Poovadaikkari Aval Kaval
From Kadavulin Theerpu · 1981
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, Chorus
- Music director
- R. Govarthanam
- Details
- Kadavulin Theerpu1981
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal | The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard |
| Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal | She resides in the temple to protect women |
| Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal | The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard |
| Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal | She resides in the temple to protect women |
| Samayapuram maangaadu periyapaalaiyam | In Samayapuram, Mangadu, and Periyapalayam |
| Thangiyulla pakkam engum dharmam kaakkiraal | Wherever she resides, she protects righteousness |
| Chorus | |
| Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal | The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard |
| Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal | She resides in the temple to protect women |
| Male | |
| Yaeru odaatti thanneer oottruvaa | She guides the plough and pours water to sustain life |
| Yaarum vanthaakka karunai kaattuvaa | To anyone who approaches her, she shows boundless mercy |
| Chorus :Veppillaik kattu nettriyilae santhanamittu | Chorus: Wearing a bundle of neem leaves and sandalwood on the forehead |
| Unthan vedhanaiyellaam maariyamman perula vittu | Surrender all your suffering in the name of Goddess Mariyamman |
| Male | |
| Thaali kettaakka thethiyai solluvaa | If prayed to for marriage, she will fix the sacred wedding date |
| Thaayae endraalo thaayaaga aakkuvaa | If called 'Mother!', she blesses one with the gift of motherhood |
| Chorus :Veppillaik kattu nettriyilae santhanamittu | Chorus: Wearing a bundle of neem leaves and sandalwood on the forehead |
| Unthan vedhanaiyellaam maariyamman perula vittu | Surrender all your suffering in the name of Goddess Mariyamman |
| Male | |
| Chera naadu chozha naadu paandiya naadu | In the Chera kingdom, Chola kingdom, and Pandya kingdom |
| Moonu mudi thaangi aval aalvathu paaru | Look at her ruling while bearing three crowns |
| Female :Umaiyavalin maru vadivam ruthra thaandavam | Female: The fierce avatar of goddess Uma performing the Rudra dance |
| Chorus :Unmai sonnaa nanmai seithal | Chorus: If you speak the truth, she bestows blessings upon you |
| Avalin naadagam | It is all part of her divine play |
| Chorus | |
| Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal | The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard |
| Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal | She resides in the temple to protect women |
| Male | |
| Pennai pazhi sonnaal kannai edupaa | If anyone harms or blames a woman, she will pluck out their eyes |
| Puththi vanthaakka nenjil iruppaa | If wisdom dawns upon you, she will abide in your heart |
| Paalil vennai pol padhungi iruppaa | She stays hidden like butter concealed within milk |
| Kaalam vanthaalae kannil iruppaa | When the right time arrives, she appears right before your eyes |
| Chorus | |
| Akkaa thangachchi yaezhu per avathariththaanga | Seven sisters were born as elder and younger sisters |
| Agilamellaam kovilil aala vanthaanga | They came to rule the entire universe from their temples |
| Male | |
| Ponnazhagi malaiyarasi poomaalai amma | Golden beauty, queen of the mountains, mother adorned with flower garlands |
| Bhoomiyellaam ennavaagum avalillaiyinnaa | What would become of this entire earth without her presence? |
| Female :Siru kudisaiyilae irunthu kondu ulagam kaappava | Female: Residing in a humble hut and guarding the world |
| Chorus :Dhinam kottu melam kotti vanthu kalagam theerppava | Chorus: Resolving all conflicts daily to the beat of drums |
| Chorus | |
| Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal | The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard |
| Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal | She resides in the temple to protect women |
| Male | |
| Amma neruppuththaan mannil eriyuthu | Mother, real fire burns upon the earth |
| Adiyai paarththu vai kannil theriyuthu | Watch your steps carefully, it is visible to the eyes |
| Chorus | |
| Thanniyai polae antha theeyilae thalli | Stepping into that fire as if walking through cool water |
| Onnai thaangi nikkiraa amma ananthavalli | Mother Anandhavalli stands as a pillar supporting you |
