- Lyricist
- Sankaradas Swamigal
- Singer
- S. Varalakshmi
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kandhan Karunai
- Movie release year
- 1967
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Aug 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This devotional composition from the movie Kandhan Karunai is a prayer addressed to Lord Shiva, the King of Mount Kailash (Velli Malai). The speaker addresses Shiva as the timeless primordial entity who embodies the sacred Vedas and holds control over human senses and destiny. The song narrates the plight of the celestials (Devas) who are suffering under the tyranny of the demon army (Asuras), asking why such cruelty is permitted in the universe. Ultimately, the song serves as a plea for divine intervention, imploring Lord Shiva to listen to the cries of his devotees, reveal his sacred form, and offer protection (Abhaya) to restore peace and order.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Alliteration)
“Munnorkkum munnavaa / Moonda kadhai sollavaa”
Repetition of the initial letter 'M' in 'Munnorkkum' and 'Moonda' creates rhythmic harmony.
Edhukai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Anjezhuthum engal nenjezhuthallavaa / Aimbulanum undhan adaikkalam allavaa”
Repetition of the second consonant 'n' in 'Anjezhuthum' and 'Aimbulanum'.
Metaphor
“Anjezhuthum engal nenjezhuthallavaa”
Comparing the five-letter sacred mantra (Na-Ma-Si-Va-Ya) to writing directly on the human heart (nenjezhuthu).
Anaphora
“Un thiruvadiyai kaattu / Abaya karam neettu / Un arul mugathai kaattu”
Repetition of imperative petitions 'kaattu' (show) and 'neettu' (extend) at the end of consecutive lines for dramatic emphasis.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song lyrics were written by Sankaradas Swamigal, a legendary Tamil playwright considered the 'Father of Tamil Theatre'. Although the film Kandhan Karunai was released in 1967 with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan and sung by iconic vocalist K. B. Sundarambal, this specific lyric originates from traditional Tamil drama literature authored much earlier by Swamigal.
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