Maathavam Yaen
From Raja Rishi · 1985
- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Raja Rishi1985
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Aa… aa..aa…aa… | Aa… aa..aa…aa… |
| Female | |
| Ha..aa…aa…aa…aa..haa…aa.. | Ha..aa…aa…aa…aa..haa…aa.. |
| Female | |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thuravai nee arindhaai | You have experienced grand renunciation, |
| Maadhuravai yaen marandhaai | Why then have you forgotten intimate love with women? |
| Thavamum dhanamum sugamum en vasam | Penance, wealth, and pleasure are all within my reach. |
| Female | |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Female | |
| Sevvidhazho idhu thaen kani kovai… | Are these red lips like a sweet ivy gourd fruit? |
| Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa…. | Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa…. |
| Female | |
| Sevvidhazho idhu thaen kani kovai | Are these red lips like a sweet ivy gourd fruit? |
| Dhaevaa un baanamudham dhaevaa un baanamudham | Oh divine Lord, it is your immortal nectar, your immortal nectar! |
| Saeyizhai noolidai minnal thoranam | This beautiful maiden's thread-thin waist is like a arch of lightning, |
| Kaamanin koyilil naanae gopuram | In the temple of the Love God Kama, I am the grand tower. |
| Thaenoorum aagaaya gangai | The heavenly Ganges dripping with sweet nectar |
| Salasala salavena varugiradhae | Comes flowing with a rushing, gushing sound, |
| Vazhigiradhae aa… aa… madiyinil neeraadu | It overflows... come, bathe in my lap! |
| Female | |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Female | |
| Thaaragaigal oru aayiram kodi… | A thousand crore stars shining bright... |
| Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa…. | Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa…. |
| Female | |
| Thaaragaigal oru aayiram kodi | A thousand crore stars shining bright, |
| Naan angae thanga nilaa | I am the golden moon dwelling among them. |
| Mhum hum mhum hum | Mhum hum mhum hum |
| Nyaaniyin aimbulan ennil sangamam | The five senses of a wise sage converge within me, |
| Yaagamum yogamum enna naadagam | What drama are these sacred sacrifices and yoga rituals? |
| Male | |
| Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa…. | Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa…. |
| Female | |
| Brammaavin kai vannam naanae | I am the colorful artistic creation of Lord Brahma himself! |
| Ilamaiyil orumaiyil thanimaiyilae | In youth, in unity, and in deep solitude, |
| Thavikkiradhae oru murai paaraayo | My heart yearns; won't you gaze at me at least once? |
| Female | |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Female | |
| Andhi maa kalaiyil indha maegalaigal | In the beautiful art of twilight, these waist ornaments |
| Asaiyum asaivilae isaivilae idai odiya odiya | Sway with movement and rhythm as the slender waist bends and curves, |
| Nadaigal payilum mayil idhu thaanae | Is this not the peacock learning its graceful gait? |
| Male | |
| Thattha jamtha thaka thakida jamtha thaka | Thattha jamtha thaka thakida jamtha thaka |
| Thakadheemtha thakadheemtha thaka thaam thaka | Thakadheemtha thakadheemtha thaka thaam thaka |
| Thakida thakida thomkida namkida thakadhimi | Thakida thakida thomkida namkida thakadhimi |
| Tharikida thaam tharikida thaam tharikida thaam | Tharikida thaam tharikida thaam tharikida thaam |
| Female | |
| Vizhiyil iru maragadham idhazhil somapaanam | Two emeralds in the eyes, divine divine nectar on the lips, |
| Male | |
| Thakida thaam thakida thaam thakida thaam | Thakida thaam thakida thaam thakida thaam |
| Dhat tharikida thaam tharikida thaam | Dhat tharikida thaam tharikida thaam |
| Kidathaka tharikida thaam | Kidathaka tharikida thaam |
| Female | |
| Nitham parimaara varavaa thalaivaa | Shall I come every day to serve and share this love, my lord? |
| Male | |
| Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa | Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa |
| Female | |
| Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa | Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa |
| Male | |
| Thaamtha thaka thaamtha thaka dheemthaka thaa | Thaamtha thaka thaamtha thaka dheemthaka thaa |
| Female | |
| Ilaiya dhaegam iravu naeram | A youthful body in the stillness of night, |
| Viraga dhaapam eriyudhae | Burns with the intense heat of longing passion! |
| Male | |
| Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha | Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha |
| Thomkida jamtha namkida jam | Thomkida jamtha namkida jam |
| Female | |
| Mugilaana kuzhalum undhan | My cloud-like dark hair wanders, |
| Uravu thaedi alaiyudhae | Searching for your loving embrace. |
| Male | |
| Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha | Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha |
| Thomkidathaka jamtha namkidathaka jam | Thomkidathaka jamtha namkidathaka jam |
| Female | |
| Thavam adhu kalaivadhu therigiradhu | I can see that your penance is beginning to dissolve! |
| Arul kodu maa dhevaa | Shower your grace upon me, oh great lord! |
| Male | |
| Aruginil maadhae vaa | Come closer to me, oh maiden! |
| Female | |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thuravai nee arindhaai | You have experienced grand renunciation, |
| Maadhuravai yaen marandhaai | Why then have you forgotten intimate love with women? |
| Thavamum dhanamum sugamum en vasam | Penance, wealth, and pleasure are all within my reach. |
| Female | |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
| Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae | Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava? |
ஆ... ஆ... ஆ...
