Kottukkali Kottu Naayanam
From Chinnavar · 1992
- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Chinnavar1992
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Kottukkali kottu naayanam | Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument |
| Kekkudhu vaattudhu | It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing |
| Katti kalandhida vaa kannae | Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling |
| Pattu kalanjiyamae | Oh treasure trove of fine silk |
| Thottu kulavida vaa pennae | Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman |
| Muthu thiraviyamae | Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls |
| Female | |
| Velli mani chatham | The sound of silver bells |
| Thulli kudhithoru thaalam poda | Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm |
| Velli alaiyudan sella kayalgalum | Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too |
| Naalum kooda | Join together every single day |
| Male | |
| Kottukkali kottu naayanam | Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument |
| Kekkudhu vaattudhu | It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing |
| Katti kalandhida vaa kannae | Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling |
| Pattu kalanjiyamae | Oh treasure trove of fine silk |
| Female | |
| Thottu kulavida vaa anbae | Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love |
| Muthu thiraviyamae | Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls |
| Female | |
| Chinnavarum paarkkum podhu | When Chinnavar looks at me |
| Dhegam mogam kekkudhu | The body yearns with deep desire |
| Mannavarum koodum podhu | When the king-like lover unites with me |
| Mayakkamaagudhu | It leads to a blissful intoxication |
| Male | |
| Kannirandum jaalam pesi | The two eyes speak magical words |
| Kaadhal bodhai yethudhu | Heightening the intoxication of love |
| Ponnu itta thoondil | The hook cast by the maiden |
| Ennai pottu izhukkudhu | Traps me and pulls me in |
| Female | |
| Kodi aasai koodi koodi | A million desires gather together |
| Kolam podudhu | And draw decorative patterns in the heart |
| Male | |
| Kolam pottu paadi paadi | Drawing patterns and singing repeatedly |
| Thaalam podudhu | Setting the rhythmic beat |
| Female | |
| Raajaraajanum | Like the king Rajaraja |
| Kai kortha raaniyaaganum | She must become the queen holding hands with him |
| Male | |
| Kaadhal saagaram | An ocean of love |
| Adhil inba thoni poganum | The boat of joy should sail across it |
| Female | |
| Ezhu logam maalai poda | While seven worlds offer floral garlands |
| Vaazhndhu paarkkanum | One must live and experience this life |
| Male | |
| Kottukkali kottu naayanam | Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument |
| Kekkudhu vaattudhu | It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing |
| Katti kalandhida vaa kannae | Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling |
| Pattu kalanjiyamae | Oh treasure trove of fine silk |
| Thottu kulavida vaa pennae | Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman |
| Muthu thiraviyamae | Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls |
| Female | |
| Velli mani chatham | The sound of silver bells |
| Thulli kudhithoru thaalam poda | Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm |
| Velli alaiyudan sella kayalgalum | Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too |
| Naalum kooda | Join together every single day |
| Male | |
| Kottukkali kottu naayanam | Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument |
| Kekkudhu vaattudhu | It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing |
| Katti kalandhida vaa kannae | Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling |
| Pattu kalanjiyamae | Oh treasure trove of fine silk |
| Female | |
| Thottu kulavida vaa anbae | Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love |
| Muthu thiraviyamae | Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls |
| Male | |
| Muthu mani maalai pola | Like a string of pearl beads |
| Modhi paarkka aasai thaan | There is a desire to touch and test closeness |
| Vetkam ini oda venum | Shyness must run away now |
| Vilagi thooram thaan | And move far away from us |
| Female | |
