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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Senjanthu

From Puthu Paatu · 1990

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. S. Chithra
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Puthu Paatu1990

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Senjaandhu kuzhambaalaeWith the paste of red sandalwood,
Mayil thogai iragaalaeAnd with a peacock's feather,
Sengaanthal viral meedhu thozhiUpon her fingers shaped like red gloriosa lilies, my friend,
Female
Azhagaaga nalungittuApplying the auspicious cosmetic paste beautifully,
Amarndhaalae ilanchittuShe sat like a tender young bird,
Kalyaana thirukkolam vaazhiLong live her blessed wedding appearance!
Female
Azhagaana manavaalanWith her handsome groom,
Avan kooda nedungaalamFor a long time to come,
Nizhalaaga nadai podu neeyaeWalk alongside him like a shadow.
Female
Aandondru thavaraamalWithout missing a single year,
Adibaaram kuraiyaamalWithout the foundation diminishing,
Pala selvam pera pogum thaayaeO mother-to-be who will attain many forms of wealth!
Female
Innaalil valaikaappuOn this day of the bangle-wearing ceremony,
Ellorkkum varaverppuA warm welcome to everyone,
Ezhaachu sool konda maasamIt is now the seventh month of pregnancy.
Female
Ponnaana kai konduWith golden hands,
Pozhudhodu thaalaattaTo rock the cradle with lullabies at dusk,
Oru pillai vara pogum neramIt is time for a child to arrive.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song depicts the auspicious lifecycle events of a woman in traditional Tamil culture, moving from her wedding day to her pregnancy ceremony (Valaikaappu). It vividly describes the bride adorned with red sandalwood paste applied using a peacock feather onto her lily-like fingers, looking like a graceful young bird in her bridal posture. The lyrics convey heart-felt blessings for a long, prosperous marriage where she walks beside her husband like a shadow, leading up to the celebration of her seventh month of pregnancy as she eagerly awaits her child.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor

Sengaanthal viral meedhu thozhi

Compares the woman's delicate fingers to 'Sengaanthal' (Red Gloriosa Lily flowers).

Metaphor

Amarndhaalae ilanchittu

Compares the bride's gentle posture to an 'Ilanchittu' (a tender young bird).

Simile

Nizhalaaga nadai podu neeyae

Advises the bride to accompany her husband constantly like a shadow ('Nizhalaaga').

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Azhagaana manavaalan / Avan kooda nedungaalam

Use of matching second consonant letters across lines, such as 'Azhagaana' and 'Avan', as well as 'Aandondru' and 'Adibaaram'.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie 'Puthu Paatu' (1990) was directed by Seeman (in his directorial venture/era context) starring Ramarajan, with a popular soundtrack composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics written by legendary poet Vaali. The verses capture classic Tamil womanhood rituals such as Nalangu and Valaikaappu.

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