- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singer
- Radhika
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- En Selvame
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Jan 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply emotional plea against animal sacrifice and cruelty to living beings. The singer questions traditional religious beliefs and human hypocrisy—asking why humans harm innocent creatures when scriptures teach that 'Love is God' and 'All life is one'. Calling upon Lord Murugan and Lord Vinayaka, the protagonist argues that true divinity desires love, devotion, and simple offerings like fruits, milk, and coconuts rather than taking a life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Anbae dheivam endrae sonnaarae / Ingu ellaa uyirum ondrae endraarae”
The second consonant 'n' (ன்) rhymes across consecutive lines ('Anbae' / 'Ingu').
Iyaibu (End rhyme)
“Velum mayilum thunai endraarae / Vinaayaga saami thunai endraarae”
Lines end with the rhyming suffix 'endraarae', creating a rhythmic, oral storytelling cadence.
Rhetorical Question
“Adhu unmaiyendraal unnai kolvaaro”
The singer uses rhetorical questions to challenge moral contradictions surrounding animal sacrifice and divine compassion.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by renowned lyricist Panchu Arunachalam for the 1985 Tamil film 'En Selvame', the song advocates for Ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion towards animals, echoing traditional Tamil philosophical tenets like Vallalar's Jeevakarunya (compassion for all living beings).
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from En Selvame
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.