| Male | |
| Panja boodham anjum avalidam | All five elements stand in awe and fear of her |
| Podi podi nee niyaayam unnidam | Move forward with courage, for justice is on your side |
| Saththiyamaa unnai ennai theeyai midhichchaa | Truly, if you step on fire with absolute truth |
| Tharumaththaiyae nenjil enni kaaladi vachchaa | Bearing righteousness in your heart as you take every step |
| Male | |
| Indru pudhiyavalaai poranthu vantha seedhaiyai paaru | Look at Sita reborn today as a courageous new woman |
| Pottum poovum kaaththu nirkkum eviyai paaru | Look at her standing guard over her bindi and holy flowers |
| Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae | O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother! |
| Chorus :Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae | Chorus: O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother! |
| Male :Amma | Male: O Mother! |
| Chorus | |
| Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae | O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother! |
| Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae | O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother! |
| Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae | O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother! |
| Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae | O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother! |
பூவாடைக்காரி அவள் காவல் இருக்கிறாள்
பொண்ணுகளைக் காக்கத்தானே கோவிலிருக்கிறாள்
பூவாடைக்காரி அவள் காவல் இருக்கிறாள்
பொண்ணுகளைக் காக்கத்தானே கோவிலிருக்கிறாள்
சமயபுரம் மாங்காடு பெரியபாளையம்
தங்கியுள்ள பக்கம் எங்கும் தர்மம் காக்கிறாள்
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
She resides in the temple to protect women
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
She resides in the temple to protect women
In Samayapuram, Mangadu, and Periyapalayam
Wherever she resides, she protects righteousness
பூவாடைக்காரி அவள் காவல் இருக்கிறாள்
பொண்ணுகளைக் காக்கத்தானே கோவிலிருக்கிறாள்
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
She resides in the temple to protect women
ஏரு ஓடாட்டி தண்ணீர் ஊற்றுவா
யாரும் வந்தாக்க கருணை காட்டுவா
குழு :
வேப்பிலைக் கட்டு நெற்றியிலே சந்தனமிட்டு
உந்தன் வேதனையெல்லாம் மாரியம்மன் பேர்ல விட்டு
She guides the plough and pours water to sustain life
To anyone who approaches her, she shows boundless mercy
Chorus: Wearing a bundle of neem leaves and sandalwood on the forehead
Surrender all your suffering in the name of Goddess Mariyamman
தாலி கேட்டாக்க தேதியைச் சொல்லுவா
தாயே என்றாலோ தாயாக ஆக்குவா
குழு :
வேப்பிலைக் கட்டு நெற்றியிலே சந்தனமிட்டு
உந்தன் வேதனையெல்லாம் மாரியம்மன் பேர்ல விட்டு
If prayed to for marriage, she will fix the sacred wedding date
If called 'Mother!', she blesses one with the gift of motherhood
Chorus: Wearing a bundle of neem leaves and sandalwood on the forehead
Surrender all your suffering in the name of Goddess Mariyamman
சேரநாடு சோழ நாடு பாண்டிய நாடு
மூணு முடி தாங்கி அவள் ஆள்வது பாரு
உமையவளின் மறுவடிவம் ருத்ர தாண்டவம்
குழு :
உண்மை சொன்னா நன்மை செய்தல்
அவளின் நாடகம்
In the Chera kingdom, Chola kingdom, and Pandya kingdom
Look at her ruling while bearing three crowns
Female: The fierce avatar of goddess Uma performing the Rudra dance
Chorus: If you speak the truth, she bestows blessings upon you
It is all part of her divine play
பூவாடைக்காரி அவள் காவல் இருக்கிறாள்
பொண்ணுகளைக் காக்கத்தானே கோவிலிருக்கிறாள்
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
She resides in the temple to protect women
பெண்ணை பழிச் சொன்னால் கண்ணை எடுப்பா
புத்தி வந்தாக்க நெஞ்சில் இருப்பா
பாலில் வெண்ணெய் போல் பதுங்கி இருப்பா
காலம் வந்தாளே கண்ணில் இருப்பா
If anyone harms or blames a woman, she will pluck out their eyes
If wisdom dawns upon you, she will abide in your heart
She stays hidden like butter concealed within milk
When the right time arrives, she appears right before your eyes
அக்கா தங்கச்சி ஏழு பேர் அவதரித்தாங்க
அகிலமெல்லாம் கோவிலில் ஆள வந்தாங்க
Seven sisters were born as elder and younger sisters
They came to rule the entire universe from their temples
பொன்னழகி மலையரசி பூமாலை அம்மா
பூமியெல்லாம் என்னவாகும் அவளில்லையின்னா
சிறு குடிசையிலே இருந்து கொண்டு உலகம் காப்பவ
குழு :
தினம் கொட்டு மேளம் கொட்டி வந்து கலகம் தீர்ப்பவ
Golden beauty, queen of the mountains, mother adorned with flower garlands
What would become of this entire earth without her presence?
