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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaaveri Mangai Vandhaalamma

From Salangai Oli · 1983

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Salangai Oli1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Thanananana thanananana naTala-rhythm vocalization: Thanananana thanananana na
Thananana nananana thanananana nananananaTala-rhythm vocalization: Thananana nananana thanananana nanananana
Male
Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinnaPercussive rhythmic sound: Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinna
Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinnaPercussive rhythmic sound: Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinna
Male
Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaaThe maiden of River Cauvery has arrived
Ennudan kaiveesiWaving her hand along with me
Chorus :Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinnaChorus: Percussive sound: Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinna
Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinnaChorus: Percussive sound: Jamakku jamakku jin jinna jin jinna
Male
Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaaThe maiden of River Cauvery has arrived
Ennudan kaiveesiWaving her hand along with me
Meniyengum minukkiShining all over her body
Ada melathaalam muzhakkiSounding the traditional drums and instruments
Koondhal konjam odhukkiPushing back her hair a little
Melaadai konjam vilakkiSlightly moving aside her upper veil
Male
Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaaThe maiden of River Cauvery has arrived
Ennudan kaiveesiWaving her hand along with me
Female :Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaaFemale: The maiden of River Cauvery has arrived
Ennudan kaiveesiWaving her hand along with me
Male
Pachchilam poovilWith fresh tender flowers
Paavaada thechchuStitching a skirt
Pachchilam poovilWith fresh tender flowers
Paavaada thechchuStitching a skirt
Kundu malliya kondaiyil vechuPlacing round jasmine flowers in her hair bun
Vandhaa arasaaniHere comes the queenly woman
Ava vaaliba desaththu raaniShe is the queen of the land of youth
Male
Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaaThe maiden of River Cauvery has arrived
Ennudan kaiveesiWaving her hand along with me
Chorus :Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaaChorus: The maiden of River Cauvery has arrived
Ennudan kaiveesiWaving her hand along with me
Male
Kaaviri mangai vandhaalammaaThe maiden of River Cauvery has arrived
Ennudan kaiveesiWaving her hand along with me
Meniyengum minukkiShining all over her body
Ada melathaalam muzhakkiSounding the traditional drums and instruments
Koondhal konjam odhukkiPushing back her hair a little
Melaadai konjam vilakkiSlightly moving aside her upper veil

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

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