Thanga Theril Vanthirukkum
From Karthigai Deepam · 1965
- Lyricist
- Aalangudi Somu
- Singer
- L. R. Eswari
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Details
- Karthigai Deepam1965
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum | Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot, |
| Maalai annamae | Evening swan! |
| Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum | Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot, |
| Maalai annamae | Evening swan! |
| Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil | In this garden where this maiden resides, |
| Velai ennavoo hoo hoo | What is your task here? O-o-o, |
| Velai ennavoo | What is your task here? |
| Female | |
| Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum | Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot, |
| Maalai annamae | Evening swan! |
| Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil | In this garden where this maiden resides, |
| Velai ennavoo hoo hoo | What is your task here? O-o-o, |
| Velai ennavoo | What is your task here? |
| Female | |
| Palli sellum paavaiyarai | Did you come to watch the school-going maidens |
| Paarthu pogavaa | And then depart? |
| Palli sellum paavaiyarai | Did you come to watch the school-going maidens |
| Paarthu pogavaa | And then depart? |
| Indha paruvam thandha kaadhalukku | Or to bestow your blessings upon the love |
| Vaazhthu kooravaa | Brought forth by this youthful age? |
| Velli nilaa varavukaaga | Did you come to announce the arrival |
| Kattiyum kooravaa | Of the silver moon? |
| Velli nilaa varavukaaga | Did you come to announce the arrival |
| Kattiyum kooravaa | Of the silver moon? |
| Illai vidiyum varai | Or to rest here and ease your weariness |
| Ingae thanghi kalai paaravaa | Until the break of dawn? |
| Female | |
| Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum | Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot, |
| Maalai annamae | Evening swan! |
| Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil | In this garden where this maiden resides, |
| Velai ennavoo hoo | What is your task here? O-o-o, |
| Velai ennavoo | What is your task here? |
| Female | |
| Komala nun idai kunguma sevvidazh | With a slender waist, vermilion-red lips, |
| Konjum karuvizhi chithiramaai | And playful black eyes framed like a picture, |
| Thamarai seeradi nogum endranjiya | Fearing that tender lotus-like feet might ache, |
| Thappi thappi migha bathiramaai | Treading carefully and with utmost care, |
| Mella mella nadanthu | Walking gently and slowly, |
| Mana varai adainthu | Reaching the wedding dais, |
| Mella mella nadanthu | Walking gently and slowly, |
| Mana varai adainthu | Reaching the wedding dais, |
| Naan maalai iduvathu ennaal endru | Did you come to find out on which day |
| Therindhu kolla vandhaaya | I will exchange the wedding garland? |
| Therindhu kolla vandhaaya | Did you come to find out that? |
| Female | |
| Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum | Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot, |
| Maalai annamae | Evening swan! |
| Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil | In this garden where this maiden resides, |
| Velai ennavoo hoo | What is your task here? O-o-o, |
| Velai ennavoo | What is your task here? |
| Female | |
| Pirandha veetin perumai kaakkum | Protecting the honor of the home I was born in, |
| Pen aaguven | I shall be a dutiful daughter; |
| Pirandha veetin perumai kaakkum | Protecting the honor of the home I was born in, |
| Pen aaguven | I shall be a dutiful daughter; |
| Oru naal pugundha veetai paadhukaakum | Guarding the household I enter through marriage, |
| Kann aaguven | I shall be its protective eye; |
| Ennai manadhavarin sevaiyilae | In caring for the man who weds me, |
| Thaai aaguven | I shall be like a mother; |
| Ennai manadhavarin sevaiyilae | In caring for the man who weds me, |
| Thaai aaguven | I shall be like a mother; |
| Avar maarbinilae thavazhum bodhu | And when resting close upon his chest, |
| Saei aaguven | I shall be his playful child. |
| Female | |
| Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum | Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot, |
| Maalai annamae | Evening swan! |
| Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil | In this garden where this maiden resides, |
| Velai ennavoo hoo | What is your task here? O-o-o, |
| Velai ennavoo | What is your task here? |
தங்க தேரில் வந்திருக்கும்
மாலை அன்னமே
தங்க தேரில் வந்திருக்கும்
மாலை அன்னமே
இந்த மங்கை இருக்கும் நந்தவனத்தில்
வேலை என்னவோ ஹோ ஹோ
வேலை என்னவோ
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Evening swan!
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Evening swan!
In this garden where this maiden resides,
What is your task here? O-o-o,
What is your task here?
