Elangaathu Veesudhey - Pitamagan

Hindu philosophy holds that man goes through a series of rebirths based on one’s karma until the time he transcends mortal life and becomes one with God. To aid this series of rebirths, Hindu culture requires the son to cremate his parents. Ancestors are one’s ‘pitr’ (pronounced pithr). But if a son does not do the funeral rites of his father, the dead soul cannot ascend to heaven or descend to hell, as his karma might be, so that the cycle of rebirths may continue. Instead, the soul is stuck for eternity in a state of ‘pit’ (pronounced pith) - the worst that could happen.

Pitamagan - means the son of such a soul. Vikram and Surya the main protagonists play one of their career best roles in Bala’s violently earthy film. Vikram is abandoned as a child in a graveyard and is brought up by a man who takes care of the graveyard. In order that the abandoned dead may continue their cycle or rebirths, Vikram performs the funeral rites and cremates them. He meets Surya, a petty conman, who befriends the unsociable, mentally unstable loner. He also meets Surya’s girlfriend and another rough and tumble woman, Sangeetha, who is selling hashish on the sly.

In the context of this song, the hostile, antisocial Vikram is slowly experiencing a new world, opening up to friendships for the first time ever, and receiving a somewhat pitied attraction from Sangeetha, which he also seems to respond to in his own oafish ways. Ilayaraja has been overshadowed by Rahman off late in the music scene, but pieces like this bring back his greatness.

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Elangaathu Veesudhey

A cool wind blows

Isai Poala Paesudhey

It speaks like music

Elangaathu Veesudhey

Isai Poala Paesudhey

Valaiyaadha Moongilil

On a path with no turns

Raagam Valainchu Oadudhey

This melody runs swaying

Maegham Muzhichu Kaetkudhey

The clouds look on wide-eyed, [while]

Karum Paarai Manasula

In a hardened, black heart …

Mayil Thoagai Virikkudhey

… a peacock spreads its tail

Mazhai Chaaral Thelikkudhey

… a light rain drizzles

Pul Veli Paadhai Virikkudhey

… a green grass lays a path

Vaanavil Kudaiyum Pudikkudhey

… a rainbow shelters us like an umbrella

Pul Veli Paadhai Virikkudhey

Vaanavil Kudaiyum Pudikkudhey

Maniyin Oasai Kaettu Mana Kadhavu Thirakkudhey

To the sound of bells this mind’s door opens

Puthiya Thaalam Poattu Udal Kaatril Midhakkudhey

To a new tune, this body walks on wind

Pinni Pinni Chinna Elaiyoadum

Like entwined dry leaves

Nenjai Allum Vanna Thuni Poala

Like a colored robe that hugs the chest

Onnukkonnu Dhaan Inanchi Irukku

There is one fated for each one

Uravu Yellaam Amanchi Irukku

All relationships are defined like that

Alli Alli Thandhu Uravaadum

To generously tear of one’s self

Annamadi Indha Nilam Poala

Like this ever giving land

Silarukku Dhaan Manasu Irukku

Very few have such a mind

Ulagam Adhil Nilaichu Irukku

And the rest of the world is dependent on them

Naethu Thanimaiyila Poachu, Yaarum Thunai Illai

Yesterday was spent alone, with no one to support

Yaaro Vazhi Thunaikku Vandhaal Yaedhum Inai Illai

If one came along on a journey, _tbd_

Ulagathil Edhuvum Thanichu Illaiyae

Nothing is alone in this world

Kuzhalil Raagam Malaril Vaasam Saerndhadhu Poala

The melody joins the flute, and the fragrance joins the flower

Manasula Enna Aagaayam

What is that hurt in your heart

Dhinam Dhinam Adhu Pudhir Poadum

That sows itself again everyday

Ragasiyathai Yaaru Arincha?

Who knows those secrets?

Adhisayathai Yaaru Purincha?

Who understands the surprising?

Vidhai Vidhaikkira Kai Dhaanae

The hand that spreads the seed

Malar Parikkudhu Dhinam Dhoarum

Is also the hand that plucks the bud

Malar Thodukka Naarai Eduthu

And then somebody takes the string

Yaar Thodutha Maalaiyaachu?

And who is that who made the garland?

Aalam Vizhudhilae Oonjal Aadum Kili Yellaam

The birds swinging on the falling roots of the banyan tree

Moodum Siragilae Mella Paesum Kadhaiyellaam

Its descending wings whispers all the stories of the day

Thaalaattu Kaettidaamalae, Thaayin Madiya Thaedi Oadum

Without need for a lullaby, a child finds its mothers lap …

Malai Nari Poalae.......

… and even the feared mountain lion