- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Srivalli
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Jan 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply emotional and poignant devotional lament addressed to Lord Murugan. The singer questions divine justice, asking why innocent people who place their complete faith in Lord Murugan are left to suffer and perish. She addresses the Lord's twelve hands, which are meant to grant refuge and protection, asking why hardship is allowed to prevail instead. Reflecting on her own pure life as a maiden, she wonders what unconscious mistake she could have made to deserve such anguish. Realizing that there is no other salvation without divine grace, she surrenders entirely, offering her very life to Lord Murugan.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Anaphora)
“Mannilae madivadhum sariyoo / Paadhagam seivadhum muraiyoo / Ennathaan naan seidha kuraiyoo”
The rhetorical suffix '-oo' is repeated at the end of key lines ('sariyoo', 'muraiyoo', 'kuraiyoo') to express deep distress and question divine will.
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Panniru karangalal abayam tharamalae / Kanni en vaazhvilae ennaiyae ariyaamal”
The second letter consonant 'nn' rhymes across consecutive structural lines ('Panniru' and 'Kanni').
Rhetorical Questioning
“Mannilae madivadhum sariyoo / Paadhagam seivadhum muraiyoo”
The lyricist uses persuasive interrogation ('Is it right?', 'Is it fair?', 'What is my fault?') to amplify the pathos and emotional impact of the prayer.
Did you know?
Trivia
Srivalli (1961) is a classic Tamil mythological film depicting the legend of Lord Murugan and his consort Valli, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. The film's music was composed by maestro G. Ramanathan, known for integrating deeply classical and emotive ragas into devotional cinema tracks.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Srivalli
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.