- Lyricist
- Lyricist Not Known
- Singer
- Sujatha
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sethu
- Movie release year
- 1999
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Sept 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply spiritual Sanskrit prayer addressed to Lord Vishnu (Madhusudhana), appealing for refuge and relief from karmic or earthly sufferings. The devotee extols the Lord as an ocean of mercy, recalling His salvation of Gajendra the elephant king and describing His divine attributes—resting upon the sacred serpent Adisesha, riding Garuda, and abiding in the tranquil minds of meditating sages. In the context of the movie Sethu (1999), this serene hymn serves as a poignant backdrop during emotional sequences involving the protagonist's mental asylum life, highlighting the tragic juxtaposition between his fractured consciousness and divine peace.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antya Prasa (End Rhyme)
“Ghrni mandala mani kundala / Phani mandala shayana”
The usage of matching terminal syllables creates a rhythmic, chant-like quality throughout the stanzas.
Repetition (Anaphora / Refrain)
“Madhusudhana madhusudhana”
The recurring call to 'Madhusudhana' and 'Sharanam bhava' reinforces the central theme of seeking divine sanctuary.
Metaphor & Epithet
“Karunaa rasa Varunaalaya”
Describes the Lord through rich poetic epithets like 'Varunaalaya' (ocean of compassion) and 'Muni maanasa bhavana' (dwelling in the minds of sages).
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for the critically acclaimed film Sethu (1999) directed by Bala, this Sanskrit stotram features prominently during the mental asylum sequence. Its classical devotional tone contrasts deeply with the raw, tragic plight of the protagonist played by Vikram.
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