- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Srivalli
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Jan 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song from the 1961 movie Srivalli reflects on the impermanence of human life and the illusory nature of worldly pleasures. Using the metaphor of a fragile water droplet resting on a lotus blossom, the lyricist emphasizes how earthly life can vanish in a moment. The verse questions whether romantic attachments and physical desires are anything more than a fleeting illusion (Maya). Addressing Lord Muruga (Shanmukha), the song praises the divinity as the ultimate ascetic who has conquered all worldly cravings and severed bonds of attachment. Disguised as an old bearded man, the speaker urges seekers to look beyond superficial desires and realize the profound spiritual truth of detachment.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai / உவமை)
“Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhi”
Compares fragile and temporary human existence to a glistening water droplet on a lotus petal.
Rhetorical Question
“Vazhvu thaan ulagil sathama”
Questions whether life on earth is permanent to emphasize its obvious transience.
Metaphor (Uruvagam / உருவகம்)
“Maaya leelai edhum nijama”
Frames romantic attraction and worldly desire as an illusory cosmic play (Maaya leelai).
Monai (Initial Alliteration / மோனை)
“Vanna thamaraiyil minnum neerkumuzhi”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Va' across consecutive lines (Vanna / Vazhvu).
Did you know?
Trivia
In the mythological movie Srivalli (1961), this classic song is rendered by legendary singer Seerkazhi Govindarajan with music composed by G. Ramanathan. The scene features Lord Muruga disguised as a bearded elder, imparting philosophical wisdom regarding the fleeting nature of life and worldly attachment.
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