- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- P. Jayachandran, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Durgadevi
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Jul 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Senthoora Kolam is a deeply emotional, devotionally charged romantic song from the 1977 Tamil movie Durgadevi, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and written by Kannadasan. The song portrays love as a sacred, eternal bond that transcends mortal life and spans across multiple reincarnations. The lovers view each other as divine beings residing in a holy temple, celebrating their union as an ordinance of fate and the divine play of the Goddess. The lyrics highlight how the soul (Jeevan) and the body (Thegam) unite in complete harmony, turning love into a spiritual ritual.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvameyam)
“Senthoora kolam en singaara dheepam / Thirukoyil deivam naan unakkaaga vaazhven”
The beloved is poetically equated to a 'Senthoora kolam' (vermilion decoration), 'singaara dheepam' (ornate lamp), and 'thirukoyil deivam' (deity in a sacred temple).
Monaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kannaara kandu kaantharvam endru”
Repetition of the 'Ka' sound at the beginning of words creates rhythmic harmony.
Anaphora / Repetition for Emphasis
“Yogam naan seitha yaagam”
The repetition of 'Yogam naan seitha yaagam' and 'Maarum kaalangalthorum' underscores the sacredness and timeless continuity of their love.
Antithesis / Complementary Pairing
“Male :Jeevan / Female :Thegam / Both :Sangamam….”
Juxtaposing 'Jeevan' (life/soul) and 'Thegam' (physical body) to express total physical and spiritual union ('Sangamam').
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed during Ilaiyaraaja's early years in Tamil cinema (1977), 'Senthoora Kolam' showcases his signature blend of classical Carnatic phrasing with contemporary orchestrations. Lyricist Kannadasan skillfully blends themes of marital devotion (Sinthoor) with spiritual reincarnation, a recurring motif in classic Tamil film poetry. Sung by P. Jayachandran and S. Janaki, the duet remains a notable example of late-1970s melody driven by flute and acoustic strings.
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