- Lyricist
- Mayavanathan
- Singer
- K. B. Sundarambal
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Movie name
- Poompuhar
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Feb 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song from the 1964 epic film Poompuhar narrates the tragic downfall, ruin, and humbled return of Kovalan to his wife Kannagi. Born into rich luxury, Kovalan strayed from the virtuous path and squandered his wealth, character, and status in pursuit of worldly illusions. The lyrics illustrate his deep repentance as he returns destitute, having learned harsh lessons from time and fate.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Pavala manimaaligaiyil… / Pani malarin panjanaiyil… / Paal pisaditha magam”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Pa' across consecutive lines (Pavala, Pani, Paal).
Iyaibu / Antiyaip Thodai (Internal Rhyme & Rhythm)
“Indru manam kettu gunam kettu / Madhi kettu nidhi kettu / Nilai kettu vandhaanammaa”
Rhythmic rhyming endings using 'kettu' (hanam kettu, gunam kettu, madhi kettu, nidhi kettu, nilai kettu) to emphasize multi-faceted loss.
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Kaalam karpitha paadathin / Adi thaanga mudiyaamal”
Personifying Time ('Kaalam') as an unyielding teacher delivering painful physical blows ('adi').
Allegory / Proverbial Metaphor
“Poi nellai kuthiyae / Ponga ninaithavan / Kai nellum vittaanammaa”
Comparing futile efforts to pounding empty husks ('poi nellai kuthiyae') expecting cooked grain, illustrating how pursuit of illusion leads to losing actual wealth.
Did you know?
Trivia
Poompuhar (1964) is a cinematic adaptation of the classical Tamil epic Silappatikaram. The film's acclaimed dialogues and screenplay were penned by M. Karunanidhi, showcasing rich literary Tamil register throughout the script and musical sequences.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Poompuhar
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.