- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Saraswathi Sabatham
- Movie release year
- 1966
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Oct 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
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.
Did you know?
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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