Aa… aa..aa…aa…
ஹ.....ஆ.....ஆ.....ஆ...ஆ...ஹா.....ஆ...
Ha..aa…aa…aa…aa..haa…aa..
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா துறவை நீ அறிந்தாய்
மாதுறவை ஏன் மறந்தாய்
தவமும் தனமும் சுகமும் என் வசம்
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
You have experienced grand renunciation,
Why then have you forgotten intimate love with women?
Penance, wealth, and pleasure are all within my reach.
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
செவ்விதழோ இது தேன் கனிக் கோவை...
ஆ...ஆ...ஆ...ஆ...ஆ....ஆ...
Are these red lips like a sweet ivy gourd fruit?
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
செவ்விதழோ இது தேன் கனிக் கோவை
தேவா உன் பானமுதம் தேவா உன் பானமுதம்
சேயிழை நூலிடை மின்னல் தோரணம்
காமனின் கோயிலில் நானே கோபுரம்
தேனூறும் ஆகாய கங்கை
சலசல சலவென வருகிறதே
வழிகிறதே ஆ... ஆ... மடியினில் நீராடு
Are these red lips like a sweet ivy gourd fruit?
Oh divine Lord, it is your immortal nectar, your immortal nectar!
This beautiful maiden's thread-thin waist is like a arch of lightning,
In the temple of the Love God Kama, I am the grand tower.
The heavenly Ganges dripping with sweet nectar
Comes flowing with a rushing, gushing sound,
It overflows... come, bathe in my lap!
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
தாரகைகள் ஒரு ஆயிரம் கோடி...
ஆ...ஆ...ஆ...ஆ...ஆ... ஆ...
A thousand crore stars shining bright...
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
தாரகைகள் ஒரு ஆயிரம் கோடி
நான் அங்கே தங்க நிலா
ம்ஹும் ஹும் ம்ஹும் ஹும்
ஞானியின் ஐம்புலன் என்னில் சங்கமம்
தியாகமும் யோகமும் என்ன நாடகம்
A thousand crore stars shining bright,
I am the golden moon dwelling among them.
Mhum hum mhum hum
The five senses of a wise sage converge within me,
What drama are these sacred sacrifices and yoga rituals?
ஆ.....ஆ....ஆ...ஆ...ஆ...ஆ...ஆ... ஆ...
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
பிரம்மாவின் கை வண்ணம் நானே
இளமையில் ஒருமையில் தனிமையிலே
தவிக்கிறதே ஒரு முறை பாராயோ
I am the colorful artistic creation of Lord Brahma himself!
In youth, in unity, and in deep solitude,
My heart yearns; won't you gaze at me at least once?
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
அந்தி மா கலையில் இந்த மேகலைகள்
அசையும் அசைவிலே இசைவிலே இடை ஒடிய ஒடிய
நடைகள் பயிலும் மயில் இது தானே
In the beautiful art of twilight, these waist ornaments
Sway with movement and rhythm as the slender waist bends and curves,
Is this not the peacock learning its graceful gait?
