Kurai Onrum Illai

"Kurai Onrum Illai" (Tamil: குறை ஒன்றும் இல்லை, meaning No grievances have I) is a Tamil devotional song written by C. Rajagopalachari.[1] The song set in Carnatic music was written in gratitude to Hindu God (Venkateswara and Krishna visualised as one) and compassionate mother.

Kurai Onrum Illai is one of the few songs written by Indian politician, freedom-fighter and Governor-General of India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. According to Gopalkrishna Gandhi the song is a euphemism for the bhakti of untouchables (also known as Adi Dravidars or Harijans or Panchama).[2]

The song was sung by M. S. Subbulakshmi in the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Pancharatna Mala LP-2 (Long Play Record) (1979/80). This song is unique because it does not assume the tone of devoted prayer as most Hindu devotional songs but one of thankfulness to God. The song comprises 3 stanzas each set in three different ragas.

Kurai Onrum Illai is a very popular song in South India and is a regular in most Carnatic concerts. It became very famous after it was sung by M. S. Subbulakshmi.

  1. ^ "Rajaji's unknown collaborator". The Hindu. 22 December 2002. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015.
  2. ^ "The Hindu : Rajaji's unknown collaborator". www.thehindu.com. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2022.