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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ponnoviyam Ondru Rathiyin

From Kumaripennin Ullathile · 1980

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Kumaripennin Ullathile1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilaeA golden painting in the form of Rathi,
Boomiyil vandhadhu ezhil konduHas arrived on Earth adorned with charm.
Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilaeA golden painting in the form of Rathi,
Boomiyil vandhadhu ezhil konduHas arrived on Earth adorned with charm.
Kannil aadidum kaaviya paavai neeYou are an epic maiden dancing in my eyes,
Kannil aadidum kaaviya paavai neeYou are an epic maiden dancing in my eyes,
Kaiyil mayangum malligai chenduA bouquet of jasmine swooning in my hands,
Kaiyil mayangum malligai chenduA bouquet of jasmine swooning in my hands.
Male
Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilaeA golden painting in the form of Rathi,
Boomiyil vandhadhu ezhil konduHas arrived on Earth adorned with charm.
Male
{Anaikkaiyil manakkindra{When held in an embrace, fragrant
Amudhenum un maeniNectar-like is your body,
Azhaginai kangalaal alandhidavaa} (2)May I measure its beauty with my eyes?} (2)
Idhazhgalil idhazh kondu iniya kadhai ondruWith lips meeting lips, a sweet story
Idhazhgalil idhazh kondu iniya kadhai ondruWith lips meeting lips, a sweet story
Ezhudhida sammadham tharuvaayaa… tharuvaayaaWill you grant permission to write... will you grant?
Female
Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilaeA golden painting in the form of Rathi,
Boomiyil vandhadhu ezhil konduHas arrived on Earth adorned with charm.
Female
{Manavarai maalaigal{After we exchange garlands
Soodiya pinnaalaeAt the wedding altar,
Malar magal ennai nee thoda varalaam} (2)You, flower maiden, may come to touch me} (2)
Unakkendru sivandhulla pazhutha palaa ennaiI am like a ripe jackfruit reddened just for you,
Unakkendru sivandhulla pazhutha palaa ennaiI am like a ripe jackfruit reddened just for you,
Parikkira vaegamaa avasaramaa …avasaramaaWhy this hurry and urgency to pluck me... why this hurry?
Male
Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilaeA golden painting in the form of Rathi,
Boomiyil vandhadhu ezhil konduHas arrived on Earth adorned with charm.
Male
{Thanimaiyil irukkayil{When we are alone in solitude,
Thaamadham seiyaadhaeDo not make any delay,
Ennidam vetkam yaen ilam kuyilae} (2)Why be shy with me, young cuckoo?} (2)
Female
Sirikkindra malar kodiFor the smiling flowering vine,
Pengal ellorukkumFor all women,
Sirikkindra malark kodi pengal ellorukkumFor all women who are like smiling flowering vines,
Seedhanam vetkam thaan theriyaadhaa.. theriyaadhaaShyness is their natural inheritance, don't you know... don't you know?
Male
Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilaeA golden painting in the form of Rathi,
Boomiyil vandhadhu ezhil konduHas arrived on Earth adorned with charm.
Female
Kannil aadidum kaaviya paavai naanI am the epic maiden dancing in your eyes,
Kaiyil mayangum malligai chenduA bouquet of jasmine swooning in the hands,
Un kaiyil mayangum malligai chenduA bouquet of jasmine swooning in your hands.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic duet portrays a playful and tender exchange between two lovers. The hero idealizes his beloved as a celestial golden painting and the goddess Rathi, praising her grace and yearning to embrace her. The heroine gently teases him, asking for patience until their marriage while subtly expressing her mutual devotion. Through rich metaphors comparing love to nectar, ripe fruits, and blooming flowers, the song captures the warmth and poetic elegance of traditional Tamil film courtships.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Roobakam)

Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilae

'Ponnoviyam ondru radhiyin vadivilae' compares the maiden directly to a golden masterpiece and the goddess of love, Rathi.

Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)

Kannil aadidum kaaviya paavai nee

Rhyming of the second letter 'n' across lines: 'Kannil' and 'Ennidam'.

Anaphora (Repetition for emphasis)

Idhazhgalil idhazh kondu iniya kadhai ondru

Repetition of lines such as 'Ponnoviyam ondru...' and 'Idhazhgalil idhazh kondu...' to build rhythmic cadence and reinforce romantic longing.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by acclaimed lyricist Muthulingam, known for his classical Tamil lyricism and rich imagery. The song showcases traditional romantic tropes where the heroine poetically urges the hero to respect marital traditions before intimacy.

Keep listening

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