தத்த ஜம்த தக தகிட ஜம்த தக
தகதீம்த தகதீம்த தக தாம் தக
தகிட திகிட தோம்கிட நம்கிட தகதிமி
தரிகிட தாம் தரிகிட தாம் தரிகிட தாம்
Thattha jamtha thaka thakida jamtha thaka
Thakadheemtha thakadheemtha thaka thaam thaka
Thakida thakida thomkida namkida thakadhimi
Tharikida thaam tharikida thaam tharikida thaam
விழியில் இரு மரகதம் இதழில் சோமபானம்
Two emeralds in the eyes, divine divine nectar on the lips,
தகிட தாம் தகிட தாம் தகிட தாம்
தத் தரிகிட தாம் தரிகிட தாம்
கிடதக தரிகிட தாம்
Thakida thaam thakida thaam thakida thaam
Dhat tharikida thaam tharikida thaam
Kidathaka tharikida thaam
நித்தம் பரிமாற வரவா தலைவா
Shall I come every day to serve and share this love, my lord?
ரிம்ம ரிமபாப்ப மபநிநி பமபா
Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa
ரிம்ம ரிமபாப்ப மபநிநி பமபா
Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa
தாம்த தக தாம்த தக தீம்தக தா
Thaamtha thaka thaamtha thaka dheemthaka thaa
இளைய தேகம் இரவு நேரம்
விரக தாபம் எரியுதே
A youthful body in the stillness of night,
Burns with the intense heat of longing passion!
தகிட ஜம்த திகிட ஜம்த
தொம்கிட ஜம்த நம்கிட ஜம்
Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha
Thomkida jamtha namkida jam
முகிலிலான குழலும்
உந்தன் உறவு தேடி அலையுதே
My cloud-like dark hair wanders,
Searching for your loving embrace.
தகிட ஜம்த திகிட ஜம்த
தொம்கிடதக ஜம்த நம்கிடதக ஜம்
Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha
Thomkidathaka jamtha namkidathaka jam
தவம் அது கலைவது தெரிகிறது
அருள் கொடு மா தேவா
I can see that your penance is beginning to dissolve!
Shower your grace upon me, oh great lord!
அருகினில் மாதே வா
Come closer to me, oh maiden!
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா துறவை நீ அறிந்தாய்
மாதுறவை ஏன் மறந்தாய்
தவமும் தனமும் சுகமும் என் வசம்
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
You have experienced grand renunciation,
Why then have you forgotten intimate love with women?
Penance, wealth, and pleasure are all within my reach.
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
மா தவம் ஏன் மாதவனே
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Aa… aa..aa…aa…
Aa… aa..aa…aa…
Ha..aa…aa…aa…aa..haa…aa..
Ha..aa…aa…aa…aa..haa…aa..
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thuravai nee arindhaai
You have experienced grand renunciation,
Maadhuravai yaen marandhaai
Why then have you forgotten intimate love with women?
Thavamum dhanamum sugamum en vasam
Penance, wealth, and pleasure are all within my reach.
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Sevvidhazho idhu thaen kani kovai…
Are these red lips like a sweet ivy gourd fruit?
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
Sevvidhazho idhu thaen kani kovai
Are these red lips like a sweet ivy gourd fruit?
Dhaevaa un baanamudham dhaevaa un baanamudham
Oh divine Lord, it is your immortal nectar, your immortal nectar!
Saeyizhai noolidai minnal thoranam
This beautiful maiden's thread-thin waist is like a arch of lightning,
Kaamanin koyilil naanae gopuram
In the temple of the Love God Kama, I am the grand tower.
Thaenoorum aagaaya gangai
The heavenly Ganges dripping with sweet nectar
Salasala salavena varugiradhae
Comes flowing with a rushing, gushing sound,
Vazhigiradhae aa… aa… madiyinil neeraadu
It overflows... come, bathe in my lap!
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Thaaragaigal oru aayiram kodi…
A thousand crore stars shining bright...
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
Thaaragaigal oru aayiram kodi
A thousand crore stars shining bright,
Naan angae thanga nilaa
I am the golden moon dwelling among them.
Mhum hum mhum hum
Mhum hum mhum hum
Nyaaniyin aimbulan ennil sangamam
The five senses of a wise sage converge within me,
Yaagamum yogamum enna naadagam
What drama are these sacred sacrifices and yoga rituals?
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
Aa….aa…aa…a…aa…aa…aa…aa….
