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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pachchai Maa Malaipol Meni

From Thirumal Perumai · 1968

Lyricist
Thondaradippodi Alvar
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Thirumal Perumai1968

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pachai maamalai pol maeniWith a body like a grand green mountain,
Pavala vaai kamala chenganWith coral lips and red lotus-like eyes,
Achudhaa amarae raeO Achyutha! O Lord of the celestial devas!
Aayar tham kozhundhae ennumO tender shoot of the cowherd clan! - praising thus,
Male
Pachai maamalai pol maeniWith a body like a grand green mountain,
Pavala vaai kamala chenganWith coral lips and red lotus-like eyes,
Achudhaa amarae raeO Achyutha! O Lord of the celestial devas!
Aayar tham kozhundhae ennumO tender shoot of the cowherd clan! - praising thus,
Ichuvai thavira yaan poiLeaving this sweet bliss, even if I were to go
Indhira logam aalumTo rule over Indra's heavenly kingdom,
Ichuvai thavira yaan poiLeaving this sweet bliss, even if I were to go
Indhira logam aalumTo rule over Indra's heavenly kingdom,
Achuvai perinum vendaenEven if offered that celestial joy, I do not want it,
Arangamaa nagarulaanaenO Lord residing in the great sacred city of Srirangam!
Male
Oorilaen kaani illaiI have no town of my own, nor any piece of land,
Uravu mattroruvar illaiI have no relatives or anyone else to call my own,
Paaril nin paadham moolamIn this world, except for Your sacred feet,
Pattrilaen parama moorthiI hold no other refuge, O Supreme Lord!
Male
Oorilaen kaani illaiI have no town of my own, nor any piece of land,
Uravu mattroruvar illaiI have no relatives or anyone else to call my own,
Paaril nin paadham moolamIn this world, except for Your sacred feet,
Pattrilaen parama moorthiI hold no other refuge, O Supreme Lord!
Kaaroli vannanaeO Lord who possesses the complexion of dark rain-clouds!
Kannanae kadharugindrenO Krishna, I cry out to You in anguish!
Kaaroli vannanaeO Lord who possesses the complexion of dark rain-clouds!
Kannanae kadharugindrenO Krishna, I cry out to You in anguish!
Aarular kalaikan ammaaWho else is my protector and refuge, O Mother-like Lord?
Arangamaa nagarulaanaenO Lord residing in the great sacred city of Srirangam!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This divine hymn consists of classic Pasurams composed by Thondaradippodi Alvar from the Tirumaalai section of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, featured in the movie Thirumal Perumai (1968). The devotee sings in deep ecstasy, describing Lord Ranganatha's exquisite form—his emerald-green body, coral lips, and lotus-red eyes. The saint declares that the joy of singing the Lord's names and contemplating His beauty is far greater than ruling over Indraloka (heaven); even if offered heaven itself, he would reject it to remain devoted to Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. The second movement turns to complete spiritual surrender (Saranagati). The Alvar expresses utmost humility, acknowledging that he possesses no worldly assets, land, or earthly relations. Surrendering all attachments, he proclaims that Lord Krishna's lotus feet are his sole sanctuary, calling out passionately to the dark-complexioned Lord as his ultimate protector and divine mother.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Pachai maamalai pol maeni

Compares the Lord's vibrant green physique to a majestic green mountain using the explicit comparison word 'pol'.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Pavala vaai kamala chengan

Directly equates the Lord's lips to bright red coral ('Pavala vaai') and eyes to red lotus blossoms ('kamala chengan').

Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)

Ichuvai thavira yaan poi / Achuvai perinum vendaen

Rhyming of the second letter 'ch' across lines ('Pachai', 'Ichuvai', 'Achuvai') creating a melodic rhythmic flow.

Visual Imagery

Kaaroli vannanae

Invokes the vivid visual image of water-laden, dark rain clouds ('Kaaroli') to depict Krishna's dark complexion.

Did you know?

Trivia

These verses are taken directly from the 'Tirumaalai' written by Thondaradippodi Alvar, one of the 12 Vaishnavite Alvar saints. In the 1968 devotional movie 'Thirumal Perumai' starring Sivaji Ganesan, this song was set to music by legendary composer K. V. Mahadevan and rendered in the soulful voice of T. M. Soundararajan.

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