Kann Izhanthoru
From Thiru Neelakandar · 1972
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- C. N. Pandurangan
- Details
- Thiru Neelakandar1972
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Kannizhanthoru kaalam | There was a time when I lost my moral vision, |
| Ennaiyae naan maranthu | Forgetting my true self and virtue, |
| Kanigaiyin veedu sendran | I visited the home of a courtesan. |
| Kann nirai manaivi | My wife, who fills my eyes with love, |
| Than kattalaithaan kettu | Gave a strict command that I heard, |
| Kai neetti sabatham seithaen | And extending my hand, I took a solemn vow. |
| Male | |
| Aandavanthaan vanthu aanaiyittaalum | Even if God Almighty Himself comes and commands me, |
| Adhai anuvalavum meeramattaen | I will not violate this oath even by an atom's breadth. |
| Azhaiyaatha saththiyam ondruthaan | With this unyielding, uninvited solemn oath, |
| Deivamenum ninaivodu | And holding the thought of the Divine in my mind, |
| Moozhgukindraen…. | I immerse myself... |
| Moozhgukindraen…. | I immerse myself... |
கண்ணிழந்தொரு காலம்
என்னையே நான் மறந்து
கணிகையின் வீடு சென்றேன்
கண் நிறை மனைவி தன்
கட்டளைதான் கேட்டு
கை நீட்டி சபதம் செய்தேன்
There was a time when I lost my moral vision,
Forgetting my true self and virtue,
I visited the home of a courtesan.
My wife, who fills my eyes with love,
Gave a strict command that I heard,
And extending my hand, I took a solemn vow.
ஆண்டவன் தான் வந்து ஆணையிட்டாலும்
அதை அணுவளவும் மீற மாட்டேன்
அழியாத சத்தியம் ஒன்றுதான்
தெய்வமெனும் நினைவோடு
மூழ்குகின்றேன்.....
மூழ்குகின்றேன்......
Even if God Almighty Himself comes and commands me,
I will not violate this oath even by an atom's breadth.
With this unyielding, uninvited solemn oath,
And holding the thought of the Divine in my mind,
I immerse myself...
I immerse myself...
Kannizhanthoru kaalam
There was a time when I lost my moral vision,
Ennaiyae naan maranthu
Forgetting my true self and virtue,
Kanigaiyin veedu sendran
I visited the home of a courtesan.
Kann nirai manaivi
My wife, who fills my eyes with love,
Than kattalaithaan kettu
Gave a strict command that I heard,
Kai neetti sabatham seithaen
And extending my hand, I took a solemn vow.
Aandavanthaan vanthu aanaiyittaalum
Even if God Almighty Himself comes and commands me,
Adhai anuvalavum meeramattaen
I will not violate this oath even by an atom's breadth.
Azhaiyaatha saththiyam ondruthaan
With this unyielding, uninvited solemn oath,
Deivamenum ninaivodu
And holding the thought of the Divine in my mind,
Moozhgukindraen….
I immerse myself...
Moozhgukindraen….
I immerse myself...
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song captures a profound moment of repentance and unwavering commitment from the life of Thiruneelakanta Nayanar, a legendary Shaivite saint. Reflecting on his past mistake of visiting a courtesan, the protagonist remembers the solemn vow forced upon him by his devout wife, who bade him never to touch her or any woman again in the name of Lord Shiva. Having embraced this vow wholeheartedly, he declares that no authority—not even a divine command—can break his pledge. With deep spiritual fervor and devotion to Lord Shiva, he immerses himself in water to fulfill a trial of truth, demonstrating that keeping one's righteous word is the ultimate act of worship.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kannizhanthoru kaalam / Kanigaiyin veedu sendran / Kann nirai manaivi”
Repetition of the initial consonant/vowel sound 'Ka' across lines to create rhythmic harmony.
Hyperbole (Athisayokthi)
“Aandavanthaan vanthu aanaiyittaalum / Adhai anuvalavum meeramattaen”
Emphasizing absolute steadfastness by stating that even if God Himself commands him to break the vow, he will not budge an atom.
Anaphora / Repetition (Adukku Thodar)
“Moozhgukindraen…. / Moozhgukindraen….”
Repetition of 'Moozhgukindraen' at the end heightens the emotional intensity of spiritual and physical immersion.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track is featured in the 1972 devotional film 'Thiru Neelakandar', starring legendary singer-actor T. R. Mahalingam. Famous for his extraordinary vocal range and carnatic prowess, Mahalingam's soulful rendition of Kannadasan's verses highlights the supreme dedication of Thiruneelakanta Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars of Shaivism.
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