- Lyricist
- Alangudi Somu
- Singer
- L. R. Eswari
- Music director
- Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan
- Movie name
- Thirumalai Deivam
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 29 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is framed as a fortune-telling chant by a gypsy woman (Kurathi) who resides in the holy Tirumala hills. Addressing Goddess Padmavathi (or a young maiden), she reveals her ability to read minds and foretell destiny. She playfully sings about how the lady lost her heart to the charming Lord Srinivasa in the spring mandapam.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Proverb / Metaphor (Pazhamozhi)
“Pudicha kombu puliyangkombhu keladi amma”
Refers to the popular Tamil idiom 'Puliyangkombu' (a strong tamarind branch), signifying holding onto a sturdy, dependable, and wealthy support system or spouse.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Kannaalae kadhai ellam sonnaval amma / Nee kalikaala kadavulukkae kaadhali ammaa”
Repetition of the initial 'K' sound ('Kannaalae', 'Kadhai', 'Kalikaala', 'Kadavulukkae', 'Kaadhali') creates rhythmic harmony in folk style.
Refrain / Chorus
“Ezhumalai naanga vaazhum malai / Unga ennathaiyae sollurathu engal kalai”
The repeating hook line establishes the fortune teller's identity, dwelling place, and craft throughout the song.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Thirumalai Deivam' (1973) is a acclaimed Tamil devotional film centered on the miracles of Lord Venkateswara (Srinivasa). The film's music was composed by the renowned violinist and music director Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, with lyrics penned by Alangudi Somu. The fortune-teller format (Kuravan-Kurathi song) is a traditional Tamil folk performance style frequently adapted in cinema to advance narrative romance and prophecy.
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