- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Navarathri
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Oct 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Navaaraathiri Suba Raathiri from the 1964 Tamil film Navarathri is a celebratory song praising the holy festival of Navaratri. Written by lyricist Kannadasan, the song honors the divine feminine trinity—Lakshmi (Alai Magal), Saraswati (Kalai Magal), and Parvati (Malai Magal)—who bring wealth, wisdom, and strength into the lives of devotees during these sacred nights. The lyricist highlights night as a time of artistic creation, poetic inspiration, and universal peace that comforts even the restless, culminating in a playful comparison between the single night of Shivaratri observed by young men and the nine-night festival cherished by young women.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Navaraathiri suba raathiri”
The repetition of 'raathiri' at the end of consecutive lines creates a rhythmic and melodic refrain throughout the song.
Metaphor / Epithets
“Alai magalum kalai magalum”
Kannadasan uses traditional mythological epithets: 'Alai magal' (Ocean's daughter / Lakshmi), 'Kalai magal' (Arts' daughter / Saraswati), and 'Malai magal' (Mountain's daughter / Parvati).
Monai (Alliteration)
“Kavinjar nenjil karpanaigal”
Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across words in the line for poetic rhythm.
Juxtaposition / Antithesis
“Kaalaiyarkku oriravu sivaraatthiri / Aanaal kanniyarkku onbadhu naal navaraathiri”
Contrasts one night of Shivaratri dedicated to young men with the nine-night celebration of Navaratri meant for young women.
Keep listening
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