- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Aavarampoo
- Movie release year
- 1992
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Oct 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Mandhiram Idhu Mandhiram is a deeply sensual and romantic song from the 1992 Tamil film Aavarampoo. The protagonist passionately expresses his fascination and adoration for his beloved, comparing his devotion to a daily ritual chant (mandhiram). He praises her physical grace, likening her beauty to sacred symbols, the moon, peacocks, and gentle evening sunlight. Throughout the verses, the song weaves classical Tamil poetic tropes with romantic imagery, describing her hair as a veil of dark clouds and her presence as a source of heavenly joy. He beckons her to embrace him and fulfill their mutual desire, describing her enchanting eyes as the light of Kamadeva (the deity of love).
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani (Metaphor / Simile)
“Chandhira bimbam”
Compares the beloved's radiant face to the unwaning reflection of the moon ('Chandhira bimbam').
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Mandhiram idhu mandhiram”
Rhyming of the second consonant 'ndh' in 'Mandhiram' across successive lines.
Classical Metaphor (Aalilai)
“Aalilai oraththil”
Compares the curve of the waist to a leaf of the banyan tree ('Aalilai'), a traditional sangam poetic motif.
Uruvagaim (Metaphor)
“Saayalil mayilae thaenisai kuyilae”
Directly identifying the beloved as a peacock ('mayil') and cuckoo ('kuyil') in graceful movement and melody.
Did you know?
Trivia
Aavarampoo (1992) features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by the renowned poet Pulamaipithan. The soundtrack is celebrated for blending folk and classical Indian melodies with expressive orchestral arrangements.
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