- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Singer
- M. S. Subbulakshmi
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Meera (1945) Film
- Movie release year
- 1945
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Jun 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This devotional invocation from the iconic 1945 film 'Meera' consists of chant-like praises celebrating the divine attributes of Lord Krishna (also briefly saluting Goddess Kali). Krishna is invoked under various sacred epithets such as 'Deena Vathsala' (the compassionate refuge of the suffering), 'Venu Gaana Lola' (the lover of flute music), 'Vanamaali' (adorned with forest garlands), and 'Giridhari' (the lifter of Govardhana mountain). The chants express deep surrender, praising Krishna as the ultimate bestower of boons and spiritual grace, culminating in a celebration of Him as Saint Meera's ultimate master.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Jaya dheena vathsalaa / Jaya vaenu gaana lolaa”
Repetition of the initial word 'Jaya' across consecutive lines creates rhythmic enthusiasm appropriate for a devotional chant.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Jaya dheena vathsalaa / Jaya vaenu gaana lolaa”
Matching rhyme ending with the '-laa' sound at the end of both lines enhances musicality.
Epithet (Anaphora of Divine Names)
“Giridhara gopaalanukku / Vanamaali / Giridhaari”
Use of evocative divine names highlighting specific attributes and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Did you know?
Trivia
Meera (1945) was a monumental hit directed by American filmmaker Ellis R. Dungan and starred the legendary Carnatic vocalist M. S. Subbulakshmi in the lead role. The soundtrack, composed by S. V. Venkatraman with lyrics by renowned composer Papanasam Sivan, propelled Subbulakshmi to national prominence. Following its huge Tamil success, the film was dubbed and partially reshot in Hindi in 1947, introduced by Sarojini Naidu.
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