- Lyricist
- Thyagaraja
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Dec 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a multi-layered musical compilation that transitions through spiritual devotion, social commentary, and feminine empowerment. It begins with classical Carnatic compositions praising divine weddings and questioning the true value of material wealth versus spiritual devotion to Lord Rama. It then shifts into a realistic critique of human society, illustrating how society and family treat a person based on their material wealth rather than their character. In the final movement, the song evolves into a hopeful call for enlightenment and empowerment. Incorporating Mahakavi Subramania Bharati's famous verses on the 'Modern Woman' (Pudhumaiphen), it celebrates the awakening of a new era. It envisions courageous, educated, and self-respecting women who walk upright with fearless gazes and unyielding moral integrity, breaking away from societal oppression.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question
“Nidhi chaala sukhamaa”
Saint Tyagaraja poses a rhetorical question asking whether material wealth truly brings happiness, contrasting it with spiritual peace.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Nimirndha nan nadai naer konda paarvai”
The repetition of the initial consonant 'N' (Nimirndha, nan, nadai, naer) creates a strong rhythmic cadence standard in Tamil poetry.
Metaphor
“Nigazh kaala karuvaraiyil / Nam edhir kaalam thuyilgiradhu”
The 'present time' is metaphorically described as a womb ('karuvarai') inside which the future sleeps.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Karuvizhiyae kan malarae”
Repetition of the vowel sound '-ae' at the end of the phrases establishes poetic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track is a unique medley featured in the 1982 film 'Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai', directed by the acclaimed writer B. Jayakanthan. It uniquely blends classical Telugu/Sanskrit Kritis composed by Saint Tyagaraja (such as 'Gowri Kalyana' and 'Nidhi Chala Sukhama') with classical Tamil ethical poetry and Mahakavi Subramania Bharati's landmark revolutionary poem 'Pudhumaiphen' ('Nimirndha nan nadai...').
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