- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Salangai Oli
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Apr 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the classic movie Salangai Oli personifies the sacred River Cauvery as a vibrant, youthful, and graceful maiden. Clad in garments woven from fresh flowers and adorned with jasmine, her joyful movement is celebrated through rhythmic beats, drums, and dance. The song encapsulates the beauty of traditional South Indian folk and classical dance aesthetics, portraying the river-maiden as a queen bringing life, energy, and charm wherever she glides.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification (உருவகப்படுத்தல்)
“Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaa Ennudan kaiveesi”
The River Cauvery is poetically personified as a beautiful young maiden walking, waving her hand, and dressing up.
Erhai / Rhyme (இயைபுத் தொடை)
“Meniyengum minukki / Ada melathaalam muzhakki / Koondhal konjam odhukki / Melaadai konjam vilakki”
The rhyming ending sound '-ukki' creates a lively rhythmic cadence across consecutive lines.
Onomatopoeia / Sol-Ovu
“Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinna”
Rhythmic percussion syllables mimicking traditional South Indian musical instruments.
Alliteration / Moonaai (மோனை)
“Pachchilam poovil Paavaada thechchu”
Repetition of the initial 'Pa' sound creates musicality.
Did you know?
Trivia
Salangai Oli (1983) is the Tamil dubbed version of the legendary Telugu musical film Sagara Sangamam, directed by K. Viswanath and starring Kamal Haasan. The music was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with Tamil lyrics penned by Vairamuthu. The film won multiple National Film Awards for its music and dance portrayal.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Salangai Oli
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.