- Lyricist
- Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Pondiyala Srinivasan
- Movie name
- Naan Valartha Thangai
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Jul 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This devotional song from the 1958 movie 'Naan Valartha Thangai' is a traditional prayer addressed to Goddess Tulsi (the sacred basil plant). The singer worships Her as the embodiment of truth, the supreme mother, and the ruler of the cosmos. She seeks Tulsi's eternal guidance and protection in both waking life and dreams. The verse goes on to pray for the abundance of feminine virtues, family honor, marital happiness (symbolized by the mangala sutra and turmeric), and the prosperity of her child. The singer asks the Goddess to dispel the darkness of ignorance in her household and lead her family toward joy and enlightenment.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Akilamum neeyae aadhiyum neeyae”
The repetition of the word 'neeyae' at the end of adjacent phrases creates a soothing musical rhythm.
Uruvagaim (Metaphor)
“Aandarulvaaye anbennum thaayae”
Comparing the Goddess directly to love itself ('anbennum thaayae') and calling her the queen of truth ('unmaiyin arasi').
Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Mangala naanum manjalum vaazha”
The repetition of the starting 'Ma' sound across words creates melodic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is composed by the veteran Telugu/Tamil music director Pendyala Nageswara Rao (credited in Tamil as Pondiyala Srinivasan). Written by the celebrated poet Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, this track is an example of his ability to craft deeply traditional devotional lyrics alongside his famous socialist reformist songs.
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