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Lyrics & meaning

Nalangitu Parpomadi

From Chakravarthi Thirumagal · 1957

Lyricist
K. D. Santhanam
Singers
A. P. Komala, S. Varalakshmi
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Chakravarthi Thirumagal1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nalangittu paarpomadi ranikkuCome dear friend, let us apply the auspicious turmeric paste (Nalangu) to the queen and admire her!
Alangaram seivomadi vaadiCome, let us decorate her, dear friend!
Chorus :Nalangittu paarpomadi ranikkuChorus: Come dear friend, let us apply the auspicious turmeric paste to the queen and admire her!
Alangaram seivomadi vaadiCome, let us decorate her, dear friend!
Female
Kulungidum azhagukku azhagu seithaalIf we attempt to adorn someone who is already overflowing with natural beauty,
Aaa aa aaAaa aa aa
Kulungidum azhagukku azhagu seithaalIf we attempt to adorn someone who is already overflowing with natural beauty,
Nammai kurudendru sollvaarodiWon't people call us blind?
Kaanbavar kurudendru sollvaarodiWon't the onlookers call us blind?
Kaanbavar kurudendru sollvaarodiFemale :PodiWon't the onlookers call us blind?
Chorus
Nalangittu paarpomadi ranikkuFemale: Go away!
Alangaram seivomadiCome dear friend, let us apply the auspicious turmeric paste to the queen and admire her!
Female
Silambum ponnaadaiyum aabaranangalumLet us decorate her, dear friend!
Ezhil pera kaanbomadi raaniyaalThe anklets, golden garments, and jewelry...
Oli pera kaanbomadi raniyaalWill gain true beauty and grace only because of the queen!
Oli pera kaanbomadi vaadiWill gain luster and shine because of the queen!
Chorus
Nalangittu paarpomadi raanikuCome, let us watch them shine because of the queen, dear friend!
Alangaaram seivomadiCome dear friend, let us apply the auspicious turmeric paste to the queen and admire her!
Female
Kalangamillaa mathivathanathileLet us decorate her, dear friend!
Kalangamillaa mathivathanathileIn her spotless, moon-like face...
Kalippinai kaanbomadiIn her spotless, moon-like face...
Kalangamillaa mathivathanathileWe shall behold joyful delight, dear friend!
kalippinai kaanbomadiIn her spotless, moon-like face...
Kalyaana sirippinai kaanbomadiWe shall behold joyful delight, dear friend!
Kalyaana sirippinai kaanbomadi vaadiWe shall behold her auspicious bridal smile, dear friend!
Chorus
Nalangittu paarpomadi ranikkuCome, we shall behold her auspicious bridal smile, dear friend!
Alangaram seivomadiCome dear friend, let us apply the auspicious turmeric paste to the queen and admire her!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This celebratory track from the 1957 Tamil movie 'Chakravarthi Thirumagal' describes the traditional 'Nalangu' (bridal turmeric ceremony) of a queen. The bride's companions playfully tease one another while dressing her up. One friend playfully remarks that decorating someone as naturally gorgeous as the queen is redundant and foolish, while another replies that it is actually the jewelry and ornaments that receive splendor by touching the queen's divine body. The song captures the joyous banter, deep affection, and festivity among women preparing a bride, focusing on her radiant, spotless, moon-like face ('Mathivathanam') and her enchanting bridal smile.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai / Mathivathanam)

Kalangamillaa mathivathanathile

'Mathivathanam' combines 'Mathi' (Moon) and 'Vathanam' (Face), comparing the queen's spotless face directly to a radiant, flawless moon.

Hyperbole / Poetic Conceit (Tharkurippetra Ani)

Ezhil pera kaanbomadi raaniyaal

The lyrics suggest that jewels do not enhance the queen's beauty; rather, the jewels themselves gain beauty and brilliance simply by being worn by her.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kalangamillaa mathivathanathile / Kalippinai kaanbomadi / Kalyaana sirippinai kaanbomadi

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Ka' across 'Kalangamillaa', 'Kalippinai', and 'Kalyaana' creates a rhythmic cadence.

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Trivia

'Chakravarthi Thirumagal' (1957), starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Anjali Devi, featured classical and folk-infused music composed by the legendary G. Ramanathan. 'Nalangittu paarpomadi' highlights authentic Tamil wedding customs ('Nalangu') and remains a classic representation of festive female chorus songs in golden-era Tamil cinema.

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