Brammaavin kai vannam naanae
I am the colorful artistic creation of Lord Brahma himself!
Ilamaiyil orumaiyil thanimaiyilae
In youth, in unity, and in deep solitude,
Thavikkiradhae oru murai paaraayo
My heart yearns; won't you gaze at me at least once?
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Andhi maa kalaiyil indha maegalaigal
In the beautiful art of twilight, these waist ornaments
Asaiyum asaivilae isaivilae idai odiya odiya
Sway with movement and rhythm as the slender waist bends and curves,
Nadaigal payilum mayil idhu thaanae
Is this not the peacock learning its graceful gait?
Thattha jamtha thaka thakida jamtha thaka
Thattha jamtha thaka thakida jamtha thaka
Thakadheemtha thakadheemtha thaka thaam thaka
Thakadheemtha thakadheemtha thaka thaam thaka
Thakida thakida thomkida namkida thakadhimi
Thakida thakida thomkida namkida thakadhimi
Tharikida thaam tharikida thaam tharikida thaam
Tharikida thaam tharikida thaam tharikida thaam
Vizhiyil iru maragadham idhazhil somapaanam
Two emeralds in the eyes, divine divine nectar on the lips,
Thakida thaam thakida thaam thakida thaam
Thakida thaam thakida thaam thakida thaam
Dhat tharikida thaam tharikida thaam
Dhat tharikida thaam tharikida thaam
Kidathaka tharikida thaam
Kidathaka tharikida thaam
Nitham parimaara varavaa thalaivaa
Shall I come every day to serve and share this love, my lord?
Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa
Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa
Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa
Rimma rimapaappa mapanini pamapaa
Thaamtha thaka thaamtha thaka dheemthaka thaa
Thaamtha thaka thaamtha thaka dheemthaka thaa
Ilaiya dhaegam iravu naeram
A youthful body in the stillness of night,
Viraga dhaapam eriyudhae
Burns with the intense heat of longing passion!
Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha
Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha
Thomkida jamtha namkida jam
Thomkida jamtha namkida jam
Mugilaana kuzhalum undhan
My cloud-like dark hair wanders,
Uravu thaedi alaiyudhae
Searching for your loving embrace.
Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha
Thakida jamtha thikida jamtha
Thomkidathaka jamtha namkidathaka jam
Thomkidathaka jamtha namkidathaka jam
Thavam adhu kalaivadhu therigiradhu
I can see that your penance is beginning to dissolve!
Arul kodu maa dhevaa
Shower your grace upon me, oh great lord!
Aruginil maadhae vaa
Come closer to me, oh maiden!
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thuravai nee arindhaai
You have experienced grand renunciation,
Maadhuravai yaen marandhaai
Why then have you forgotten intimate love with women?
Thavamum dhanamum sugamum en vasam
Penance, wealth, and pleasure are all within my reach.
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Maa thavam yaen maadhavanae
Why perform this great penance, oh Madhava?
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song from the mythological Tamil film 'Raja Rishi' depicts the celestial nymph Menaka tempting Sage Viswamitra to disrupt his intense penance. Menaka uses her divine beauty, poetic words, and hypnotic classical dance to entice the sage, questioning why he chooses harsh asceticism over the sweet pleasures of worldly love.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Yugmaka / Wordplay (Mona / Ethirai)
“Maa thuravai nee arindhaai / Maadhuravai yaen marandhaai”
Contrast and rhyming pair 'Maa thuravai' (great renunciation) and 'Maadhuravai' (intimacy with women) created by splitting and combining word roots.
Uvamaani (Metaphor)
“Saeyizhai noolidai minnal thoranam / Kaamanin koyilil naanae gopuram”
Comparing the maiden's delicate waist to a sparkling festoon of lightning and her position in love's temple to a Gopuram.
Rupaka (Metaphor)
“Vizhiyil iru maragadham idhazhil somapaanam”
Describing eyes as green emeralds and lips as the divine nectar 'Somapaanam'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Music for the movie Raja Rishi was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song is set in classical Carnatic ragas (such as Pantavarali/Shubhapantuvarali and Mohanam elements) with complex solkattu rhythm patterns that showcase classical Bharatanatyam choreography performed by actress Lalitha (or Sukanya/Nadia in dance representations across Tamil cinema mythology adaptations).
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