- Lyricist
- Lyricist Not Known
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
- Movie name
- Annai Abirami
- Movie release year
- 1972
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Apr 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This powerful devotional song refutes atheism or doubt regarding the presence of the Divine Mother (Shakti). It invites the listener to look at the universe around them to recognize Her pervasive energy. The lyrics take the listener on a spiritual pilgrimage across famous shrines in India, identifying the Goddess as Kanyakumari on the southern coast, Meenakshi of Madurai, Kamakshi of Kanchipuram, Visalakshi of Kasi, and Abhirami of Thirukaddavur—where She famously protected Her devotee Markandeya by kicking away Yama, the God of Death. In the latter half, the song elevates Her from local manifestations to the absolute cosmic force behind all nature and wisdom. She is described as the source of cosmic light, planetary rotation, intellect of gods and humans alike, the heat in fire, and the drop in water. Through rhythmic chanting of Her various epithets (Neeli, Sooli, Kali, Shakti), the song celebrates the Mother as the ultimate, omnipresent reality.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Questions
“Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa”
The lyricist uses challenging questions like 'Illaiyenbaan yaaradaa' (Who says She does not exist?) and 'Bhoomiyai suzhala vaiththaval yaar' (Who made the Earth revolve?) to provoke contemplation on the divine source of cosmic order.
Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Neeliyai...”
Classic Tamil poetic second-letter matching produces a strong rhythmic cadence, seen in words like 'Neeliyai', 'Sooliyai', 'Kaaliyai'.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Kaanijiyil kamatchi koluviruppaal”
Initial consonant matching enhances musicality across adjacent lines, such as 'Kaanijiyil' and 'Kaasiyil'.
Immanence Imagery / Elemental Metaphor
“Theeyinil meviya soodaavaal / Neerinil than thuli thaanaavaal”
The Goddess is portrayed not just as an abstract deity, but as the elemental essence of nature—the heat inside fire and the moisture inside water drops.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Illaiyenbaan Yaaradaa' from the 1972 movie 'Annai Abirami' is one of Tamil cinema's most famous Classical/Devotional compositions, composed by violin virtuoso Kunnakudi Vaidhiyanathan and rendered by legend P. Susheela. Kunnakudi Vaidhiyanathan's signature fast-paced classical orchestration, combined with Susheela's powerful vocal delivery, made this song a staple playing in temples and devotional gatherings across Tamil Nadu.
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