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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Margazhi Paniyil

From Muthana Muthallavo · 1976

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Muthana Muthallavo1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Maargazhi paniyil mayangiya nilavilIn the mesmerising moonlight of the Margazhi frost,
Oorvasi vanthaal enai thediUrvashi came searching for me.
Maargazhi paniyil mayangiya nilavilIn the mesmerising moonlight of the Margazhi frost,
Oorvasi vanthaal enai thediUrvashi came searching for me.
Male
Kaarkkuzhal thadavi kani idhzh parugiCaressing her dark locks and sipping her sweet fruit-like lips,
Kadhalai valarthaen isaipaadiI nurtured our love by singing music.
Male
Maargazhi paniyil mayangiya nilavilIn the mesmerising moonlight of the Margazhi frost,
Oorvasi vanthaal enai thediUrvashi came searching for me.
Male
Vaanaththil aayiram thaaragai pookkalWhen thousands of star-flowers in the sky,
Vedikkai paarkkaiyilaeWere watching the spectacle,
Vaanaththil aayiram thaaragai pookkalWhen thousands of star-flowers in the sky,
Vedikkai paarkkaiyilaeWere watching the spectacle,
Gaanaththil naangal kalanthirunthomaeWe were dissolved in divine song,
Ini verenna vaazhkkaiyilaeWhat else is left to seek in life?
Ini verenna vaazhkkaiyilaeWhat else is left to seek in life?
Male
Maargazhi paniyil mayangiya nilavilIn the mesmerising moonlight of the Margazhi frost,
Oorvasi vanthaal enai thediUrvashi came searching for me.
Male
Maanoru kannil meenoru kannil neenthi varaWith a deer swimming in one eye and a fish in the other,
Malarithazh thannai poongodi ondru yaenthi varaLike a flowering vine carrying soft flower-petal lips,
Maanoru kannil meenoru kannil neenthi varaWith a deer swimming in one eye and a fish in the other,
Malarithazh thannai poongodi ondru yaenthi varaLike a flowering vine carrying soft flower-petal lips,
Aasai naadagam aadi paarkkavumTo perform a drama of desires,
Osai ketkumo pesa koodumoWill a sound be heard, can she speak?
Male
Maargazhi paniyil mayangiya nilavilIn the mesmerising moonlight of the Margazhi frost,
Oorvasi vanthaal enai thediUrvashi came searching for me.
Male
Komagalennum poomagal nenjil saainthu varaAs she comes leaning on her heart like a floral princess,
Thaamarai poigai poloru vaigai paainthu varaLike a lotus pond, the river Vaigai comes rushing,
Devalogamum deiva geedhamumHave the heavenly realm and divine song,
Raja yogamum searnthu vanthathoAlong with supreme royal fortune come together?
Male
Kaarkkuzhal thadavi kani idhzh parugiCaressing her dark locks and sipping her sweet fruit-like lips,
Kadhalai valarthaen isaipaadiI nurtured our love by singing music.
Isaipaadi……isaipaadi haa….Singing music... singing music, ah...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Maargazhi Paniyil Mayangiya Nilavil is a romantic song expressing the deep intoxication of love set against a serene winter night. The protagonist envisions his beloved as Urvashi, the divine celestial nymph, coming to seek him beneath the enchanting Margazhi mist and moonlight. He describes the intimate bliss of nurturing their love through music while a starry canopy watches over them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of feminine beauty using traditional Tamil literary motifs—eyes lively as deer and fish, lips delicate as lotus petals, and grace like a flowering vine. The singer marvels at his immense fortune, feeling as though heavenly realms, divine music, and supreme joy have aligned to bless their eternal union.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Oorvasi vanthaal enai thedi

Compares the beloved to Urvashi, the divine nymph, symbolizing unmatched beauty and divine grace.

Alliteration (Monai / Etukai)

Maargazhi paniyil mayangiya nilavil

Repetition of nasal 'm' and liquid sounds creates a dreamy, winter-like musical rhythm.

Traditional Imagery (Upamai)

Maanoru kannil meenoru kannil neenthi vara

Uses classical Tamil poetry tropes comparing the lady's expressive eyes to a deer and a fish.

Hyperbole (Ayaarchiyani)

Devalogamum deiva geedhamum Raja yogamum searnthu vanthatho

Exaggerates the atmosphere as if the heavenly world (Devalogam) and royal luck (Raja yogam) have descended on earth for their love.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by the legendary music director M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics penned by Vaali and sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, this track from the 1976 movie 'Muthana Muthallavo' is revered for its classic orchestration blending traditional Carnatic melodic nuances with modern romantic arrangements.

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