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Lyrics & meaning

Haririha Mukthi

From Tenali Raman · 1956

Lyricist
Geetha Govindam
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Tenali Raman1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Haririga mukthi vathurigare…vilasiniHari is indulging in playful amorous sports with a captivating bride, O charming lady,
Vidhusidha kelibareSplendidly engrossed in joyful romantic play.
Sandhana sarchida neelakalaebareHis dark blue body is anointed with sandalwood paste,
Peedhavasana vanamaaliClad in yellow silk garments and adorned with a garland of wildflowers.
Kaeli salan midhiri kundala manditahAdorned with swinging earrings that sway with His playful movements,
Kandayugha samidhasaaliGently brushing against His brilliant cheeks and neck.
Female
Kaabi vilasa vilola vilosana kelanaWith restless, playful glances full of charming expressions,
Janitha manojamAwakening divine love and desire within the heart.
Thiyayadhi mukthavadhooradhigam madhu soodhanaMadhusudhana (Krishna) adores and embraces the innocent maiden,
Vadhana sarojamBeholding her lotus-like face.
Female
Isviryadhi kamabi sumpadhi kamabiBestowing supreme delight and fortune upon one lady,
Ramayadhi kamabi ramaamBringing ecstatic joy to another captivating beauty,
Pachyadhi sasmidha saarudha raama abaraamLooking with a gentle smile upon yet another exquisite damsel,
Anu sakthi vaamaamAnd following closely behind another charming maiden.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic verse, adapted from Jayadeva's celebrated 12th-century Sanskrit masterpiece 'Gita Govindam', vividly depicts the divine love-sports (Raas Leela) of Lord Krishna (Hari/Madhusudhana) with the Gopis in Vrindavan. Krishna is described as having a dark blue complexioned body smeared with fragrant sandalwood paste, wearing brilliant yellow silk attire, and decorated with a forest flower garland. As He sways playfully, His shimmering earrings dance against His cheeks, and His darting, expressive eyes ignite feelings of romantic adoration among the cowherd maidens. The verse highlights the omnipresent and captivating nature of Krishna's charm. He bestows delight upon various maidens in unique ways—gazing lovingly at one's lotus face, sharing a gentle smile with another, and bringing supreme joy to all around Him. In the context of the film 'Tenali Raman' (1956), this piece serves as a sophisticated classical performance piece reflecting refined aesthetic beauty and devotional fervor.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvam / Rupaka)

Vadhana sarojam

Compares the face ('Vadhana') directly to a lotus flower ('Sarojam') to emphasize natural purity, elegance, and beauty.

Alliteration / Anuprasa (Monai / Ethugai)

Kaabi vilasa vilola vilosana kelana

Repetition of the 'vi' and 'la' syllable sounds creates a melodious, rhythmic phonetic flow echoing Krishna's playful dancing.

Visual Imagery (Vannanam)

Sandhana sarchida neelakalaebare / Peedhavasana vanamaali

Paints a vivid picture of Krishna's divine form—combining the cool white sandalwood paste against His blue skin and bright yellow silk robes.

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Trivia

This track from the 1956 historical film 'Tenali Raman' features music composed by the iconic duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. Though credited under the film's soundtrack, the lyrics are sourced directly from Jayadeva's immortal 'Gita Govindam' (specifically Ashtapadi 3, 'Chandanacharchita'). Rendered gracefully by legendary playback singer P. Susheela during the early phase of her career, this song stands out as a test of classical diction and vocal agility in Tamil cinema.

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