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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aagaya Gangai Indru Mannil

From Mazhai Megam · 1976

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Mazhai Megam1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aagaaya gangai indru mannil vandhadhuThe heavenly Ganges has descended to the earth today
Aanandha theertham ennai aada sonnadhuThe holy water of joy has asked me to take a dip
Ullam irandum aadattumLet both our hearts dance
Ondril ondru koodattum aahaLet them unite as one, aha
Female :AahaaFemale: Aha
Male :AahaMale: Aha
Female :AaahaaFemale: Aha
Both :Hae hae…Both: Hae hae...
Female
Aagaaya gangai indru mannil vandhadhuThe heavenly Ganges has descended to the earth today
Aanandha theertham ennai aada sonnadhuThe holy water of joy has asked me to take a dip
Ullam irandum aadattumLet both our hearts dance
Ondril ondru koodattum aahaLet them unite as one, aha
Male :Laalaa laMale: Laalaa la
Female :AahaFemale: Aha
Male :Laalaa laMale: Laalaa la
Both :Hae hae..Both: Hae hae..
Male
Minnalil azhagiya oonjalai amaithuSetting up a beautiful swing in the lightning
Megathil iravukku panjanai virithuSpreading a bed in the clouds for the night
Female :Haaa…..Female: Haaa...
Male :Minnalil azhagiya oonjalai amaithuMale: Setting up a beautiful swing in the lightning
Megathil iravukku panjanai virithuSpreading a bed in the clouds for the night
Female :Vaanathu meengalil malligai thelithuFemale: Sprinkling jasmine flowers among the stars in the sky
Manmadha mandhiram mayangida padithuReading the spell of Cupid to enchant and mesmerize
Male :Haaa….Male: Haaa...
Female :Vaanathu meengalil malligai thelithuFemale: Sprinkling jasmine flowers among the stars in the sky
Manmadha mandhiram mayangida padithuReading the spell of Cupid to enchant and mesmerize
Male
Paadam solla koodathooCan't you teach me a lesson?
Female :Paarvai ondru podhathooFemale: Isn't a single glance enough?
Male
Aagaaya gangai indru mannil vandhadhuThe heavenly Ganges has descended to the earth today
Aanandha theertham ennai aada sonnadhuThe holy water of joy has asked me to take a dip
Male
Enniru aandugal ezhudhiya paattuA song written over my two years
Ennai un idai ennum siraiyinil poottuLock me inside the prison of your waist
Female :Haaa…..Female: Haaa...
Male :Enniru aandugal ezhudhiya paattuMale: A song written over my two years
Ennai un idai ennum siraiyinil poottuLock me inside the prison of your waist
Female :Mangala isai tharum veenaiyai meettuFemale: Pluck the strings of the veena that gives auspicious music
Maandhalir maeniyil kungumam theettuApply vermilion on the mango-leaf-soft body
Male :Haaa….Male: Haaa...
Female :Mangala isai tharum veenaiyai meettuFemale: Pluck the strings of the veena that gives auspicious music
Maandhalir maeniyil kungumam theettuApply vermilion on the mango-leaf-soft body
Male
Maalai thendral theeyaagaaThe evening breeze feels like fire
Female
Kaanum inbam neraagaMay the joy we see become direct and real
Female
Aagaaya gangai indru mannil vandhadhuThe heavenly Ganges has descended to the earth today
Male :Aanandha theertham ennai aada sonnadhuMale: The holy water of joy has asked me to take a dip
Female :Ullam irandum aadattumFemale: Let both our hearts dance
Male :Ondril ondru koodattum aahaMale: Let them unite as one, aha
Female :AahaFemale: Aha
Male :Laalaa laMale: Laalaa la
Female :AahaFemale: Aha
Both :Hae hae..Both: Hae hae..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Aagaaya Gangai is a classic romantic duet in which the lovers express their passionate devotion through grand celestial imagery. The arrival of the beloved is likened to the divine Ganges river descending to the earth, turning their surroundings into a place of bliss and celebration. Throughout the song, romantic gestures are poeticized as swinging on lightning, making a bed in the clouds, and chanting love spells under starry skies. Lyricist Pulamaipithan crafts a beautiful synthesis of classical Tamil poetic tropes and sweet sensuality, brought to life through the harmonious vocals of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and P. Susheela under K. V. Mahadevan's lush musical composition.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvam)

Aagaaya gangai indru mannil vandhadhu

Comparing the love or beloved's presence directly to the heavenly Ganges descending to earth.

Metaphor (Uruvam)

Ennai un idai ennum siraiyinil poottu

Describing the woman's waist as a prison that locks the lover in affection.

Simile / Metaphor

Maandhalir maeniyil kungumam theettu

Comparing the softness and delicate color of the female body to tender mango leaves (Maandhalir).

Edhugai (Second letter assonance/rhyme)

Minnalil azhagiya oonjalai amaithu / Megathil iravukku panjanai virithu

Repetition of the second letter 'n' in consecutive lines (Minnalil / Megathil).

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by 'Isai Sithar' K. V. Mahadevan, 'Aagaaya Gangai' remains one of the most celebrated duets of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and P. Susheela. The song's poetically rich lyrics by Pulamaipithan utilize traditional Sangam-style imagery such as comparing soft skin to tender mango leaves (Maandhalir), making it an enduring romantic standard in Tamil film music.

Keep listening

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