தங்க தேரில் வந்திருக்கும்
மாலை அன்னமே
இந்த மங்கை இருக்கும் நந்தவனத்தில்
வேலை என்னவோ ஹோ ஹோ
வேலை என்னவோ
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Evening swan!
In this garden where this maiden resides,
What is your task here? O-o-o,
What is your task here?
பள்ளி செல்லும் பாவையரை
பார்த்து போகவா
பள்ளி செல்லும் பாவையரை
பார்த்து போகவா
இந்த பருவம் தந்த காதலுக்கு
வாழ்த்து கூறவா
வெள்ளி நிலா வரவுக்காக
கட்டியும் கூறவா
இல்லை விடியும் வரை இங்கே
தங்கி களைபாரவா
Did you come to watch the school-going maidens
And then depart?
Did you come to watch the school-going maidens
And then depart?
Or to bestow your blessings upon the love
Brought forth by this youthful age?
Did you come to announce the arrival
Of the silver moon?
Did you come to announce the arrival
Of the silver moon?
Or to rest here and ease your weariness
Until the break of dawn?
தங்க தேரில் வந்திருக்கும்
மாலை அன்னமே
இந்த மங்கை இருக்கும் நந்தவனத்தில்
வேலை என்னவோ ஹோ ஹோ
வேலை என்னவோ
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Evening swan!
In this garden where this maiden resides,
What is your task here? O-o-o,
What is your task here?
கோமள நுண் இடை குங்கும செவ்விதழ்'
கொஞ்சும் கருவிழி சித்திரமாய்
தாமரை சீரடி நோகும் என்றஞ்சிய
தப்பி தப்பி மிக பத்திரமாய்
மெல்ல மெல்ல நடந்து
மணவறை அடைந்து
மெல்ல மெல்ல நடந்து
மணவறை அடைந்து
நான் மாலை இடுவது எந்நாள் என்று
தெரிந்து கொள்ள வந்தாயா
தெரிந்து கொள்ள வந்தாயா
With a slender waist, vermilion-red lips,
And playful black eyes framed like a picture,
Fearing that tender lotus-like feet might ache,
Treading carefully and with utmost care,
Walking gently and slowly,
Reaching the wedding dais,
Walking gently and slowly,
Reaching the wedding dais,
Did you come to find out on which day
I will exchange the wedding garland?
Did you come to find out that?
தங்க தேரில் வந்திருக்கும்
மாலை அன்னமே
இந்த மங்கை இருக்கும் நந்தவனத்தில்
வேலை என்னவோ ஹோ ஹோ
வேலை என்னவோ
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Evening swan!
In this garden where this maiden resides,
What is your task here? O-o-o,
What is your task here?
பிறந்த வீட்டின் பெருமை காக்கும்
பெண் ஆகுவேன்
Protecting the honor of the home I was born in,
I shall be a dutiful daughter;
Protecting the honor of the home I was born in,
I shall be a dutiful daughter;
Guarding the household I enter through marriage,
I shall be its protective eye;
In caring for the man who weds me,
I shall be like a mother;
In caring for the man who weds me,
I shall be like a mother;
And when resting close upon his chest,
I shall be his playful child.
பிறந்த வீட்டின் பெருமை காக்கும்
பெண் ஆகுவேன்
ஒரு நாள் புகுந்த வீட்டை பாதுகாக்கும்
கண் ஆகுவேன்
என்னை மணந்தவரின் சேவையிலே
தாய் ஆகுவேன்
என்னை மணந்தவரின் சேவையிலே
தாய் ஆகுவேன்
அவர் மார்பிலே தவழும் போது
சேய் ஆகுவேன்
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Evening swan!
In this garden where this maiden resides,
What is your task here? O-o-o,
What is your task here?
தங்க தேரில் வந்திருக்கும்
மாலை அன்னமே
இந்த மங்கை இருக்கும் நந்தவனத்தில்
வேலை என்னவோ ஹோ ஹோ
வேலை என்னவோ
Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Maalai annamae
Evening swan!
Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Maalai annamae
Evening swan!
Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil
In this garden where this maiden resides,
Velai ennavoo hoo hoo
What is your task here? O-o-o,
Velai ennavoo
What is your task here?
Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Maalai annamae
Evening swan!
Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil
In this garden where this maiden resides,
Velai ennavoo hoo hoo
What is your task here? O-o-o,
Velai ennavoo
What is your task here?
Palli sellum paavaiyarai
Did you come to watch the school-going maidens
Paarthu pogavaa
And then depart?
Palli sellum paavaiyarai
Did you come to watch the school-going maidens
Paarthu pogavaa
And then depart?
