Madhu Balakrishnan delivers “Pichai Pathiram” from the album “Naan Kadavul,” creating a mood of primal vulnerability. Ilaiyaraja wrote the lyrics, and Madhu Balakrishnan composed the music. Arya stars in the film. The song captures a soul’s ancient prayer.
Released: May 17, 2022
Pichai Pathiram
Madhu Balakrishnan • From “Naan Kadavul”
Lyricist
Ilaiyaraja
Composer
Madhu Balakrishana
Naan Kadavul’s Pichai Pathiram Tamil Lyrics English Meaning
Ilaiyaraja’s lyrics present the human body as a “begging bowl,” composed of “bone, flesh, nerve, and blood.” Madhu Balakrishnan questions the origin of this existence, asking if parents granted it or if “ancient, strong karma” envelops the self. An empty vessel holds a secret known only to the divine.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Pindam Ennum Elumbodu Sadhai NarambuThis body, which they call ‘pindam’–composed of bones, flesh, and nerves,
Udhiramum Adangiya Udambu EnumAnd containing blood–I’ve come carrying it as a begging bowl.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Pindam Ennum Elumbodu Sadhai NarambuThis body, which they call ‘pindam’–composed of bones, flesh, and nerves,
Udhiramum Adangiya Udambu EnumAnd containing blood–I’ve come carrying it as a begging bowl.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Ammaiyum Appanum ThandhadhaaDid my mother and father grant me this,
Illai Aadhiyin Val Vinai SoozhndhadhaaOr did ancient, strong karma envelop me?
Ammaiyum Appanum ThandhadhaaDid my mother and father grant me this,
Illai Aadhiyin Val Vinai SoozhndhadhaaOr did ancient, strong karma envelop me?
Immaiyai Naan AriyadhathaaAm I unaware of this present existence?
Immaiyai Naan AriyadhathaaI need to realize the truth in the state of a small doll.
Siru Bommaiyin Nilaiyinil Unmaiyai UnarndhidaI need to realize the truth in the state of a small doll.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Athanai Selvamum Un IdathilAll wealth resides with you.
Naan Pichaikku Selvadhu EvvidathilSo where do I go to beg?
Athanai Selvamum Un IdathilAll wealth resides with you.
Naan Pichaikku Selvadhu EvvidathilSo where do I go to beg?
Verum Paathiram Ulladhu En IdathilOnly an empty bowl is with me.
Adhan Soothiramo Adhu Un IdathilIts secret, that’s with you.
Oru Muraiya Iru MuraiyaWas it once, or twice,
Pala Murai Pala Pirappu Edukka VaithaiThat you made me take many, many births?
Pudhu Vinaiya Pazha VinaiyaIs it new karma, or old karma,
Kanam Kanam Dhinam Enai Thudikka VaithaiThat you’ve made me tremble daily, moment by moment?
Porulukku Alaindhidum Porulattra Vaazhkaiyum ThurathudheThis meaningless life, chasing after material things, also pursues me.
Un Arul Arul Arul Endru Alaigindra Manam Indru PithatrudheMy mind, wandering and repeating “Your grace, grace, grace,” is raving today.
Arul Vizhiyaal NokkuvaiYou’ll look upon me with eyes of grace,
Malar Padhathaal ThaanguvaiYou’ll support me with your lotus feet,
Un Thiru Karam Enai Aravanaithu Unadharul PeraSo your divine hand can embrace me and grant me your grace.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Pindam Ennum Elumbodu Sadhai NarambuThis body, which they call ‘pindam’–composed of bones, flesh, and nerves,
Udhiramum Adangiya Udambu EnumAnd containing blood–I’ve come carrying it as a begging bowl.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
Aiyane En AiyaneOh Lord, my Lord.
Pichai Paathiram Yendhi VandhenI’ve come carrying a begging bowl,
The devotional composition from ‘Naan Kadavul’ maps a search for spiritual understanding. This ‘Pichai Pathiram’ lyrics meaning details a soul’s appeal for grace to transcend the cycle of many births and suffering. Madhu Balakrishnan’s voice carries a profound introspection.
