- Lyricist
- Poovai Senguttavan
- Singers
- P. Susheela, Jothi Kanna
- Music director
- T. V. Raju
- Movie name
- Kanimuthu Paappa
- Movie release year
- 1972
- Lyrics added on
- 30 Sept 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Kanimuthu Paappa' (1972) is a deeply emotional devotional prayer addressed to Lord Venkateswara (Srinivasa) of the Seven Hills. The singer surrenders to the Lord, acknowledging that human wisdom is limited and that human life itself is a divine gift that cannot be bought with money. The central plea asks the Lord to preserve family harmony and keep a father and child together, questioning why the divine power that united them would ever let them be separated. The emotional arc moves from humble praise to direct entreaty, expressing complete faith that all auspiciousness flows from divine grace. The song ends on a poignant note, invoking the Lord's names—Venkatesa and Srinivasa—to grant protection, mercy, and reunion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Apostrophe (Direct Address)
“Ezhu malai vaasa emaiyaalum sreenivaasa”
The speaker directly addresses Lord Srinivasa using devotional epithets ('Ezhu malai vaasa', 'Sri Venkatesa').
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Vilai koduthu vaanga uyir kadaiyil virpathillai”
Repetition of the 'Vi' sound in 'Vilai' and 'virpathillai' creates rhythmic harmony within the line.
Metaphor / Philosophical Imagery
“Vilai koduthu vaanga uyir kadaiyil virpathillai”
Life is metaphorically contrasted with a commercial commodity that can be bought at a shop, emphasizing its sacred, non-purchasable nature.
Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Ezhu malai vaasa emaiyaalum sreenivaasa”
The refrain is repeated multiple times throughout the song to anchor the devotional plea and maintain intense focal piety.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kanimuthu Paappa' (1972) features music composed by T. V. Raju, a legendary composer prominent in both Tamil and Telugu cinema. The lyrics were written by Poovai Senguttavan, who was well known for penning emotionally charged and devotional songs in 1970s Tamil movies. This song highlights a collaborative rendition by veteran playback singer P. Susheela along with Jothi Kanna.
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