- Lyricist
- Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
- Singer
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Engal Thaai
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Jul 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poem by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar personifies Mother India (Bharat Mata) as an eternal, benevolent, yet formidable divine entity. It highlights her timelessness—her origin is so ancient that even the greatest scholars cannot pinpoint her beginning. She is patient beyond measure, enduring more than Mother Earth itself, and bestows grace upon righteous leaders who rule with justice.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor and Hyperbole (Uvamai / Uyarvu Navirtchi)
“Bhomiyinum porai mikkudaiyaal”
Compares Mother India's patience to Mother Earth and asserts it is even greater, emphasizing her infinite endurance.
Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)
“Enil thomizhai paar mun nindridung kaarkodunth Dhurkkai yanaiyaval thaai”
Contrasts her peaceful, compassionate nature ('punniya nenjinal') with her terrifying form as Durga ('kaarkodunth Dhurkkai') when confronting evil.
Alliteration (Edhukai / Mohnai)
“Thondru nigazhnth thanaiththum unarnthidu”
Uses matching initial consonant and vowel sounds ('Thondru', 'thanaiththum') to create rhythmic musicality.
Did you know?
Trivia
Originally composed by visionary poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharati during the Indian independence movement to invoke national pride, this song glorifies Mother India (Bharat Mata). It was later set to music and sung by legendary composer M. S. Viswanathan for the 1973 film 'Engal Thaai'.
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