- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- C. S. Jayaraman
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Kathavarayan
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Nov 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song reflects deeply on fate, human ego, karma, and the inevitability of divine justice. It begins with the profound observation that if every human desire were granted, the concept of God would lose its significance, prompting the listener to look directly at the real-world consequences of virtues and sins. The song questions whether the protagonist's intense suffering is driven by inescapable destiny (Vidhi) or absolute truth (Sathiya). Addressing the tragic downfall of the protagonist (Kathavarayan), the lyrics recount how arrogance, reckless courage, and breaking social boundaries for love led him down a path of ruin. Despite his strength, he ends up captured in handcuffs, facing the gruesome fate of the impaling stake ('Kazhumaram'). The song laments his wasted potential, comparing his life to a fleeting mirage and asking if such agonizing retribution is truly fair.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Kaanal neerai pola unthan”
Compares the protagonist's unfulfilled and ruined life to a mirage ('kaanal neerai pola').
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Mamathai endra porvaiyodu”
Metaphorically describes pride/ego as a cloak or blanket ('mamathai endra porvai').
Rhetorical Question
“Vithiyaa sathiyaa intha vedhanai”
Repeatedly questions whether the suffering is due to Fate or Truth, and whether the punishment fits the persona.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Kaalan pola kazhumaramae”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Ka' across consecutive lines ('Kaalan', 'Kaaththiruppathum').
Did you know?
Trivia
The song features in the 1958 Tamil mythological film 'Kathavarayan' starring Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri. Sung by the iconic C. S. Jayaraman, known for his distinct high-pitched vocal delivery, the lyrics by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass directly reference 'Kazhumaram' (impaling stake), which is central to the traditional folk legend of Lord Kathavarayan.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kathavarayan
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.