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Lyrics & meaning

Nenjukkulla Aasa Vandha

From Poottaatha Poottukkal · 1980

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Poottaatha Poottukkal1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nenjukkulla aasa vandhaaWhen desire arises inside the heart
Maanaa maavannaa raama sivanaeOh Rama, Sivana, basic alphabets and chants of life
Kanda kanda pakkam ellaamEverywhere and in all directions
En dhuraiyae kannu rendum poga vidaadhaeMy lord, do not let your two eyes wander
Kanda kanda pakkam ellaamEverywhere and in all directions
En dhuraiyae kannu rendum poga vidaadhaeMy lord, do not let your two eyes wander
Female
{Mogam vandhu theendum podhilaeWhen infatuation touches you
Paaraadhadha paakka chollumaeIt compels you to look at things you shouldn't see
Kaaval thaandi poga chollumae} (2)It urges you to cross boundary limits
Ooran veettu thottathilae nee nozhanjaaWhen infatuation touches you
Oorukkellaam therinju pogumaeIt compels you to look at things you shouldn't see
Un maanam sandhaiyilae vithu pogumaeIt urges you to cross boundary limits
Female
Nenjukkulla aasa vandhaaIf you trespass into a stranger's garden
Maanaa maavannaa raama sivanaeThe whole village will come to know about it
Kanda kanda pakkam ellaamYour honor will be auctioned away in the marketplace
En dhuraiyae kannu rendum poga vidaadhaeWhen desire arises inside the heart
Female
Ezhudhianavan yaetta keduthaanOh Rama, Sivana, basic alphabets and chants of life
Padichavano paatta kedutthaanEverywhere and in all directions
Naanum sonnaen kaettaa kaelungaMy lord, do not let your two eyes wander
Female
Ezhudhianavan yaetta keduthaanThe one who wrote ruined the manuscript
Padichavano paatta kedutthaanThe one who read ruined the song
Naanum sonnaen kaettaa kaelungaI told you as well, listen if you care to listen
Anubavatha solli vachaen adha kaettaaThe one who wrote ruined the manuscript
Aasa vekkam paakkaadhaiyaaThe one who read ruined the song
Adhanaala alavu meeri pogaadheengaI told you as well, listen if you care to listen
Female
Nenjukkulla aasa vandhaaIf you listen, I shared wisdom from experience
Maanaa maavannaa raama sivanaeDesire knows no shame, my dear sir
Kanda kanda pakkam ellaamTherefore, do not cross your limit
En dhuraiyae kannu rendum poga vidaadhaeWhen desire arises inside the heart
Female
Kondavano thoongi vittaanOh Rama, Sivana, basic alphabets and chants of life
Vandhavano paathukkittaanEverywhere and in all directions
Engae yaara kutham solluvaenMy lord, do not let your two eyes wander
Azhagazhagaa poova kandaaThe husband has fallen asleep
Adha paakka yaarukku thaan aasa varaadhuThe visitor took advantage and watched
Suvai paakka yevanukku thaan veeram varaadhuWhom shall I blame and where?
Female
Nenjukkulla aasa vandhaaWhen one sees a beautiful flower
Maanaa maavannaa raama sivanaeWho wouldn't desire to look at it?
Kanda kanda pakkam ellaamWho wouldn't gather courage to taste it?
En dhuraiyae kannu rendum poga vidaadhaeWhen desire arises inside the heart
Kanda kanda pakkam ellaamOh Rama, Sivana, basic alphabets and chants of life
En dhuraiyae kannu rendum poga vidaadhaeEverywhere and in all directions
En dhuraiyae kannu rendum poga vidaadhaeMy lord, do not let your two eyes wander

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Nenjukkulla Aasa Vandhaa from the film Poottaatha Poottukkal (1980) is a cautionary Tamil folk song exploring temptation, moral discipline, and societal boundaries. The singer warns against letting unbridled lust and roving eyes govern one's behavior, using rustic proverbs to highlight how moral lapse destroys reputation. The lyrics use vivid folk metaphors like entering another person's garden or losing honor in a public marketplace. While acknowledging that human nature is naturally drawn to beauty and temptation, the song advises self-control and restraint to prevent irreversible public disgrace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Ezhudhianavan yaetta keduthaan / Padichavano paatta kedutthaan

The second consonant sound matches across adjacent lines ('ezhu' and 'padi'), creating a traditional Tamil rhythmic flow.

Allegory / Metaphor

Ooran veettu thottathilae nee nozhanjaa... Un maanam sandhaiyilae vithu pogumae

Entering a neighbor's garden is an allegory for adultery or crossing ethical limits, while selling honor in a marketplace symbolizes public humiliation.

Adukkuthodar (Reduplication)

Kanda kanda pakkam ellaam / Azhagazhagaa poova kandaa

Repetition of words like 'kanda kanda' and 'azhagazhagaa' for stylistic intensity and emphasis.

Did you know?

Trivia

Poottaatha Poottukkal (1980) was directed by acclaimed filmmaker J. Mahendran and featured music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics written by Panchu Arunachalam. The film explores complex themes of marriage and unfulfilled physical needs, and this song serves as a moral commentary within the narrative context.

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