- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Kavi Raja Kalamegam
- Movie release year
- 1978
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Dec 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song vividly describes the holy island town of Srirangam, surrounded on both sides by the Kaveri river, where Lord Ranganatha resides upon Adishesha. It paints a lively picture of the temple's seasonal festivals, such as the Chithirai chariot festival and Maasi boat races, which draw immense crowds of devotees. In the classic tradition of Nindha Stuthi (praising God through apparent fault-finding), the lyricist playfully mocks Lord Ranganatha for having two consorts in Srirangam (Sridevi and Bhudevi) while visiting another beloved (Kamalavalli Thayar) in neighboring Uraiyur. The song further celebrates the temple's rich culinary traditions, specifically the sumptuous morning pongal loaded with dripping ghee and the vast afternoon meals served to all visitors, lightheartedly contrasting the Lord's endless generosity with the singer's own humble cooking skills.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Nindha Stuthi (Praise through Censure)
“Ullooril rendirukka Uraiyooril innoruthi”
Playfully teasing the deity's romantic exploits (having two wives in Srirangam and a beloved in Uraiyur) as a form of intimate devotion.
Sensory Imagery (Gustatory & Visual)
“Kai vazhiya nei vazhiyum Pongalundu kaalaiyilae”
Evokes a rich, mouth-watering image of eating temple prasadam with ghee dripping off the fingers.
Edukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Ithanaiyum kaana varum / Ethanaiyo janakoottam”
The second consonant 'th' matches across adjacent lines ('Ithanaiyum' and 'Ethanaiyo').
Monaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Rendu pakkam kaveri ... Renganaatha saamiyo”
Repetition of the initial sound 'R' across 'Rendu' and 'Renganaatha'.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song features in the 1978 biographical film 'Kavi Raja Kalamegam', which chronicles the life of Kalamega Pulavar, a legendary 15th-century Tamil poet famed for his wit, double meanings (Slesha), and satirical devotional verses. Lyricist Vaali crafted this song echoing Kalamegam's signature literary style, particularly referencing the annual temple ritual 'Mattayadi', where Lord Ranganatha travels to Uraiyur to visit Goddess Kamalavalli Thayar.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kavi Raja Kalamegam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.