- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sindhu Bhairavi
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Apr 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
In 'Kalaivaaniyae' from the movie Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), the protagonist—a classical musician named J.K. Balaganapathy—sings a deeply emotional plea addressing both the Goddess of Music (Kalaivani / Saraswati) and his soulmate Sindhu, who is his artistic muse. He expresses how music and love have consumed his soul, giving him a rebirth while leaving him tormented by distance and emotional agony. He compares his complex love and duality to divine mythologies like Lord Shiva carrying Ganga while sharing his body with Parvati, justifying his deep bond with two women.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Madi meedhu mariththaen / Madidhanil enai valarththaai”
Matching second consonant 'di' in adjacent lines ('Madi meedhu' and 'Madidhanil').
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Uyirththeeyai valarthaen”
Comparing his inner agony and creative drive to a flame of life ('Uyirththeeyai').
Simile (Uvamai)
“Azhagiya nilavena midhakkum”
Comparing the reflection of the beloved's face in tear-filled eyes to a floating beautiful moon ('Azhagiya nilavena').
Mythological Allusions (Illakkia Kurippu)
“Gangai thalaiyinil mangai udalinil”
Referencing Lord Shiva holding Ganges on his head while sharing his body with Parvati to justify dual deep relationships.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and sung by Dr. K. J. Yesudas with lyrics by Vairamuthu, 'Kalaivaaniyae' is set in the classical Raga Kalyani. The film Sindhu Bhairavi won three National Film Awards, including Best Music Direction for Ilaiyaraaja and Best Male Playback Singer for K. J. Yesudas.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Sindhu Bhairavi
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.