- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Kalyaniyin Kanavan
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Aug 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply emotional prayer of surrender and spiritual awakening written by Kannadasan. The devotee reflects on their past mistakes of chasing temporary sensory pleasures and worldly fame in an impermanent life. Despite these human shortcomings, God's infinite grace pours forth abundantly, wiping away all spiritual poverty and hardship. In the climax of the prayer, the devotee offers complete self-surrender, asking God to consume their ego like ghee fueling a sacred lamp, ultimately finding supreme peace and salvation at the Lord's divine feet.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Neiyaakki ennai nin dheepamaakku”
The speaker asks to be transformed into 'ghee' (clarified butter) to fuel the divine lamp, symbolizing complete self-sacrifice, melting away of the ego, and ultimate devotion.
Initial Alliteration (Monai)
“Poiyaana vaazhvil pulan vaiththalandri / Pugazh vendi nindren konjamae….”
The repetition of the initial 'P' sound ('Poiyaana', 'pulan', 'Pugazh') enhances the musicality and rhythmic resonance of the lines.
Juxtaposition / Contrast (Muraan)
“Pugazh vendi nindren konjamae… / Kai kollumazhavu karunai nee thanthaai”
The poet contrasts human insignificance and selfish desire for 'a little fame' with the overwhelming, hand-filling abundance of divine mercy.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kalyaniyin Kanavan (1963) featured music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and starred Sivaji Ganesan alongside B. Saroja Devi. Kannadasan's lyrics in this song showcase his signature philosophical depth, blending personal remorse with profound devotional surrender.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kalyaniyin Kanavan
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.