- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- P. Leela
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Kathavarayan
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Nov 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic composition expresses the emotional turmoil of a woman experiencing deep romantic separation (Viraha). Addressing her close companion (sagi), she laments her inability to sleep or find peace because her mind is constantly fixated on her virtuous beloved. She describes her heart as a sacred temple where love resides and honors her lover as the deity who blessed her life with happiness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Avan veesiya valaithanilae / Intha maan veezhnthathu maayamadi”
The lover's charm and expressive eyes are compared to a cast net, and the heroine compares herself to a helpless deer trapped within it.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyae / Nimmathu illaiyadi”
The lyrical lines frequently end with the affectionate colloquial suffix 'adi' (illaiyadi, vaaduthadi, koyiladi, dheivamadi) creating a rhythmic end-rhyme.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Niththirai illaiyadi sagiyae / Nimmathu illaiyadi”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Ni' (நி) in consecutive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kathavarayan (1958) was a blockbuster Tamil mythological-folkloric film starring Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri. The soundtrack composed by maestro G. Ramanathan features rich Carnatic classical roots, with P. Leela delivering an iconic vocal performance penned by popular lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass.
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