- Lyricist
- Pazhani Bharathi
- Singer
- Hariharan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kasi
- Movie release year
- 2001
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Jul 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Punniyam Thedi Kasikku Povaar' from the movie Kasi expresses deep spiritual devotion, inner vision, and profound gratitude. The lyrics draw a powerful wordplay between the holy city of Kasi (Varanasi), where pilgrims go to cleanse their sins, and the blind protagonist named Kasi, who lives a humble life filled with music and suffering. While devotees seek God in temples and holy rivers, the song portrays a divine moment where God Himself comes seeking the blind musician in his simple hut. Despite lacking physical sight, the singer possesses true spiritual vision ('Kangal illai paarvai undu'). The lyrics reflect how compassion and grace can turn tears of sorrow into sweetness, inspiring an overwhelming sense of gratitude that feels impossible to repay even across multiple lifetimes.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Pun / Double Entendre (Ilesai)
“Punniyam thedi kasikku povaar”
Wordplay on 'Kasi', referencing both the holy city of Varanasi and the blind protagonist's name Kasi.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Intha paava piraviyin kanneer gangaiyai”
Compares human suffering and sorrowful tears to the holy Ganges river.
Paradox (Muran)
“Kangal illai paarvai undu”
Presents a paradoxical truth of having true vision despite lacking physical eyes.
Oxymoron
“Kanneerilae uppu indru thiththikkuthae”
Juxtaposes bitter salty tears with sweetness to express emotional transformation through divine grace.
Did you know?
Trivia
The movie 'Kasi' (2001) stars Vikram as a blind village singer, a performance that earned him widespread critical acclaim including a Filmfare Award. The soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring soulful melodies that highlight the protagonist's emotional depth and musical expression.
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