Female: Residing in a humble hut and guarding the world
Chorus: Resolving all conflicts daily to the beat of drums
பூவாடைக்காரி அவள் காவல் இருக்கிறாள்
பொண்ணுகளைக் காக்கத்தானே கோவிலிருக்கிறாள்
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
She resides in the temple to protect women
அம்மா நெருப்புத்தான் மண்ணில் எரியுது
அடியைப் பார்த்து வை கண்ணில் தெரியுது
Mother, real fire burns upon the earth
Watch your steps carefully, it is visible to the eyes
தண்ணியைப் போலே அந்தத் தீயிலே தள்ளி
ஒன்னைத் தாங்கி நிக்கிறா அம்மா ஆனந்தவல்லி
Stepping into that fire as if walking through cool water
Mother Anandhavalli stands as a pillar supporting you
பஞ்ச பூதம் அஞ்சும் அவளிடம்
போடி போடி நீ நியாயம் உன்னிடம்
சத்தியமா உன்னை எண்ணி தீயை மிதிச்சா
தருமத்தையே நெஞ்சில் எண்ணி காலடி வச்சா...
All five elements stand in awe and fear of her
Move forward with courage, for justice is on your side
Truly, if you step on fire with absolute truth
Bearing righteousness in your heart as you take every step
இன்று புதியவளாய் பொறந்து வந்த சீதையை பாரு
பொட்டும் பூவும் காத்து நிற்கும் தேவியைப் பாரு
மாரியம்மா முத்து மாரியம்மா தாயே....
குழு :
மாரியம்மா முத்து மாரியம்மா தாயே.....
அம்மா
Look at Sita reborn today as a courageous new woman
Look at her standing guard over her bindi and holy flowers
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Chorus: O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Male: O Mother!
மாரியம்மா முத்து மாரியம்மா தாயே.....
மாரியம்மா முத்து மாரியம்மா தாயே.....
மாரியம்மா முத்து மாரியம்மா தாயே.....
மாரியம்மா முத்து மாரியம்மா தாயே.....
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal
She resides in the temple to protect women
Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal
She resides in the temple to protect women
Samayapuram maangaadu periyapaalaiyam
In Samayapuram, Mangadu, and Periyapalayam
Thangiyulla pakkam engum dharmam kaakkiraal
Wherever she resides, she protects righteousness
Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal
She resides in the temple to protect women
Yaeru odaatti thanneer oottruvaa
She guides the plough and pours water to sustain life
Yaarum vanthaakka karunai kaattuvaa
To anyone who approaches her, she shows boundless mercy
Chorus :Veppillaik kattu nettriyilae santhanamittu
Chorus: Wearing a bundle of neem leaves and sandalwood on the forehead
Unthan vedhanaiyellaam maariyamman perula vittu
Surrender all your suffering in the name of Goddess Mariyamman
Thaali kettaakka thethiyai solluvaa
If prayed to for marriage, she will fix the sacred wedding date
Thaayae endraalo thaayaaga aakkuvaa
If called 'Mother!', she blesses one with the gift of motherhood
Chorus :Veppillaik kattu nettriyilae santhanamittu
Chorus: Wearing a bundle of neem leaves and sandalwood on the forehead
Unthan vedhanaiyellaam maariyamman perula vittu
Surrender all your suffering in the name of Goddess Mariyamman
Chera naadu chozha naadu paandiya naadu
In the Chera kingdom, Chola kingdom, and Pandya kingdom
Moonu mudi thaangi aval aalvathu paaru
Look at her ruling while bearing three crowns
Female :Umaiyavalin maru vadivam ruthra thaandavam
Female: The fierce avatar of goddess Uma performing the Rudra dance
Chorus :Unmai sonnaa nanmai seithal
Chorus: If you speak the truth, she bestows blessings upon you
Avalin naadagam
It is all part of her divine play
Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal
She resides in the temple to protect women
Pennai pazhi sonnaal kannai edupaa
If anyone harms or blames a woman, she will pluck out their eyes
Puththi vanthaakka nenjil iruppaa
If wisdom dawns upon you, she will abide in your heart
Paalil vennai pol padhungi iruppaa
She stays hidden like butter concealed within milk
Kaalam vanthaalae kannil iruppaa
When the right time arrives, she appears right before your eyes
Akkaa thangachchi yaezhu per avathariththaanga
Seven sisters were born as elder and younger sisters
Agilamellaam kovilil aala vanthaanga
They came to rule the entire universe from their temples
Ponnazhagi malaiyarasi poomaalai amma
Golden beauty, queen of the mountains, mother adorned with flower garlands
Bhoomiyellaam ennavaagum avalillaiyinnaa
What would become of this entire earth without her presence?
