- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- C. S. Jayaraman
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Paavai Vilakku
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Sept 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from 'Paavai Vilakku' (1960) is an evocative tribute to the scenic grandeur and natural splendour of Courtallam (Kuttraalam), a region famous for its cascading waterfalls and lush landscapes in Tamil Nadu. Addressed affectionately to a colorful parrot (vanna kiliyae) in the traditional Kili Kannai genre of Tamil poetry, the singer expresses that even a thousand eyes would fall short of absorbing the breathtaking sights of Courtallam.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Kili Kannai (Parrot Refrain / Apostrophe)
“Vanna kiliyae”
Addressing a parrot ('Vanna kiliyae') throughout the song is a traditional Tamil poetic device used to convey personal wonder and deep feelings.
Hyperbole (Uruvakattam / Uyartvu Navirchi)
“Aayiram kann podhaadhu”
Exaggerating that even a thousand eyes are insufficient to take in the sheer beauty of nature.
Personification
“Thendral isai paadi varum”
Attributing human traits like singing to the breeze ('thendral isai paadi varum') and sleeping to the fog/mist ('pani thoongum').
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Thaenaruvi aadi varum.. / Thanga tamil muzhangidudhae”
Describing the waterfall as sweet honey ('Thaenaruvi') and the Tamil language as pure gold ('Thanga tamil').
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by K. V. Mahadevan and penned by A. Maruthakasi, this iconic song is rendered in the unique, expressive vocal style of C. S. Jayaraman. The song draws rich inspiration from classic Tamil literature like Courtallu Kutrala Kuravanji, celebrating the geography, culture, and waterfalls of Courtallam.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Paavai Vilakku
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.