- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Saraswathi Sabatham
- Movie release year
- 1966
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Oct 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from Saraswathi Sabatham (1966) expresses the sharp critique and defiance of a learned poet against an arrogant queen who has been blinded by sudden wealth and power. The poet ridicules her vanity, pointing out that mere chance elevated her to royalty, yet she foolishly attempts to challenge scholarly wisdom and poetry. He asserts the supreme truth that material wealth (represented by Lakshmi) can never truly conquer knowledge and arts (represented by Saraswathi). For a person of true intellect, even a prison cell feels comfortable like home, whereas an unwise ruler turns an entire kingdom into a desolate wilderness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Etuhais / Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Sabai arindha pulavanukku / Siraiyum oru veedu”
Rhyming of second consonant across consecutive lines, such as 'Netru' (ரு) and 'Nindrirundha' (ன்), or 'Sabai' (ப) and 'Sirai' (ர/ப).
Iyaibu (End rhyme)
“Raani magaaraani / Rajiyaththin raani”
Repetition of the word 'Raani' at the end of multiple lines creates a rhythmic, mocking refrain.
Contrast / Metaphor (Puviyarasu vs Kaviyarasu)
“Kaviyarasai puviyarasu / Vetri kondadhundaa”
Direct contrast between earthly power ('Puviyarasu') and intellectual/poetic sovereignty ('Kaviyarasu'), as well as Goddess Lakshmi ('Thirumagal') vs Goddess Saraswathi ('Kalaimagal').
Did you know?
Trivia
Saraswathi Sabatham (1966) features music composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan. This song serves as a crucial narrative pivot in the film, illustrating the central debate between the supremacy of Knowledge (Saraswathi) and Wealth (Lakshmi).
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