- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Singer
- Jayalakshmi
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Irumbu Thirai – (1960)
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Aug 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply devotional plea expressing total surrender (Sharanagati) to the Divine Mother, Goddess Uma. The singer declares that no matter what life brings, the Goddess remains her ultimate refuge and sole protector. Having trusted the Divine Mother since childhood, she acknowledges that divine discipline or affection are both forms of motherly love. The lyrics reflect philosophical depth by acknowledging that human happiness and suffering are the results of one's own past karma (Mun Vinai), and it is foolish to blame the Divine Mother for them. Even when fate brings a thousand hardships, the devotee views them as part of the Goddess's divine sport (Thiruvilaiyaadal) and remains steadfast in her absolute devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaipu (Refrain / End Rhyme)
“Enna seithaalum enthan thunai neeyae”
The key refrain repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the central theme of complete reliance on Goddess Uma regardless of circumstance.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Mun vinaiyaal inba thunbangal vilainthida / Moodamathi kondunnai novathu en bedhamai”
Repetition of the 'M' sound at the beginning of words ('Mun', 'Moodamathi') creates rhythmic harmony in the verse.
Contrast (Muran)
“Sinanthennai adiththaalum / Parintheduththanaithathaalum”
Contrasts divine scolding/striking in anger with loving embrace, showing that both extreme actions stem from motherly affection.
Metaphor (Thiruvilaiyaadal)
“Ellaam un thiruvilaiyaadal endrenni”
Describes life's vicissitudes and afflictions as the Divine Mother's sacred play (Thiruvilaiyaadal).
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the venerable Carnatic composer Papanasam Sivan, known as 'Tamil Tyagayya', this song showcases his signature style of blending classical devotional ragas with accessible Tamil poetry. Sung by Jayalakshmi for the 1960 Gemini Studios film 'Irumbu Thirai' (starring Sivaji Ganesan, Vyjayanthimala, and B. Saroja Devi), the music was scored by S. V. Venkatraman, who was famous for composing classical cinematic masterpieces such as 'Meera' (1945).
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