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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Unnaiye Deivam

From Srivalli · 1961

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Srivalli1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Unnaiyae deivam endruConsidering you alone as God,
Enni varum makkalumthe people who come to you in devotion,
Mannilae madivadhum sariyoois it right that they perish on this earth?
Panniru karangalal abayam tharamalaeWithout granting protection with your twelve hands,
Paadhagam seivadhum muraiyoois it proper to cause such suffering?
Female
Kanni en vaazhvilae ennaiyae ariyaamalIn my life as a maiden, without even realizing it myself,
Ennathaan naan seidha kuraiyoowhat flaw or sin could I have committed?
Un arul illaye gadhi yaarum illaiyeWithout your grace, there is no refuge for anyone,
En uyiraiyum yettru kol murugaaccept my life as well, Oh Lord Muruga!
Muruga…. muruga…. murugaMuruga... Muruga... Muruga...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a deeply emotional and poignant devotional lament addressed to Lord Murugan. The singer questions divine justice, asking why innocent people who place their complete faith in Lord Murugan are left to suffer and perish. She addresses the Lord's twelve hands, which are meant to grant refuge and protection, asking why hardship is allowed to prevail instead. Reflecting on her own pure life as a maiden, she wonders what unconscious mistake she could have made to deserve such anguish. Realizing that there is no other salvation without divine grace, she surrenders entirely, offering her very life to Lord Murugan.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Anaphora)

Mannilae madivadhum sariyoo / Paadhagam seivadhum muraiyoo / Ennathaan naan seidha kuraiyoo

The rhetorical suffix '-oo' is repeated at the end of key lines ('sariyoo', 'muraiyoo', 'kuraiyoo') to express deep distress and question divine will.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Panniru karangalal abayam tharamalae / Kanni en vaazhvilae ennaiyae ariyaamal

The second letter consonant 'nn' rhymes across consecutive structural lines ('Panniru' and 'Kanni').

Rhetorical Questioning

Mannilae madivadhum sariyoo / Paadhagam seivadhum muraiyoo

The lyricist uses persuasive interrogation ('Is it right?', 'Is it fair?', 'What is my fault?') to amplify the pathos and emotional impact of the prayer.

Did you know?

Trivia

Srivalli (1961) is a classic Tamil mythological film depicting the legend of Lord Murugan and his consort Valli, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. The film's music was composed by maestro G. Ramanathan, known for integrating deeply classical and emotive ragas into devotional cinema tracks.

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