- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Raja Desingu
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 9 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This eulogy from the historical film 'Raja Desingu' pays rich tribute to the legendary hero Tej Singh (Raja Desingu) of Gingee (Senji). The song praises his supreme bravery, nobility, and the profound inter-faith brotherhood he shared with his loyal friend Mohabat Khan. Despite being divided by religion, their shared values and courage bound them together as brothers, ultimately uniting them in a heroic death on the battlefield.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Mannavanae… senji mani vilakkae…”
Desingu Raja is affectionately addressed as 'senji mani vilakkae' (the jewel lamp of Gingee), symbolizing him as the guiding light and pride of the kingdom.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Madhathinaal pirindhar paal”
Repetition of the initial 'Ma' sound in 'Madhathinaal', 'Maranathil', and 'Maraiyaadha' creates rhythmic harmony across lines.
Contrast (Antithesis)
“Madhathinaal pirindhar paal / Gunathinaal ondru pattu”
Juxtaposition of religious separation ('Madhathinaal pirindhar') with moral unity ('Gunathinaal ondru pattu') highlights the triumph of character over dogma.
Epithet
“Maa veeraa… aa….aa….aa….aa….aa….aa..”
Use of exalted terms like 'Mannavanae' (O King) and 'Maa veeraa' (O Great Warrior) to accentuate the subject's heroic stature.
Did you know?
Trivia
The 1960 film 'Raja Desingu' starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) in the title role and S. S. Rajendran as his steadfast friend Mohabat Khan. The music for the film was composed by T. R. Pappa. Poet Kannadasan's lyrics celebrate the historical friendship between the Hindu king Desingu and his Muslim general Mohabat Khan, framing it as a timeless symbol of unity and valor.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Raja Desingu
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.