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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vasuki Maganai Yasothai

From Manamara Vaazhthungal · 1976

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Banumathi
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Manamara Vaazhthungal1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vasuki maganai yasothai valarththaalYashoda raised the son born to Vasuki.
Paasam yaarukkadaa kannaa paasam yaarukkadaaTo whom does true love belong, Oh Krishna? To whom does it belong?
Vasuki maganai yasothai valarththaalYashoda raised the son born to Vasuki.
Paasam yaarukkadaa kannaa paasam yaarukkadaaTo whom does true love belong, Oh Krishna? To whom does it belong?
Female
Vennai thirudum pillaiyai koodaEven when the child stole butter,
Annai varuththaalaaDid the mother ever feel genuine resentment?
Kannaa vedikkaiyaaga kandiththathandriOh Krishna, except for playful scolding,
Unnai veruththeno unnai veruththenoDid I ever hate you? Did I ever hate you?
Female
Vasuki maganai yasothai valarththaalYashoda raised the son born to Vasuki.
Paasam yaarukkadaa kannaa paasam yaarukkadaaTo whom does true love belong, Oh Krishna? To whom does it belong?
Female
Kaadu varaikkum ilakkuvan sendrathuLakshmana going all the way into the forest
Ramanukaga allaWas not solely for Rama's sake,
Avan kanniya thaayaam janaki thannaiIt was to protect Janaki, who was like a pure mother to him,
Kaattilum kaaval kollaEven amidst the dangers of the forest.
Female
Vasuki maganai yasothai valarththaalYashoda raised the son born to Vasuki.
Paasam yaarukkadaa kannaa paasam yaarukkadaaTo whom does true love belong, Oh Krishna? To whom does it belong?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song explores the profound philosophical question of maternal love and affection, contrasting biological motherhood with foster care. Drawing on iconic Hindu epics, the lyricist Kannadasan questions whether true love belongs to the mother who gives birth (Vasuki/Devaki) or the mother who nurtures and raises the child (Yashoda). It highlights the pure, selfless bond of upbringing over birth rights. The song further illustrates devotion through Lakshmana's extreme loyalty in accompanying Rama and Sita to the forest, emphasizing that deep emotional ties and protective duty transcend conventional relationships.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Puranic Allusion (Purana Uvamai)

Vasuki maganai yasothai valarththaal

References mythological figures like Krishna, Yashoda, Vasuki, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita to illustrate deep human bonds and maternal love.

Rhetorical Question (Aiyap Porul / Vinaa)

Paasam yaarukkadaa kannaa paasam yaarukkadaa

Uses rhetorical questions to provoke philosophical contemplation regarding who holds the true claim over affection.

Epizeuxis / Repetition (Adukkuth Thodar)

Unnai veruththeno unnai veruththeno

Repetition of words ('paasam yaarukkadaa', 'unnai veruththeno') at the end of lines to heighten emotional vulnerability and emphasis.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kaadu varaikkum ilakkuvan sendrathu / Kaattilum kaaval kolla

Alliteration of the initial consonant sounds ('K' sound in Kaadu and Kaattilum) across lines for musicality.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song from 'Manamara Vaazhthungal' (1976) features the legendary multi-talented artist P. Bhanumathi as both singer and actor, with music composed by the famous duo Shankar-Ganesh and lyrics written by 'Kaviarasu' Kannadasan.

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