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Thiru Neelakandar album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Kann Izhanthoru

From Thiru Neelakandar · 1972

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. R. Mahalingam
Music director
C. N. Pandurangan
Movie name
Thiru Neelakandar
Movie release year
1972
Lyrics added on
14 Jun 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kannizhanthoru kaalam
Ennaiyae naan maranthu
Kanigaiyin veedu sendran
Kann nirai manaivi
Than kattalaithaan kettu
Kai neetti sabatham seithaen
Aandavanthaan vanthu aanaiyittaalum
Adhai anuvalavum meeramattaen
Azhaiyaatha saththiyam ondruthaan
Deivamenum ninaivodu
Moozhgukindraen….
Moozhgukindraen….
Once, blinded by desire,
and forgetting who I was,
I went to a courtesan's house.
To my beloved wife,
upon hearing her command,
I held out my hand and took a vow:
Even if God Himself comes down and commands me,
I will not break it in the slightest.
With the faith that an undying truth
is God Himself,
I immerse myself...
I immerse myself...
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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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