Indha paruvam thandha kaadhalukku
Or to bestow your blessings upon the love
Vaazhthu kooravaa
Brought forth by this youthful age?
Velli nilaa varavukaaga
Did you come to announce the arrival
Kattiyum kooravaa
Of the silver moon?
Velli nilaa varavukaaga
Did you come to announce the arrival
Kattiyum kooravaa
Of the silver moon?
Illai vidiyum varai
Or to rest here and ease your weariness
Ingae thanghi kalai paaravaa
Until the break of dawn?
Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Maalai annamae
Evening swan!
Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil
In this garden where this maiden resides,
Velai ennavoo hoo
What is your task here? O-o-o,
Velai ennavoo
What is your task here?
Komala nun idai kunguma sevvidazh
With a slender waist, vermilion-red lips,
Konjum karuvizhi chithiramaai
And playful black eyes framed like a picture,
Thamarai seeradi nogum endranjiya
Fearing that tender lotus-like feet might ache,
Thappi thappi migha bathiramaai
Treading carefully and with utmost care,
Mella mella nadanthu
Walking gently and slowly,
Mana varai adainthu
Reaching the wedding dais,
Mella mella nadanthu
Walking gently and slowly,
Mana varai adainthu
Reaching the wedding dais,
Naan maalai iduvathu ennaal endru
Did you come to find out on which day
Therindhu kolla vandhaaya
I will exchange the wedding garland?
Therindhu kolla vandhaaya
Did you come to find out that?
Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Maalai annamae
Evening swan!
Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil
In this garden where this maiden resides,
Velai ennavoo hoo
What is your task here? O-o-o,
Velai ennavoo
What is your task here?
Pirandha veetin perumai kaakkum
Protecting the honor of the home I was born in,
Pen aaguven
I shall be a dutiful daughter;
Pirandha veetin perumai kaakkum
Protecting the honor of the home I was born in,
Pen aaguven
I shall be a dutiful daughter;
Oru naal pugundha veetai paadhukaakum
Guarding the household I enter through marriage,
Kann aaguven
I shall be its protective eye;
Ennai manadhavarin sevaiyilae
In caring for the man who weds me,
Thaai aaguven
I shall be like a mother;
Ennai manadhavarin sevaiyilae
In caring for the man who weds me,
Thaai aaguven
I shall be like a mother;
Avar maarbinilae thavazhum bodhu
And when resting close upon his chest,
Saei aaguven
I shall be his playful child.
Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum
Oh evening swan that has arrived in a golden chariot,
Maalai annamae
Evening swan!
Indha mangai irukkum nandhavanathil
In this garden where this maiden resides,
Velai ennavoo hoo
What is your task here? O-o-o,
Velai ennavoo
What is your task here?
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic song depicts a playful and reflective monologue by a young woman addressing a metaphorical swan (or evening breeze) visiting her garden. She playfully questions the purpose of its visit—asking if it has come to observe schoolgirls, herald the arrival of the silver moon, or simply rest until dawn. She then envisions her future marriage, walking gently toward the bridal dais with grace and care. In the final stanza, she articulates the ideal roles of a traditional woman: upholding the honor of her parental home, becoming the watchful protector of her marital home, nurturing her husband like a mother, and being a affectionate companion to him. Sung delightfully by L. R. Eswari, the song captures feminine grace, romantic anticipation, and noble virtues.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagham)
“Thanga thaeril vanthirukkum Maalai annamae”
Addressing the evening setting or breeze as 'Maalai annamae' (evening swan) riding a 'Thanga thaer' (golden chariot).
Repetition / Reduplication (Adukku Thodar)
“Thappi thappi migha bathiramaai / Mella mella nadanthu”
The words 'Thappi thappi' and 'Mella mella' are repeated sequentially to emphasize rhythmic, delicate stepping.
Simile / Hyperbole (Uvamaani)
“Thamarai seeradi nogum endranjiya”
Describing her lotus-like tender feet ('Thamarai seeradi') and fearing they might hurt upon touching the ground.
Contrast & Role Transition (Paathira Valarchchi)
“Pen aaguven... Kann aaguven... Thaai aaguven... Saei aaguven”
Poetic progression depicting the woman as a daughter ('Pen'), protective eye ('Kann'), mother ('Thaai'), and child ('Saei').
Did you know?
Trivia
Karthigai Deepam (1965), starring S. A. Ashokan, C. V. Rajendran, and Devika, featured music composed by R. Sudarsanam. L. R. Eswari's expressive rendition of this song remains one of her celebrated solo melodies, highlighting her versatility beyond high-tempo dance numbers.
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