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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nin Paadham Maraven

From Rathna Kumar · 1949

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
P. Bhanumathi
Music directors
G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
Details
Rathna Kumar1949

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nin paadham maravaen thaayae ambaaI will never forget your feet, O Mother Amba
Nee dhayai puri vaayaePlease show your divine grace
Nin paadham maravaen thaayae ambaaI will never forget your feet, O Mother Amba
Nee dhayai puri vaayaePlease show your divine grace
Nin paadham maravaen thaayaeI will never forget your feet, O Mother
Female
Maedhiniyil oru paedhai anaadhaiIn this world, an innocent orphan
Maedhiniyil oru paedhai anaadhaiIn this world, an innocent orphan
Maedhiniyil oru paedhai anaadhaiIn this world, an innocent orphan
Yenakaadhaaram vaeraedhu jeganmaadhaaWhat other refuge do I have, O Mother of the Universe?
Nee dhayai puri vaayaePlease show your divine grace
Nin paadham maravaen thaayaeI will never forget your feet, O Mother
Female
Maayaa ulagil naan orIn this illusory world, I am a
Vilayaattu bommaiPlayful toy
Maayaa ulagil naan orIn this illusory world, I am a
Vilayaattu bommaiPlayful toy
Neeyae yenai anaindhuYou are the mother who embraces me
Thaalaattum ammaiAnd sings a lullaby
Neeyae yenai anaindhuYou are the mother who embraces me
Thaalaattum ammaiAnd sings a lullaby
Female
Vaayaal ennaeramumWith my voice at all times
Vaayaal ennaeramumWith my voice at all times
Unn pugazh paadiSinging your glory
Vaayaal ennaeramumWith my voice at all times
Unn pugazh paadiSinging your glory
Manam unadhu malaradiMay my heart always meditate on your lotus feet
NinaindhidavumTo remember always
Manam unadhu malaradiMay my heart always meditate on your lotus feet
NinaindhidavumTo remember always
Female
Nee dhayai puri vaayaePlease show your divine grace
Nin paadham maravaen thaayaeI will never forget your feet, O Mother

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional lyric is a heartfelt prayer dedicated to Goddess Amba, the Divine Universal Mother. The speaker expresses utter surrender, acknowledging themselves as a helpless, innocent orphan navigating a world filled with illusion (Maya). Describing human existence as merely a toy in the grand play of God, the devotee yearns for the soothing warmth, embrace, and comfort of the Goddess, asking her to be like a loving mother singing a lullaby. The core theme centers on complete devotion (Bhakti), asking for divine grace to continuously sing her praises and dwell upon her sacred lotus feet.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Maayaa ulagil naan or Vilayaattu bommai

The speaker metaphorically compares human life in an illusory world to a plaything or toy in the hands of the Divine.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Manam unadhu malaradi

The phrase 'malaradi' combines 'malar' (flower) and 'adi' (feet), metaphorically describing the Goddess's feet as soft and sacred lotus blossoms.

Iyaipu (Rhyming ends)

Neeyae yenai anaindhu / Thaalaattum ammai

End-rhyming structure creating a rhythmic, lullaby-like cadence fitting for a motherly address.

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Trivia

Rathna Kumar (1949) featured lyrics penned by the acclaimed Carnatic musician and composer Papanasam Sivan. The movie starred major Tamil cinema pioneers including P. U. Chinnappa and M. G. Ramachandran in supporting roles.

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