Vanpasi Pinikku Unavu Lyrics Meaning — Ashok Kumar | M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar

M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar delivers “Vanpasi Pinikku Unavu” from the film Ashok Kumar. The song establishes a somber perspective on human fate and determinism. Papanasam Sivan’s lyrics question the control individuals have over their own fortunes, even when relief is within reach.

Vanpasi Pinikku Unavu Lyrics Meaning — Ashok Kumar | M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar

Vanpasi Pinikku Unavu

M. K. Thiyagaraja Bagavathar • From “Ashok Kumar”

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Composer
Aalathur V. Sivasubramaniam

Ashok Kumar’s Vanpasi Pinikku Unavu Lyrics Translation

Papanasam Sivan writes that pleasure is an illusion, comparing it to a desert mirage and a non-existent rabbit’s horn. The lyrics also describe human existence as a speck of dust swirling helplessly in a vast ocean. This reinforces a feeling of powerlessness against greater forces.

Gunavu Nam Kaiyil KittilumEven if food is in our hands,
Vaikumettumowill it ever reach our mouths?
Vanpasi Pinigunavu Nam Kaiyil KittilumEven if food for this terrible hunger is in our hands,
Vaikumettumowill it ever reach our mouths?
Vanpasi Pinigunavu Nam Kaiyil KittilumEven if food for this terrible hunger is in our hands,
Vaikumettumowill it ever reach our mouths?
Mun Payil Vinai Kavara MayamaiOur past karma snatches it away like an illusion,
Maraiyum Mogamum Pazhpadumand our desires just vanish into ruin.
Mun Payil Vinai Kavara MayamaiOur past karma snatches it away like an illusion,
Maraiyum Mogamum Pazhpadumand our desires just vanish into ruin.
Inbamenbadhu Kanal Neer MuyalIn the end, we see that what’s called happiness is just a mirage,
Kombhu Kan Ellam Mudivilean impossible ‘rabbit’s horn’.
Inbamenbadhu Kanal Neer MuyalIn the end, we see that what’s called happiness is just a mirage,
Kombhu Kan Ellam Mudivilean impossible ‘rabbit’s horn’.
Thunbame MudivileThere is only sorrow in the end.
Thunbame Uyiranbu VaithalThere is only sorrow if you cling to this life.
Vivegame Sugha BogameTrue wisdom is the only real pleasure.
Thunbame Nirai VazhvileThis life is filled with sorrow.
Alai Kadalile Suzhal Thurumbhu PolLike a speck of dust swirling in the churning ocean,
Enbuthol Pothi Udalile Uzhandruwe struggle on, trapped in this body of bone and skin.
Iruthalai Kolli Erumbhu PolLike an ant caught between two burning ends.
VambhuserSuch pointless strife.
VambhuserSuch pointless strife.
Vambhuser Arupagai Valar NenjakuranginIt’s like a great garland in the hands of the monkey-mind,
Kaiperum Malai Polwhich feeds the ‘six inner enemies’.
AnbarkalMy friends,
En Anbarkal Inbaminba Mendru Unmaioh my friends, by chasing ‘pleasure, pleasure,’ we’ve lost the truth,
Arivizhandhu Mei Mayanginombecoming deluded by this physical world.

Vanpasi Pinikku Unavu Music Video

The song concludes that past karma can snatch away any potential joy, rendering desire futile. All worldly pleasure is said to lead only to sorrow. The “Vanpasi Pinikku Unavu” lyrics meaning identifies wisdom as the only real source of contentment.