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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Mouna Raagam

From Kolangal · 1995

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kolangal1995

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aannaa… aanaannaa… aa…Aannaa… aanaannaa… aa…
Female
Mouna raagamA silent melody
Mana veenai meettugindraPlucking the veena of the heart
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Menmaiyaaga mani osai ketkumadi…The gentle sound of temple bells is heard, my dear…
Menmaiyaaga mani osai ketkumadiThe gentle sound of temple bells is heard, my dear
Kovilil sivan kovililIn the temple, Lord Shiva's temple
Female
Mouna raagamA silent melody
Mana veenai meettugindraPlucking the veena of the heart
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Mouna raagam aa… aa… aa…A silent melody aa… aa… aa…
Female
Seedhala thendralThe cool gentle breeze
Siru nadhi neendhiSwimming across the small river
Seedhala thendralThe cool gentle breeze
Siru nadhi neendhiSwimming across the small river
Siva sivayena thozhaChanting 'Siva Siva', oh friend
Vilaindhadhu saanthiPeace has blossomed
Female
Seedhala thendralThe cool gentle breeze
Siru nadhi neendhiSwimming across the small river
Siva siva yena thozhaChanting 'Siva Siva', oh friend
Vilaindhadhu saanthiPeace has blossomed
Vaedha saatthiramumVedic scriptures
Dheiva thotthiramumAnd divine praises
Maraiyavar muzhangidaResounded by the priests
Poonguyil koovidum maanjolaiyilIn the mango grove where cuckoos sing
Female
Mouna raagamA silent melody
Mana veenai meettugindraPlucking the veena of the heart
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Menmaiyaaga mani osai ketkumadiThe gentle sound of temple bells is heard, my dear
Kovilil sivan kovililIn the temple, Lord Shiva's temple
Female
Mouna raagamA silent melody
Mana veenai meettugindraPlucking the veena of the heart
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Mouna raagamA silent melody
Female
Aalaya poojaiyumTemple worship
Arahara osaiyumAnd the sounds of 'Hara Hara'
Sevigalil nirandhidum saayangaalamFill the ears during dusk
Sevigalil nirandhidum saayangaalamFill the ears during dusk
Aadhavan minnidum gopuram meedhinilUpon the temple tower glistening in the sun
Paravaigal maraigalai paadum neramThe time when birds sing as if reciting scriptures
Female
Arul tharum sangeethamMusic that bestows divine grace
Anaithilum dheiveegamDivinity in everything
Swarangalai vaarthidum velai idhuvaeThis is the hour that crafts musical notes
Neeru poosugindra nyaana dhaesiganaiThe wise master who wears sacred ash
Manathinil ninaithiruKeep him in your heart and mind
Poonguyil koovidum maanjolaiyilIn the mango grove where cuckoos sing
Female
Mouna raagamA silent melody
Mana veenai meettugindraPlucking the veena of the heart
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Menmaiyaaga mani osai ketkumadiThe gentle sound of temple bells is heard, my dear
Kovilil sivan kovililIn the temple, Lord Shiva's temple
Female
Mouna raagamA silent melody
Mana veenai meettugindraPlucking the veena of the heart
Maalaiyil andhi maalaiyilIn the evening, during dusk
Mouna raagam …aa…aa…aa…aa..aa…A silent melody …aa…aa…aa…aa..aa…

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Mouna Raagam' from the movie Kolangal (1995) captures a serene, divine, and meditative evening atmosphere centered around a Shiva temple. It poetically describes the transition into dusk when cool breezes blow, temple bells chime softly, and Vedic chants resound through the air. The lyrics evoke a sense of spiritual tranquility where nature and music merge to pluck the strings of the human heart.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Mana veenai meettugindra

Comparing the mind or heart to a 'veenai' (stringed musical instrument) that plays a silent musical melody of inner peace.

Initial Rhyme / Alliteration (Moonaivaazhi)

Seedhala thendral / Siru nadhi neendhi

Repetition of initial consonant sounds 'S' ('Seedhala', 'Siru', 'Siva') creating a rhythmic flow across lines.

Assonance / Rhyme (Edhukai)

Aalaya poojaiyum / Arahara osaiyum

Matching secondary consonants across phrases such as 'Aalaya' and 'Arahara', enhancing lyrical harmony.

Personification

Paravaigal maraigalai paadum neram

Attributing the human capability of reciting scriptures (maraigal) to birds singing on the temple tower.

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Trivia

The song features lyrics by legendary lyricist Vaali set in a classical, devotional style depicting the tranquil evening twilight (Saayangaalam) surrounding a Shiva temple.

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