| Pottu vaithu poovai choodi | Wearing the bindi and adorned with flowers |
| Paarthu yengum paavai thaan | The maiden longs as she gazes |
| Thottanaithu thookkum podhu | When embraced tightly and lifted up |
| Theerum baaram thaan | All burdens of the heart vanish |
| Male | |
| Kaathu vaakkil pootha vaasam | The fragrance blooming in the gentle breeze |
| Kanni vaasam thaan | Is the pure fragrance of the maiden |
| Female | |
| Naethu pootha poovin meedhu | Upon the flower that bloomed yesterday |
| Enna paasam thaan | What immense affection blossoms |
| Male | |
| Mooda moodavae | As it stays covered and concealed |
| Ennoda mogam yerudhu | My passion keeps rising higher |
| Female | |
| Paada paadavae | As I sing and sing |
| Ennoda paattum serudhu | My song joins along in rhythm |
| Male | |
| Theda theda kodi kodi | As we search and seek together |
| Sedhi theriyudhu | Millions of sweet messages unfold |
| Female | |
| Kottukkali kottu naayanam | Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument |
| Kekkudhu vaattudhu | It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing |
| Katti kalandhida vaa kannaa | Come to embrace and unite with me, my beloved |
| Pattu kalanjiyamae | Oh treasure trove of fine silk |
| Thottuk kulavida vaa anbae | Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love |
| Muthu thiraviyamae | Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls |
| Male | |
| Velli mani chatham | The sound of silver bells |
| Thulli kudhithoru thaalam poda | Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm |
| Velli alaiyudan sella kayalgalum | Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too |
| Naalum kooda | Join together every single day |
| Female | |
| Kottukkali kottu naayanam | Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument |
| Kekkudhu vaattudhu | It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing |
| Katti kalandhida vaa kannaa | Come to embrace and unite with me, my beloved |
| Pattu kalanjiyamae | Oh treasure trove of fine silk |
| Male | |
| Thottu kulavida vaa pennae | Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman |
| Muthu thiraviyamae | Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls |
கொட்டுக்களி கொட்டு நாயனம்
கேக்குது வாட்டுது
கட்டிக் கலந்திட வா கண்ணே
பட்டுக் களஞ்சியமே
தொட்டுக் குலவிட வா பெண்ணே
முத்துத் திரவியமே
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
வெள்ளி மணிச் சத்தம்
துள்ளி குதித்தொரு தாளம் போட
வெள்ளி அலையுடன்
செல்லக் கயல்களும் நாளும் கூட
The sound of silver bells
Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm
Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too
Join together every single day
கொட்டுக்களி கொட்டு நாயனம்
கேக்குது வாட்டுது
கட்டிக் கலந்திட வா கண்ணே
பட்டுக் களஞ்சியமே.......
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
தொட்டுக் குலவிட வா அன்பே
முத்துத் திரவியமே
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
சின்னவரும் பார்க்கும் போது
தேகம் மோகம் கேக்குது
மன்னவரும் கூடும் போது
மயக்கமாகுது
When Chinnavar looks at me
The body yearns with deep desire
When the king-like lover unites with me
It leads to a blissful intoxication
கண்ணிரண்டும் ஜாலம் பேசி
காதல் போதை ஏத்துது
பொண்ணு இட்ட தூண்டில்
என்னை போட்டு இழுக்குது
The two eyes speak magical words
Heightening the intoxication of love
The hook cast by the maiden
Traps me and pulls me in
கோடி ஆசை கூடிக் கூடி
கோலம் போடுது
கோலம் போட்டு பாடிப் பாடி
தாளம் போடுது
A million desires gather together
And draw decorative patterns in the heart
ராஜராஜனும்
கை கோர்த்த ராணியாகனும்
Drawing patterns and singing repeatedly
Setting the rhythmic beat
காதல் சாகரம்
அதில் இன்பத் தோணி போகணும்
Like the king Rajaraja
She must become the queen holding hands with him
ஏழு லோகம் மாலை போட
வாழ்ந்து பார்க்கணும்
An ocean of love
The boat of joy should sail across it
கொட்டுக்களி கொட்டு நாயனம்
கேக்குது வாட்டுது
கட்டிக் கலந்திட வா கண்ணே
பட்டுக் களஞ்சியமே
தொட்டுக் குலவிட வா பெண்ணே
முத்துத் திரவியமே
While seven worlds offer floral garlands
One must live and experience this life
வெள்ளி மணிச் சத்தம்
துள்ளி குதித்தொரு தாளம் போட
வெள்ளி அலையுடன்
செல்லக் கயல்களும் நாளும் கூட
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
கொட்டுக்களி கொட்டு நாயனம்
கேக்குது வாட்டுது
கட்டிக் கலந்திட வா கண்ணே
பட்டுக் களஞ்சியமே.......
