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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Poojaikkaga Vazhum

From Kadhal Oviyam · 1982

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Deepan Chakravarthy
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kadhal Oviyam1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Poojaikkaaga vaazhum poovaiA flower meant to live for worship,
Sooraiyaadal muraiyooIs it right to plunder it?
Un poojaikkaaga vaazhum poovaiA flower living only for your worship,
Sooraiyaadal muraiyooIs it fair to destroy it?
Idhu yaar sadhiyooWhose conspiracy is this?
Iraivan sabaiyil idhudhaan vidhiyooIs this the decree in God's court?
Male
Un poojaikkaaga vaazhum poovaiA flower living only for your worship,
Sooraiyaadal muraiyooIs it fair to destroy it?
Male
{Ilangaatrai thaangaadha{The species of flower that cannot withstand
Poovin jaadhiEven a gentle breeze,
Idi veezhndhu sarugaadhalIs struck by lightning and turned into dry leaves—
Dhaanoo needhi} (2)Is that truly justice?} (2)
Male
Kovil endraal deepam engaeIf this is a temple, where is the lamp?
Dheepam illai needhaan engaeIf there is no lamp, where are you?
Pongudhu manamMy heart wells up in sorrow,
Idhu ragasiya ranamThis is a secret wound.
Kangalil kulamA pond of tears in my eyes,
Adhu unadharppanamIt is an offering dedicated to you.
Ponnezhir chilaiA beautiful golden statue,
Adhu envasam ilaiIt is no longer in my possession.
Iru kangalil raathiri vedhanaiNighttime agony fills both my eyes.
Male
Iruvizhi ilaiyenumThough I lacked physical vision,
Oru kurai idhuvaraiSuch a tragic flaw until now
Idhayathil ezhundhadhu illaiyaeHad never bothered my heart.
Vizhigalil ulaviyaThe divine light who strolled in my eyes,
Olimagal pirindhadhumOnce that maiden of light parted,
Unmaiyil en vizhi illaiyaeTruly, I lost all sight in my life.
Kanavu varumbodhuWhen dreams arrive,
Avalin mugadheepamHer face shines like a glowing lamp;
Piriya mudiyaadhuInseparable and eternal,
Thirumugam ninaivinilHer divine face remains in my memory.
Male
Poojaikkaaga vaazhum poovaiA flower meant to live for worship,
Sooraiyaadal muraiyooIs it right to plunder it?
Idhu yaar sadhiyooWhose conspiracy is this?
Iraivan sabaiyil idhudhaan vidhiyooIs this the decree in God's court?
Un poojaikkaaga vaazhum poovaiA flower living only for your worship,
Sooraiyaadal muraiyooIs it fair to destroy it?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song from the film 'Kadhal Oviyam' depicts the anguish of a visually impaired protagonist who questions fate and God after losing his beloved. He compares her to a delicate flower devoted purely to divine worship, asking why destiny cruelty uprooted such innocence. The lyrics express his internal agony, describing his grief as an unhealable secret wound and his tears as a holy offering. He laments that although he lived without sight previously without feeling complete, losing his love—the true 'light' of his life—has cast him into total darkness. Her memory remains vividly illuminated like a temple lamp in his dreams, leaving him heart-broken and questioning the justice served in the divine court.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Poojaikkaaga vaazhum poovai

Comparing the beloved to a delicate flower meant for worship ('Poojaikkaaga vaazhum poovai') and a lamp ('Mugadheepam').

Edhai (Second letter rhyming / Assonance)

Iruvizhi ilaiyenum / Oru kurai idhuvarai

The second consonant 'ru' rhymes across consecutive lines ('Iruvizhi' / 'Oru kurai').

Hyperbole & Contrast

Poovin jaadhi / Idi veezhndhu sarugaadhal

Contrasting a gentle flower incapable of bearing soft breeze ('Ilangaatrai thaangaadha') with the destructive force of a lightning strike ('Idi veezhndhu').

Did you know?

Trivia

The soundtrack of 'Kadhal Oviyam' (1982) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring soulful renditions by singers like K.J. Yesudas and Deepan Chakravarthy. Vairamuthu's poetic lyrics extensively employ classical Tamil metaphors connecting nature, devotion, and tragic romance.

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