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Lyrics & meaning

Uruvathai Kattidum Kanaadi

From Saraswathi Sabatham · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Saraswathi Sabatham1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadi…The mirror that reflects my image...
Female
Ulagam en pugazhai paadattumaeLet the world sing praises of my glory,
Uyarndhaval naan endru sollattumaeLet it declare that I am the supreme one.
Ulagam en pugazhai paadattumaeLet the world sing praises of my glory,
Uyarndhaval naan endru sollattumaeLet it declare that I am the supreme one.
Pulavar en perumai pesattumaeLet poets speak of my grandeur,
Pulavar en perumai pesattumaeLet poets speak of my grandeur,
Puviyil jeyakkodidhaan parakkattumaeLet my flag of victory fly high across the earth.
Female
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Female
Velirukkum vizhi melirukkumEyes sharp like a spear look high above,
En imai moodi thirandhaal sabai koodumA court convenes whenever I blink my eyes.
Velirukkum vizhi melirukkumEyes sharp like a spear look high above,
En imai moodi thirandhaal sabai koodumA court convenes whenever I blink my eyes.
Naan irukkum idaththil naadirukkumWhere I reside, there resides the entire kingdom,
Naan irukkum idaththil naadirukkumWhere I reside, there resides the entire kingdom,
Naan ennum sollae nadamaadumOnly the word 'I' holds supreme authority.
Female
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Female
Naadum nagaramum naalvagai padaiyumThe country, the city, and the fourfold military,
Navarathna maaligaiyum en vasamaeAnd the palace of nine gems are under my control.
Naadum nagaramum naalvagai padaiyumThe country, the city, and the fourfold military,
Navarathna maaligaiyum en vasamaeAnd the palace of nine gems are under my control.
Koodum arasarum paadum pulavarumThe assembled kings and the singing poets,
Koodum arasarum paadum pulavarumThe assembled kings and the singing poets,
Kuviyum porulgal ellaam en vasamaeAnd all accumulated riches belong strictly to me.
Female
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image,
Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadiHas placed the entire world right before me.
Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadiThe mirror that reflects my image.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song expresses supreme pride, royal arrogance, and immense self-worth. Sung from the perspective of Queen Devayani (played by Padmini) in Saraswathi Sabatham, it highlights her absolute power, matchless wealth, and command over her kingdom, scholars, and rulers. The mirror symbolizes self-admiration and how the world revolves around her authority. Through majestic lyrics by Kannadasan, the song beautifully sets up the conflict of ego versus divine wisdom that drives the narrative of the film.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monaai (Alliteration)

Uruvaththai kaattidum kannaadi / Ulagaththai vaiththadhu en munnaadi

Repetition of initial consonant sounds such as 'Uruvaththai' and 'Ulagaththai' in lines 1 and 2, as well as 'Naadum' and 'Navarathna' in lines 28 and 29.

Edhukai (Second letter rhyming)

Naadum nagaramum naalvagai padaiyum / Navarathna maaligaiyum en vasamae

Rhyming of the second letter in consecutive lines, such as 'Uruvaththai' and 'Ulagaththai' ('ru' and 'la' maintaining musical rhythm) or 'Velirukkum' and 'Naan irukkum'.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Ulagam en pugazhai paadattumae / Uyarndhaval naan endru sollattumae

Matching line endings with '-attumae' ('paadattumae', 'sollattumae', 'pesattumae', 'parakkattumae') to emphasize command and desire.

Uvamaani (Simile / Metaphor)

Velirukkum vizhi melirukkum

Comparing eyes to a spear ('Velirukkum vizhi') to signify sharpness, beauty, and dominance.

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Trivia

Saraswathi Sabatham (1966) features music composed by K. V. Mahadevan and playback singing by P. Susheela for Padmini. The song is a key plot element illustrating the hubris of material wealth (Lakshmi's domain) before the divine debate between Lakshmi, Saraswathi, and Parvati unfolds.

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