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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vellai Thamarai

From Thai Ullam · 1952

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singer
M. L. Vasanthakumari
Music directors
Chittor V. Nagaiah, A. Rama Rao
Details
Thai Ullam1952

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vellai thaamarai poovil iruppaalShe resides in the white lotus flower.
Vellai thaamarai poovil iruppaalShe resides in the white lotus flower.
Veenai seiyum……In the music made by the Veena...
Veenai seiyum oliyil iruppaalShe resides in the sound produced by the Veena.
Vellai thaamarai poovil iruppaalShe resides in the white lotus flower.
Female
Maadhar theengural paatil iruppaalShe resides in the sweet singing voice of women.
Maadhar theengural paatil iruppaalShe resides in the sweet singing voice of women.
Makkal pesum mazhalaiyil ullaalShe exists in the innocent prattle of children.
Makkal pesum mazhalaiyil ullaalShe exists in the innocent prattle of children.
Female
Vellai thaamarai poovil iruppaalShe resides in the white lotus flower.
Female
Vanjamattra thozhil purindhundu…Engaging in honest, deceitless work...
Uuuu…aaa…aaa….aaa…aaah(Vocalizations)
Vanjamattra thozhil purindhundu…Engaging in honest, deceitless work...
Vaazhum maandhar kuladeivamaavaalShe becomes the guardian deity of the people who live so.
Vaazhum maandhar kuladeivamaavaalShe becomes the guardian deity of the people who live so.
Female
Senthamizh mani naatidai ulleerO residents of the precious land of pure Tamil!
Senthamizh mani naatidai ulleerO residents of the precious land of pure Tamil!
Serndhu iththevai vanaguvam vaareerCome, let us unite and worship this Goddess!
Vanaguvam vaareerCome, let us worship!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Vellai Thaamarai Poovil Iruppaal' is a classic devotional poem composed by the celebrated national poet Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, and fine arts. In this hymn, Bharathiyar broadens the traditional concept of divinity by finding Goddess Saraswati not only on her traditional white lotus seat, but also in every expression of harmony, beauty, truth, and purity. She is present in the melodic sound of the Veena, the sweet voices of women, the innocent babble of young children, and the noble efforts of those who earn an honest living without deceit. Bharathiyar warmly calls upon the citizens of the Tamil land to come together in unity and offer their devotion to this divine mother of wisdom and virtue.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Visual Imagery

Vellai thaamarai poovil iruppaal

The image of the white lotus creates a vivid mental picture symbolizing purity, divine knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment.

Iyaibu (Rhyming Refrain)

Maadhar theengural paatil iruppaal

The repetition of 'iruppaal' at the end of multiple lines creates a melodic cadence and reinforces the theme of omnipresence.

Monai (Alliteration)

Maadhar theengural paatil iruppaal / Makkal pesum mazhalaiyil ullaal

The repetition of initial consonants 'Ma' in 'Maadhar' and 'Makkal' creates auditory harmony in the verses.

Metaphor

Vanjamattra thozhil purindhundu... Vaazhum maandhar kuladeivamaavaal

Dedicating honest human labor as a realm where the divine deity resides elevates everyday ethical living to a act of worship.

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Trivia

This song is an adaptation of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar's iconic poem 'Saraswathi Devi Stothram'. It was featured in the 1952 Tamil film 'Thai Ullam', starring R. S. Manohar and Chittor V. Nagaiah, with music composed by V. Nagayya and A. Rama Rao.

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