- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- Rajalakshmi, S. Janaki
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kandhan Karunai
- Movie release year
- 1967
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Sept 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This devotional track from the classic movie 'Kandhan Karunai' celebrates the divine birth and incarnation of Lord Murugan (Shanmuga). The song beautifully describes each of the six faces (Aarumugam) of Lord Murugan, attributing distinct divine characteristics and metaphors to each face.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Repetition (Adukku Thodar)
“Thanga mugam ondru / Vaartha mugam ondru”
The repetitive structure ending with 'mugam ondru' across stanzas reinforces the concept of Lord Shanmuga having six distinct divine countenances.
Simile (Upamai)
“Velli radham pola varum Pillai mugam ondru”
Comparing the movement and charm of the child's face to a majestic silver chariot using the comparative word 'pola'.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vel vadivil kannirandum Vilangum mugam ondru”
Describing the deity's eyes directly as sharp spears ('Vel') to denote grace, power, and sharpness of intellect.
Initial Rhyme (Monai)
“Paal manamum poo manamum Padindha mugam ondru”
The repetition of starting sounds in consecutive words such as 'Paal' and 'Padindha', enhancing the lyrical flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan, 'Kandhan Karunai' is a landmark mythological Tamil film detailing the birth and exploits of Lord Murugan. This specific song highlights the 'Arumugam' (six faces) iconography central to Kaumaram worship.
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