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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vetri Ettu Dhikkum Etta

From Naam Iruvar – 1947 Film · 1947

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singer
D. K. Pattammal
Music director
R. Sudharsanam
Details
Naam Iruvar – 1947 Film1947

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae..ae..Beat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae…ae…Beat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae…ae…Beat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae…ae…Beat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae…ae…Beat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Female
Vaedham endrum vaazhgavendru kottu murasae..ae..Beat the drum proclaiming long live the Vedas forever!
Vaedham endrum vaazhgavendru kottu murasae…ae…Beat the drum proclaiming long live the Vedas forever!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasaeBeat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Vaedham endrum vaazhgavendru kottu murasae…ae…Beat the drum proclaiming long live the Vedas forever!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasaeBeat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Female
Nettri ottrai kannanodaeWith the one who has a single eye on his forehead,
Nirthanam seidhaalShe performed her cosmic dance,
Nettri ottrai kannanodaeWith the one who has a single eye on his forehead,
Nirthanam seidhaalShe performed her cosmic dance,
Female
Nettri ottrai kannanodaeWith the one who has a single eye on his forehead,
Nirthanam seidhaalShe performed her cosmic dance,
Nettri ottrai kannanodaeWith the one who has a single eye on his forehead,
Nirthanam seidhaalShe performed her cosmic dance,
Nitha sakthi vaazhga vendru kottu murasae..ae…Beat the drum proclaiming long live eternal Shakti!
Nitha sakthi vaazhga vendru kottu murasae…ae..Beat the drum proclaiming long live eternal Shakti!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasaeBeat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Vaedham endrum vaazhgavendru kottu murasae…ae…Beat the drum proclaiming long live the Vedas forever!
Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae..ae…Beat the drum so victory reaches all eight directions!
Vaedham endrum vaazhgavendru kottu murasae..Beat the drum proclaiming long live the Vedas forever!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Vetri Ettu Thikkum Etta Kottu Murasae is an invigorating patriotic and devotional poem written by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar, featured in the 1947 film Naam Iruvar. The poem serves as a triumphant rallying cry to beat the victory drum (murasu) to echo triumph across all eight directions, celebrating Vedic truth, eternal righteousness, and divine cosmic energy (Shakti). Bharathiyaar references Goddess Shakti dancing in cosmic harmony alongside Lord Shiva, who bears the third eye on his forehead. Written during India's freedom struggle era, the song blends spiritual energy with nationalistic awakening, invoking divine vigor and victory for the land.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora / Refrain (Erattai Kilavi / Idaiyidu)

Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae

The phrase 'Kottu murasae' (beat the drum) is repeatedly used at the end of lines as an energetic rhythmic refrain to arouse vigor.

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Vetri ettu thikkum etta kottu murasae

The repetition of initial sounds like 'Ettu' and 'Etta' within the line creates strong rhythmic emphasis.

Imagery / Metaphor

Nettri ottrai kannanodae Nirthanam seidhaal

Visual imagery depicting Goddess Shakti's cosmic dance with Lord Shiva ('Nettri ottrai kannanodae Nirthanam seidhaal').

Did you know?

Trivia

Naam Iruvar (1947), produced and directed by A. V. Meiyappan (AVM Productions), was a historic Tamil film released around the time of Indian independence. It prominently featured the patriotic and revolutionary songs of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar, played by D. K. Pattammal and others, which helped popularize nationalistic cinema across South India.

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