- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Adhithyan
- Movie name
- Kizhakku Mugam
- Movie release year
- 1996
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Mar 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This reformative song strongly critiques rigid caste divisions and ritualistic religious dogmas. Lyricist Vairamuthu argues that concepts like the four Vedas and four Varnas are artificial human creations rather than divine mandates. The song asserts that true spirituality and societal harmony are built on empathy, love, and humaneness rather than scripture or mantras. By juxtaposing the sacred chant 'Om' with powerful secular and anti-caste lyrics, the track urges individuals to value human life above dogmatic beliefs. It stresses that a nation can truly progress and reform only when social equality and mutual respect prevail.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ezhuthu Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Naangu vedham ungal sonthamillai / Naangu varnam manithan seitha thollai”
The second consonant 'ngu' rhymes in consecutive opening lines, creating melodic symmetry.
Anaphora (Initial word repetition)
“Naangu vedham... / Naangu varnam...”
Repetition of 'Naangu' at the beginning of adjacent lines emphasizes the specific religious structures being questioned.
Metaphor / Rhetorical Question
“Sinthum vaarththai mannil sinthi ponaal saerppathu enbathu elithaa”
Comparing spoken words to spilled liquids/objects on soil that cannot be easily gathered back, highlighting the irreversible impact of harsh or discriminatory speech.
Juxtaposition
“Manthiram kadanthu manithanai thedu / Chorus :Om…”
Using traditional religious chants ('Om') in contrast with lyrics calling to move past 'mantras' to focus on human dignity.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kizhakku Mugam (1996) starred Reshma and Karthik with music composed by Adithyan. The song stands out in Tamil film music as a direct, rationalist anthem echoing Periyar's social reform principles.
Keep listening
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