- Lyricist
- M. K. Aathmanathan
- Singer
- P. Leela
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Tenali Raman
- Movie release year
- 1956
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Apr 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This soul-stirring devotional song expresses both profound adoration for the Divine Mother and existential angst regarding human suffering. It begins by glorifying the Goddess as the source of all life, joy, and cosmic flourishing. The singer acknowledges that nature and living beings thrive entirely under her loving protection. However, the central theme pivots to a poignant philosophical dilemma: why do virtuous people who harbour good intentions face persistent adversity? The singer questions whether these hardships are mere divine tests (sodhanai) or if human aspirations are ultimately futile. Despite the questioning tone, the song concludes by returning to the refrain of surrender and faith in the Goddess's grace.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Thunbam soozhvadhum yaeno”
Lines 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11 repeat verbatim to intensify the emotional anguish and rhetorical questioning of divine justice.
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa)
“Amma yaavum un sodhanai thaano”
The lyricist uses rhetorical questions to express helplessness and quest for spiritual meaning rather than seeking a direct answer.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Nanmai ninaindhavar vaazhvinil naalum”
Alliteration of the 'Na' sound in 'Nanmai' and 'ninaindhavar' creates a pleasing phonetic rhythm.
Refrain (Pallavi repetition)
“Ulagellaam unadharulaal malarum”
The opening line serves as a recurring refrain that anchors the philosophical query back into an act of devotion.
Did you know?
Trivia
The 1956 historical comedy-drama film Tenali Raman starred Sivaji Ganesan as Tenali Raman and N. T. Rama Rao as King Krishnadevaraya. Singer P. Leela's classical renditions in this soundtrack, composed by the iconic duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy, are considered timeless classics in Tamil cinema.
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