- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- S. Janaki, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Avalukendru Oru Manam
- Movie release year
- 1971
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Jun 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song celebrates the selfless spirit and ultimate sacrifice of a woman who gives up her own happiness for the well-being of others. Kannadasan masterfully compares her life to camphor that vanishes after giving light and a candle that melts away while illuminating the dark. Despite facing hardships and moral trials, she turns suffering into virtue, deriving pride from her capability to sacrifice and ultimately finding divine peace in her selfless journey.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Oli vazhangi maraikkindra karpooram / Udal urugi oli veesum meluguvarthi”
Comparing a self-sacrificing woman to 'karpooram' (burning camphor) and 'meluguvarthi' (melting candle) to highlight how she consumes herself for the benefit of others.
Paradox (Virodha Ani)
“Paavathil punniyathai valartha deebam”
Juxtaposing 'paavam' (sin) and 'punniyam' (virtue) to show how goodness can be nurtured even amidst sinful or dark circumstances.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Pennaaga piranthadhilae perumai kandaal / Penn vaazhvuthiyaagamaana urimai kondaal”
Rhyming second letters in consecutive lines ('Pennaaga' and 'Penn vaazhvu').
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by M. S. Vishwanathan for C. V. Sridhar's 1971 film 'Avalukendru Oru Manam', the song features profound lyrical craftsmanship by Kannadasan, portraying themes of female virtue and renunciation that were iconic in 1970s Tamil cinema.
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