- Lyricist
- Trichy Bharathan
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
- Movie name
- Raga Banthangal
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Sept 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Nalam Tharuvaai En Thaayae Meenatchi is a classical devotional song from the 1982 film Raga Banthangal, addressed to Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai. The singer prays to the Mother Goddess for bodily health, vocal power, sweetness in music, discipline, and moral integrity so that he may dedicate his life to singing her divine praise. Through vivid imagery, the lyricist invokes various divine names of the Mother Goddess, equating her grace with sweet Tamil nectar and seeking her compassionate glance to master the art of music.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monnai (Initial Alliteration)
“Sangeetha saagithya swara laya thiyaanam”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds within the same line, such as 'Sa' in Sangeetha saagithya swara laya.
Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Nalam tharuvaai / Varam tharuvaai”
Matching second consonants across lines to create rhythmic flow, seen in 'Nalam' and 'Varam'.
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Kanni thamizh thaenae karunai purivaai”
Addressing the Goddess as 'Kanni thamizh thaenae' (nectar of virgin Tamil), comparing divine grace directly to sweet nectar.
Visual Imagery
“Manikkaram kiliyum isai paadum”
Evoking a vivid iconographic picture of Goddess Meenakshi with a parrot perched on her jeweled hand.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by violin virtuoso Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, this song showcases his trademark style of blending classical Carnatic music sensibilities directly into film soundscapes. Sung by K. J. Yesudas, the track functions both as a devotional hymn and an invocation to the art of Carnatic music.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Raga Banthangal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.