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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kasthuri Maan Ondru

From Sankarlal · 1982

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Music directors
Ilayaraja, Gangai Amaran
Details
Sankarlal1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kasthuri maan ondruA musk deer
Palar kann paarvaiyil nindruStanding in the view of many eyes
Kasthuri maan ondruA musk deer
Palar kann paarvaiyil nindruStanding in the view of many eyes
Female
Oru maalai mudhal maru kaalai varaiFrom one evening until the next morning
Pesattum kadhal kadhaiLet the love story speak
Kasthuri maan ondruA musk deer
Palar kann paarvaiyil nindruStanding in the view of many eyes
Female
Aadai thiraiyinil moodum ragasiyamoIs it a secret hidden behind a curtain of clothing?
Thevai sugam enil naanam avasiyamoIf pleasure is desired, is shyness necessary?
Thookkam varavillaiyaeSleep is not coming
Un chella kili tholil vizhavillaiyaeYour beloved pet parrot has not fallen on your shoulders
Female
Anthi kalaiyil mayangum nilaiyilIn a state of swooning in the evening twilight
Azhagiya kannamida ninaivillaiyoDo you not remember to give a kiss on the beautiful cheek?
Intha idhazhil ezhuthum kavithai suvaiyinaaiThe taste of the poem written on these lips
Enni vara manam illaiyoDo you not have the mind to come and savor it?
Female
Kasthuri maan ondruA musk deer
Palar kann paarvaiyil nindruStanding in the view of many eyes
Oru maalai mudhal maru kaalai varaiFrom one evening until the next morning
Pesattum kadhal kadhaiLet the love story speak
Female
: Kasthuri maan ondru: A musk deer
Palar kann paarvaiyil nindruStanding in the view of many eyes
Male
Naan oor kaliyuga kannan ilamaiyilaeIn my youth, I am a modern-day Krishna
Aanaal thugil thara ennaal mudiyalaiyaeBut I am unable to disrobe you
Unnai siraiyeduppaenI will capture you
En nenjil ulla ennam thanai mudippaenI will fulfill the desire in my heart
Male
Mella valaippaen pidippen koduppaenI will gently bend, hold, and yield
Adharkkena vanththuvittu povaenoWould I come and leave just for that?
Nalla sarakkaa murukkaa irukkaa ninaiththathilThinking whether it is good stuff and firm
Oviyamondru kaanpenoWill I see a portrait in it?
Male
Angam muzhuvathum thangam theriyuthadiGold shines across your entire body
Allum pozhuthinil kallam puriyuthadiMischief happens during the dark night
Female :Nottam viduvathennaFemale: Why cast such glances?
Pen maanai kandu noyil vizhuvathennaWhy fall ill upon seeing a female deer?
Male
Thanga pathakkam unakkum kidaikkumYou will also get a gold medal
Idhazhgalil mella mella pathikkattumaaShall I imprint it gently on your lips?
Female :Antha pazhakkam enakkum pidikkumFemale: I also like that habit
Sugangalai solli solli rasikkattumaaShall I express and enjoy the pleasures?
Male
…………….....
Female
Kasthuri maan ondruA musk deer
Palar kann paarvaiyil nindruStanding in the view of many eyes
Oru maalai mudhal maru kaalai varaiFrom one evening until the next morning
Pesattum kadhal kadhaiLet the love story speak
Female
Kasthuri maan ondruA musk deer
Palar kann paarvaiyil nindruStanding in the view of many eyes
Oru maalai mudhal maru kaalai varaiFrom one evening until the next morning
Pesattum kadhal kadhaiLet the love story speak

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Kasthuri Maan Ondru from Sankarlal (1982) is a playful and romantic duet depicting a flirtatious dialogue between two lovers. The lyrics draw a comparison between the beloved and a rare, precious musk deer standing amidst the gaze of onlookers, expressing an eager desire for an all-night conversation of love and intimacy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Kasthuri maan ondru

The heroine is poetically compared to a 'Kasthuri Maan' (Musk Deer), symbolizing rare beauty, grace, and attraction.

Allusion (Aaluvaamai)

Naan oor kaliyuga kannan ilamaiyilae

The male protagonist compares himself to 'Kaliyuga Kannan' (Lord Krishna of the modern age), referencing Krishna's romantic and mischievous persona.

Iyaibu (Rhyme)

Aadai thiraiyinil moodum ragasiyamo / Thevai sugam enil naanam avasiyamo

End-rhyming structure used effectively to maintain rhythmic flow across lines (e.g., 'ragasiyamo' / 'avasiyamo').

Did you know?

Trivia

Sankarlal (1982) stars Kamal Haasan in dual roles. Although Ilaiyaraaja and Gangai Amaran were both credited for the soundtrack, this iconic track was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and penned by lyricist Pulamaipithan.

Keep listening

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