Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Meen Kodi Theril (Male)

From Karumbu Vil · 1980

Lyricist
M. G. Vallaban
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Karumbu Vil1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
……………….
Male
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love (Manmatha)
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Male
Rathiyo vithiyin pirivilIs Rathi separated by the turn of fate?
Madhano rathiyin ninaivilIs Madhana lost in the sweet memories of Rathi?
Uravin sugamo irave tharumeOnly the night bestows the bliss of togetherness,
Kadhalar devanin poojai naalilOn this day of worship for the God of Lovers.
Male
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Chorus
……………….
Male
Pouranami raavil ilam kanniyar maeniOn full moon nights, the form of young maidens
Kadhal raagam paadiyaeSings the melodious ragas of love.
Aadavar naadum antha paarvaiyilthaanoIs it in that enchanting gaze which men seek
Kaaman yaevum bhaanamoThat Kama shoots his passionate arrow?
Naanae unathaanaen naalum subavelaithaanaeI have become yours entirely; every day is an auspicious time.
Male
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Chorus
……………….
Male
Kaalaiyil thozhi naga kolamum thaediIn the morning, when her friend searches for love marks,
Kaana naanam kooduthaeShyness deepens upon being observed.
Mangala melam suga sangama geedhamAuspicious drums play songs of joyful union,
Kaaman kovil poojaiyilIn the sacred worship at the temple of Kama.
Naanae unathaanaen naalum subavelaithaanaeI have become yours entirely; every day is an auspicious time.
Male
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Male
Rathiyo vithiyin pirivilIs Rathi separated by the turn of fate?
Madhano rathiyin ninaivilIs Madhana lost in the sweet memories of Rathi?
Uravin sugamo irave tharumeOnly the night bestows the bliss of togetherness,
Kadhalar devanin poojai naalilOn this day of worship for the God of Lovers.
Male
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.
Meen kodi theril manmatha rajanIn a chariot bearing the fish flag, the King of Love
Oorvalam pogindraanIs going on a grand procession.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Meen kodi theril' from 'Karumbu Vil' (1980) is a deeply romantic composition celebrating love, passion, and the divine nature of romantic union. Using classical Indian mythological imagery surrounding Lord Kama (Manmatha) and Rathi, the lyricist paints a portrait of romantic desire processed through royal and spiritual metaphors—likening love's awakening to a deity's grand procession on a fish-flagged chariot.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagamb (Metaphor)

Meen kodi theril manmatha rajan oorvalam pogindraan

Comparing the arrival of romantic longing and youth to the grand royal procession of Manmatha (the god of love) on a chariot.

Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Rathiyo vithiyin pirivil / Madhano rathiyin ninaivil

The second letter consonant sound 'thi' matches across both lines (Rathiyo / Madhano).

Bimbam (Visual Imagery)

Pouranami raavil ilam kanniyar maeni kadhal raagam paadiyae

Paints vivid imagery of moonlight, full moon nights, and sacred ritualistic music during love's peak moments.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by M.G. Vallaban, 'Karumbu Vil' features the iconic voice of K.J. Yesudas. The song relies heavily on classical Tamil literary motifs, where Manmatha's banner features the fish emblem (Meen Kodi), famously associated with ancient Pandyan royalty and Tamil iconography of love.

Keep listening

More from Karumbu Vil