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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Yadhu Nandhanaa Gopaalaa

From Meera (1945) Film · 1945

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
M. S. Subbulakshmi
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Meera (1945) Film1945

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Giridhara gopaalanukkuTo Giridhara Gopala (Lord Krishna, the protector of cows and lifter of the mountain),
Chorus :JaeChorus: Victory!
Male
Veera magaa kaalikkuTo the valiant Great Kali,
Chorus :JaeChorus: Victory!
Female
Jaya dheena vathsalaaVictory to the compassionate protector of the meek and distressed,
Jaya vaenu gaana lolaaVictory to the divine flute player who delights in sweet music,
Jaya dheena vathsalaaVictory to the compassionate protector of the meek and distressed,
Jaya vaenu gaana lolaaVictory to the divine flute player who delights in sweet music,
Female
Varadhaa…aaa…aa…aa…O Giver of Boons... ah... ah...
Varadhaa… arul tharuvaai vanamaaliO Giver of Boons, shower your divine grace, O Vanamaali (wreather of forest flowers),
Jaya varadhaa arul tharuvaai vanamaaliVictory to the Giver of Boons, shower your divine grace, O Vanamaali,
Jaya meeraa prabu giridhaariVictory to the Lord of Meera, Giridhari!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This devotional invocation from the iconic 1945 film 'Meera' consists of chant-like praises celebrating the divine attributes of Lord Krishna (also briefly saluting Goddess Kali). Krishna is invoked under various sacred epithets such as 'Deena Vathsala' (the compassionate refuge of the suffering), 'Venu Gaana Lola' (the lover of flute music), 'Vanamaali' (adorned with forest garlands), and 'Giridhari' (the lifter of Govardhana mountain). The chants express deep surrender, praising Krishna as the ultimate bestower of boons and spiritual grace, culminating in a celebration of Him as Saint Meera's ultimate master.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Jaya dheena vathsalaa / Jaya vaenu gaana lolaa

Repetition of the initial word 'Jaya' across consecutive lines creates rhythmic enthusiasm appropriate for a devotional chant.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Jaya dheena vathsalaa / Jaya vaenu gaana lolaa

Matching rhyme ending with the '-laa' sound at the end of both lines enhances musicality.

Epithet (Anaphora of Divine Names)

Giridhara gopaalanukku / Vanamaali / Giridhaari

Use of evocative divine names highlighting specific attributes and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Did you know?

Trivia

Meera (1945) was a monumental hit directed by American filmmaker Ellis R. Dungan and starred the legendary Carnatic vocalist M. S. Subbulakshmi in the lead role. The soundtrack, composed by S. V. Venkatraman with lyrics by renowned composer Papanasam Sivan, propelled Subbulakshmi to national prominence. Following its huge Tamil success, the film was dubbed and partially reshot in Hindi in 1947, introduced by Sarojini Naidu.

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