- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. B. Sreenivas
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Manapanthal
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Mar 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song from 'Manapanthal' (1961), written by Kannadasan, explores the concept of 'kaaval' (protection or guardianship) through various stages of life and natural phenomena. It systematically outlines how elements in nature and society have intrinsic guardians—life guards the body, light guards the world, the shore guards the sea, and eyelids guard the eyes. As human life progresses from infancy to youth, guardians shift from mother to self-conscience and then to a partner, questioning ultimate mortality and moral boundaries.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Udalukku uyir kaaval / Ulagukku oli kaaval”
The word 'kaaval' (protection) is repeated at the end of almost every line, creating a uniform rhythmic structure.
Anaphora / Repetitive Structure
“Kadalukku karai kaaval / Kannukku imai kaaval”
The repetitive phrasing of '[Noun]+ukku [Noun] kaaval' builds a cumulative philosophical argument.
Metaphor
“Sattam enbadhu veli kaaval / Dharmam endraal adhu mana kaaval”
Law is metaphorically compared to an external fence ('veli kaaval'), whereas righteousness/dharma is internal mental protection ('mana kaaval').
Did you know?
Trivia
The song from the movie 'Manapanthal' (1961) features music composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy with lyrics penned by Kannadasan. It presents a haunting philosophical narrative on fate, moral boundaries, and broken relationships.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Manapanthal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.