- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Karnan
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Jan 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This famous verse from the legendary Tamil film Karnan (1964) elevates the hero Karna as the ultimate symbol of philanthropy and righteousness. Lyricist Kannadasan compares nature's seasonal giving—such as rain lasting two months, crops three months, and milk four months—to Karna's charity, which knows no seasonal limits and flows endlessly every day of the year. The verse vividly illustrates Karna's humility and generosity. Unlike typical monarchs who demand deference when granting alms, Karna places his hands underneath the receiver's to maintain their dignity. His continuous giving causes his hands to turn red and worn out. He gives so discreetly that one hand knows not what the other gives, ultimately bringing 'poverty to poverty itself' and demonstrating a willingness to offer his own life for those in need.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor & Imagery (Sivandhadhu / Reddening)
“Dhinam koduthu thaeindhu sivandhadhu karna maamannan thiru karamae”
The poet uses the visual motif of reddening across different subjects—women's eyes, poets' feet, sages' hearts, and finally Karna's worn-out hands from incessant charity.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navortchi Ani)
“Varumaikku varumaiyai vaithadhor maamannan”
Describing Karna as a king who brought 'poverty to poverty itself' through his endless giving is a poetic exaggeration highlighting his absolute generosity.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Mannavar porulthanai kai kondu neettuvaar... Maamannan karnano than karam neettuvaar”
Contrasts the arrogant manner in which typical kings distribute wealth (forcing supplicants to bow) with Karna's humble posture of holding his hands underneath the receiver.
Anaphora & Parallelism
“Mazhai kodukkum kodaiyumoru... Vayal kodukkum kodaiyumoru”
Repetition of sentence structure across successive lines ('kodukkum kodaiyumoru') establishes a rhythmic comparison between nature's limited giving and Karna's limitless charity.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan for the landmark epic film Karnan (1964), these lines draw heavily upon classical Sangam literature style (such as Purananuru praise poetry). The music was composed by the duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, and the rendition in the film stands as one of Tamil cinema's grandest tributes to the virtue of 'Eegai' (charity).
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