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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Padhi Madhi Nadhi

From Yamirukka Bayamen · 1983

Lyricist
Arunagirinathar
Singers
Vani Jairam, L. R. Anjali
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Yamirukka Bayamen1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Padhi madhi nadhi podhu manisadaiThe half-moon and river Ganga adorn the gem-like matted locks of Shiva,
Naadhar aruliya kumaraesaO Lord Kumara, bestowed upon the world by Lord Shiva!
Paagu kanimozhi maadhu kuramagalThe Kurava maiden Valli, whose speech is sweet like jaggery syrup and fruit,
Paadham varudiya mana vaazhaO Lord who happily lives as her beloved groom, tenderly caressing her feet!
Female
Padhi madhi nadhi podhu manisadaiThe half-moon and river Ganga adorn the gem-like matted locks of Shiva,
Naadhar aruliya kumaraesaO Lord Kumara, bestowed upon the world by Lord Shiva!
Paagu kanimozhi maadhu kuramagalThe Kurava maiden Valli, whose speech is sweet like jaggery syrup and fruit,
Paadham varudiya mana vaazhaO Lord who happily lives as her beloved groom, tenderly caressing her feet!
Female
{Kaadhum oru vizhi kaaga muraTo the crow Kakasura who was granted mercy with a single eye,
Arul maayan harithiru marugonaeO nephew of Lord Vishnu, the enchanting bestower of grace!
Kaalan enai anugaamalSo that Kaalan (Yama, the god of death) does not approach me,
Unathiru kaalil vazhipada arulvaayae} (2)Please grant me the grace to worship at your sacred feet!
Muruga arulvaayaeO Lord Muruga, grant me your grace!
Female
Aadhi ayanodu thevar surarLord Brahma, along with the devas and celestial beings,
Ulagaalum vagaiyuru siraimeelaaTo be freed from prison and regain their rule over the worlds,
Aadum mayilinil yaeri amarargalMounted on the vibrant dancing peacock, surrounded by the immortals,
Soozha varavarum ilaiyonaeO youthful Lord who arrives surrounded by heavenly beings!
Female
Soodha migavalar solai maruvuIn the lush, mango-tree filled groves,
Swaamimalai thanil uraivonaeO Lord who resides in the holy shrine of Swamimalai!
Sooran udal ara vaari suvaridaSplitting the body of Surapadman and causing the oceans to dry up,
Vaelai vidavala perumaalaeO Supreme Lord, capable of hurling the mighty Vel!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a revered Thiruppugazh hymn composed by the 15th-century saint Arunagirinathar, featured in the devotional film 'Yamirukka Bayamen' (1983). It glorifies Lord Murugan as the divine son of Lord Shiva—whose matted hair holds the crescent moon and the river Ganga—and the nephew of Lord Vishnu. The hymn describes Murugan's tender affection for his consort Valli, his valorous act of defeating Surapadman to liberate Brahma and the Devas, and his grand abode at Swamimalai. The central prayer of the hymn is a devotee's heartfelt plea for divine protection and deliverance. Saint Arunagirinathar implores Lord Murugan to shield him from the fear of death (represented by Yama/Kaalan) and grant him the eternal privilege of worshiping at Murugan's sacred lotus feet.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Monosyllabic Second-letter Rhyme)

Padhi madhi nadhi podhu manisadai

The second letter in the initial words of consecutive lines rhymes (e.g., 'Padhi' and 'Naadhar' followed by 'Paagu' and 'Paadham'; 'Aadhi', 'Aadum', 'Soodha', 'Sooran').

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Soodha migavalar solai maruvu

The consonant sounds repeat at the beginning of words in the same line, such as 'Soodha', 'Solai', and 'Swaamimalai'.

Chandam (Rhythmic Meter)

Padhi madhi nadhi podhu manisadai

Arunagirinathar uses a distinct, highly structured rhythmic cadence characteristic of Thiruppugazh verses.

Metaphor / Simile (Uvamai)

Paagu kanimozhi maadhu kuramagal

'Paagu kanimozhi' compares the sweetness of Goddess Valli's speech directly to jaggery syrup and ripe fruits.

Did you know?

Trivia

This composition is part of the world-famous Thiruppugazh anthology written by Saint Arunagirinathar. Swamimalai, referenced in the verse, is one of the 'Arupadai Veedu' (Six Abodes of Lord Murugan), where Murugan famously explained the meaning of the sacred Pranava Mantra ('Om') to his father, Lord Shiva.

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