- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singers
- P. Susheela, Ghantasala
- Music director
- P. Aadhinarayana Rao
- Movie name
- Mangayar Ullam Mangatha Selvam
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Jul 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic devotional dance composition glorifies Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, depicting the divine origin and cosmic significance of Bharatanatyam. The song beautifully breaks down the acronym 'Bharatam' into Bhava (expression), Raga (melody), and Tala (rhythm), portraying a divine orchestra where Lord Mahavishnu plays the percussion (mridangam), Brahma provides the rhythm, and Saraswati plays the Veena. Through evocative lyrical imagery, the song celebrates dance as an eternal form of worship and the ultimate expression of human and cosmic life, culminating in energetic rhythmic footwork and classical Carnatic solkattus.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Onomatopoeia (Anukaranam)
“Jaljal jal sathangai jadhi naadhamae naatiyam”
The phrase 'Jaljal jal' mimics the physical sound of anklet bells (sathangai) ringing during dance movements.
Acronym / Etymological Breakdown
“Baavamum raagamum thaalamum baratham”
The lyrics break down the word 'Baratham' into its three core elements: Bhava (Baavamum), Raga (raagamum), and Tala (thaalamum).
End Rhyme (Iyaibu)
“Nadai azhagaalae nadana kalaiyaalae”
The lines end with matching rhyming endings 'azhagaalae' and 'kalaiyaalae' to maintain rhythmic flow.
Alliteration (Moonaai / Edhukai)
“Navarasa geetham abinaya samedham”
The initial 'Na' sound repeats across 'Navarasa', 'Navilum', and 'Naatiyamae', creating structural harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
Featured in 'Mangayar Ullam Mangatha Selvam' (1962), this song was composed by P. Aadhinarayana Rao and written by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass. Sung by P. Susheela and Ghantasala, it remains a celebrated example of classical dance compositions in South Indian cinema, incorporating authentic Carnatic rhythmic patterns (jathis and solkattus).
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