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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thendral Poongaavil

From Manthiri Kumaran · 1963

Lyricist
Puratchi Dasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
Rajan Nagendra
Details
Manthiri Kumaran1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thendral poongaavil nindraadum thoghaiThe peacock dancing gracefully in the gentle breeze of the flower garden
Male :Kandathoo semmalaiMale: Is that a red mountain seen in the distance?
Female :Thendral poongaavil nindraadum thoghaiFemale: The peacock dancing gracefully in the gentle breeze of the flower garden
Male :Kandathoo semmalaiMale: Is that a red mountain seen in the distance?
Both :Thendral poongaavil nindraadum thoghaiBoth: The peacock dancing gracefully in the gentle breeze of the flower garden
Male
Kaaviya koyil karkonda kaadhalLove carved in stone like an epic temple
Kalai thondu seiyum alaikadaaleO wavy ocean serving the cause of fine arts!
Female :Haa..aaa..aa…aaaaaaa aaFemale: Haa..aaa..aa...aaaaaaa aa (Vocalizing)
Idhayamum konja ila naghai sindhaAs the heart fondles and a gentle smile spills over
Mudhu malai thandha mani thidalaeO precious platform bestowed by the ancient mountain!
Male
Sirpangal vaazhnaaleWhere sculptures come alive for a lifetime
Thikthikkum thaenpaaleO sweet milk and honey that fills the heart with delight!
Female :Thiranda ezhuthaaleFemale: Through rich and poetic written words
Female
Vanjiyar soozhndha varugaiyai paadumSinging of the arrival of beautiful maidens
Male :Painkodi neenga karumbhai thedumMale: Leaving the tender creeper to search for sweet sugarcane
Female
Konjudhal pola kobamaai pesumSpeaking in anger that sounds like playful endearment
Male :Kobamum pondra konjavum seiyumMale: Showing love and affection even through feigned anger
Female :Pon madi vayasaachuFemale: The golden lap has now matured with age
Male :Poovaiyar kankaachiMale: A mesmerizing visual feast of lovely maidens
Both :Podhigai malai maatchi ..eeeBoth: Such is the majestic glory of the Podhigai mountains!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet celebrates the grandeur of love intertwined with Tamil heritage, art, and nature. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Podhigai mountains—traditionally associated with the birth of the Tamil language—the song compares the lovers' affections to timeless sculptures, epic temples, and sweet honey.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaaviya koyil karkonda kaadhal

Love is metaphorically framed as an epic temple carved out of stone, highlighting its permanent and sacred nature.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Thendral poongaavil nindraadum thoghai

Repetition of consonant and vowel sounds at the beginning of words to create a rhythmic flow.

Muran (Oxymoron / Contrast)

Konjudhal pola kobamaai pesum

The lyrics contrast anger (kobam) with affectionate coaxing (konjudhal), describing how playful lovers express affection through anger.

Did you know?

Trivia

Manthiri Kumaran (1963) features music composed by the famous duo Rajan-Nagendra. While predominantly celebrated as legends in Kannada cinema, their compositions in Tamil cinema remain beloved for their rich classical melodies and orchestration.

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