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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Malargalile Aarathanai

From Karumbu Vil · 1980

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singers
S. Janaki, Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Karumbu Vil1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
………………...
Female
Malargalilae….aaraathanai….Worship among the flowers...
Malargalilae….aaraathanai….Worship among the flowers...
Maalai neram mayangum neramIn the evening time, the intoxicating time
Manangalilae kadhalin vedhanaiThe pain of love dwells within the hearts
Female
Malargalilae….aaraathanai….Worship among the flowers...
Chorus
………………...
Male
Pongum thaabam poonguzhal vegamSurging longing, the swiftness of flower-adorned hair
Bodhaiyil vaaduthuWilts in intoxication
Chorus :Aaa….aaa…aa….Chorus: Aaa....aaa...aa....
Male :Angam engum aasaiyin raagamMale: Everywhere on the body, the melody of desire
Innisai paaduthuSings a sweet music
Chorus :Aaa….aaa…aa….Chorus: Aaa....aaa...aa....
Female
Madi idhuthaan malaranaigalThis lap itself is a bed of flowers
Mayangum neram vidiyaathoWill this enchanted night never break into dawn?
Malarganai thodukkaathoWill the flower-arrow of love not be shot?
Male
Malargalilae….aaraathanai….Worship among the flowers...
Chorus
………………...
Female
Paarvai ondrum ovvoru vegamEvery single glance has a swiftness
Pariththida kooruthuUrging to be plucked and possessed
Paavai ennam pani vizhum neramThe young woman's thoughts in this time of falling dew
Thalaivanai theduthuAre searching for her lord and lover
Male
Rathi madiyin ragasiyangalThe intimate secrets of Rathi's lap
Rasiththaen layiththaen nedu neramI savored and immersed myself in them for a long time
Rasanaigal mudiyaathathuThis enjoyment knows no end
Female
Malargalilae….aaraathanai….Worship among the flowers...
Male :Malargalilae….aaraathanai….Male: Worship among the flowers...
Maalai neram mayangum neramIn the evening time, the intoxicating time
Manangalilae kadhalim vedhanaiThe pain of love dwells within the hearts
Female
Malargalilae….aaraathanai….Worship among the flowers...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Malargalilae Aaraathanai is a sensual romantic duet that captures the intense longing, physical passion, and sweet agony experienced by lovers at twilight. Set during dusk, the lyrics frame romantic intimacy as a divine devotion ('aaraathanai') made among flowers, drawing imagery from mythological figures of love like Rathi and Manmatha's flower arrows.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Maalai neram mayangum neram

Repetition of the initial 'Ma' sound in 'Maalai' and 'mayangum', creating a smooth rhythmic flow.

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Madi idhuthaan malaranaigal

Directly equating the lover's lap to a bed of flowers ('malaranaigal') to convey soft comfort and intimacy.

Cultural/Mythological Allusion

Malarganai thodukkaatho

Refers to 'Malarganai' (flower-arrow) of Manmatha (Kamadeva, god of love) shooting desire into lovers' hearts.

Anaphora / Repetition

Malargalilae….aaraathanai….

The refrain 'Malargalilae aaraathanai' repeats throughout to reinforce the central theme of flower-like romantic worship.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by his brother Gangai Amaran, Karumbu Vil (1980) features this seductive romantic track rendered masterfully by S. Janaki alongside Malaysia Vasudevan. S. Janaki's delicate vocal modulations are widely noted for capturing the sultry evening ambience.

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