- Lyricist
- N. M. Muthukkoothan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Nadodi Mannan
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Jun 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a glowing tribute to the Tamil language (Senthamizh) and the ancient Dravidian ethos. It praises Tamil for its rich grammatical foundation consisting of the five classic branches (Ezhuthu, Sol, Porul, Yaappu, Ani) which paved the way for world literature and culture. The lyrics glorify the rationalist and humanist principles embedded in Tamil culture, such as viewing people's hearts as sacred temples, revering parents as the highest deity, and rejecting caste and religious discrimination in favor of equal law, justice, and righteousness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Repetition
“Senthamizhae vanakkam”
The refrain 'Senthamizhae vanakkam' is repeated across stanzas to reinforce reverence for the language.
Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Needhi neri vazhi kandaai”
Rhyming of the second letter 'dhi' in 'Aadhi' and 'Needhi' or 't' in 'Petra' / 'Satta'.
Personification
“Nenjilum vaazhvilum ondraagi nindraai”
The Tamil language is personified as a revered guide, lawgiver, and living presence dwelling in human hearts.
Did you know?
Trivia
Nadodi Mannan (1958) was a landmark film written, produced, directed by, and starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The lyricist N. M. Muthukkoothan infused strong Dravidian political ideology into the song, emphasizing rationalism, anti-caste sentiment, and linguistic pride.
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