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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paaror Ariyar Un Mayai

From Mayabazar · 1957

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
Ghantasala
Details
Mayabazar1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Balae balae devaa paroor ariyaar un maayaiBravo, oh divine Lord! The vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.
Indha paroor ariyaar un maayaiThis vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.
Balae balae devaa paroor ariyaar un maayaiBravo, oh divine Lord! The vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.
Indha paroor ariyaar un maayaiThis vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.
Male
Oruvarin sogam oruvarin yogamOne person's grief is another person's fortune.
Sarvamum unarnthidum unakkau vinodhamTo you who knows everything, it is all an amusing pastime.
Adiyaar yaaro ariyaar yaaroWho are the true devotees, and who are the ignorant ones?
Adhaiyae vidhiyum ariyathappaEven fate itself cannot comprehend this secret, oh Lord!
Male
Paroor ariyaar un maayaiThe vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.
Indha paroor ariyaar un maayaiThis vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.
Male
Ulaginil sugathukku oonjalilae thinamDaily, on the swing of worldly pleasures,
Unadhu maayai vilayaadudhaiyaaYour illusion plays its unpredictable game, oh Lord.
Unmaiyil undhan maaya leelaiyaiIn truth, the person who realizes your divine illusory sports,
Unarndhavan thanae thanyanaiyaaHe alone is the truly blessed and enlightened soul.
Male
Paroor ariyaar un maayaiThe vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.
Indha paroor ariyaar un maayaiThis vast world fails to comprehend your supreme illusion.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from the mythological epic Mayabazar reflects on the profound, cosmic play (maya) of Lord Krishna. The lyrics point out the ironic dualities of life—how sorrow for one becomes joy for another—and how human fate is tangled in worldly attachments. It emphasizes that while mortal beings and even fate itself remain blind to Krishna's divine mysteries, the soul who truly understands this divine cosmic illusion attains true spiritual liberation and blessedness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Iyalbu Navirtchi

Oruvarin sogam oruvarin yogam

Contrasting 'sogam' (sorrow) and 'yogam' (fortune) to highlight life's dualities.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Adiyaar yaaro ariyaar yaaro

Repetition of 'yaaro' at the end of clauses creates rhythmic harmony.

Metaphor (Uruvakam)

Ulaginil sugathukku oonjalilae thinam

Comparing worldly pleasure to swinging on a swing ('oonjal'), symbolising instability and transient joy.

Monai (Alliteration)

Unmaiyil undhan maaya leelaiyai / Unarndhavan thanae thanyanaiyaa

Repetition of the initial 'U' sound in 'Unmaiyil', 'Undhan', and 'Unarndhavan'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Mayabazar (1957) is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Indian cinema history. Sung with philosophical gravity by legendary vocalist Seerkazhi Govindarajan and composed by Ghantasala, this song perfectly underscores the divine tricks played by Lord Krishna (played by N. T. Rama Rao) in the film's narrative.

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