M. L. Vasanthakumari’s ‘Irunthum Illathavar’ from album ‘Kongu Nattu Thangam’ carries A. Maruthakasi’s philosophical lyrics set to K. V. Mahadevan’s contemplative composition. The track examines what defines a meaningful life through classical vocal delivery.
Irunthum Illathavar
M. L. Vasanthakumari • From “Kongu Nattu Thangam”
Irunthum Illathavar Lyrics Translation M. L. Vasanthakumari | Kongu Nattu Thangam
Maruthakasi contrasts real jasmine flowers with artificial paper blooms, illustrating misplaced priorities. His words liken unstable lives to bees constantly shifting between blossoms for temporary satisfaction.
Irundhum IllathavareYou’re present, yet you don’t really exist.
Ellam Irundhum IllathavareEven with everything, you’re still truly absent.
Avargal IruppadhuTheir very existence,
Unmaiyil Perundhavareis actually a massive mistake,
Ulagil Irundhum Illathavarefor those who are in this world, but aren’t really here.
Avargal IruppadhuTheir very existence,
Unmaiyil Perundhavareis actually a massive mistake,
Ulagil Irundhum Illathavarefor those who are in this world, but aren’t really here.
Selvam IrundhennaWhat does wealth matter,
Sirappugal Irundhennaand what do honors mean?
Selvam IrundhennaWhat’s the point of riches,
Sirappugal Irundhennaor having many titles?
Selvam IrundhennaIf you’ve got fortune,
Sirappugal Irundhennaor even great prestige?
Selvam IrundhennaWhat use is money,
Sirappugal Irundhennaor any special recognition?
Kallamilla Ullam Illathavar EllamFor those who don’t have a heart free of deceit,
Kallamilla Ullam Illathavar Ellamfor everyone lacking a pure and honest soul,
Irundhum Illathavarethey’re present, yet they don’t really exist.
Avargal IruppadhuTheir very existence,
Unmaiyil Perundhavareis actually a massive mistake,
Ulagil Irundhum Illathavarefor those who are in this world, but aren’t really here.
Manakkum Jaadhi Malli Malarai ThalliThey push aside the fragrant jasmine flower,
Kannai Parikkum Kaagitha Poo Vanguvorand buy the eye-catching paper flowers instead.
Manakkum Jaadhi Malli Malarai ThalliThey reject the scent of real jasmine,
Kannai Parikkum Kaagitha Poo Vanguvoropting for the flashy look of paper blooms.
Veli Azhagil Aasai Kondu YenguvorThey’re the ones who long for external beauty,
Veli Azhagil Aasai Kondu Yenguvoryearning for nothing more than a shallow appearance.
Malar Vittu Malar Thavi Madhuvunnum VandaghiBecoming like a bee that hops from flower to flower for nectar,
Malar Vittu Malar Thavi Madhuvunnum Vandaghiflitting between blossoms just to satisfy their thirst,
Mana Nilai Thadumaari Vazhndhiduvo Rellamall those who live with a wandering and unstable mind,
Mana Nilai Thadumaari Vazhndhiduvo Rellameveryone whose spirit falters and loses its way,
Irundhum Illathavarethey’re present, yet they don’t really exist.
Avargal IruppadhuTheir very existence,
Unmaiyil Perundhavareis actually a massive mistake,
Ulagil Irundhum Illathavarefor those who are in this world, but aren’t really here.
Irunthum Illathavar Music Video
Vasanthakumari’s performance underscores that wealth lacks value without inner purity, a core focus in English translations of ‘Irunthum Illathavar’ lyrics. The song remains a caution against hollow existence.