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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kadhal Rathiye Gangai Nadhiye

From Antharangam Oomaiyanathu · 1980

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
K. J. Joy
Details
Antharangam Oomaiyanathu1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aaa….aaa…..aa….aaa…..aaa….mmm….Vocalizations
Female :Aaa…..aaa….aa….oo….oo….aaa……aa….Female vocalizations
Male
Kadhal rathiyae gangai nadhiyaeOh goddess of love, oh River Ganges
Kaal thattil kaanum jadhiyaeThe rhythmic beat seen in the tap of your feet
Kadhal rathiyae gangai nadhiyaeOh goddess of love, oh River Ganges
Kaal thattil kaanum jadhiyaeThe rhythmic beat seen in the tap of your feet
Male
Engum malarantha poovaasamThe fragrance of flowers blooming everywhere
Ennai azhaikkum un nesamYour affection calls out to me
Engum malarantha poovaasamThe fragrance of flowers blooming everywhere
Ennai azhaikkum un nesamYour affection calls out to me
Female
Kaaman kanaiyae kannin vazhiyaeOh arrow of Cupid, entering through the eyes
En nenjil thovum sugamaeOh divine pleasure showering upon my heart
Male
Engum malarantha poovaasamThe fragrance of flowers blooming everywhere
Ennai azhaikkum un nesamYour affection calls out to me
Engum malarantha poovaasamThe fragrance of flowers blooming everywhere
Ennai azhaikkum un nesamYour affection calls out to me
Male
Yaenguthadi ennam yaeruthadi un mogamThe mind longs and your passion surges
Vaanguthadi un inbam ingum angum engumAcquiring your bliss here, there, and everywhere
Female :Mangai malar poovannamFemale: A maiden with the hue of a blooming flower
Pongum madhu pookkinnamA floral vessel overflowing with sweet nectar
Manjamidathaan ennum ennam ennum vannamThe desire and colorful thought to prepare a bed of love
Male
Madiyinil neeraadum manavarai poraattamBathing in the lap, a playful struggle on the bridal stage
Mayanguthu unnodu ilanganavuSwooning along with you in a youthful dream
Kaigal inainthu kondaada kadhal kalanthu panpaadaHands joining together to celebrate, love merging to sing melodies
Kaigal inainthu kondaada kadhal kalanthu panpaadHands joining together to celebrate, love merging to sing melodies
Female
Kaaman kanaiyae kannin vazhiyaeOh arrow of Cupid, entering through the eyes
En nenjil thovum sugamaeOh divine pleasure showering upon my heart
Female
Aasai vara ennodu aadi vara unnoduAs desire rises to dance with me, and to dance with you
Aadum malai poo inbam pongum angam engumJoy overflows like a dancing mountain flower throughout the body
Male :Aalilaiyin mael minnumMale: Glinting atop a leaf of the banyan tree
Antha nizhal pol innumLike that shadow enduring still
Kodi sugam pol endrumLike a million pleasures forever
Vendum endrum vendumDesired, needed forever
Female
Uravugal aarambam unarvugal aananthamRelationships commence and feelings turn to bliss
Unakkena naan kaattum pudhu ulagamA whole new world that I shall show just for you
Ennai anaiththa pinnaalaeAfter you embraced me
Inbam thodarntha pinnaalaeAfter joy followed right behind
Ennai anaiththa pinnaalaeAfter you embraced me
Inbam thodarntha pinnaalaeAfter joy followed right behind
Male
Kadhal rathiyae gangai nadhiyaeOh goddess of love, oh River Ganges
Kaal thattil kaanum jadhiyaeThe rhythmic beat seen in the tap of your feet
Female :Aa….aa….a….aa….Female vocalizations
Kaaman kanaiyae kannin vazhiyaeOh arrow of Cupid, entering through the eyes
En nenjil thovum sugamaeOh divine pleasure showering upon my heart
Male
Engum malarantha poovaasamThe fragrance of flowers blooming everywhere
Ennai azhaikkum un nesamYour affection calls out to me
Female :Engum malarantha poovaasamFemale: The fragrance of flowers blooming everywhere
Ennai azhaikkum un nesam….Your affection calls out to me...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This enchanting romantic song explores the intense passion and sensory delight shared between two lovers. By blending classical Tamil metaphors—such as comparing the beloved to Rathi (goddess of love), the holy Ganges river, and Kamadeva's (Cupid's) flower-tipped arrows—with evocative imagery of blooming flora and intimate embrace, the song captures the magical blend of emotional affection and romantic longing. Both partners celebrate their blossoming union, expressing how love brings a sense of infinite joy and creates a whole new world for them to share.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Kadhal rathiyae gangai nadhiyae

Compares the beloved directly to Rathi (the goddess of love) and the pure River Ganges to denote grace and beauty.

Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)

Engum malarantha poovaasam / Ennai azhaikkum un nesam

The second letter 'ng' matches between 'Engum' and 'Ennai', creating a melodic rhythm.

Alliteration (Monaai)

Kaaman kanaiyae kannin vazhiyae

Repetition of the 'Ka' sound at the beginning of words in the line for musical effect.

Did you know?

Trivia

Antharangam Oomaiyanathu (1980) features lyrics by the renowned lyricist-composer Gangai Amaran, showcasing his signature style of blending traditional poetic imagery with rhythmic, accessible Tamil phrasing.

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