Female :Siru kudisaiyilae irunthu kondu ulagam kaappava
Female: Residing in a humble hut and guarding the world
Chorus :Dhinam kottu melam kotti vanthu kalagam theerppava
Chorus: Resolving all conflicts daily to the beat of drums
Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal
The goddess wearing a flower dress stands guard
Ponnugalai kaakkaththaanae kovilirukkiraal
She resides in the temple to protect women
Amma neruppuththaan mannil eriyuthu
Mother, real fire burns upon the earth
Adiyai paarththu vai kannil theriyuthu
Watch your steps carefully, it is visible to the eyes
Thanniyai polae antha theeyilae thalli
Stepping into that fire as if walking through cool water
Onnai thaangi nikkiraa amma ananthavalli
Mother Anandhavalli stands as a pillar supporting you
Panja boodham anjum avalidam
All five elements stand in awe and fear of her
Podi podi nee niyaayam unnidam
Move forward with courage, for justice is on your side
Saththiyamaa unnai ennai theeyai midhichchaa
Truly, if you step on fire with absolute truth
Tharumaththaiyae nenjil enni kaaladi vachchaa
Bearing righteousness in your heart as you take every step
Indru pudhiyavalaai poranthu vantha seedhaiyai paaru
Look at Sita reborn today as a courageous new woman
Pottum poovum kaaththu nirkkum eviyai paaru
Look at her standing guard over her bindi and holy flowers
Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Chorus :Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae
Chorus: O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Male :Amma
Male: O Mother!
Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Maariyammaa muththu maariyammaa thaayae
O Goddess Mariyamma, Pearl Mariyamma, divine Mother!
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This powerful folk devotional song from 'Kadavulin Theerpu' (1981) praises Goddess Mariyamman as the ultimate guardian of womanhood, truth, and justice. The lyricist Kannadasan evokes her presence across famous pilgrimage shrines in Tamil Nadu—Samayapuram, Mangadu, and Periyapalayam—highlighting her roles as both a benevolent mother who grants fertility and marriage, and a fierce deity who destroys those who insult or harm women.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai (Simile)
“Paalil vennai pol padhungi iruppaa”
Compares the Goddess's omnipresent yet unmanifest presence to butter hidden within milk ('Paalil vennai pol padhungi iruppaa').
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Poovaadaikkaari aval kaaval irukkiraal”
Refers to the Goddess as 'Poovaadaikkaari' (the one draped in a flower garment) to symbolize her purity and divinity.
Alliteration (Moonaai / Ethirhai)
“Chera naadu chozha naadu paandiya naadu”
Rhythmic rhyming of words across lines such as 'Chera naadu chozha naadu paandiya naadu', celebrating the three traditional Tamil kingdoms.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by R. Govarthanam with lyrics by Kavignar Kannadasan, this track is sung by legendary playback vocalist T. M. Soundararajan along with a chorus. It incorporates authentic Tamil Amman folk music elements, including neem leaf motifs, ritual drum beats, and references to the fire-walking test (Thimithi).
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