- Lyricist
- Nellai A. Ganapathy
- Singer
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Panchamirtham
- Movie release year
- 1978
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Feb 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical Tamil song reflects on the corrupting influence of money and greed in human society. It highlights how people sacrifice morals, resort to shortcuts, lie, and manipulate justice to attain power and wealth. However, the song serves as a reminder that material wealth is transient and corrupt methods eventually lead to ruin.\n\nDrawing parallels from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the lyricist points out how evil figures like Duryodhana and the unfair game of dice ultimately collapsed through divine intervention (Lord Krishna) and the triumph of the Pandavas. The song concludes with a moral imperative that truth, righteousness, and good virtues are humanity's real guides and family, ensuring that cosmic justice and truth will always prevail over temporary greed.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Yaengi yaengi alaiyuthadaa”
The words 'Yaengi yaengi' are repeated sequentially to emphasize intense longing and restlessness caused by greed.
Allusion (Mythological Reference)
“Paandavarum vaazhnthu vittaar / Paanjaali thalai mudiththaal”
Refers to the epic Mahabharata, invoking Duryodhana ('Pollaatha thuriyavanavan'), Krishna ('Maayavan'), the Pandavas, and Panchali's vow to illustrate moral victory.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Dharmamthaan nilaikkumadaa ... Karmam vithi enbathellaam”
The second letters of 'Dharmamthaan' (r) and 'Karmam' (r) rhyme, creating rhythmic harmony.
Moonaik Chondham (Initial Alliteration)
“Netru varai nadanthathellaam / Ninaikkaamal aadiduvaar”
Initial consonant sounds in 'Netru' and 'Ninaikkaamal' match, providing a pleasing melodic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Shankar Ganesh and rendered in the commanding, morally resonant voice of Seerkazhi Govindarajan, this track from 'Panchamirtham' (1978) stands out as a classic philosophical song ('Thathuva Paadal') typical of 1970s Tamil cinema morality plays.
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