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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Malligai Poo Marikolundhu

From Parthiban Kanavu (1960 film) · 1960

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
Jamuna Rani
Music director
Vedha
Details
Parthiban Kanavu (1960 film)1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Malligai poo marikkozhundhuJasmine flower and marjoram,
Malarndha shenbaga rojaaBlown champak and rose,
Thaen manakkum shenbagaThe honey-fragrant champak,
Thaean alli thinnaTo scoop up and taste the honey,
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!
Chorus
Malligai poo marikkozhundhuJasmine flower and marjoram,
Malarndha shenbaga rojaaBlown champak floral rose,
Thaen manakkum shenbagaThe honey-fragrant champak,
Thaean alli thinnaTo scoop up and taste the honey,
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!
Female
Kaaviri karaiyin selvanadiHe is the beloved prince of the Cauvery riverbank, my dear,
Por kalangal kanda mannanadiThe king who has witnessed many battlefields, my dear!
Kaaviri karaiyin selvanadiHe is the beloved prince of the Cauvery riverbank, my dear,
Por kalangal kanda mannanadiThe king who has witnessed many battlefields, my dear!
Poovirukka theevinil vandhuComing to the island full of flowers,
Pudhumai seidha veeranadiHe is the hero who wrought novel wonders, my dear!
Poovirukka theevinil vandhuComing to the island full of flowers,
Pudhumai seidha veeranadiHe is the hero who wrought novel wonders, my dear!
Female
Malligai poo marikkozhundhuJasmine flower and marjoram,
Chorus
Malligai poo marikkozhundhuJasmine flower and marjoram,
Malarndha shenbaga rojaaBlown champak and rose,
Thaen manakkum shenbagaThe honey-fragrant champak,
Thaean alli thinnaTo scoop up and taste the honey,
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!
Female
Aaathi maalai kondavaraamHe wears the sacred Aathi (Bauhinia) garland,
Anbaal ulagai vendravaraamHe is the conqueror of the world through love!
Aaathi maalai kondavaraamHe wears the sacred Aathi (Bauhinia) garland,
Anbaal ulagai vendravaraamHe is the conqueror of the world through love!
Nam kadalil kidaitha karunai vadivamHe is the embodiment of grace found in our sea,
Kanindha ullam kondavaraamHe possesses a gentle, compassionate heart!
Kadalil kidaitha karunai vadivamThe embodiment of grace found in the sea,
Kanindha ullam kondavaraamHe possesses a gentle, compassionate heart!
Female
Malligai poo marikkozhundhuJasmine flower and marjoram,
Chorus
Malligai poo marikkozhundhuJasmine flower and marjoram,
Malarndha shenbaga rojaaBlown champak and rose,
Thaen manakkum shenbagaThe honey-fragrant champak,
Thaean alli thinnaTo scoop up and taste the honey,
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!
Vaalibar thaanadi raajaaThis young man is the king, my dear!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from the 1960 historical film 'Parthiban Kanavu' serves as a poetic praise for the valiant prince/king of the Chola kingdom. Using lush floral imagery—jasmine, marjoram, champak, and roses—the lyrics compare the royal youth's charm and majesty to sweet nectar waiting to be savored. The song extols his noble origin along the fertile banks of the Cauvery river, his battlefield valor, and his heroic deeds upon distant islands. Furthermore, it highlights his regal heritage symbolised by the 'Aathi' garland of the Cholas and emphasizes that despite his military prowess, his true triumph lies in conquering hearts through profound love and compassion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor & Imagery (உவமை/உருவகம்)

Malligai poo marikkozhundhu / Malarndha shenbaga rojaa

Compares the noble prince and his youth to fragrant blossoms like Jasmine, Marikkozhundhu, and Shenbagam dripping with honey.

Mogana Chundam / Alliteration & Rhyme (எதுகை / மோனை)

Poovirukka theevinil vandhu / Pudhumai seidha veeranadi

Use of initial sound repetition ('Poovirukka', 'Pudhumai') enhancing the rhythmic flow of the song.

Anaphora / Repetition (அடுக்குத் தொடர்)

Vaalibar thaanadi raajaa

Refrain repetition of key lines like 'Vaalibar thaanadi raajaa' to emphasize the youthful majesty of the protagonist.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Parthiban Kanavu' (1960) is a famous Tamil historical fiction film based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's celebrated novel of the same name. The movie stars Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala, with music composed by C. N. Pandurangan and lyrics penned by Kaviyarasu Kannadasan.

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