- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan
- Music director
- Ghantasala
- Movie name
- Mayabazar
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from the mythological epic Mayabazar reflects on the profound, cosmic play (maya) of Lord Krishna. The lyrics point out the ironic dualities of life—how sorrow for one becomes joy for another—and how human fate is tangled in worldly attachments. It emphasizes that while mortal beings and even fate itself remain blind to Krishna's divine mysteries, the soul who truly understands this divine cosmic illusion attains true spiritual liberation and blessedness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis / Iyalbu Navirtchi
“Oruvarin sogam oruvarin yogam”
Contrasting 'sogam' (sorrow) and 'yogam' (fortune) to highlight life's dualities.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Adiyaar yaaro ariyaar yaaro”
Repetition of 'yaaro' at the end of clauses creates rhythmic harmony.
Metaphor (Uruvakam)
“Ulaginil sugathukku oonjalilae thinam”
Comparing worldly pleasure to swinging on a swing ('oonjal'), symbolising instability and transient joy.
Monai (Alliteration)
“Unmaiyil undhan maaya leelaiyai / Unarndhavan thanae thanyanaiyaa”
Repetition of the initial 'U' sound in 'Unmaiyil', 'Undhan', and 'Unarndhavan'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Mayabazar (1957) is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Indian cinema history. Sung with philosophical gravity by legendary vocalist Seerkazhi Govindarajan and composed by Ghantasala, this song perfectly underscores the divine tricks played by Lord Krishna (played by N. T. Rama Rao) in the film's narrative.
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