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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaazhum Valluvarae

From Nimir · 2018

Lyricist
Mohan Raja
Singers
V. Priyadarshini, R. Apoorva, N. Aparajitha, Jyothsna Akilan
Music director
Darbuka Siva
Details
Nimir2018

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Vaazhum valluvaraeO living Valluvar!
Kuralilae vaazhum valluvaraeO Valluvar who lives on through the Thirukkural!
Meesai bharadhiyaeO moustachioed Bharathi!
Engalin aasai maakaviyaeO great poet of our desires!
Chorus
ThamizhaeO Tamil language!
Thamizhin amudhaeO sweet nectar of Tamil!
Emai mayakkum paadalilaeIn the song that mesmerizes us,
Vaazhum avvaiyaeO Avvaiyar who lives forever!
Thamizh vanangidumWhom Tamil itself bows down to,
Chorus
Vaazhum valluvaraeO living Valluvar!
Kuralilae vaazhum valluvaraeO Valluvar who lives on through the Thirukkural!
Meesai bharadhiyaeO moustachioed Bharathi!
Engalin aasai maakaviyaeO great poet of our desires!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poetic piece pays rich tribute to the timeless icons of Tamil literature and the glorious Tamil language itself. By invoking revered historical figures—Thiruvalluvar (author of the Thirukkural), Subramania Bharathi (the fiery nationalist poet known for his distinctive mustache), and Avvaiyar (the legendary female poet-philosopher)—the lyrics highlight how these literary giants remain immortal through their timeless works. The song expresses deep devotion to Tamil, portraying the language as divine nectar that entrances its listeners and commands universal respect.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Apostrophe (Vili)

Vaazhum valluvarae

Directly addressing absent or idealized poetic figures (Valluvar, Bharathi, Avvaiyar) as if they are present.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Thamizhin amudhae

Comparing the sweetness and divine quality of the Tamil language to 'Amudham' (nectar of immortality).

Visual Imagery / Epithet

Meesai bharadhiyae

Using the iconic physical attribute 'Meesai' (mustache) to instantly evoke the distinct image of poet Subramania Bharathi.

Refrain / Anaphora

Kuralilae vaazhum valluvarae

Repetition of lines praising Valluvar and Bharathi to emphasize their enduring legacy.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song from 'Nimir' (2018)—a comedy-drama film directed by Priyadarshan—serves as an anthem of cultural pride. It honors the core pillar figures of Tamil literature (Thiruvalluvar, Avvaiyar, and Subramania Bharathi), celebrating the rich heritage of Tamil poetry within the contemporary film soundtrack composed by Darbuka Siva and B. Ajaneesh Loknath.

Keep listening

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