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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oora Paadala

From Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal · 1986

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ooru paadala oravu paadalaI did not sing of my town, nor of my kin,
Um pera paadugiren maruvathoor aathaalaeI sing your holy name, Oh Mother of Maruvathoor!
Ponna paadala porula paadalaI did not sing of gold, nor of material wealth,
Naan unna paadugiren maruvathoor aathaalaeI sing only of you, Oh Mother of Maruvathoor!
Male
Koyil thaan un veeduThe sacred temple alone is your home,
Kaapathu un paaduProtecting us is your sacred duty!
Udukkai adikaiyilaeWhen the holy drum (udukkai) is struck,
Olipadhu un peruIt is your name that resounds!
Maruvoor vittuvittu maadha naan vaazhaOh Mother, for me to live apart from Maruvathoor,
Oru oorum illaiyadiThere is no other place in this world,
Naan unnudaiya pillaiyadiFor I am truly your humble child!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful devotional song expresses complete surrender and unyielding faith toward Goddess Adhiparasakthi of Melmaruvathur. The devotee renounces all worldly desires and attachments—such as homeland, human relationships, gold, and wealth—stating that their sole purpose in life is to sing the praises of the Divine Mother.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme / Rhyming Refrain)

Ooru paadala oravu paadala / Ponna paadala porula paadala

The word 'paadala' (didn't sing) is repeated at the end of clauses to rhythmically emphasize the negation of worldly topics.

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Ponna paadala / Naan unna paadugiren

The second consonant sound 'nna' (ன்) matches between 'Ponna' and 'unna', creating auditory harmony.

Monai (Initial Letter Alliteration)

Ooru paadala oravu paadala

The initial vowel sound 'O' is repeated in 'Ooru' and 'oravu'.

Metaphor

Naan unnudaiya pillaiyadi

The devotee frames the spiritual relationship as a direct mother-child bond, symbolizing complete dependence and unconditional love.

Did you know?

Trivia

Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal (1986) is a renowned devotional film depicting miracles associated with the Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi movement. The film features music composed by the legendary K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics penned by Vaali, who authored many popular Amman devotional songs in Tamil cinema. The song features traditional folk rhythms alongside the sound of the 'udukkai' (an hourglass-shaped drum), an instrument intrinsically tied to Goddess worship in Tamil culture.

Keep listening

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