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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Varugiraal Unnai Thedi

From Thanga Padhumai · 1959

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
M. L. Vasanthakumari, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Thanga Padhumai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Dharaniyin mannavarumEven the kings of the earth
Aaa….aaa….aa….aa…aa…aa…aa…aa…aa…aa…Aaa....aaa....aa....aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...aa...
Dharaniyin mannavarum thaazh panindhaarEven the kings of the earth bowed down at her feet
Selvam thurumbena thalli indruRejecting wealth today as if it were a mere piece of straw
Thogai manam thunindhuThis peacock-like maiden has gathered the courage in her heart
Dharaniyin mannavarum thaazh panindhaarEven the kings of the earth bowed down at her feet
Selvam thurumbena thalli indruRejecting wealth today as if it were a mere piece of straw
Thogai manam thunindhuThis peacock-like maiden has gathered the courage in her heart
Varugiraal ummai theydiShe comes seeking you
Female
Kanindha kani irundhumEven though a ripe fruit is readily available
Kangal umai azhaithumEven though her eyes yearn and invite you
Kaanaamal puvi vaazhvil sugamedhu swamiWithout beholding you, what pleasure is there in earthly life, my Lord?
Kanindha kani irundhumEven though a ripe fruit is readily available
Kangal umai azhaithumEven though her eyes yearn and invite you
Kaanaamal puvi vaazhvil sugamedhu swamiWithout beholding you, what pleasure is there in earthly life, my Lord?
Uravinil suvai undu kalaiyinil ival vanduThere is sweetness in intimacy, and she is like a honeybee in the arts
Uravinil suvai undu kalaiyinil ival vanduThere is sweetness in intimacy, and she is like a honeybee in the arts
Oodalum koodalum konji paadalumFeigned quarrels, romantic reunions, coaxing words, and songs
Meyviya maadhival kaadhalinaalThis woman who possesses all these comes out of deep love
Varugiraal ummai theydiShe comes seeking you
Female
Sandhana kumbam sallaabam ullaasamA pot of sandalwood, romantic banter, and pure delight
Sandhatham kaadhal sarasa sangeethamEverlasting love, playful affection, and blissful music
Sandhana kumbam sallaabam ullaasamA pot of sandalwood, romantic banter, and pure delight
Sandhatham kaadhal sarasa sangeethamEverlasting love, playful affection, and blissful music
Iruvar aavi oruvaraaga nilavinilAs two souls unite as one under the soft moonlight
Kaadhal kondu inbamae kaanavumTo experience pure happiness in the embrace of love
Pudhumai koorum kalaigal maevi vaazhavumTo live embracing fine arts that proclaim poetic novelty
Kaama vadhana moga nadana kaaviya mayilA poetic peacock with a passionate face and captivating dance
Female
………………………….....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song expresses the intense devotion, romance, and artistic allure of a maiden who abandons all worldly riches and royal suitors to seek the love of her beloved lord. Kannadasan masterfully captures the essence of classical Tamil poetry and aesthetic romance, describing how even the highest earthly pleasure is meaningless without the presence of the beloved. Through rich imagery of music, fine arts, moonlight, and intimate romance, the lyrics present the maiden as a poetic peacock skilled in the arts, whose heart is completely dedicated to romantic union with her partner.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Selvam thurumbena thalli indru

'Selvam thurumbena thalli' compares immense wealth to a worthless piece of straw to show her detachment from material riches.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Thogai manam thunindhu

'Thogai' (peacock tail/peacock) and 'kaaviya mayil' metaphorically describe the beautiful woman as a majestic peacock.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Uravinil suvai undu kalaiyinil ival vandu

'Kalaiyinil ival vandu' metaphorically compares the maiden to a honeybee hovering over the blossoms of art.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Sandhana kumbam sallaabam ullaasam / Sandhatham kaadhal sarasa sangeetham

Rhyming of 'Sandhana' and 'Sandhatham' using the second consonant 'ndh'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Thanga Padhumai' (1959) stars Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini. The music for the film was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy, with lyrics by Kannadasan.

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