- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Alaigal Oivathillai
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Mar 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Aayiram Thaamarai Mottukalae is a classic romantic song from the 1981 film Alaigal Oivathillai, composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vairamuthu. The song vividly describes the intense physical and emotional union of two young lovers who break free from social constraints. Rich with nature metaphors—such as lotus buds blooming, jasmine flowers touching, and honey extinguishing fire—the lyrics frame their romantic awakening as a divine ritual of love.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Kovilil kaadhal thozhugai”
Love is directly equated to a sacred prayer/worship in a temple ('Kovilil kaadhal thozhugai').
Contrast / Oxymoron
“Ingu thenai ootru idhu theeyin ootru”
Contrasts cool honey with burning fire to portray intense desire ('Ingu thenai ootru idhu theeyin ootru').
Sensory Imagery (Ovuvaani)
“Pullarikum meni engum poo pookum”
Uses physical sensations like sweat and goosebumps equated to blooming flowers to evoke intense passion.
Rhyme and Assonance (Edhukai & Moonaai)
“Aayiram thaamarai mottukalae / Vandhu aanandha kummigal kottungalae”
Matching initial and second letter sounds across lines ('Aayiram' / 'Vandhu', 'Ingu' / 'Thotu' / 'Kovilil') to create a rhythmic folk beat.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Vairamuthu for the iconic debut film of Karthik and Radha, this song won Vairamuthu the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Lyricist in 1981. Set to music by Ilaiyaraaja, it remains one of the most celebrated romantic duets in Tamil cinema history.
Keep listening
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