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Lyrics & meaning

Yaaraga Irundhal

From Kavi Raja Kalamegam · 1978

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Kavi Raja Kalamegam1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
………………
Female
Yaaraaga irunthaal ennaWhoever it may be, what does it matter?
Yaaraaga irunthaal ennaWhoever it may be, what does it matter?
Idhil arasanenna illai aandiyennaIn this, what difference is a king or a beggar?
Aiyyaa yaaraaga irunthaal ennaOh sir, whoever it may be, what does it matter?
Yaaraaga irunthaal ennaWhoever it may be, what does it matter?
Female
Paramporul samasthaanam kondaadum panthamIt is a relationship celebrated by the divine realm of the Supreme Being,
Aa…aa…aaa….aa….aa…..Aa…aa…aaa….aa….aa…..
Paarpathum ketpathum ellorkkum sonthamSeeing and hearing are rights belonging to everyone,
Paarpathum ketpathum ellorkkum sonthamSeeing and hearing are rights belonging to everyone.
Manathilethu ninaivilaethu pirivinaiWhere is division in the mind or in thought?
Iraivan veedu tharuvathaagum uravinaiThe divine home grants us this kinship.
Female
: Ninaikka ninaikka inikkum sugangal: Pleasures that taste sweeter the more one thinks of them,
Peruvathenna urimaiyudan ketpavargalWhat do those who demand them with full right obtain?
Female
: Yaaraaga irunthaal enna….: Whoever it may be, what does it matter...
Female
Sivanukku umaiyenna aththai magalaaIs Uma paternal aunt's daughter to Lord Shiva?
Sivanukku umaiyenna aththai magalaaIs Uma paternal aunt's daughter to Lord Shiva?
Avan maganukku deivaanai maman magalaamIs Deivanai maternal uncle's daughter to His son?
Avan maganukku deivaanai maman magalaamIs Deivanai maternal uncle's daughter to His son?
Iraivanin veettinilor jaathiyillaiThere is no caste in the house of God,
Iraivanin veettinilor jaathiyillaiThere is no caste in the house of God,
Adhai ennidam ketka oru needhiyillaiyaeThere is no justice or right to question me about that.
Female
Vaigai aattrin karaiyil vaazhum sokkanumLord Sundareswarar (Sokkan) living on the banks of the Vaigai river,
Malaiyarajan nangaiyaana selviyumAnd the maiden daughter of the King of Mountains (Meenakshi),
Inainthu mudiththu anainthu suvaiththaWho united, wed, embraced, and savored love,
Inimaiyathu kanavumilai kadhaiyumillaiThat sweetness is neither a dream nor a myth.
Female
Yaaraaga irunthaal enna….Whoever it may be, what does it matter...
Female
Kannukkor thadai kaalukkor thadaiObstacles for the eyes, obstacles for the feet,
Pengalukke iduveerYou impose them only upon women!
Male
………….
Female
Ponnukko illai pugazhukkoNeither for gold nor for fame,
Sugam vanthathillai ariveerDoes true happiness come, know this well!
Male
………….
Female
Vinnukko illai mannukkoNeither to the heavens nor to the earth,
Idhu pudhumaiyillai periyeerIs this anything new, O elders?
Male
……………..
Male
Vedikkai illai vegam udaneThis is no joke, quickly now,
Konjam vazhi viduveerPlease step aside and give way!
Male
…………………
Female
Yaaraaga irunthaal ennaWhoever it may be, what does it matter?
Idhil arasanenna illai aandiyennaIn this, what difference is a king or a beggar?
Aiyyaa yaaraaga irunthaal ennaOh sir, whoever it may be, what does it matter?
Yaaraaga irunthaal ennaWhoever it may be, what does it matter?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Yaaraaga Irunthaal Enna' is a social critique and philosophical song penned by Kannadasan for the film 'Kavi Raja Kalamegam' (1978). The song questions societal discrimination, rigid caste structures, and artificial social hierarchies. By asserting that kings and beggars are equal before the Supreme Lord, the lyrics champion universal human rights—such as the freedom to see, hear, think, and love without prejudice. Furthermore, the song addresses gender inequality, questioning why society imposes restrictive barriers exclusively on women's freedom of movement and vision. Referencing sacred unions like Lord Shiva and Meenakshi, Kannadasan points out that divine relationships are not bound by mortal caste systems. Ultimately, the song delivers a strong message demanding social equality, freedom, and dignity for all individuals.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Muran (Antithesis)

Idhil arasanenna illai aandiyenna

Juxtaposes 'Arasan' (King) and 'Aandi' (Beggar) to highlight contrast and emphasize absolute equality before God.

Rhetorical Question

Sivanukku umaiyenna aththai magalaa

Uses rhetorical questioning about divine kinship to challenge man-made caste rules and social constructs.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Ponnukko illai pugazhukko / Vinnukko illai mannukko

Repeats the trailing sound '-ukko' across lines 31 and 34 to establish rhythmic balance and emphasis.

Alliteration / Monai

Kannukkor thadai kaalukkor thadai

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound ('Kannukkor' and 'Kaalukkor') creates rhythm and underscores the obstacles placed on women.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Kavi Raja Kalamegam' (1978) dramatizes the life of the famous 15th-century Tamil poet Kalamega Pulavar, known for his sharp wit, satire, and 'Sledai' (double-meaning verses). Lyricist Kannadasan skillfully incorporated contemporary egalitarian themes into this song while retaining classical Tamil mythological references, sung with expressive vigor by P. Susheela under the music direction of veteran composer S. M. Subbaiah Naidu.

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