- Lyricist
- Udumalai Narayanakavi
- Singers
- P. Susheela, T. V. Rathinam
- Music director
- S. Rajeswara Rao
- Movie name
- Pattaliyin Vetri
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Feb 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This dramatic duet sequence depicts a tragic encounter between a grieving wife begging for her husband's life and the vengeful serpent that bit him. The wife speaks of the sacred, unbreakable bond of marriage and family, lamenting the loss of her marital bliss. She offers prayers, milk, and offerings to the snake deity, begging it to restore her husband's life. However, the serpent refuses, stating that her husband trampled upon its crown and killed its offspring in the past, making his death a matter of divine retribution and karma. In response to the serpent's stubborn refusal, the devoted wife invokes her chastity ('Karpu') and curses the wicked serpent and its entire kin to perish in righteous fire.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Moni / Rhyme & Alliteration (Edhugai and Monai)
“Pendaataati purushanukku / Palamaana sonthamae”
Tamil poetic rhyming of initial and second letters across lines, such as 'Pendaataati' / 'Palamaana' / 'Pillai' / 'Piriyaatha' and 'Mannulagil' / 'Enthan' / 'Munnamengal'.
Metaphor & Symbolism
“Mangala maangalyam malligai poo poche”
'Mangala maangalyam malligai poo poche' uses mangalsutra and jasmine flowers as symbols of auspiciousness, marital status, and happy life.
Personification & Dialogue Structure
“Muppazhaiyum pippazhiyum mudiththaenae”
The serpent is personified as a rational, vengeful character capable of speech, representing the law of Karma.
Did you know?
Trivia
This dramatic dialogue-style song from 'Pattaliyin Vetri' (1960) features legendary singers P. Susheela and T. V. Rathinam portraying the grieving wife and the vengeful serpent respectively. Written by the famed rationalist poet Udumalai Narayanakavi and composed by S. Rajeswararao, the song blends folk dramatic tropes with classical themes of chastity and karma.
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