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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Annai Ethanai Ethanai

From Annai Abirami · 1972

Lyricist
Pattinathar
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
Details
Annai Abirami1972

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
Annai eththanai eththanai annaiyoHow many, how many mothers have there been?
Pillai eththanai eththanai pillaiyoHow many, how many children have there been?
Munnam eththani eththanai jenmamoHow many, how many past births have transpired?
Innam eththanai eththanai jenmamoHow many, how many future births are yet to come?
En seivaen kachchi yaegampa naathanae…What shall I do, O Lord Ekambaranatha of Kanchipuram?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant philosophical verse contemplates the relentless cycle of death and rebirth (Samsara). The poet reflects on the infinite mothers, children, and past lives endured across ages, as well as the uncertain number of future births awaiting the soul. Overwhelmed by the endlessness of existence and earthly attachments, the speaker turns to Lord Ekambaranatha (Shiva of Kanchipuram) in complete surrender, seeking liberation from this repetitive existential plight.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar (Repetition / Anaphora)

“Annai eththanai eththanai annaiyo”

The phrase 'eththanai eththanai' (how many, how many) is repeated continuously across lines to emphasize the overwhelming, infinite count of past lives and relationships.

Parallelism / Structural Symmetry

“Munnam eththani eththanai jenmamo / Innam eththanai eththanai jenmamo”

The first four lines share identical syntactic structures ('[Noun] eththanai eththanai [Noun]'), building rhythmic momentum before resolving into the prayer of the final line.

Apostrophe (Direct Address)

“En seivaen kachchi yaegampa naathanae…”

The verse shifts from inward existential contemplation to directly addressing the deity Lord Ekambaranatha for salvation.

Did you know?

Trivia

These famous verses were originally composed by the 10th-century Tamil saint-poet Pattinathar, renowned for his profound ascetic philosophy and detachment (Vairagya). The lines were adapted into the 1972 movie 'Annai Abirami', set to music by the legendary Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan.

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