- Lyricist
- Udumalai Narayanakavi
- Music director
- Alandur Sivasubramaniyam
- Movie name
- Ashok Kumar
- Movie release year
- 1941
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Feb 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song from the 1941 movie 'Ashok Kumar', penned by Udumalai Narayanakavi, ponders the true purpose of human existence. It argues that attaining a human birth is a rare blessing achieved through past good karma, and living it driven solely by lust and anger makes one no different from animals. The song highlights that without fundamental virtues like truthfulness, universal love, and non-violence (Ahimsai), a human life is merely a burden to the earth, akin to a useless barren tree. To transcend this meaningless cycle, the lyricist urges humanity to revere Lord Buddha, who stands as the ultimate treasure of truth, supreme wisdom, and mercy, emphasizing that following these ethical principles is the true duty of human life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Punniyamindri vilangugal pol”
Compares humans who live without moral virtues to animals ('vilangugal pol').
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Paazh maramae verum paamaramae”
Compares an unvirtuous human life to a barren/withered tree ('Paazh maram') that bears no fruit and only adds burden to the earth.
Assonance / Monnai
“Kaamamum kobamum ullam niramba veen”
Repetition of starting phonetic sounds across key words like 'Kaamamum' and 'Kaalamum' to create rhythmic emphasis.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is from the movie 'Ashok Kumar' (1941), starring the legendary M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT). Written by Udumalai Narayanakavi, the song draws heavily from Buddhist principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Karuna (compassion), fitting the historical context of Emperor Ashoka's era and conversion to Buddhism.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Ashok Kumar
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.