- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Durgadevi
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Jul 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This powerful devotional-themed song from the movie Durgadevi (1977) glorifies the fierce avatar of Goddess Kaali and the unstoppable force of divine justice. The lyrics act as a stern warning to evil-doers while assuring protection, prosperity, and blessings to the innocent and righteous. It vividly depicts traditional village rituals such as lighting flour lamps (Maavilakku), rolling on the ground in prayer, and wearing neem garlands, illustrating the deep devotional culture of Tamil Nadu. Through Kannadasan's evocative pen and Ilaiyaraaja's energetic score, the song highlights the omniscience of the divine mother who sees all secrets and rights every wrong. The goddess warns that deceit will never endure and that arrogant actions will invite ultimate divine retribution, establishing the triumph of righteousness over injustice.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Vanjakaththai nenjakaththil vaikkaathae endrum”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across adjacent words, such as 'Vanjakaththai' and 'nenjakaththil'.
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Kettaa theriyaathu keduketta maanidane / Paarththaa theriyaathu paavapatta jenmangalae”
Rhyming of the second letter across lines, such as 'Kettaa' and 'Paarththaa'.
Metaphor (Uruvam)
“Naan aayiram kann kaali unai aatti vaikkum neeli”
Describing the divine protection and omniscience through the metaphor 'aayiram kann kaali' (thousand-eyed Kaali).
Anaphora / Repetition
“Kunguma kaali santhana maari / Aayi magamaayi neeli thirisooli”
Rhythmic repeating of divine epithets and commands to build emotional and devotional intensity.
Did you know?
Trivia
From the 1977 Tamil movie 'Durgadevi', this iconic song features lyrics by Kannadasan and music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Sung with intense vigor by P. Susheela, the track represents a classic example of the 'Amman' devotional action sub-genre popular in Tamil cinema during the late 1970s.
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