- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sri Raghavendrar
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Jan 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Aadal Kalaiyae Devan Thanthadhu' is a celebrated classical composition from the movie Sri Raghavendrar (1985). Sung masterfully by K. J. Yesudas with music by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics by Vaali, the song celebrates dance (Bharatanatyam) as a divine gift from God through which creation itself gains life and rhythm. The lyrics vividly describe a female dancer whose movements, grace, and beauty mirror nature, celestial beings, and classic poetic imagery. In the second half, the song meta-referentially highlights classical musical elements, describing how rhythm (Jathi) and melody flow through the dancer's anklets and voice. In a brilliant lyricistic touch, Vaali explicitly names the raga of the song, Charukesi, within the verse itself, emphasizing the bliss that musical swaras bring to the human soul.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Self-Referential Raga Mention (Raga Mudra)
“Surangalil puthu sugangalai tharum charukesiyo”
The lyrics explicitly mention 'Charukesi', which is the actual Carnatic raga in which Ilaiyaraaja composed this track.
Upamai (Simile)
“Mellisaiyin oosaipol melai sirithaal”
Comparing the dancer's gentle smile to the soothing sound of soft music.
Utpreksha (Poetic Fancy / Metaphor)
“Vinnilae vazhunthirukum vennira nilla Pennena kaaleduthu vandhadho ulaa”
Imagining the moon descending from the sky and taking the form of a walking woman.
Etagai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Chithira naatiyam nithamum kaatidum / Sittridaidhaan kan parikum meen kodiyo”
Tamil poetic rhyme scheme where the second letter of consecutive lines match (Chithira / Sittridaidhaan, Munazhagum / Mullirukum).
Did you know?
Trivia
This song features in Rajinikanth's landmark 100th movie, 'Sri Raghavendrar' (1985), where he portrayed the Hindu saint Swami Raghavendra. Interestingly, lyricist Vaali seamlessly integrated the name of the Carnatic ragam 'Charukesi' directly into the lyrics, matching the exact raga composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for the track.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Sri Raghavendrar
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.