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Lyrics & meaning

Panimalai Megangal

From Thottathellam Ponnagum · 1975

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
Music director
K. Vijaya Baskar
Details
Thottathellam Ponnagum1975

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pani malai megangalIn the clouds of the snowy mountain
Pozhigindra kulirinilIn the pouring chillness
Thirukkural padikkattumaShall I recite the Thirukkural?
Kannae pudhu kural kodukkattumaMy dear, shall I give a new voice?
Female
Pani malai megangalIn the clouds of the snowy mountain
Pozhigindra kulirinilIn the pouring chillness
Thirukkural padikkattumaShall I recite the Thirukkural?
Kanna pudhu kural kodukkattumaMy dear, shall I give a new voice?
Female
Maragadha poonjittuO emerald-green little bird
Mani mandra kaatruBreeze from the jewel council hall
Malai mugil koondhalai izhai pinnikkattuBraid the strands of hair that resemble mountain clouds
Male :Haa..kuzhallukkul yaazhukkul Oodidum kaatruMale: Ah, the breeze running through the flute and the harp
Konjattumae ingu un mozhi kettuLet it caress here upon hearing your words
Female
Poovaiyin kannathil poomethai pottuLaying a bed of flowers on the lady's cheek
Male :Boomiyin maeniyil ooviyam theettuMale: Paint a portrait on the body of the earth
Female
Pani malai megangalIn the clouds of the snowy mountain
Pozhigindra kulirinilIn the pouring chillness
Male :Thirukkural padikkattumaMale: Shall I recite the Thirukkural?
Kannae pudhu kural kodukkattumaMy dear, shall I give a new voice?
Male
Ani aniyaai varumComing array after array
Nagai muthu maalaiA necklace of smiling pearls
Adikkadi thendralil silirkkindra solaiA grove that shivers frequently in the breeze
Female :Mani maniyaai minnumFemale: Shining brightly like precious beads
Velavan velaiLike the spear of Lord Murugan
Vadithitta kannukku ver enna velaiWhat other task is there for eyes sculpted so finely?
Male
Thottadhu pennaagaSince it touched a woman
Thodarattum maalaiLet the evening continue
Female :Kodhaiyin mayakkathilFemale: In the enchanting trance of the maiden
Vidiyattum kaalaiLet the morning dawn
Male
Pani malai megangalIn the clouds of the snowy mountain
Pozhigindra kulirinilIn the pouring chillness
Female :Thirukkural padikkattumaFemale: Shall I recite the Thirukkural?
Kanna pudhu kural kodukkattumaMy dear, shall I give a new voice?
Female
Pidipadum kaadhalLove that gets captured
Kodippadum naanamShyness that waves like a flag
Pirivukku idam illai uravugal melamThere is no room for separation, drums sound for our bond
Male :Managla vaazhaiyinMale: Of the auspicious banana tree
Thorana vasalThe archway adorned with garlands
Mandhiram sonnaal ver enna thonumIf sacred mantras are chanted, what else will be felt?
Female
Oodalil padattumIn romantic tiffs, let it play
Or siru ragamA short sweet melody
Male :Koodalil kaanattumMale: In our sweet union, let us witness
Aanandha thaalamThe rhythm of pure bliss
Female
Pani malai megangalIn the clouds of the snowy mountain
Pozhigindra kulirinilIn the pouring chillness
Thirukkural padikkattumaShall I recite the Thirukkural?
Kanna pudhu kural kodukkattumaMy dear, shall I give a new voice?
Male
Pani malai megangalIn the clouds of the snowy mountain
Pozhigindra kulirinilIn the pouring chillness
Thirukkural padikkattumaShall I recite the Thirukkural?
Kannae pudhu kural kodukkattumaMy dear, shall I give a new voice?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Thottathellam Ponnagum' is a romantic duet set against a chilly, scenic backdrop. The lovers express their affection using poetic metaphors drawn from classical Tamil literature, particularly referencing the 'Thirukkural' (the ancient Tamil ethical text on love and virtue). They playfully compare their romantic dialogue and intimate moments to reciting couplets ('kural') and weaving sweet melodies. Through evocative imagery of snowy mountains, gentle breezes, and traditional wedding symbols, the song captures the warmth and bliss of marital togetherness amidst cold surroundings. Lyricist Kannadasan skillfully blends literary Tamil references with delicate romance, set to a melodious score by K. Vijaya Baskar.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Pun / Wordplay (Sledai)

Thirukkural padikkattuma / Kannae pudhu kural kodukkattuma

Plays on the word 'Kural', referencing both the Thirukkural (ancient Tamil couplets on love) and 'kural' meaning voice or tone.

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Malai mugil koondhalai izhai pinnikkattu

Compares the heroine's long dark hair to dark rain clouds hovering over mountains ('Malai mugil koondhal').

Simile / Imagery (Uvamai)

Velavan velai / Vadithitta kannukku ver enna velai

Compares the sharp, sculpted eyes of the woman to 'Vel', the sacred spear of Lord Murugan.

Rhyme & Alliteration (Edhugai / Moonaai)

Oodalil padattum / Or siru ragam / Koodalil kaanattum / Aanandha thaalam

Use of internal rhyming and repetition of soft consonant sounds ('Oodalil' / 'Koodalil').

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is from the 1975 Tamil movie 'Thottathellam Ponnagum', starring Sivakumar and Jayachitra. The music was composed by K. Vijaya Baskar, a renowned Kannada composer who created several memorable Tamil soundtracks in the 1970s. Kannadasan's lyrics famously intertwine the classical literary work Thirukkural's 'Kaamathupaal' (Book of Love) theme into a modern film melody.

Keep listening

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