Gnana Kuzhandhai
Gnana Kuzhandhai is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film, directed by K. Kameshwara Rao and written by Era. Pazhanisamy. The film stars Baby Sudha and Master Sridhar, with Gemini Ganesan Venniradai Nirmala V. S. Raghavan R. S. Manohar, S. V. Subbaiah, Jai Ganesh, Latha and K. A. Thangavelu in supporting roles. It was released on 24 June 1979.
Plot
The film chronicles the miraculous life of Thirugnana Sambandar, one of the four great Shaiva saints of Tamil Nadu, from his divine birth to his spiritual accomplishments. The story begins with the birth of Sambandar in Sirkazhi to devout Shaiva parents Sivapada Hrudiyar and his wife. As an infant, when his parents visit the Shiva temple, the child mysteriously disappears from his cradle.Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi appear before the distressed parents, revealing that they have blessed the child with divine milk and wisdom. The infant Sambandar returns with extraordinary spiritual powers and the ability to compose devotional hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, earning him the title "Gnana Kuzhandhai".
As the child grows, his devotional fervor and miraculous powers become evident. He engages in theological debates with Jain and Buddhist scholars, defeating them through his profound knowledge of Shaiva philosophy. The film depicts several of his legendary miracles, including healing the sick, bringing the dead back to life, and converting non-believers to Shaivism through his divine hymns.
The narrative follows young Sambandar's travels across Tamil Nadu, visiting various Shiva temples and composing devotional songs that would later become part of the sacred Thevaram literature. His encounters with other devotees, including his meeting with Thirunavukkarasar, showcase the rich tradition of Tamil Shaivism.
The film also portrays the saint's role in reviving Shaivism during a period when Jainism held significant influence in the Tamil region. Through divine intervention and his unwavering devotion, the young saint helps restore the worship of Lord Shiva in temples that had been converted to Jain centers.
The climax depicts Sambandar's ultimate spiritual achievement - his marriage to Princess Amudhavalli which transforms into a divine union, as both the saint and his bride merge with the sacred flame of Lord Shiva, achieving moksha. This miraculous event, witnessed by devotees, establishes Sambandar's eternal place in Tamil religious tradition as one of the greatest child saints in Hindu history.
Soundtrack
Music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan and lyrics were written by Kannadasan, A. Maruthakasi, Alangudi Somu, Pazhanisamy and Raja Gopal.| Song | Singers | Length |
| "Aadum Nathane" | Sirkazhi Govindarajan | 03:57 |
| "Thodudaya Seviyan" | P. Susheela | 02:23 |
| "Osai Kodutha Nayakiyae" | P. Susheela | 05:06 |
| "Kolli Malai Kattulle" | L. R. Eswari | 04:22 |
| "Poothathu Kamalam" | Vani Jairam | 04:20 |
| "Naavale Senthamizh Naan" | T. M. Soundararajan | 01:45 |
| "Paalodu Thean Kallanthu" | T. M. Soundararajan, Vani Jairam | 03:52 |
| "Poombavai" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 04:32 |