- Lyricist
- Andal
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Thirumal Perumai
- Movie release year
- 1968
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Oct 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This hymn is the celebrated opening stanza (Pasuram 1) of 'Tiruppavai', composed by the Vaishnavite saint Andal, as featured in the film 'Thirumal Perumai' (1968). Set during the holy month of Margazhi, Andal calls upon the young cowherd girls of Ayarpadi to awaken early on a full moon day, take a sacred bath, and observe the sacred ritual (Pavai Nombu). The verse describes Krishna as the young lion of Mother Yasodha and the son of Nandagopan, highlighting His dark body, lotus eyes, and a radiant face that shines like the sun while comforting like the full moon. Andal assures her companions that sincere devotion to Lord Narayana will bestow ultimate spiritual grace, blessings, and liberation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Kadhir madhiyam pol mugathaan”
Krishna's face is compared to the radiant sun and cool moon using the explicit comparison word 'pol'.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Yasodhai ilam singam”
Krishna is directly addressed as Yasodha's young lion ('ilam singam').
Initial Alliteration (Monaai)
“Maargazhi thingal / Madhi niraindha nan naalaai”
Repetition of the starting sound 'Ma' in adjacent words creates a rhythmic and melodic flow.
Visual Imagery
“Kaar maeni sengan”
Vivid color and physical description depicting Krishna's cloud-dark complexion and reddish lotus-like eyes.
Did you know?
Trivia
This stanza is the first of 30 verse hymns in the 'Tiruppavai', part of the sacred Nalayira Divya Prabandham written by Saint Andal in the 8th century. In the film 'Thirumal Perumai' (1968), the music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and this song was rendered by playback singer S. Janaki.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Thirumal Perumai
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.