') is repeatedly used at the end of nearly every word and line (e.g., Neerundu, Kaarundu, Nilanundu, Palanumundu), creating a powerful rhythmic chant highlighting abundance.

Edugai (Second-letter Rhyming)

Thaerundu kariyundu pariyundu / Mattrulla selvangal yaavumundu

Tamil poetic rhyme where the second letter matches across consecutive lines, such as 'Thaerundu' and 'Mattrulla' or 'Thaarunda' and 'Kanatha'.

Imagery & Visual Listing (Congeries / Enumeratio)

Thaerundu kariyundu pariyundu

The lyricist accumulates terms of material wealth (chariots, elephants, horses, jewels) to contrast material excess with divine devotion.

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Trivia

This verse belongs to the 'Deivamani Maalai' composed by Ramalinga Swamigal (Vallalar) in praise of Lord Kandhaswamy at the famous Kandhakottam temple in Park Town, Chennai. Vallalar spent much of his early life in Chennai singing at this temple before relocating to Vadalur. The piece was adapted into the 1971 devotional biographical film 'Arutperum Jothi' with music scored by T. R. Pappa.

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