- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Ilangeswaran
- Movie release year
- 1987
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Nov 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic musical composition expresses the majestic pride, devotion, and artistic mastery of King Ilangeswaran (Ravana). He glorifies divine music (specifically referencing Raga Hamsanandhi) as his ultimate solace and sanctum, claiming authority over both his golden veena and his prosperous kingdom surrounded by oceans. Ravana declares his deep reverence for Lord Shiva (Parameswaran)—the cosmic dancer holding the deer and axe—while highlighting his own unyielding loyalty, heroic stature, and gratitude. The song further paints a vivid picture of Ravana's opulent empire and vibrant palace court where dance and music flourish continuously. Describing the beauty of fine arts, dance mudras, and aesthetics, he asserts that the joy and prosperity he experiences in his realm exceed even the blessings bestowed upon the heavenly gods.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kaiyendhum pon veenai ketkaadhoo en aanai / Idhu thaanae hamsanandhi”
Matching second consonants across consecutive lines, creating a rhythmic cadence in Tamil poetry.
Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Maaanodu mazhuvendhi / Mandrathil nindraadum / Marai pottrum parameswaran”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across words in the same line.
Metaphor (Uruvagham)
“Sapthaswaram thaanae en sannadhi”
Comparing music and notes directly to a holy sanctum/sanctuary ('sannadhi') and eyes to poetic works ('vizhiyil ezhudhum kavidhai').
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi Ani)
“Poongaatrum thaandadhu naan potta kodu”
Exaggerating the king's supreme authority to emphasize his absolute power over nature.
Did you know?
Trivia
In Hindu mythology and Tamil literary tradition, Ravana (Ilangeswaran) is celebrated as a master musician and dedicated devotee of Lord Shiva who played the veena using his own nerve strings. Lyricist Vaali weaves classical swara solkattu alongside pure Tamil poetic meters to showcase Ravana's artistic brilliance and majestic vanity in this track.
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