- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Singer
- Serukulathur Sama
- Music director
- C. R. Subbaraman
- Movie name
- Raja Mukthi
- Movie release year
- 1948
- Lyrics added on
- 10 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic philosophical song from the 1948 movie Raja Mukthi portrays God as the supreme magician and master puppeteer who governs the cosmic stage. Life is depicted as a divine drama where light and darkness, joy and sorrow continually alternate. The lyrics remind listeners that appearances are often deceptive: evil people can pose as well-wishers, while true friends might seem adversary, and the wealthy often grow emotionally blind to the suffering of the poor. By drawing memorable imagery—such as an arrogant person resembling a tiny statue that foolishly believes it carries the weight of a majestic temple tower—Papanasam Sivan highlights the folly of human ego. Ultimately, the song promises that those who transcend worldly illusions and remain unattached to temporary trials will earn Lord Ranganatha's grace and attain supreme, eternal liberation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Ulagamellaam aatti vaikkum soothradhaaran”
Compares God to a magician ('Indhira jaala vithaikkaaran') and a master puppeteer ('Soothradhaaran') controlling human lives.
Paradox / Oxymoron
“Kann ulla kurudar”
Describes arrogant rich people as 'sighted blind men' ('Kann ulla kurudar')—possessing physical sight yet lacking empathy and spiritual insight.
Analogy / Metaphor
“Goburatthai bommai thaangum”
Uses the vivid image of a decorative temple statue ('Bommai') assuming it supports the massive tower ('Goburam') to critique human hubris and false pride.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Anburuvaai anbar manam thannilaaduvaan”
Repetition of the 'Anb' sound in the initial words across consecutive lines to create rhythmic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
Raja Mukthi (1948) featured prominent stars of Tamil cinema including M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, V. N. Janaki, and M. G. Ramachandran in early roles. The music for the film was composed by C. R. Subburaman, with lyrics penned by the distinguished Carnatic composer Papanasam Sivan.
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