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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Podhigai Malai Saralile

From Kalyana Paravaigal · 1988

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
S. P. Shailaja
Music director
Rajan
Details
Kalyana Paravaigal1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
{Podhigai malai saaralilaeIn the drizzle of the Podhigai mountain,
Poovondru poothirukkuA flower has blossomed.
Poothirukkum velaiyilaeAt the time when it blossoms,
Pooparithaal aagathooCan't one pluck the flower?
Poothirukkum velaiyilaeAt the time when it blossoms,
Pooparithaal aagathoo} (2)Can't one pluck the flower?
Female
Ariviyilae naan kulikkaIn the drizzle of the Podhigai mountain,
Aruginilae nee irukkaA flower has blossomed.
Kaarkuzhalaal kann asaithaalAt the time when it blossoms,
Un dhegam paai virikkumCan't one pluck the flower?
Female
Maanganiyil suvai irukkaAt the time when it blossoms,
Poongodiyai nee anaikkaCan't one pluck the flower?
Oorvasiyoo maenagaiyooAs I bathe in the waterfall,
Yaarum illai enakkeeduWith you standing right beside me,
Female
Podhigai malai saaralilaeIf I signal with my eyes through my dark tresses,
Poovondru poothirukkuYour body will spread out like a bed mat.
Poothirukkum velaiyilaeWhile sweet flavor resides in the mango fruit,
Pooparithaal aagathooAs you embrace this flowering vine,
Poothirukkum velaiyilaeWhether it is Urvashi or Menaka,
Pooparithaal aagathooNo one can match my charm.
Female
Mai vizhigal thaan sivakkaIn the drizzle of the Podhigai mountain,
Mayakkathilae naan midhakkaA flower has blossomed.
Manmadhanin leelaigalaiAt the time when it blossoms,
Manjathilae naan padikkaCan't one pluck the flower?
Female
Paarvaiyilae aayiram thaanAt the time when it blossoms,
Arthangalai kaanugirenCan't one pluck the flower?
Ennodu neeirundhaalAs my kohl-adorned eyes turn red,
Kanavugalum nirai verumAs I float in a trance of ecstasy,
Female
{Podhigai malai saaralilaeThe playful arts of Lord Manmatha,
Poovondru poothirukkuI learn upon the bed couch.
Poothirukkum velaiyilaeIn your gentle gaze, I discover
Pooparithaal aagathooA thousand deep meanings.
Poothirukkum velaiyilaeIf you remain together with me,
Pooparithaal aagathoo} (2)All my dreams will come true.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic song captures the intimate emotions and desires of a woman in a scenic, nature-filled setting. Using the imagery of the misty Podhigai hills and blooming flowers, she playfully invites her beloved to embrace love and romance. She compares her beauty and delicacy to a tender flowering vine and asserts her uniqueness, placing herself above celestial maidens like Urvashi and Menaka. The lyrics delicately blend romantic yearning with poetic descriptions of passion and fulfillment.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaigal (Initial Alliteration)

Podhigai malai saaralilae / Poovondru poothirukku

Repetition of the initial 'P' sound ('Podhigai', 'Poovondru', 'Poothirukkum', 'Pooparithaal') creates a rhythmic, melodic flow in the opening lines.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Ariviyilae naan kulikka / Aruginilae nee irukka

Matching second consonants across lines ('Ariviyilae' and 'Aruginilae') provides structural poetic harmony.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Poongodiyai nee anaikka

Comparing the heroine to a 'Poongodi' (flowering vine) metaphorically highlights her gracefulness, charm, and delicacy.

Allusion (Purana Kurippu)

Oorvasiyoo maenagaiyoo / Manmadhanin leelaigalai

Reference to celestial maidens Urvashi, Menaka, and the god of love Manmatha enhances the classical romantic imagery.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is composed by the music duo Rajan-Rajan for the movie Kalyana Paravaigal (1988). Lyricist Vairamuthu uses rich imagery of South Tamil Nadu's Podhigai hills, traditionally associated with the origin of the Tamil language and lush natural beauty.

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