Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chendumalli Maalai

From Manthiri Kumaran · 1963

Lyricist
Puratchi Dasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
Rajan Nagendra
Movie name
Manthiri Kumaran
Movie release year
1963
Lyrics added on
16 Nov 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Chendumallai maalaiyoo
Singaara solaiyoo
Thenunda thaazhaiyoo
Manigal konda paalaiyoo
Chendumallai maalaiyoo
Hmm mm mm hmmm
Hm mm mmm
Kanni pennai paarthadhum
Kanni pennai paarthadhum
Kaanadha kaatchiyoo
Kattunda kaadhalum
Madhanaa
Mottu pondradhaa
Sengaandha kunjamae
Kalai thaer pondra sundhari
Female :Nenjaara pesuvom
Manna nesam kolluvom
Kanni pennai paarthadhum
Sivandhaadum ilamai nirambiya
Malardhoorum pongudhae
Male :Avizhndhaadum paruva gomathi
Ivai sooda virindhadhae
Chendumallai maalaiyoo
Maniyosai niraindha maadamae
Marul theerkka yendhavae
Male :Arul thandha chinnamae
Silai vazhi nindra mangaiyae
Kanni pennai paarthathum
Kaanadha kaatchiyoo
Male :Kattunda kaadhalum
Vaazhvai vetri kandatho
Is it a garland of jasmine flowers?
Is it a lovely garden?
Is it a fragrant blossom filled with honey?
Is it a desert filled with precious gems?
Is it a garland of jasmine flowers?
Mmm mmm mmm mmm
M mmm mmm
The moment I saw this young girl,
The moment I saw this young girl,
is it a sight never seen before?
And this captivated love...
O Madhana (god of love)!
Is it like a tender bud?
A cluster of red flame lilies?
A beauty sculpted like a chariot of art,
Female: Let us speak straight from the heart,
O my king, let us love each other!
The moment I saw this young girl,
Filled with radiant, blushing youth,
it overflows from every blossom!
Male: A youthful beauty blossoming and swaying,
has opened up to wear these flowers!
Is it a garland of jasmine flowers?
In a palace filled with the chime of bells,
to embrace and dispel all doubt,
Male: A blessed symbol of grace,
a woman standing like a living statue!
The moment I saw this young girl,
is it a sight never seen before?
Male: Has this captivated love
won victory over life?
Male
Female
Female
Male
Female
Female
Male
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This romantic duet from the 1963 film 'Manthiri Kumaran' depicts a poetic exchange between lovers expressing their deep adoration for one another. The male lead marvels at the heroine's captivating beauty, comparing her to a garland of marigolds, a blooming garden, honey-dripping flora, and a jewel-filled treasure. He expresses wonder at the rare sight of her youthfulness. In response, the female protagonist invites him to speak intimately and share deep affection. She praises his royal charm, while he admires her statue-like grace. Together, they celebrate their blossoming love, finding in each other the fulfillment and triumph of life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Chendumallai maalaiyoo / Singaara solaiyoo / Thenunda thaazhaiyoo

The usage of uniform rhyming vowel endings ('-oo') across consecutive lines creates a rhythmic, musical flow.

Uvamai (Simile)

Kalai thaer pondra sundhari

Comparing the beauty of the woman to an ornate artistic chariot using the comparative marker 'pondra'.

Uvameyam / Metaphor

Sengaandha kunjamae / Silai vazhi nindra mangaiyae

Addressing the woman directly as a cluster of red glory lilies (Sengaandha kunjam) and a carved statue (Silai).

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Manthiri Kumaran' (1963) featured music composed by the celebrated Kannada composer duo Rajan-Nagendra. Known primarily for their lush, melody-driven Kannada soundtracks, this film remains one of their notable compositions in Tamil cinema, showcasing lyricist Puratchi Dasan's rich classical imagery.

Keep listening

Songs with a similar feeling

From the same album

More songs from Manthiri Kumaran

View album

Spot an issue?

Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.