- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Ilangeswaran
- Movie release year
- 1987
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Dec 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Thandavam Podhumaiyae' is a poignant devotional lament sung from the perspective of Ravana (Ilangeswaran), the ruler of Lanka, pleading with his supreme deity, Lord Shiva. Ravana, once an invincible king, grand scholar of the Sama Veda, and master of the Veena, finds himself completely devastated by the horrors of war. Having lost his valiant brother Kumbhakarna and his heroic son Indrajit in battle, and abandoned by his relatives, he approaches Shiva in total surrender and grief. In this moving piece penned by lyricist Vaali, Ravana questions whether his tragic downfall is the result of relentless karma, inescapable fate, or Lord Shiva's destructive cosmic dance (Thandavam). Heartbroken and humbled, the once-unshakeable King of Lanka begs Shiva to cease his fierce dance and grant mercy to his burning soul.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethukai (Second Letter Rhyming)
“Kuttranghal ver enna naan seidhadhu / Endhan suttranghal enai vittu yen ponadhu”
The second consonant 'ttra' rhymes across adjacent lines, creating a classic Tamil rhythmic flow.
Simile (Upamai)
“Kaala mughil pol kargitha oru pillaiyum”
Compares the son (Indrajit) roaring in battle to the thunderous roar of a dark raincloud.
Rhetorical Question
“Ivai vinai enbadha illai vidhi enbadha”
Ravana asks reflective philosophical questions expressing his angst and helplessness before destiny.
Anaphora / Refrain
“Thandavam podhumaiyae”
Repetition of the pleading line 'Thandavam podhumaiyae' throughout the song underscores Ravana's desperation.
Did you know?
Trivia
This song presents Ravana not merely as a mythological antagonist, but as a deeply tragic, learned devotee of Lord Shiva. According to Ramayana lore, Ravana created the Ravana Veena using his own nerves and bones to chant the Sama Veda, pleasing Lord Shiva. Lyricist Vaali masterfully captures this tragic classical persona in this song.
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