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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
Movie name
Harichandra -1944 Film
Movie release year
1944
Lyrics added on
22 Jan 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Niraadharavaanom paraathpara naadhaa
Niraadharavaanom paraathpara naadhaa
Nee kanpaaraai needhimaan neeyallaamal
Needhimaan neeyallaamal
Nighazhumo palkodi logam
Nighazhumo palkodi logam
Needhimaan
Sodhikkaamal dhoshamaadhi
Sodhikkaamal dhoshamaadhi
Soga raagamae theera
Sodhikkaamal dhoshamaadhi
Soga raagamae theera
Jodhiroobanae nee sei
Jodhiroobanae nee sei
Soma sooranaamadhaeva
Soma sooranaamadhaeva
Needhimaan neeyallaamal
Needhimaan neeyallaamal
Nigazhumo palkodi logam
Nigazhumo palkodi logam
Needhimaan
We are left helpless, O Supreme Lord!
We are left helpless, O Supreme Lord!
Look upon us with mercy; without you, O righteous Lord,
Without you, O righteous Lord,
Can this world of countless beings go on?
Can this world of countless beings go on?
O righteous Lord...
Spare us from trials and clear our faults,
Spare us from trials and clear our faults,
So this song of sorrow may end.
Spare us from trials and clear our faults,
So this song of sorrow may end.
O form of divine light, please help us!
O form of divine light, please help us!
O Lord who bears the glory of the sun and moon!
O Lord who bears the glory of the sun and moon!
Without you, O righteous Lord,
Without you, O righteous Lord,
Can this world of countless beings go on?
Can this world of countless beings go on?
O righteous Lord...
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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.

Did you know?

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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