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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadavan Uthithan Malai

From Mani Magudam · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
R. Sudharsanam
Details
Mani Magudam1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aadhavan udhithaan malai melaeThe sun has risen above the mountain
Indha azhagu gopura silai melaeUpon this beautiful temple-tower sculpture
Aadhavan udhithaan malai melaeThe sun has risen above the mountain
Indha azhagu gopura silai melaeUpon this beautiful temple-tower sculpture
Female
Idhil aada ninaikudhu aasai manamMy yearning heart desires to dance in this warmth
Aada ninaikudhu aasai manamMy yearning heart desires to dance
Adhu ariyaadhoo varum asthamanamDoes it not know that sunset is inevitably approaching?
Male :Aadhavan udhithaan malai melaeMale: The sun has risen above the mountain
Male
Azhagiya malargal sirikkindranaBeautiful flowers are smiling brightly
Female :Avai adutha ulagai ninaikkindranaFemale: They are contemplating the next world
Male :Azhagiya malargal sirikkindranaMale: Beautiful flowers are smiling brightly
Female :Avai adutha ulagai ninaikkindranaFemale: They are contemplating the next world
Male :Pazhagiya kiligal thudikkindranaMale: Familiar parrots flutter with joy
Pazhagiya kiligal thudikkindranaFamiliar parrots flutter with joy
Female :Engoo parakka siragai virikkindranaFemale: They spread their wings to fly away to distant lands
HahahahahaHahahahaha
Male
Aadhavan udhithaan malai melaeThe sun has risen above the mountain
Male
Vaanil parakkudhu vellai puraa..aa..A white dove flies high in the sky
Vaanil parakkudhu vellai puraaA white dove flies high in the sky
Female :Vedan valaiyai virithathu ariyaamalFemale: Unaware that the hunter has spread his snare
Male :Vaanil parakkudhu vellai puraaMale: A white dove flies high in the sky
Female :Vedan valaiyai virithathu ariyaamalFemale: Unaware that the hunter has spread his snare
Male :Aadi kalikudhu thogai mayilMale: The peacock with ornate feathers dances in delight
Aadi kalikudhu thogai mayilThe peacock with ornate feathers dances in delight
Female :Than aattam mudivadhu theriyaamalFemale: Unaware that its dance is soon coming to an end
Female
Than aattam mudivadhu theriyaamalUnaware that its dance is soon coming to an end
Male
Aadhavan udhithaan malai melaeThe sun has risen above the mountain
Indha azhagu gopura silai melaeUpon this beautiful temple-tower sculpture
Female :Idhil aada ninaikudhu aasai manamFemale: My yearning heart desires to dance in this warmth
Adhu ariyaadhoo varum asthamanamDoes it not know that sunset is inevitably approaching?
Male :Aadhavan udhithaan malai melaeMale: The sun has risen above the mountain
Male
Idhayam edhaiyo nenaikindradhuThe heart ponders upon something unknown
Female :Adhil yen indha mayakkam pirakkindrathuFemale: Why does this overwhelming trance emerge from it?
Male :Idhayam edhaiyo nenaikindradhuMale: The heart ponders upon something unknown
Female :Adhil yen indha mayakkam pirakkindrathuFemale: Why does this overwhelming trance emerge from it?
Male
Pudhiya paadhai therikkindrathuA new path appears before our eyes
Pudhiya paadhai therikkindrathuA new path appears before our eyes
Female :Adhu pogum pozhuthae mudigindrathuFemale: Yet it terminates even as one travels upon it

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This duet written by lyricist Kannadasan features a profound philosophical contrast between optimism and impending tragedy. While the male protagonist perceives nature's morning beauty—sunrise, blooming flowers, joyful birds, and dancing peacocks—as symbols of life, hope, and joy, the female protagonist responds with brooding foresight, interpreting these very sights as fleeting moments that mask impending death, traps, or closure.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor & Juxtaposition

Aadhavan udhithaan malai melae ... Adhu ariyaadhoo varum asthamanam

The contrast between the male lead's optimistic imagery of sunrise (Aadhavan) and the female lead's ominous counter-perspective of sunset (Asthamanam) serves as a metaphor for impermanence and mortality.

Emonai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

Aadhavan udhithaan malai melae / Indha azhagu gopura silai melae

The Tamil poetic tradition of Emonai is seen where the initial sounds/syllables of words align, such as 'Aadhavan' and 'Aada' or 'Vedan' and 'Aattam'.

Symbolism

Vedan valaiyai virithathu ariyaamal

Nature elements like the smiling flower (short life), white dove (innocence), hunter's net (inevitable doom), and dancing peacock represent the fragile, transitory nature of human existence.

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Trivia

Mani Magudam (1966) starred S. S. Rajendran and Jayalalithaa. The soundtrack composed by R. Sudharsanam was widely acclaimed for its rich classical melodies and Kannadasan's deep philosophical lyricism.

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