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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Valarum Kalaiyin

From Thooya Ullam · 1961

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singers
P. Susheela, Jikki
Music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao
Details
Thooya Ullam1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Valarum kalaiyin paalmathiThe growing milk-white moon of expanding art
Malarin kuviyal maanidhiA heap of flowers, a great treasure
Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds
Female
Valarum kalaiyin paalmathiThe growing milk-white moon of expanding art
Malarin kuviyal maanidhiA heap of flowers, a great treasure
Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds
Female
Maarbodanaikkum bakkaiyamThe good fortune of hugging close to the chest
Maadhavamae tharum saathiyamA possibility granted only by great penance
Female
Maarbodanaikkum bakkaiyamThe good fortune of hugging close to the chest
Maadhavamae tharum saathiyamA possibility granted only by great penance
Seer kulava nidham pettrror thamadhuDaily experiencing flourishing prosperity, for the parents
Per palavae perum bakkiyamTo attain many grand fortunes and renown
Female
Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds
Female
Valarum kalaiyin paalmathiThe growing milk-white moon of expanding art
Female :Malarin kuviyal maanidhiA heap of flowers, a great treasure
Females :Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds
Female
Kulame vilangum deepameOh lamp that brightens the whole lineage
Ulavum manai ezhil roobamaeOh beautiful form wandering around the home
Kondaada vaaridum anbodu naadumSeeking with love that flows to celebrate
Kulandhai kaniyin deivamaeOh divine child, sweet as a fruit
Female
Kulame vilangum deepameOh lamp that brightens the whole lineage
Ulavum manai ezhil roobamaeOh beautiful form wandering around the home
Kondaada vaaridum anbodu naadumSeeking with love that flows to celebrate
Kulandhai kaniyin deivamaeOh divine child, sweet as a fruit
Female
Valarum kalaiyin paalmathiThe growing milk-white moon of expanding art
Female :Malarin kuviyal maanidhiA heap of flowers, a great treasure
Females :Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds
Female
Panniya punniyam payiraaghiMay the good deeds performed yield good crops
Paarpavar kangalil virundhaakkiBecoming a visual feast for all onlookers
Female
Panniya punniyam payiraaghiMay the good deeds performed yield good crops
Paarpavar kangalil virundhaakkiBecoming a visual feast for all onlookers
Ennum pugazh seer ellaam oongaveMay your fame, glory, and prosperity ever rise
Inbamaaga nee vaazhaveMay you live in great happiness
Female
Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds
Female
Valarum kalaiyin paalmathiThe growing milk-white moon of expanding art
Malarin kuviyal maanidhiA heap of flowers, a great treasure
Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds
Female
Valarum kalaiyin paalmathiThe growing milk-white moon of expanding art
Malarin kuviyal maanidhiA heap of flowers, a great treasure
Ulagil engal kanmani neeyaeYou are our precious darling eye in this world
Ullam kaanum nimmadhiThe peace that our mind beholds

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Valarum Kalaiyin Paalmathi is an endearing lullaby and blessing song celebrating a beloved child. The lyrics express tender affection, comparing the child to a growing crescent moon of fine arts, a rich bundle of fresh flowers, and the illuminating lamp of the family line. Embracing the child is described as a supreme privilege earned through past penance, bringing boundless peace to the soul. The song showers blessings upon the child, wishing that her life yields fruit like a rich harvest from past good deeds, bringing boundless happiness to her and visual joy to all who behold her. The lyricist Udumalai Narayanakavi weaves deep warmth and traditional values into this poetic composition.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Valarum kalaiyin paalmathi / Malarin kuviyal maanidhi

Comparing the child directly to a growing full moon ('Paalmathi') and a heap of flowers ('Malarin kuviyal').

Anaphora / Initial Rhyme (Anaiputhal)

Kulame vilangum deepame / Kulandhai kaniyin deivamae

Repetition of 'Kulame' and 'Kulandhai' sound in consecutive verses celebrating lineage and child.

Alliteration (Monaithal)

Panniya punniyam payiraaghi

Repetition of the 'P' sound ('Panniya', 'punniyam', 'payiraaghi') creates a soothing rhythmic feel.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is a famous duet rendered by P. Susheela and Jikki for the 1961 Tamil film 'Thooya Ullam'. Music was composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao, and lyrics were penned by the veteran Tamil poet Udumalai Narayanakavi, known for his clean, deeply poetic usage of native Tamil metaphors.

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