- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- K. V. Janaki
- Music director
- C. R. Subbaraman
- Movie name
- Kanniyin Kadhali
- Movie release year
- 1949
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Dec 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from 'Kanniyin Kadhali' is a poetic adoration of a woman's breathtaking beauty. The speaker wonders if she is the full moon in the sky, an earthly manifestation of the celestial nymph Oorvasi, or the pinnacle of a poet's imagination. Her face is praised as a cool lotus, her teeth outperform pearls and make jasmine flowers wither in envy, and her radiant limbs outshine pure refined gold. The song celebrates feminine grace through rich, traditional Tamil imagery.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Sandeha Alankaram (Rhetorical Questions / Doubt)
“Vaanathu muzhumadhiyoo”
The lyrics open with a series of poetic doubts asking if she is the moon, a nymph, or an imagination, highlighting her otherworldly perfection.
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Un mugam seedha kamalam amma”
Directly equates the woman's face to a cool lotus blossom ('seedha kamalam').
Uyarnavu Navirtchi (Hyperbole)
“Mullai vaadi varundhaadhoo”
Exaggerates her beauty by stating that jasmine flowers would wither in sorrow when her teeth are compared to pearls, and that her body puts pure gold to shame.
Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Sithirai paavaiyamma”
Repeats 'Sithirai paavaiyamma' to establish the rhythmic refrain and emphasize her statue-like perfection.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kanniyin Kadhali' (1949) is a historically landmark film in Tamil cinema as it marked the debut of Kaviarasu Kannadasan as a lyricist. His poetic brilliance and rich classical metaphors immediately caught the attention of listeners, laying the foundation for his decades-long legendary career.
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