- Lyricist
- Puratchi Dasan
- Singer
- Trichy Loganathan
- Music director
- B. Gopalam
- Movie name
- Azhagar Malai Kalvan
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Apr 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Azhagar Malai Kalvan' (1959) is written in the traditional style of Siddhar philosophical riddles, addressed to 'Nyaana Pen' (a personification of divine wisdom). Through paradoxical metaphors—such as a legless tall man, a mindless short man, honey without flies, and a burning house with no exit—lyricist Puratchi Dasan critiques human ignorance, worldly temptations, and false illusions.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Refrain (Madaku / Apostrophe)
“Nyaana pennae….”
The repeated address 'Nyaana Pennae' (Oh wise maiden) anchors the philosophical commentary in the style of traditional Tamil Siddhar poetry.
Allegory / Paradoxical Metaphor (Siddhar Riddles)
“Kaalillaa nettaiyan muttikkondaan / Karuththillaa kuttaiyan kattikkondaan”
Phrases like 'Kaalillaa nettaiyan' (legless tall man) and 'Eeyillaatha then' (fly-less honey) are allegorical riddles representing spiritual concepts, karma, and false material pleasures.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kaalillaa nettaiyan muttikkondaan / Karuththillaa kuttaiyan kattikkondaan”
Matching initial consonant/vowel sounds across line pairs, creating a rhythmic cadence standard in classical Tamil verse.
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Trivia
The lyrics strictly follow the classic Tamil Siddhar 'Gnaana Paattu' tradition, which uses enigmatic riddles and allegories about animals, nature, and impossible human conditions to impart moral lessons and spiritual wisdom.
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