- Lyricist
- Pattinathar
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Kunnakudi Vaithiyanathan
- Movie name
- Annai Abirami
- Movie release year
- 1972
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Apr 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
In this profound verse composed by the medieval ascetic poet Saint Pattinathar, the seeker reflects on the contrast between permanent spiritual truths and transient worldly attachments. The poet rhetorically asks if there is any higher achievement in human life than associating with righteous souls, cultivating deep devotion to God, and acquiring spiritual wisdom. In contrast, material possessions, family ties, sensory pleasures, and the physical body's fleeting beauty are identified as outer illusions (veli-mayakkam) that distract the soul from ultimate truth. The verse concludes with a passionate address to Lord Shiva enshrined at Kanchipuram as Ekambareswarar ('Kachchi Yaegampan'). The devotee surrenders all worldly pride and attachment at the Lord's feet, recognizing divine grace as the sole reality worth pursuing. Expressed through P. Susheela's poignant rendition in the film Annai Abirami, the verse serves as a powerful reminder of renunciation and devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question (Aiyavina)
“Alaathu veru nilaiyulatho”
The poet asks 'Is there any other state?' to emphatically assert that devotion, noble company, and divine wisdom are the only true pursuits in life.
Polysyndeton (Enummai)
“Ilaaalum suttramum maintharum”
The repeated use of the conjunctive suffix '-um' (Ilaaalum, suttramum, maintharum) creates a rhythmic listing of worldly attachments, highlighting their collective weight.
Antithesis (Maran)
“Ellaam velimayakkae”
Contrasts eternal spiritual virtues listed in the opening lines with transient material bonds, declaring all physical aspects to be mere external illusion (velimayakkam).
Repetition for Emphasis (Anaphora/Invocation)
“Iraivaa kachchi yaegampanae”
The evocative address to Lord Ekambaranathar of Kanchipuram is repeated to highlight spiritual surrender and divine longing.
Did you know?
Trivia
These lyrics are taken from the classical works of Saint Pattinathar, a famous 10th-century Tamil saint renowned for his devotional verses on detachment and renunciation. Music composer Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan adapted this timeless poem into the soundtrack of the 1972 devotional film Annai Abirami, sung soulfully by P. Susheela.
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