The sound of silver bells
Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm
Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too
Join together every single day
தொட்டுக் குலவிட வா அன்பே
முத்துத் திரவியமே
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
முத்துமணி மாலை போல
மோதிப் பார்க்க ஆசை தான்
வெட்கம் இனி ஓட வேணும்
விலகித் தூரம்தான்
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
பொட்டு வைத்து பூவைச் சூடி
பார்த்து ஏங்கும் பாவைதான்
தொட்டணைத்து தூக்கும் போது
தீரும் பாரம்தான்
Like a string of pearl beads
There is a desire to touch and test closeness
Shyness must run away now
And move far away from us
காத்து வாக்கில் பூத்த வாசம்
கன்னி வாசம்தான்
Wearing the bindi and adorned with flowers
The maiden longs as she gazes
When embraced tightly and lifted up
All burdens of the heart vanish
நேத்து பூத்த பூவின் மீது
என்ன பாசம்தான்
The fragrance blooming in the gentle breeze
Is the pure fragrance of the maiden
மூட மூடவே
என்னோட மோகம் ஏறுது
Upon the flower that bloomed yesterday
What immense affection blossoms
பாடப் பாடவே
என்னோட பாட்டும் சேருது
As it stays covered and concealed
My passion keeps rising higher
தேடத் தேட கோடிக் கோடி
சேதி தெரியுது
As I sing and sing
My song joins along in rhythm
கொட்டுக்களி கொட்டு நாயனம்
கேக்குது வாட்டுது
கட்டிக் கலந்திட வா கண்ணே
பட்டுக் களஞ்சியமே
தொட்டுக் குலவிட வா அன்பே
முத்துத் திரவியமே
As we search and seek together
Millions of sweet messages unfold
வெள்ளி மணிச் சத்தம்
துள்ளி குதித்தொரு தாளம் போட
வெள்ளி அலையுடன்
செல்லக் கயல்களும் நாளும் கூட
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Come to embrace and unite with me, my beloved
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
கொட்டுக்களி கொட்டு நாயனம்
கேக்குது வாட்டுது
கட்டிக் கலந்திட வா கண்ணே
பட்டுக் களஞ்சியமே.......
The sound of silver bells
Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm
Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too
Join together every single day
தொட்டுக் குலவிட வா பெண்ணே
முத்துத் திரவியமே
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Come to embrace and unite with me, my beloved
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
Kottukkali kottu naayanam
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
Kekkudhu vaattudhu
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Katti kalandhida vaa kannae
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Pattu kalanjiyamae
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Thottu kulavida vaa pennae
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman
Muthu thiraviyamae
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
Velli mani chatham
The sound of silver bells
Thulli kudhithoru thaalam poda
Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm
Velli alaiyudan sella kayalgalum
Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too
Naalum kooda
Join together every single day
Kottukkali kottu naayanam
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
Kekkudhu vaattudhu
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Katti kalandhida vaa kannae
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Pattu kalanjiyamae
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Thottu kulavida vaa anbae
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love
Muthu thiraviyamae
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
Chinnavarum paarkkum podhu
When Chinnavar looks at me
Dhegam mogam kekkudhu
The body yearns with deep desire
Mannavarum koodum podhu
When the king-like lover unites with me
Mayakkamaagudhu
It leads to a blissful intoxication
Kannirandum jaalam pesi
The two eyes speak magical words
Kaadhal bodhai yethudhu
Heightening the intoxication of love
Ponnu itta thoondil
The hook cast by the maiden
Ennai pottu izhukkudhu
Traps me and pulls me in
Kodi aasai koodi koodi
A million desires gather together
Kolam podudhu
And draw decorative patterns in the heart
Kolam pottu paadi paadi
Drawing patterns and singing repeatedly
Thaalam podudhu
Setting the rhythmic beat
Raajaraajanum
Like the king Rajaraja
Kai kortha raaniyaaganum
She must become the queen holding hands with him
Kaadhal saagaram
An ocean of love
Adhil inba thoni poganum
The boat of joy should sail across it
Ezhu logam maalai poda
While seven worlds offer floral garlands
Vaazhndhu paarkkanum
One must live and experience this life
Kottukkali kottu naayanam
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
Kekkudhu vaattudhu
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Katti kalandhida vaa kannae
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Pattu kalanjiyamae
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Thottu kulavida vaa pennae
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman
Muthu thiraviyamae
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
Velli mani chatham
The sound of silver bells
Thulli kudhithoru thaalam poda
Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm
Velli alaiyudan sella kayalgalum
Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too
Naalum kooda
Join together every single day
Kottukkali kottu naayanam
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
Kekkudhu vaattudhu
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Katti kalandhida vaa kannae
Come to embrace and unite with me, my darling
Pattu kalanjiyamae
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Thottu kulavida vaa anbae
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love
Muthu thiraviyamae
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
Muthu mani maalai pola
Like a string of pearl beads
Modhi paarkka aasai thaan
There is a desire to touch and test closeness
Vetkam ini oda venum
Shyness must run away now
Vilagi thooram thaan
And move far away from us
Pottu vaithu poovai choodi
Wearing the bindi and adorned with flowers
Paarthu yengum paavai thaan
The maiden longs as she gazes
Thottanaithu thookkum podhu
When embraced tightly and lifted up
Theerum baaram thaan
All burdens of the heart vanish
Kaathu vaakkil pootha vaasam
The fragrance blooming in the gentle breeze
Kanni vaasam thaan
Is the pure fragrance of the maiden
Naethu pootha poovin meedhu
Upon the flower that bloomed yesterday
Enna paasam thaan
What immense affection blossoms
Mooda moodavae
As it stays covered and concealed
Ennoda mogam yerudhu
My passion keeps rising higher
Paada paadavae
As I sing and sing
Ennoda paattum serudhu
My song joins along in rhythm
Theda theda kodi kodi
As we search and seek together
Sedhi theriyudhu
Millions of sweet messages unfold
Kottukkali kottu naayanam
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
Kekkudhu vaattudhu
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Katti kalandhida vaa kannaa
Come to embrace and unite with me, my beloved
Pattu kalanjiyamae
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Thottuk kulavida vaa anbae
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear love
Muthu thiraviyamae
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
Velli mani chatham
The sound of silver bells
Thulli kudhithoru thaalam poda
Leaping and dancing to set a rhythm
Velli alaiyudan sella kayalgalum
Along with silver waves, the pet fishes too
Naalum kooda
Join together every single day
Kottukkali kottu naayanam
Beat the drums and play the pipe instrument
Kekkudhu vaattudhu
It is heard and it troubles the heart with longing
Katti kalandhida vaa kannaa
Come to embrace and unite with me, my beloved
Pattu kalanjiyamae
Oh treasure trove of fine silk
Thottu kulavida vaa pennae
Come to touch and fondle lovingly, my dear woman
Muthu thiraviyamae
Oh precious liquid treasure of pearls
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This energetic and romantic song from the film Chinnavar (1992) captures the celebratory bliss and sensual longing between two lovers. Set against festive traditional instruments like the drum (kottu) and nadaswaram (naayanam), the song describes how the sounds of music amplify the lovers' desire to embrace and unite. The imagery transitions from nature's rhythmic play—such as silver waves and leaping fish—to the emotional high of romantic intimacy, where gaze, touch, and affection dissolve all hesitation and shyness. The verse sections highlight the mutual attraction and royal-like grandeur of their love, comparing their bond to a king and queen sailing a boat of joy across an ocean of love. The lyrics combine rural folk charm with romantic romanticism, celebrating the union of two souls amidst nature, music, and eternal commitment.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagim)
“Pattu kalanjiyamae / Muthu thiraviyamae”
Addressing the beloved as 'Pattu kalanjiyamae' (treasure trove of silk) and 'Muthu thiraviyamae' (liquid treasure of pearls) metaphorically emphasizes her rarity, softness, and preciousness.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kottukkali kottu naayanam / Katti kalandhida vaa kannae / Thottu kulavida vaa pennae”
The second consonant 'tt' matches across consecutive lines ('Kottu', 'Katti', 'Thottu'), creating a rhythmic flow typical of classical and folk Tamil poetry.
Imagery & Personification
“Velli alaiyudan sella kayalgalum / Naalum kooda”
Fishes are personified as leaping and setting a rhythm alongside silver ocean waves to celebrate the musical mood.
Simile (Upama)
“Muthu mani maalai pola / Modhi paarkka aasai thaan”
Comparing the eagerness to collide or touch affectionately to the delicate clinking of pearl bead necklaces ('Muthu mani maalai pola').
Did you know?
Trivia
'Chinnavar' (1992) is a Tamil drama film starring Prabhu and Kasthuri in lead roles, directed by K. S. Ravikumar. The music for the film was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by Gangai Amaran. This song showcases Ilaiyaraaja's signature blend of folk rhythms and classical Nadaswaram orchestration.
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