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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vanna Thamaraiyil

From Srivalli · 1961

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Srivalli1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhiLike a water bubble shining on a colorful lotus,
Vazhvu thaan ulagil sathamaIs life in this world really permanent?
Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhiLike a water bubble shining on a colorful lotus,
Vazhvu thaan ulagil sathama murugaIs life in this world really permanent, O Muruga?
Male
Mannilaadum ilamaadhar aasaiyenumThe desire for young women playing on this earth,
Maaya leelai edhum nijamaIs any of this illusionary drama truly real?
Mannilaadum ilamaadhar aasaiyenumThe desire for young women playing on this earth,
Maaya leelai edhum nijamaIs any of this illusionary drama truly real?
Male
Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhiLike a water bubble shining on a colorful lotus,
Vazhvu thaan ulagil sathamaIs life in this world really permanent?
Male
Appanae shanmughaO Lord Shanmukha, my father!
Male
Aasaiyaavum vendra piraviA life born having conquered every single desire,
Enna vaazhvu idhuWhat kind of life is this!
Aasaiyaavum vendra piraviA life born having conquered every single desire,
Bandha paasam yaavum attra thuraviAn ascetic free from all attachments and affectionate ties,
Aasaiyaavum vendra piraviA life born having conquered every single desire,
Bandha paasam yaavum attra thuraviAn ascetic free from all attachments and affectionate ties,
Aadi oodi indru aavaalaga vandhaHaving danced and run, today coming with great eagerness,
Thaadikkaran sollai unarveerUnderstand the wisdom in the words of this bearded old man!
Indha thaadikkaran sollai unarveerUnderstand the wisdom in the words of this bearded old man!
Male
Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhiLike a water bubble shining on a colorful lotus,
Vazhvu thaan ulagil sathamaIs life in this world really permanent?
Vazhvu thaan ulagil sathamaIs life in this world really permanent?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This philosophical song from the 1961 movie Srivalli reflects on the impermanence of human life and the illusory nature of worldly pleasures. Using the metaphor of a fragile water droplet resting on a lotus blossom, the lyricist emphasizes how earthly life can vanish in a moment. The verse questions whether romantic attachments and physical desires are anything more than a fleeting illusion (Maya). Addressing Lord Muruga (Shanmukha), the song praises the divinity as the ultimate ascetic who has conquered all worldly cravings and severed bonds of attachment. Disguised as an old bearded man, the speaker urges seekers to look beyond superficial desires and realize the profound spiritual truth of detachment.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai / உவமை)

Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhi

Compares fragile and temporary human existence to a glistening water droplet on a lotus petal.

Rhetorical Question

Vazhvu thaan ulagil sathama

Questions whether life on earth is permanent to emphasize its obvious transience.

Metaphor (Uruvagam / உருவகம்)

Maaya leelai edhum nijama

Frames romantic attraction and worldly desire as an illusory cosmic play (Maaya leelai).

Monai (Initial Alliteration / மோனை)

Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhi

Repetition of the initial sound 'Va' across consecutive lines (Vanna / Vazhvu).

Did you know?

Trivia

In the mythological movie Srivalli (1961), this classic song is rendered by legendary singer Seerkazhi Govindarajan with music composed by G. Ramanathan. The scene features Lord Muruga disguised as a bearded elder, imparting philosophical wisdom regarding the fleeting nature of life and worldly attachment.

Keep listening

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