- Lyricist
- Samudrala
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ghantasala
- Movie name
- Vinayaka Chathurthi
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Apr 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Kannaa unai nambhinenae is a deeply emotional Tamil devotional song dedicated to Lord Krishna, expressing absolute faith and spiritual surrender (Saranagathi). The devotee praises Krishna's divine qualities, comparing His rich complexion to dark rain clouds and recalling His glorious acts from Hindu mythology, such as subduing the arrogant multi-hooded serpent Kaliya through his cosmic dance and lifting the Govardhana hill as an umbrella to protect the people and cattle of Gokulam.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Refrain
“Kannaa unai nambhinenae”
The line 'Kannaa unai nambhinenae' acts as the central refrain repeated throughout the song to reinforce the theme of total faith and devotion.
Metaphor (Uvama / Uruvagamm)
“Vaan mughil vanna”
Krishna's complexion is metaphorically compared to 'Vaan mughil' (dark rain-bearing sky clouds).
Alliteration (Monai)
“Govardhana giri kudai eduthae un”
Repetition of consonant sounds in 'Govardhana giri' creates a pleasing rhythmic effect.
Imagery
“Mohana murali lolaaa..aa..aaa”
The lyrics evoke vivid visual and auditory imagery of Krishna dancing on the serpent Kaliya and playing his enchanting flute.
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Trivia
This song belongs to the 1959 mythological film 'Vinayaka Chathurthi' (released simultaneously in Telugu as 'Vinayaka Chavithi'). The music was composed by the legendary maestro Ghantasala, with vocals rendered by P. Susheela. The film was renowned for its rich classical compositions dedicated to Krishna and Ganesha.
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