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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thirumaalin Kausthubam

From Rathna Kumar · 1949

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
P. Bhanumathi
Music directors
G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
Details
Rathna Kumar1949

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thirumaalin kausthubamsaerYou reside adjoining the Kaustubha gem of Lord Vishnu,
Thirumaarbaga pettagathul thigazhndhaaiShining within the chest-casket of the holy Lord.
Perumozhi pettredutha pennarasiO Queen among women, born of great glory,
Sengamala peedam vaazhndhaaiYou who dwell on the red lotus throne!
Urumaara cheiyum kodiyaThe cruel poverty that disfigures one,
Varumaiyara navanidhiyumTo banish that poverty, the nine types of treasures
Ulanganindhu tharummaadhaaO Mother, who wholeheartedly bestows upon the world!
Unaiyandri thaaraniyilApart from you on this earth,
Yevarthaayae dheivam neeyae neeyaeWho is the mother? You alone are God, you alone!
Female
Unnarulaal ulaginbamayamBy your grace, the world is filled with bliss,
Unnarulaal manam inbamigum sendhiruBy your grace, the mind abounds in joy, O Lakshmi!
Unnarulaal ulaginbamayamBy your grace, the world is filled with bliss,
Unnarulaal manam inbamigumBy your grace, the mind abounds in joy.
Unnarulaal malar manamum perumaeBy your grace, even flowers gain their fragrance,
Unadharulaal thendralBy your grace, the gentle southern breeze
Sugam tharumae ambaaBestows delight, O Goddess Mother!
Unnarulaal ulaginbamayamBy your grace, the world is filled with bliss,
Unnarulaal manam inbamigumBy your grace, the mind abounds in joy.
Unnarulae naan paaduvadhumIt is by your grace alone that I sing
KondaaduvadhumAnd celebrate,
Unadharulae en ullam naaduvadhumIt is your grace alone that my heart seeks,
Kai kooduvadhum ambaaAnd that brings complete fulfillment, O Mother!
Unnarulaal ulaginbamayamBy your grace, the world is filled with bliss,
Unnarulaal manam inbamigumBy your grace, the mind abounds in joy.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This prayerful song is a devotional hymn dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Sendhiru/Ambaa), extolling her divine presence in the sacred chest of Lord Vishnu alongside the Kaustubha gem. The lyricist addresses her as the lotus-dwelling queen of women who compassionately bestows the nine forms of wealth (Navanidhi) to eradicate severe human poverty. The song highlights that all natural sweetness—such as the scent of blossoms, the comfort of the gentle breeze, and the pure happiness of the mind—exists purely through her divine benevolence. The singer humbly surrenders, affirming that their music, joy, and spiritual fulfillment are entirely guided by her grace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora (Initial Repetition)

Unnarulaal ulaginbamayam / Unnarulaal manam inbamigum

The repetition of 'Unnarulaal' (By your grace) across multiple line openings creates a rhythmic, chant-like devotional emphasis.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Thirumaarbaga pettagathul thigazhndhaai

Comparing the Lord's chest to a treasure box/casket ('Thirumaarbaga pettagam') where the Goddess shines like a jewel.

Imagery (Katchi Inbam)

Unnarulaal malar manamum perumae / Unadharulaal thendral sugam tharumae ambaa

Sensory imagery connecting divine grace with fragrant flowers and soothing breeze ('thendral sugam').

Monnai (Initial Alliteration)

Unnarulae naan paaduvadhum / Unadharulae en ullam naaduvadhum

Initial consonant and vowel sound rhyming across line starts such as 'Unnarulae' and 'Unadharulae'.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is composed by Papanasam Sivan for the 1949 Tamil film 'Rathna Kumar', which starred P. U. Chinnappa and M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The soundtrack was composed jointly by G. Ramanathan and C. R. Subburaman.

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