- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Vani Jairam
- Music director
- Vijaya Bhaskar
- Movie name
- Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu
- Movie release year
- 1975
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Nov 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply moving allegorical piece written by Kannadasan for the movie 'Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu' (1975). It uses the vivid metaphor of a delicate deer caught helplessly between a hunter's arrow on one side and a venomous snake on the other. This image reflects the female protagonist's dilemma, as she is trapped by societal judgment and blackmail due to an innocent mistake made in her past. The emotional arc progresses from agony and unexpressed pain ('the dream of a mute person') to a desperate prayer for divine intervention. Though she wished for joy and auspiciousness in life ('Bhairavi raagam' and 'Mangalam'), life handed her sorrow. In the end, the song appeals directly to Lord Krishna for grace, asserting that her flaws stemmed from naive innocence ('bedhamai') rather than evil intent, praying for redemption and peace.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagaimai)
“Oru puram vedan marupuram naagam / Irandukkum naduvae / Azhagiya kalaimaan”
The innocent woman trapped by circumstances and blackmailers is metaphorically depicted as a beautiful deer caught between a hunter and a venomous snake.
Symbolism (Kuriyeedu)
“Paada ninaiththathu bhairavi raagam / Paadi mudiththathu yaavaiyum sogam”
'Bhairavi raagam' and 'mangalam' symbolize happiness and an auspicious life, whereas 'sogam' symbolizes the harsh reality of grief that befell her.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Paada ninaiththathu bhairavi raagam / Paadi mudiththathu yaavaiyum sogam”
The initial sound 'Paa' repeats in both lines ('Paada' and 'Paadi'), adding rhythmic emphasis.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Unmaiyai sonnaal sannithi thirakkum / Ovvoru maanukkum nimmathi kidaikkum”
Both lines end with matching rhyming suffixes ('thirakkum' and 'kidaikkum').
Did you know?
Trivia
1. 'Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu' was a pathbreaking progressive drama directed by S. P. Muthuraman that addressed the social taboo around a woman's pre-marital past. 2. Music director Vijaya Bhaskar, primarily celebrated in Kannada cinema, crafted this iconic Tamil soundtrack. 'Oru Puram Vedan' remains one of his most recognized Tamil compositions. 3. Singer Vani Jairam delivered a career-defining performance in this song, capturing intricate classical nuances and deep pathos, which earned her widespread critical acclaim.
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