- Lyricist
- Pattinathar
- Singer
- Mukesh
- Music director
- Sundaramurthy KS
- Movie name
- Thandatti
- Movie release year
- 2023
- Lyrics added on
- 28 May 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This deeply emotional verse, originally composed by the saint-poet Pattinathar, captures the existential sorrow of a son performing the last rites for his deceased mother. He reminisces about her immense maternal sacrifices: enduring ten months of painful pregnancy, praying endlessly to Lord Shiva, cradling him in silk and on her shoulders, and tenderly nourishing him throughout his childhood. The heartbreaking irony lies in the realization that the very body that gave him life and endured endless hardship must now be set on fire by his own hands.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Etukai (Second letter rhyme)
“Pattililum thottililum”
The second consonant sound matches across consecutive phrases ('Pattililum' / 'Kattililum'), adding rhythmic musicality.
Monai (Initial letter rhyme)
“Mundhi thavam kedanthu”
Matching initial vowel/consonant sounds ('Mundhi' / 'Munnoru') creating structural alignment.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kanaga moolai thandhaalae amma”
Describing mother's milk as 'Kanaga moolai' (golden breast milk) to emphasize its sacred and priceless value.
Refrain (Madaku/Thirumba Varuvan)
“Thaaiyirkkor meiyilae thee moottuven”
The agonizing repetition of 'meiyilae thee moottuven' (I light fire to her body) reinforces the deep grief and irony of the funeral ritual.
Did you know?
Trivia
These lines are attributed to Pattinathar, a 10th-century Tamil saint and philosopher who renounced his immense wealth to become an ascetic. Legend has it that he composed these heartbreaking verses at the funeral pyre of his own mother. The traditional poem was adapted into the soundtrack of the 2023 movie 'Thandatti', composed by Sundaramurthy KS.
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