- Lyricist
- C. A. Lakshmana Das
- Singer
- P. U. Chinnappa
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Harichandra -1944 Film
- Movie release year
- 1944
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Jan 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song depicts the heartbreaking moment from the epic legend of King Harichandra where he is forced to sell his beloved wife, Queen Chandramathi, in a public market. Having surrendered his entire kingdom to Sage Vishwamitra to honor a promise, Harichandra still owes the sage his ritual offering (dakshina). To uphold truth and honor his vow at all costs, he publicly offers his virtuous wife for sale as a maidservant. In the lyrics, Harichandra extols Chandramathi's flawless character—her truthfulness, righteousness, dutiful conduct in house chores, and gentle speech—while pleading sorrowfully with the public for someone to buy her so he can settle his debt. It represents the ultimate trial of righteousness, truth, and sacrifice in Indian mythology.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question (Vinahuthal)
“Vaanguvaar undo”
The phrase 'Vaanguvaar undo' (Is there anyone to buy?) is used repeatedly across multiple lines to highlight the tragic plight and desperate appeal of the speaker.
Anaphora / Repetition (Erattai Kilavi / Anaphora)
“Kalaignaaniyaana muniyin”
The phrase 'Kalaignaaniyaana muniyin / Kadan theera naan ivalai' is repeated three times sequentially to emphasize the heavy moral burden of the sage's debt.
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Sathya needhi maaraa imaadhai / Nithya maevum vaelaiyae”
The second consonant sound matches between 'Sathya' (t-th) and 'Nithya' (t-th), creating a melodious poetic cadence.
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Vilai koorinaen naanae”
Repetition of the 'V' sound in 'Vilai koorinaen' creates rhythmic emphasis on the painful act of setting a price.
Did you know?
Trivia
In the 1944 movie Harichandra, this emotional song marks the climax of Harichandra's sacrifice. Directed by K. S. Mani, the film starred P. U. Chinnappa as Harichandra and M. V. Rajamma as Chandramathi. The story of Harichandra selling his wife and child in the slave market of Kashi is one of the most celebrated tragic sequences in classical Tamil theater and early Indian cinema.
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