- Lyricist
- C. A. Lakshmana Das
- Singer
- P. U. Chinnappa
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Harichandra -1944 Film
- Movie release year
- 1944
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Jan 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the 1944 Tamil movie 'Harichandra' reflects deep spiritual wisdom and the classical philosophical theme of 'Mayana Vairagyam' (cremation ground detachment). The initial portion exalts the sacredness of the land, describing it as a divine realm governed by the Lord of the Universe, enriched with Vedic chantings, spiritual yoga, and wisdom. In the second half, the song transitions to a profound contemplation on mortality and impermanence. It highlights that regardless of one's heroic stature, familial attachments, fame, or supreme royal authority over vast kingdoms, fate pursues everyone equally, and all worldly pride and bodies ultimately reduce to ash.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Idhuvae punyabhoomi / Mattrullorum saambal”
The repetitive usage of 'bhoomi' (land) in the first half and 'saambal' (ashes) in the second half creates a strong rhythmic end rhyme (Iyaipu) emphasizing contrast between sacred life and ultimate mortality.
Monaiviruhttham (Initial Alliteration / Refrain)
“Madamaiyaasai maadhar saeyar”
The repetition of 'Madamaiyaasai maadhar saeyar' creates an alliterative cadence that highlights worldly attachments.
Symbolism and Metaphor
“Oru kudaiyin keezh arasaala sengol Kondapaerum saambal”
'Oru kudaiyin keezh arasaala sengol' (ruling under a single umbrella with a scepter) serves as a classic metaphor for sovereign imperial authority, which is starkly contrasted with turning into 'saambal' (ashes).
Did you know?
Trivia
The 1944 Tamil film 'Harichandra' starred P. U. Chinnappa in the title role. The story follows King Harichandra, renowned for his uncompromising truthfulness, who loses his kingdom, family, and status, eventually serving as a guard at a cremation ground. Songs like this capture the core thematic essence of Harishchandra's trials at the cremation grounds.
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