Puthu Manjal Maeni
From Rudra Thaandavam – 1978 · 1978
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Details
- Rudra Thaandavam – 19781978
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Pudhu manjal maeni chittu | A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body, |
| Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu | Swinging rhythmically inside a saree, |
| Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu | An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance. |
| Male | |
| Pudhu manjal maeni chittu | A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body, |
| Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu | Swinging rhythmically inside a saree, |
| Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu | An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance. |
| Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo | Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this? |
| Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo | Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this? |
| Female | |
| Idhazh thottu thendral poojai | Touch of lips, a worship by the gentle breeze, |
| Idai thottu kaaman poojai | Touch of waist, a worship by the god of love, |
| Udalengum ungal poojai | Across the entire body, it is your worship, |
| Idhu thaanae ungal aasai | Isn't this your desire? |
| Female | |
| Mogam azhaikkindrathae….yae…yae… | Passion beckons... |
| Naanam thadukkindrathae | Shyness holds me back... |
| Hmm hmm naanam thadukkindrathae…. | Hmm hmm, shyness holds me back... |
| Male | |
| Pudhu manjal maeni chittu | A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body, |
| Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu | Swinging rhythmically inside a saree, |
| Female :Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu | (Female) An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance, |
| Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo | Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this? |
| Female | |
| Neer konda megangal kudai podavum | Rain-filled clouds forming a protective canopy, |
| Nilai konda pushpangal manam thoovavum | Blooming flowers showering fragrant aroma, |
| Thaer konda paravaigal shruthi meettavum | Chariot-like birds strumming musical notes, |
| Thirumaeni valam vantha sugam ennavo | What bliss it is to encircle this divine form! |
| Male | |
| Kaarkoonthal kadal kanda alaiyaagavum | Dark hair flowing like waves in the sea, |
| Kalyaana poochendu asainthaadavum | Swinging like an auspicious floral bouquet, |
| Thear konda manisangu oli kaattavum | The gem-studded conch echoing musical sound, |
| Nizhal konda rathi devi uru vanthatho | Has Goddess Rathi herself taken shape from shadows? |
| Nizhal konda rathi devi uru vanthatho | Has Goddess Rathi herself taken shape from shadows? |
| Female | |
| Angam thodaamal sangam illaamal | Without touching the body, without physical union, |
| Kannil sugangal illai | There is no bliss in the eyes. |
| Male :Mannan varaamal maharani ennum | (Male) Without the king arriving, the status of a queen, |
| Penmai nalangal illai | And feminine virtues hold no fulfillment. |
| Male | |
| Pudhu manjal maeni chittu | A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body, |
| Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu | Swinging rhythmically inside a saree, |
| Female :Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu | (Female) An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance, |
| Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo | Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this? |
| Male | |
| Thaen sinthum siru koodu nadamaaduthu | A tiny nest spilling honey sways and dances, |
| Sirumullai magaranthapodi thoovuthu | Tiny jasmine buds scatter pollen dust, |
| Maan vannam mad meedhu vilaiyaaduthu | A deer-like beauty plays atop passion, |
| Mazhaiyaaga tamil veenai isaipaaduthu | The Tamil Veena plays music like rain, |
| Female | |
| Uravendrum sugamendrum ninaiyaathathu | Something that never thought of relationships or pleasure, |
| Oru nenjil nilaiyaana idam theduthu | Now seeks a permanent place in a heart. |
| Iravendrum pagalendrum ariyaamalae | Oblivious to night and day, |
| Idhamaana sugam kaana unai naaduthu | It seeks you to experience sweet comfort, |
| Idhamaana sugam kaana unai naaduthu | It seeks you to experience sweet comfort. |
| Male | |
| Thanjam puguntha manjal nilavai | The turmeric moon that took refuge, |
| Endrum maranthathillai | Has never been forgotten. |
| Female :Anjum nadungum pinjaaga nindrum | (Female) Though standing like a trembling, delicate bud, |
| Aasai izhanthathillai… | Desire was never lost... |
| Male | |
| Pudhu manjal maeni chittu | A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body, |
| Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu | Swinging rhythmically inside a saree, |
| Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu | An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance, |
| Female :Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo | (Female) Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this? |
| Both :Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo | (Both) Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this? |
புது மஞ்சள் மேனி சிட்டு
புடவைக்குள் ஊஞ்சல் இட்டு
நடனங்கள் ஆடிடும் நயமான அழகு
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance.
புது மஞ்சள் மேனி சிட்டு
புடவைக்குள் ஊஞ்சல் இட்டு
நடனங்கள் ஆடிடும் நயமான அழகு
விழியே இது என்ன ராஜாங்கமோ
விழியே இது என்ன ராஜாங்கமோ
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance.
