- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Music director
- Chakravarthy
- Movie name
- Yamanukku Yaman
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song presents a dramatic, philosophical musical confrontation between Lord Yama (the God of Death) and a legendary hero who boldly defies mortality. Lord Yama asserts his supreme authority over human fate, boasting that even Lord Brahma respects his divine decrees and that no mortal can escape his grasp. In response, the hero counters Yama's arrogance by citing mythical figures like Markandeya (who gained immortality through devotion) and Savitri (who reclaimed her husband's life from Yama), demonstrating that wisdom, courage, and self-knowledge can overcome even death. The lyrical dialogue, masterfully penned by Kannadasan, explores deep metaphysical themes of time, destiny, and cosmic hierarchy. By calling the hero 'Yamanukku Yaman' (the Yama to Yama himself), the song highlights that even the deity of death is bound by time and subject to higher spiritual truths, delivering an empowering anthem of human defiance against fate.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Muran (Antithesis)
“Noigal thamai vendrathundu / Maranathai vendrathunduda”
Contrasts doctors successfully conquering diseases with their complete inability to conquer death itself.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Aayiram yemanai vendru kaaviyam ezhuthi veitha”
Uses repetition of initial vowel sound ('Aayiram' / 'Aatti') across lines for rhythmic emphasis.
Metaphor
“Bhramannukkum paattan ivan daa”
Metaphorically calls the hero the 'grandfather to Lord Brahma' to signify superior ancient wisdom and stature.
Allusion (Puranic References)
“Ivan aaviyillai maarkandan jaadhi ivandaa”
References the mythological story of Markandeya, the eternal youth who defeated Yama through devotion to Lord Shiva.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Yamanukku Yaman' (1980) starring Sivaji Ganesan is a Tamil fantasy film adapted from the 1977 Telugu hit 'Yama Gola'. Lyricist Kannadasan infused classic mythological references like Savitri, Markandeya, and Brahma to create a witty yet deeply philosophical battle of words between a mortal and the Lord of Death.
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