- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Harichandra – 1968 Film
- Movie release year
- 1968
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Jan 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This soulful devotional song is a passionate plea to Lord Vishwanatha (Shiva), the presiding deity of the holy city of Kasi (Varanasi). The singer, enduring immense suffering, surrenders completely to the Almighty, describing Him as a vast 'ocean of mercy' (Karunai Kadal). He begs for a single compassionate glance to heal his wounded heart, eradicate his sorrows, and uphold the power of truth (Sathiyam). By repeatedly seeking sanctuary ('Adaikalam' and 'Thanjam'), the protagonist pleads for divine protection ('Abayam') and reassurance against despair.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvagamy (Metaphor / உருவகம்)
“Kasiyil vaazhum karunai kadalae”
Lord Shiva's infinite compassion is metaphorically addressed as 'Karunai Kadalae' (Ocean of Mercy).
Monaai (Initial Alliteration / மோனை)
“Kasiyil vaazhum karunai kadalae”
Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across words in the line ('Kasiyil', 'karunai', 'kadalae').
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme / எதுகை)
“Thanjam endrae unnai nambi vandhen / Nenjam punnaagi miga nondhen”
Consonance of the second letter 'njam' in consecutive lines ('Thanjam' / 'Nenjam').
Vinaa Porul (Rhetorical Question)
“Pesidil unnai polae deivam undoo”
A rhetorical query emphasizing the supreme and unparalleled nature of the deity.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track belongs to the 1968 Tamil mythological film 'Harichandra', depicting the life of King Harishchandra who underwent extreme trials to uphold truth (Sathiyam). Written by renowned lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, the song captures the pivotal moment of divine surrender where the protagonist prays at Kasi to Lord Vishwanatha to maintain his vow of truthfulness amidst unbearable hardships.
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