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
இதழ் தொட்டு தென்றல் பூஜை
இடை தொட்டு காமன் பூஜை
உடலெங்கும் உங்கள் பூஜை
இது தானே உங்கள் ஆசை
Touch of lips, a worship by the gentle breeze,
Touch of waist, a worship by the god of love,
Across the entire body, it is your worship,
Isn't this your desire?
மோகம் அழைக்கின்றதே....ஏ....ஏ....
நாணம் தடுக்கின்றதே
ஹ்ம்ம் ஹ்ம்ம் நாணம் தடுக்கின்றதே......
Passion beckons...
Shyness holds me back...
Hmm hmm, shyness holds me back...
புது மஞ்சள் மேனி சிட்டு
புடவைக்குள் ஊஞ்சல் இட்டு
நடனங்கள் ஆடிடும் நயமான அழகு
விழியே இது என்ன ராஜாங்கமோ
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
(Female) An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance,
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
நீர் கொண்ட மேகங்கள் குடை போடவும்
நிலை கொண்ட புஷ்பங்கள் மணம் தூவவும்
தேர் கொண்ட பறவைகள் ஸ்ருதி மீட்டவும்
திருமேனி வலம் வந்த சுகம் என்னவோ
Rain-filled clouds forming a protective canopy,
Blooming flowers showering fragrant aroma,
Chariot-like birds strumming musical notes,
What bliss it is to encircle this divine form!
கார்க்கூந்தல் கடல் கண்ட அலையாகவும்
கல்யாண பூச்செண்டு அசைந்தாடவும்
தேர் கொண்ட மணிச்சங்கு ஒளி காட்டவும்
நிழல் கொண்ட ரதிதேவி உரு வந்ததோ
நிழல் கொண்ட ரதிதேவி உரு வந்ததோ
Dark hair flowing like waves in the sea,
Swinging like an auspicious floral bouquet,
The gem-studded conch echoing musical sound,
Has Goddess Rathi herself taken shape from shadows?
Has Goddess Rathi herself taken shape from shadows?
அங்கம் தொடாமல் சங்கம் இல்லாமல்
கண்ணில் சுகங்கள் இல்லை
மன்னன் வராமல் மகாராணி எண்ணும்
பெண்மை நலங்கள் இல்லை...
Without touching the body, without physical union,
There is no bliss in the eyes.
(Male) Without the king arriving, the status of a queen,
And feminine virtues hold no fulfillment.
புது மஞ்சள் மேனி சிட்டு
புடவைக்குள் ஊஞ்சல் இட்டு
நடனங்கள் ஆடிடும் நயமான அழகு
விழியே இது என்ன ராஜாங்கமோ
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
(Female) An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance,
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
தேன் சிந்தும் சிறுகூடு நடமாடுது
சிறுமுல்லை மகரந்தப்பொடி தூவுது
மான் வண்ணம் மடி மீது விளையாடுது
மழையாக தமிழ் வீணை இசைப் பாடுது
A tiny nest spilling honey sways and dances,
Tiny jasmine buds scatter pollen dust,
A deer-like beauty plays atop passion,
The Tamil Veena plays music like rain,
உறவென்றும் சுகமென்றும் நினையாதது
ஒரு நெஞ்சில் நிலையான இடம் தேடுது
இரவென்றும் பகலென்றும் அறியாமலே
இதமான சுகம் காண உனை நாடுது
இதமான சுகம் காண உனை நாடுது
Something that never thought of relationships or pleasure,
Now seeks a permanent place in a heart.
Oblivious to night and day,
It seeks you to experience sweet comfort,
It seeks you to experience sweet comfort.
தஞ்சம் புகுந்த மஞ்சள் நிலவை
என்றும் மறந்ததில்லை
அஞ்சும் நடுங்கும் பிஞ்சாக நின்றும்
ஆசை இழந்ததில்லை...
The turmeric moon that took refuge,
Has never been forgotten.
(Female) Though standing like a trembling, delicate bud,
Desire was never lost...
புது மஞ்சள் மேனி சிட்டு
புடவைக்குள் ஊஞ்சல் இட்டு
நடனங்கள் ஆடிடும் நயமான அழகு
விழியே இது என்ன ராஜாங்கமோ
இருவர் :
விழியே இது என்ன ராஜாங்கமோ
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance,
(Female) Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
(Both) Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Pudhu manjal maeni chittu
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu
An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance.
Pudhu manjal maeni chittu
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu
An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance.
Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Idhazh thottu thendral poojai
Touch of lips, a worship by the gentle breeze,
Idai thottu kaaman poojai
Touch of waist, a worship by the god of love,
Udalengum ungal poojai
Across the entire body, it is your worship,
Idhu thaanae ungal aasai
Isn't this your desire?
Mogam azhaikkindrathae….yae…yae…
Passion beckons...
