- Lyricist
- Sundara Murthy Nayanar
- Singer
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Sundara Murthy Nayanar
- Movie release year
- 1967
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Jun 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This profound devotional hymn from the Seventh Thirumurai composed by Sundaramurthi Nayanar (Sundarar) is addressed to Lord Shiva of Thiruvarur. Sundarar expresses his intimate bond with Lord Shiva through 'Nindastuthi' (praise through irony and affectionate censure). Having lost his eyesight after violating a sacred vow, Sundarar describes his agonizing anguish, comparing his pain to an unseen smoldering fire while declaring that he remains devoted strictly to Shiva without begging from anyone else. In the second movement of the poem, Sundarar sarcastically scolds Lord Shiva for remaining impassive when His loyal devotees cry out in affliction, sarcastically wishing Him well ('Vaazhnthu podheerae'). He points out that he became Shiva's slave out of pure love, yet the Lord blinded him and earned disrepute. With loving defiance, Sundarar demands the restoration of his sight, demonstrating the unique 'Sakhya Bhava' (friendship attitude) he shared with the Divine.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Nindastuthi (Irony/Praise through censure)
“Vaalaang iruppeer thiruvaarureer Vaazhnthu podheerae”
The phrase 'Vaazhnthu podheerae' (May you prosper!) is used sarcastically to scold Lord Shiva for remaining indifferent to His devotee's intense suffering.
Upamai (Simile)
“Moolathee pol ullae kanandru”
The devotee's internal emotional agony is compared to an unseen, smoldering inner fire ('Moolathee pol').
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Vittru kolveer ottriyallaen / Kuttram ondrunseithathillai”
Rhyming of the second consonant 'ttru' in 'Vittru' and 'Kuttram' creates a strong rhythmic structure.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Moolathee pol ullae kanandru Mugathaal migavaadi”
The repetition of the 'M' sound in 'Moolathee' and 'Mugathaal' enhances the musicality of the line.
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Trivia
This hymn is part of the Paadal Petra Sthalam literature in the 7th Thirumurai. According to Saivite tradition, Sundarar lost his vision when he broke a promise made to his wife Sangiliyar at Thiruvotriyur. Journeying towards Thiruvarur in total darkness, he sang this emotionally charged pathagam demanding Lord Shiva to return his vision, showcasing the rare privilege of 'Thozhan' (friendship) with the Supreme Being.
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