- Lyricist
- Udumalai Narayanakavi
- Singers
- K. Jamunarani, A. P. Komala
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Thanga Padhumai
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Jul 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This upbeat and empowering dance song from 'Thanga Padhumai' (1959) celebrates the undeniable power, charm, and supreme influence of women over men and society. The song playfully mocks arrogant men, fierce warriors, and learned scholars who boast of their strength, pointing out how easily they surrender and become devoted companions when enchanted by a woman's grace, beauty, and wit. Written with strong progressive undertones by Udumalai Narayanakavi, the song dismantles patriarchal misogyny—specifically refuting old adages that branded women as 'devils.' It declares that women are the architects of domestic life who tame wild men into responsible householders. Concluding on an empowering note, it proclaims that the entire universe runs on Shakti (feminine energy) and that nothing is impossible for a woman.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaipu (Rhyming Refrain / End Rhyme)
“Pennin paniyalaraai sollai kaelaaroo / Baya bakthiyodu patchandhanai kattaaroo”
The repetitive ending suffixes '-aaroo' ('kaelaaroo', 'kattaaroo') create a rhythmic, musical end-rhyme across multiple lines.
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Muthu pal kattinaal”
'Muthu pal' compares bright, beautiful teeth directly to sparkling pearls.
Anaphora / Polysemic Repetition (Sollani)
“Padai kattuvaar... idai kattinaal... jadai kattinaal... pallai kattaaroo”
The root verb 'kattu' (to tie/build/braid/show) is creatively repeated across multiple contexts to build internal cadence and punning rhymes.
Muran (Antithesis)
“Pen kulathai peigal endra pithar thammayae / Pendu pillaikutti ullavaraaai mattri viduvom”
Contrasts the absurd claim that women are 'devils' with their actual constructive power to convert reckless men into gentle family patriarchs.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Thanga Padhumai' (1959) starred Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. The song features music composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by the renowned rationalist poet Udumalai Narayanakavi. Known for weaving social reform, feminist empowerment, and anti-superstition messaging into mainstream film lyrics, Narayanakavi used this song to challenge traditional misogynistic proverbs of the era. The song was rendered enthusiastically by K. Jamunarani and A. P. Komala.
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