Naanam thadukkindrathae
Shyness holds me back...
Hmm hmm naanam thadukkindrathae….
Hmm hmm, shyness holds me back...
Pudhu manjal maeni chittu
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
Female :Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu
(Female) An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance,
Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Neer konda megangal kudai podavum
Rain-filled clouds forming a protective canopy,
Nilai konda pushpangal manam thoovavum
Blooming flowers showering fragrant aroma,
Thaer konda paravaigal shruthi meettavum
Chariot-like birds strumming musical notes,
Thirumaeni valam vantha sugam ennavo
What bliss it is to encircle this divine form!
Kaarkoonthal kadal kanda alaiyaagavum
Dark hair flowing like waves in the sea,
Kalyaana poochendu asainthaadavum
Swinging like an auspicious floral bouquet,
Thear konda manisangu oli kaattavum
The gem-studded conch echoing musical sound,
Nizhal konda rathi devi uru vanthatho
Has Goddess Rathi herself taken shape from shadows?
Nizhal konda rathi devi uru vanthatho
Has Goddess Rathi herself taken shape from shadows?
Angam thodaamal sangam illaamal
Without touching the body, without physical union,
Kannil sugangal illai
There is no bliss in the eyes.
Male :Mannan varaamal maharani ennum
(Male) Without the king arriving, the status of a queen,
Penmai nalangal illai
And feminine virtues hold no fulfillment.
Pudhu manjal maeni chittu
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
Female :Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu
(Female) An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance,
Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo
Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Thaen sinthum siru koodu nadamaaduthu
A tiny nest spilling honey sways and dances,
Sirumullai magaranthapodi thoovuthu
Tiny jasmine buds scatter pollen dust,
Maan vannam mad meedhu vilaiyaaduthu
A deer-like beauty plays atop passion,
Mazhaiyaaga tamil veenai isaipaaduthu
The Tamil Veena plays music like rain,
Uravendrum sugamendrum ninaiyaathathu
Something that never thought of relationships or pleasure,
Oru nenjil nilaiyaana idam theduthu
Now seeks a permanent place in a heart.
Iravendrum pagalendrum ariyaamalae
Oblivious to night and day,
Idhamaana sugam kaana unai naaduthu
It seeks you to experience sweet comfort,
Idhamaana sugam kaana unai naaduthu
It seeks you to experience sweet comfort.
Thanjam puguntha manjal nilavai
The turmeric moon that took refuge,
Endrum maranthathillai
Has never been forgotten.
Female :Anjum nadungum pinjaaga nindrum
(Female) Though standing like a trembling, delicate bud,
Aasai izhanthathillai…
Desire was never lost...
Pudhu manjal maeni chittu
A little bird with a fresh turmeric-hued body,
Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu
Swinging rhythmically inside a saree,
Nadanangal aadidum nayamaana azhagu
An elegant beauty performing a graceful dance,
Female :Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo
(Female) Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Both :Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo
(Both) Are these eyes? Or what kind of royal kingdom is this?
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song is a romantic and sensual duet from the 1978 film 'Rudra Thaandavam', featuring the divine vocal chemistry of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Vani Jairam under M. S. Viswanathan's composition. The lyrics written by Kannadasan depict a tender, romantic conversation between lovers expressing physical longing, emotional intimacy, and poetic admiration. The lyricist draws lavish imagery from classical Tamil poetry, comparing the woman's beauty to a turmeric-hued bird wrapped in a saree, waves of dark hair, and Goddess Rathi herself. The song captures the delicate balance between overwhelming passion ('mogam') calling out and maidenly hesitation ('naanam') holding her back, ultimately culminating in a mutual realization that true intimacy completes their union.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Pudhu manjal maeni chittu Pudavaikkul Oonjal ittu”
Compares the heroine's golden-complexioned body to a turmeric bird swinging inside a saree.
Hyperbole & Rhetorical Question
“Vizhiyo idhu enna rajangamo”
Exaggerates the mesmerizing beauty of the eyes by questioning if they are eyes or a whole kingdom.
Personification
“Mogam azhaikkindrathae... Naanam thadukkindrathae”
Personifies abstract emotions 'Mogam' (passion) and 'Naanam' (shyness/modesty) as active entities calling and stopping the lover.
Emonai / Rhyme (Second-letter Agreement)
“Angam thodaamal sangam illaamal”
Uses 'Angam' and 'Sangam' creating internal rhythmic harmony typical of traditional Tamil song structure.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by M. S. Viswanathan for 'Rudra Thaandavam' (1978), this track exemplifies Kannadasan's mastery of integrating classical Tamil metaphors like 'Tamil veenai' and 'Rathi devi' into contemporary film music, performed impeccably by SPB and Vani Jairam.
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