The Honey-Dipped Genius of "Parthen Sirithen": Decoding a Cinematic Masterpiece

Have you ever eaten something so sweet that it became overwhelming? A Gulab Jamun soaked in sugar syrup is delicious, but after a few, it begins to "thigattum" (cloy). Yet, there is one melody in Tamil cinema that is drenched in the sweetness of honey from start to finish, and we can never seem to get enough of it.

Welcome to Oru Naal Podhuma, our Margazhi special series where we explore the Carnatic foundations of legendary film songs. Today, we are decoding the ageless classic: "Paarthen Sirithen" from the 1965 film Veera Abhimanyu.

The Musical Canvas: Why Sahana?

Composed by the legendary K.V. Mahadevan (KVM), the song 'Parthen Sirithen' is set in the exquisite raga Sahana. Sahana is a janya of the 28th Melakarta, Harikambhoji. It is a vakra raga—meaning its notes move in a zig-zag, crooked fashion. This complexity is what gives Sahana its unique character. While many associate Sahana with Karuna (compassion) or Sringaram (romance), it also possesses an inherent Gambheeram (majesty) and Veeram (bravery).

Since Veera Abhimanyu tells the story of the heroic son of Arjuna, KVM chose Sahana perfectly. It captures the romance of a wedding night while subtly nodding to the warrior lineage of the protagonist.

The Orchestration Secret: Because the film is set in the Mahabharata era, KVM avoided modern instruments. The soundscape is dominated by the Veena, accompanied by the flute and the harp (to mimic the ancient Yaazh). Listen closely to the Pallavi—the pace changes three times, a brilliant technical touch that keeps the listener hooked without the need for heavy percussion.

The Lyricist’s Magic: 65 Drops of Honey in Parthen Sirithen

If the music is the vessel, Kaviyarasar Kannadasan’s lyrics are the nectar. Did you know that the word "Then" (Honey) appears a staggering 65 times in this single song?

Kannadasan uses a literary device called Siledai (Pun). In Tamil, "Then" is both a noun (honey) and a common suffix for first-person verbs (like Paarthen - I saw, Sirithen - I smiled).

One of the most brilliant examples in the song is:

“அந்த மலைத் தேன் இதுவென மலைத்தேன்”

Here, Malai-then refers to mountain honey, known for its purity. But Malaithen (the verb) means to be struck with wonder or amazement. With one word, he describes the sweetness of the bride and the awe of the groom.

The Hidden Prophecy: A Mahabharata Secret

While the song is celebrated for its romance, there is a hidden layer of "smart storytelling" that many miss.

Abhimanyu and Uthara’s marriage takes place toward the end of the Pandavas' Agnatavasa (incognito exile). History tells us that Abhimanyu will soon fall in the Great War, and the entire Pandava lineage will be threatened with extinction.

Kannadasan writes:

“கொடித் தேன் இனியங்கள் குடித்தேன் என ஒரு படித் தேன் பார்வையில் குடித்தேன்”

This isn't just a romantic line. It refers to Uthara as the "honey of the lineage." In the Mahabharata, it is Uthara’s unborn child, Parikshit, who survives the war and the vengeful strike of Ashwatthama to carry forward the Pandava race. By calling her the protector of the "family honey," Kannadasan subtly acknowledges her role as the savior of the dynasty before the tragedy of the war even begins.

The Legacy of Sahana

While many composers have touched Sahana—from Deva's "Rukku Rukku" to A.R. Rahman’s "Azhage Sugama"—KVM’s "Paarthen Sirithen" remains the "gold standard" or the authority for this raga in cinema. If you know this song, you will recognize Sahana wherever it plays.

The Challenge: In the 1980s, a very famous TV serial used a Sahana raga song that became a household hit. Do you know which one it is? Let us know in the comments!

Music is a vast ocean. To explore it fully... Oru Naal Podhuma? (Is one day enough?)

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