- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Thiruvilaiyadal
- Movie release year
- 1965
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Oct 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This iconic track from Thiruvilaiyadal (1965) features the court poet Hemanatha Bhagavata challenging the musicians of the Pandya kingdom, and the devotee/poet Banabhadra appealing to Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) for help. The song blends intense devotion, Tamil pride, and a poetic challenge to the Almighty. Banabhadra reminds Lord Shiva of His past miracles in Madurai—such as bearing witness as a Lingam and taking cane strikes for an old woman selling pittu—and urges Him to protect the honor of Madurai and Tamil music.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Alliteration)
“Isaith thamizh nee seidha / Arum saadhanai”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across lines, such as 'Isaith' and 'Arum' or 'Vasai' and 'Kuzhali'.
Edhukai (Rhyming)
“Pittukku man sumandhu / Pirambadi patta unnai”
Second letter agreement between lines, seen in 'Shiva lingam' and 'Maaman' or 'Pattukku' and 'Pirambadi'.
Rhetorical Questioning (Vina)
“Annai thamizhukku pazhi nerndhal / Unakkillayoo”
Using persistent questioning ('poiyoo', 'vaaraadhiruppadhenna', 'unakkillayoo') to challenge and plead with the deity.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan, this classic song was sung by the legendary actor-singer T. R. Mahalingam, who played the role of Banabhadra in Thiruvilaiyadal (1965). The song references several Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam miracles performed by Lord Shiva in Madurai.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Thiruvilaiyadal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.