- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singers
- P. B. Sreenivas, Ghantasala
- Music director
- Pendyala Nageswara Rao
- Movie name
- Kalaivanan
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Feb 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from Kalaivanan (1959) is a solemn invocation to Goddess Sharada (Saraswati), the deity of knowledge, music, and wisdom. The lyrics open with a traditional tribute to the goddess who bestows mastery over all sixty-four classical arts (Aayatha Kalaigal Arupathu Naangu). Described as pure as a crystal and residing within the devotee's heart, she wards off all afflictions and sorrow. The song further extols her influence on literature (Iyal) and music (Isai), stating that she dwells in the creative hearts of artists like timeless epic poetry. The devotees pray to her as the divine vision guiding their steps and seek her blessings for spiritual liberation and everlasting happiness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Thooya urupalinghu polaavaal”
Compares the pure form of Goddess Saraswati to a clear, spotless crystal (Thooya Urupalingu).
Alliteration (Monai / Etukai)
“Gaana maevum iyalodi isaiyaalae”
Use of matching rhythmic sounds and initial/second letter rhyming pattern (Gaana / Kalaingar).
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Kangal pol ulavum bharathiyae”
Compares the guidance of Goddess Saraswati (Bharathi) to the constant watchful motion of eyes.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kalaivanan (1959) is a classical musical drama starring A. Nageswara Rao and P. Bhanumathi. The opening line 'Aaya kalaigal arupathu naanginaiyum' directly references the ancient Tamil literary classification of the 64 traditional arts and crafts.
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