- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ghantasala
- Movie name
- Lava Kusa
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Feb 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This passage is a royal proclamation announcing the Ashvamedha Yagna performed by Lord Rama, the glorious descendant of the Raghu dynasty born to Queen Kausalya. Accompanied by his courageous brother Shatrughna, the royal horse is set free to roam across all eight directions as a symbol of unchallenged sovereignty. The decree written on the horse serves as a stern ultimatum to all ruler and warriors across the lands: those with the courage to dispute Lord Rama's supremacy must step forward to fight, while all others must submit, kneel, and offer homage at his feet.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Veeramaadha kousalyaa devi pettra / Menmai mighu raghuraaman”
Rhythmic pairing of initial consonantal sounds creating musical cadence across lines.
Veera Rasa (Heroic Diction)
“Idhai padikka maarthatti varum veerar varttum / Indrael mandiyittu adi panindhu vananga vendum”
Use of evocative, assertive Tamil words such as 'maarthatti' (chest-thumping challenge) and 'mandiyittu' (kneeling) to evoke intense honor, pride, and martial valor.
Did you know?
Trivia
Lava Kusa (1963) was a landmark film and the first full-length color feature in South Indian cinema. Composed by Ghantasala, this specific proclamation song sets up the dramatic conflict of the story: young Lava and Kusa read this challenge attached to the horse's forehead and boldly capture it, leading to a clash with their uncle Shatrughna and eventually Lord Rama himself.
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