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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Niraadharavaanom

From Harichandra -1944 Film · 1944

Lyricist
C. A. Lakshmana Das
Singer
P. Kannamba
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Harichandra -1944 Film1944

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Niraadharavaanom paraathpara naadhaaWe have become completely helpless, O Supreme Lord!
Niraadharavaanom paraathpara naadhaaWe have become completely helpless, O Supreme Lord!
Nee kanpaaraai needhimaan neeyallaamalLook upon us with mercy, for without You, the righteous One...
Needhimaan neeyallaamalWithout You, the righteous One...
Nighazhumo palkodi logamCould millions of worlds function or exist?
Nighazhumo palkodi logamCould millions of worlds function or exist?
NeedhimaanO Righteous One!
Female
Sodhikkaamal dhoshamaadhiWithout subjecting us to sinful afflictions...
Sodhikkaamal dhoshamaadhiWithout subjecting us to sinful afflictions...
Soga raagamae theeraSo that this melody of sorrow may end...
Sodhikkaamal dhoshamaadhiWithout subjecting us to sinful afflictions...
Soga raagamae theeraSo that this melody of sorrow may end...
Jodhiroobanae nee seiO Lord of divine light, grant this grace!
Jodhiroobanae nee seiO Lord of divine light, grant this grace!
Soma sooranaamadhaevaO Divine Lord of the Sun and Moon!
Soma sooranaamadhaevaO Divine Lord of the Sun and Moon!
Female
Needhimaan neeyallaamalWithout You, the righteous One...
Needhimaan neeyallaamalWithout You, the righteous One...
Nigazhumo palkodi logamCould millions of worlds function or exist?
Nigazhumo palkodi logamCould millions of worlds function or exist?
NeedhimaanO Righteous One!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant devotional song from the 1944 Tamil movie Harichandra portrays absolute surrender to the Supreme Godhead amidst extreme suffering. King Harichandra, renowned for his unwavering adherence to truth, faces immense tests that strip him of his kingdom and comfort, leading him to pray desperately to the almighty Creator.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Niraadharavaanom paraathpara naadhaa / Needhimaan neeyallaamal

Repetition of the initial sound 'Ni' / 'Nee' across consecutive lines creates rhythmic flow in classical Tamil verse.

Metaphor

Soga raagamae theera

Sorrow is metaphorically addressed as a tragic musical raga (Soga raagam) that needs to come to its final resolution.

Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)

Needhimaan neeyallaamal / Nighazhumo palkodi logam

Refrain repetition highlighting the belief that the universe cannot operate without the ultimate righteous entity.

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Trivia

Harichandra (1944) was a prominent early Tamil cinematic adaptation of the legend of King Harishchandra, directed by K. B. Nagabhushanam and starring P. U. Chinnappa and P. Kannamba. The lyrics were penned by C. A. Lakshmana Das, reflecting classical Carnatic devotional lyricism.

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