- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singers
- Kasthoori, Saroja, Sundaramma
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Kannin Manigal
- Movie release year
- 1956
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Jul 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a lively folk-philosophical composition written by A. Maruthakasi that emphasizes the importance of duality, balance, and pairs in human existence. It asserts that almost everything essential in life requires two complementary elements to function properly. Through relatable everyday examples, the lyrics show that plowing requires two oxen, walking requires two legs, earning respect takes both hard work and intellect, securing employment requires both education and a degree, philanthropy needs both wealth and a good heart, and human existence itself relies on both a mother and a father. Ultimately, to experience all the beauty of the world, one needs both pupils in their eyes.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Edhukkum rendu thevai”
The word 'thevai' (needed) is systematically repeated at the end of every line, creating a persistent end-rhyme structure throughout the song.
Anaphora / Chorus Repetition
“Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevai”
The refrain line 'Edhukkum rendu thevai / Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevai' is repeated after every stanza to re-anchor the central theme of duality.
Allusion (Ilakkiya Kurippu)
“Paari vallalaai vilanganuminnaa”
References King Paari (Paari Vallal), a famous Sangam-era philanthropist celebrated in classical Tamil literature for his extraordinary generosity.
Umaiyani (Simile/Analogy)
“Azhagu ulagai paarkkanuminnaa / Kannin manigal thevai”
Uses practical dualities (oxen, legs, parents, pupils) to illustrate the philosophical concept that balance and pairs are essential for life.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by renowned lyricist A. Maruthakasi, this song utilizes folk idioms and classical references (such as King Paari from Sangam literature) to deliver simple life wisdom. Maruthakasi was celebrated in 1950s Tamil cinema for weaving deep social and moral philosophy into easy, rhythmic melodies suitable for all audiences.
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