- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Dec 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Ennai Pethavalae Periyavalae' from the 1986 Tamil film 'Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal' is a deeply moving devotional song dedicated to Goddess Adhiparasakthi. Sung from the perspective of an ardent devotee, the lyrics express complete surrender and gratitude toward the Divine Mother. The narrator attributes all his intelligence, poetic talents in Tamil, and life's blessings entirely to the Mother's boundless grace, viewing himself merely as a small aerial root dependent on her grand banyan tree. The song vividly evokes rural Tamil folk-devotional traditions, referencing the rhythmic sound of the 'udukkai' drum, offerings of simple porridge ('koozhu'), and traditional adornments like turmeric and a bold round bindi. It highlights the compassionate nature of the goddess, who resides comfortably among the poor, accepts their simple offerings, and bestows happiness and prosperities upon her children.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai Ani)
“Aathaa nee aazhamaram naan unadhu vizhudhu”
Compares the Goddess directly to a majestic banyan tree and the devotee to its dependent aerial prop root.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Udukkai satham kaadhil vaangi pottukka / Adhil un pugazhai paadugiren kettukka”
The lines end with rhyming sound structures ('pottukka' and 'kettukka').
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Ezhai veetil erivadhu nee yethi vecha vilakku”
Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'E' in 'Ezhai' and 'erivadhu'.
Imagery / Personification
“Kaal molachu kai milachu neril vandha deivam”
Creates vivid visual imagery of abstract divinity manifesting as a human form with hands and legs walking directly to the devotee.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is from 'Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal' (1986), a devotional film depicting the spiritual significance and miracles associated with the Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam in Tamil Nadu. The lyrics were written by legendary lyricist Vaali, who brilliantly incorporated traditional Tamil folk idioms and devotional motifs into the song.
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