- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Vanangamudi – 1957 Film
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Apr 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This emotional devotional song from 'Vanangamudi' (1957) portrays a woman pouring out her heart to the Divine Mother. She appeals directly to the Goddess by emphasizing their shared identity as women, seeking maternal empathy. Despite having abundance in material wealth like gold, she laments that her life feels dim and unfulfilled, like an unlit flame in a cold, uncomprehending world.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Naan minnadha sudar pola vaazhndhen amma”
Compares her unfulfilled life despite having wealth to a flame ('sudar') that fails to shine ('minnadha pola').
Simile (Upamai)
“Malai pondra idar theera gadhiyaramma”
Compares her immense life troubles ('idar') to a mountain ('malai pondra').
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Malarodu manam sera vilai vendumaa / Manadhodu manam sera nilai vendumaa”
Repetition of the initial letter/sound 'Ma' across consecutive lines creating melodic cadence.
Metaphor / Analogy
“Malarodu manam sera vilai vendumaa”
Draws an analogy between the natural connection of a flower with its fragrance ('manam') and the deep emotional connection between human hearts without needing price or status.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Vanangamudi' (1957) is a notable historical drama starring Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri. The music was composed by legendary music director G. Ramanathan, who was celebrated for blending pure Carnatic ragas into film soundtracks. This song highlights P. Susheela's early career vocal brilliance, demonstrating her capability to emote profound sorrow and devotion with pristine diction.
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