- Lyricist
- Aalangudi Somu
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Movie name
- Poompuhar
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Jan 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song expresses the deep agony of separation experienced by Kannagi while waiting for her missing husband Kovalan in the Tamil classic epic Silappatikaram. Despite having all the auspicious adornments of a married woman—such as vermilion on her forehead and flowers in her hair—her heart remains utterly joyless without her beloved present.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Mona (Alliteration)
“Pottirundhum poo irundhum / Punnagai illai”
Repetition of initial consonants or vowels across words, such as 'Pottirundhum' and 'Punnagai' in the opening line.
Edukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Indha pootti vaitha kottaiyilae”
Matching of second consonants across lines, seen in 'Pottirundhum' (tt) and 'Kottaiyilae' (tt).
Metaphor & Imagery
“Nenjil thee moottum thanimaikken mel”
'Nenjil thee moottum thanimai' metaphorically compares painful loneliness to a burning flame ignited in the heart.
Personification
“Thendralinai thoodhu vittaen”
Treating the gentle southern wind ('Thendral') as a living messenger capable of carrying news and returning.
Did you know?
Trivia
Poompuhar (1964) is a iconic Tamil historical drama film based on the classical epic Silappatikaram written by Ilango Adigal. The film's screenplay was penned by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, and the music for this song was composed by R. Sudarsanam and sung by legendary playback singer P. Susheela.
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