- Lyricist
- Muthulingam
- Singers
- S. Janaki, P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Ilamai Kaalangal
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Nov 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classical devotional song is a fervent prayer addressed to Lord Rama. The singers invoke the deity using revered epithets such as Raghunatha, Parkadal Vasa (dweller of the ocean of milk), and Janaki Nesa (beloved of Sita), seeking his divine grace and love. The lyrics draw upon sacred imagery from the Ramayana, highlighting Rama's compassion through the redemption of Ahalya, who was restored to her human form from stone by his touch. The song also honors Saint Thyagaraja, who enshrined Rama in his heart and worshiped him through musical offerings, presenting a sublime blend of Carnatic music and spiritual devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“ராகவனே ரமணா ரகுநாதா”
The repetition of the initial 'Ra' sound in 'Ragavane', 'Ramana', and 'Ragunatha' establishes rhythmic momentum and melodic euphony.
Allusion (Mythological Reference)
“கல்லான பெண் கூட உன்னாலே பெண்ணாகி எழுந்தாளே மண் மேலே”
Refers to the Ramayana episode where Ahalya, turned into stone due to a curse, is restored to life upon contact with Rama's foot.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“சங்கீத மலர் கொண்டு துதித்தாரே”
Musical notes and compositions are poetically envisioned as floral offerings ('Sangeetha malar') made in devotion.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Ilaiyaraaja for Ilamai Kaalangal (1983), this classical track features a rare duet between legendary singers S. Janaki and P. Susheela, incorporating Carnatic swara passages (solkattu) within a film song structure.
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