Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thiruvongu Punniya

From Arutperum Jothi · 1971

Lyricist
Ramalinga Adigalar
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Arutperum Jothi1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thiruvongu punniya seyalongiMay sacred, virtuous deeds increase and flourish;
Anbarul thiralongu selvamongaMay spiritual wealth increase among the gathering of devotees;
Serivonga arivongiMay depth of focus and divine knowledge flourish;
Niraivaana inbam thigazhnthongaMay complete and perfect bliss shine and flourish;
Arul koduththu maruvonguBestowing divine grace and embracing all,
Sengamala malarongu…Flourishing like a radiant red lotus flower...
Female
Vanamonga valar karunai mayamongiFlourishing like the boundless sky, overflowing with growing compassion,
Orr varamongu thellamutha vayamongiFlourishing as a supreme boon, the victorious sweet nectar,
Anantha vadivaagi yongiFlourishing as the form of infinite bliss,
Nyaana uruvongum unarvinirai yoliyongiFlourishing as the embodiment of wisdom, the light of complete consciousness,
Female
Oongu mayil oornthongiFlourishing as the Lord who rides the majestic peacock,
Evvuyirukkum uravonguFlourishing as the true kin to every living soul,
NinpathamennulamongiMay your holy feet flourish within my heart,
Valamonga uikindra naalenthanaalWhich day shall be the blessed day I am redeemed amidst such prosperity?
Female
Tharuvuvongu chennaiyir kanthakottaththul valarO Lord residing in Kandhakottam, Chennai, surrounded by lush wish-fulfilling trees!
Thalamongu kantha vaelaeO Lord Kandha holding the mighty Spear, exalted in this holy shrine!
Thanmugath thuyyamani unmuga saivamaniO cool-faced pure gem, inner spiritual Saiva jewel!
Shanmuga dheivamaniyae…..O Lord Shanmuga, the divine jewel of the universe!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a soul-stirring prayer written by Saint Ramalinga Adigalar (Vallalar) addressing Lord Kandhaswamy (Murugan) of the Kandhakottam Temple in Chennai. The poet invokes the Lord with deep devotion, praying for virtuous deeds, true spiritual wisdom, unity among devotees, and universal joy to flourish in the world. He describes the divine attributes of Lord Murugan as the embodiment of mercy, light, nectar, and ultimate consciousness. In the concluding verses, Vallalar pours out his personal longing for divine redemption, asking when his heart will be permanently blessed by the Lord's lotus feet. He praises Lord Shanmuga as a pure, priceless jewel who bestows grace upon all living beings.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (Rhyme / Repetition)

Thiruvongu punniya seyalongi... selvamonga... arivongi...

The word or suffix 'Oongu' (meaning to grow, flourish, or rise high) is repetitively used at the end of almost every phrase, creating a powerful rhythmic and chanting effect.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Thanmugath thuyyamani unmuga saivamani / Shanmuga dheivamaniyae

The Lord is metaphorically addressed as 'Saivamani' (Saivite jewel) and 'Dheivamaniyae' (Divine jewel), symbolizing purity, splendor, and spiritual value.

Moonaai (Alliteration)

Tharuvuvongu chennaiyir kanthakottaththul valar / Thalamongu kantha vaelae

Repetition of initial consonants like 'Th' in 'Tharuvuvongu', 'Thalamongu', 'Thanmugath', and 'Sh/S' sounds in 'Sengamala', 'Saivamani', 'Shanmuga'.

Did you know?

Trivia

This poem is part of 'Deivamani Maalai' (Garland of Divine Gems), composed by Saint Ramalinga Swamigal (Vallalar) in his early years while worshipping at the Chennai Kandhakottam Kandhaswamy Temple. It was adapted into the 1971 biographical film 'Arutperum Jothi', set to music by T. R. Pappa and rendered by S. Janaki.

Keep listening

More from Arutperum Jothi