- Lyricist
- Appar Thevaram
- Singer
- P. Leela
- Music director
- Vedha
- Movie name
- Parthiban Kanavu (1960 film)
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a divine hymn composed by Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) from the sacred Thirumurai (Thevaram collection), adapted into the film Parthiban Kanavu. Written in the tradition of Nayaka-Nayaki Bhava (bridal mysticism), the poem allegorically depicts the journey of the human soul (the maiden) yearning for union with the Supreme Being, Lord Shiva.\n\nThe spiritual progression moves from hearing the divine name to seeking His form and holy abode. Deeply consumed by divine love, the soul surrenders all worldly ties—her family, social expectations, and ultimately her personal ego and identity—culminating in total self-surrender (Saranagathi) at the sacred feet of the Lord.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Nayaka-Nayaki Bhava (Bridal Mysticism Allegory)
“Munnam avan udaiya naamam kettaal”
The poet uses the persona of a young woman falling madly in love with a beloved to express the soul's profound spiritual longing for Lord Shiva.
Gradation / Climax (Spiritual Evolution)
“Moorthi nee avan irukkum vannam kettaal... Pinnai avanudaiya aaroor kettaal”
The lyrics build progressively from hearing a name to learning about the form, seeking the abode, abandoning worldly ties, forgetting the self, and finally reaching the Lord's feet.
Repetition (Thiruppam / Emphasis)
“Thanai marandhaal / Than naamam kettaal”
The repetition of 'Thanai marandhaal' and 'Than naamam kettaal' underscores the total dissolution of personal ego and earthly identity in divine devotion.
Did you know?
Trivia
This famous verse is a Thirukkurunthogai hymn from the 6th Thirumurai composed by Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), one of the prominent 63 Nayanmars. In the 1960 historical film 'Parthiban Kanavu' (directed by D. Yoganand, starring Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala), this timeless devotional poem was set to classical music composed by S. V. Venkatraman and rendered beautifully to reflect Chola-era cultural grandeur.
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