- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Srivalli
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Dec 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This devotional song from the 1961 movie 'Srivalli' is a sublime invocation addressed to Lord Shiva. It praises Him as the infinite, eternal Almighty who transcends time—having neither a beginning ('Aadhi') nor an end ('Andham'). The lyrics glorify Shiva as the Supreme Vedantic Truth, the personification of divine light, and the cosmic primordial sound ('Omkara') who brings joy to His consort Ambigai and lives in the hearts of His devotees.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Aadhiyandhamum illadha naayaga / Arulvaai engal thaayaga”
The words 'Naayaga' and 'Thaayaga' at the end of consecutive lines create a rhythmic end-rhyme scheme.
Uruvagamm (Metaphor)
“Thooya gyaana oli deepamae”
The deity is directly equated to a lamp of divine knowledge ('oli deepamae') and the embodiment of sound ('Naadha roobamae').
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Ambigai magizhum deva / Anbargal idhaya jeeva”
Repetition of the initial sound 'A' across words such as 'Ambigai', 'Anbargal', and 'Aadhaaram' enhances the euphonic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
The 1961 film 'Srivalli', starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini, was a major mythological success. Legendary music director G. Ramanathan composed the track, which relies on classical Carnatic raga traditions. Singer T. M. Soundararajan (TMS) delivered a powerful performance that remains a classic devotional standard in Tamil cinema history.
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