- Lyricist
- Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
- Singer
- D. K. Pattammal
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Movie name
- Naam Iruvar – 1947 Film
- Movie release year
- 1947
- Lyrics added on
- 21 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
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').
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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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