- Lyricist
- Boomi Balakadas
- Singer
- M. L. Vasanthakumari
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Kanniyin Kadhali
- Movie release year
- 1949
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Nov 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a devotional and poignant plea addressed to Goddess Saraswati (Kalaivaani), the patron deity of arts and knowledge. The protagonist questions why the divine mother subjects her to endless tribulations and maintains indifference despite her devout earnestness. She addresses the Goddess with reverent epithets such as 'Madhivadhana Sundhari' (moon-faced beauty) and 'Jagan Mogini' (enchantress of the cosmos), desperately imploring for divine grace and a vision of the Goddess at this crucial juncture.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question
“Sodhanai seivadhum gnyaayamoo”
The phrase 'Seivadhum gnyaayamoo' (Is it fair to test me?) is a rhetorical query expressing emotional anguish and intense devotion rather than seeking a literal answer.
Epithet / Metaphor
“Madhivadhana sundhari…eee”
'Madhivadhana' compares the Goddess's face to the full moon, emphasizing divine beauty, calm, and illumination.
Monnai (Initial Alliteration)
“Manonmani …eee / Madhivadhana sundhari…eee”
Repetition of the 'Ma' sound at the beginning of 'Manonmani' and 'Madhivadhana' creates a pleasing rhythm characteristic of classical Tamil poetry.
Refrain
“Idhu tharunam”
The phrase 'Idhu tharunam' serves as a rhythmic refrain, stressing the urgency of receiving divine grace 'right now'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kanniyin Kadhali (1949) was one of the earliest Indian film adaptations of William Shakespeare's play 'Twelfth Night'. Sung by the legendary Carnatic vocalist M. L. Vasanthakumari and set to music by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, this song stands out as an iconic early example of classical Carnatic music adapted for Tamil cinema.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kanniyin Kadhali
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.