- Lyricist
- Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
- Singer
- Harish Raghavendra
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Bharathi
- Movie release year
- 2000
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This profound poem by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar delves into the core tenets of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, questioning the ultimate reality of the sensory world. Bharathiyaar contemplates whether the physical elements of nature—trees, creatures that walk or fly, the sky, sunlight, and even human thoughts and perceptions—are nothing more than transience, dreams, or optical illusions (Maya).
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Nirpathuvae / Karpadhuvae”
The second consonant 'r' (ற) is repeated in corresponding lines, creating harmony.
Monai (Alliteration / First Letter Rhyme)
“Nirpathuvae nadapathuvae parapathuvae”
Alliteration of the initial consonant sounds ('N' in Nirpathuvae/nadapathuvae) enhances rhythmic flow.
Vinaa Ani (Rhetorical Questioning)
“Neengalellam soppanam thaano”
The poet repeatedly uses rhetorical questions ('Is it a dream?', 'Is it an illusion?') to induce philosophical reflection on existence.
Did you know?
Trivia
This poem is one of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar's most famous philosophical works on Advaita philosophy. In the biographical movie 'Bharathi' (2000), directed by Gnana Rajasekaran, this iconic poem was set to music by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and sung by legendary vocalist K. J. Yesudas. Ilaiyaraaja won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for his work on this film.
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