Manorama and L. R. Eswari perform ‘Kaveri Thanniyil Kulichavadi’ from the album Aayiram Poi. Lyricist Kannadasan and composer V. Kumar frame a playful rivalry between two women boasting river heritage.
Kaveri Thanniyil Kulichavadi
L. R. Eswari | Manorama • From “Aayiram Poi”
Kaveri Thanniyil Kulichavadi Lyrics Translation (from “Aayiram Poi”)
Bommiyamma claims superiority from Kaveri River baths, dismissing Vellaiyamma as a mere performer. Vellaiyamma counters with protection from Madurai Veeran, a guardian deity referenced in Tamil folklore.
Neethaanaa VellaiyammaaIs that you, Vellaiyamma?
Neethaanaa BommiyammaaIs that you, Bommiyamma?
Kaveri Thanniyil KulichavadiBathed in the Kaveri’s flow, girl.
Naan Kadhaikadhaiyaai PadichavadiI’ve heard tales of you, story by story.
Kaveri Thanniyil KulichavadiBathed in the Kaveri’s flow, girl.
Naan Kadhaikadhaiyaai PadichavadiI’ve heard tales of you, story by story.
Kannaaga Valarnthava BommiyammaaGrew up precious as an eye, Bommiyamma.
BommiyammaaBommiyamma.
En Kaalukku Nee Konjam KammiyammaaYou don’t even reach my ankle, girl.
En Kaalukku Nee Konjam KammiyammaaYou don’t even reach my ankle, girl.
Vaigai Aathile KulichavadiDipped in the Vaigai river, girl.
Vaigai Aathile KulichavadiDipped in the Vaigai river, girl.
Naalu Maasi Veethiyil NadichavadiStrutted the four Masi streets.
Azhagaa Valarnthava VellaiyammaaGrew up a stunner, Vellaiyamma.
VellaiyammaaVellaiyamma.
En Alavukku Angonnum IlaiyammaaBut nothing there matches my class.
En Alavukku Angonnum IlaiyammaaBut nothing there matches my class.
Aayiramthaan AzhagunnaalumThough you claim a thousand charms.
AattakkaariyadiYou’re just a showgirl.
Nee AattakkaariyadiYou’re just a showgirl.
Aattakkaariyadi En ThottakkaariyadiA showgirl, my garden hand.
En ThottakkaariyadiMy garden hand.
Aayiramthaan AzhagunnaalumThough you claim a thousand charms.
AattakkaariyadiYou’re just a showgirl.
Thottathukku Madurai VeeranMadurai Veeran guards the garden.
KottaikkaavaladiHe stands sentry at the fort.
KottaikkaavaladiHe stands sentry at the fort.
KottaikkaavaladiHe stands sentry at the fort.
Avanai Paarththu KettukkoadiLook him in the eye and ask.
Avanai Paarththu KettukkoadiLook him in the eye and ask.
Thottathukku Madurai VeeranMadurai Veeran guards the garden.
KottaikkaavaladiHe stands sentry at the fort.
Onbathu Kambala Deivamadi JakkamaaJakkamma rules the nine clans.
En Jakkamaa Ammaa JakkammaaMy Jakkamma, Mother Jakkamma.
Ava Un Kittaeyaa Illai Enthan PakkamaaDoes she stand with you, or by my side?
Aah Haa AngayarkanniOh, Angayarkanni, the fish-eyed goddess!
Enga Madurai MeenatchiOur Madurai Meenakshi.
Amma Meenatchi Madurai MeenaatchiMother Meenakshi, Madurai Meenakshi.
Ava Aavesam Vanthu Romba NaalaachchuHer spirit hasn’t risen in ages.
Saami Unakkaa EnakkaadiDoes the god favor you or me?
Sarasathile Idhu KanakkaadiThat’s the wager in this game.
Kaamiyadi Un Kai VarisaiShow off your skills, girl.
Naan PaarkkiraenI’m watching.
Naanum PaarukkiraenI’m watching too.
Adhaiyum PaarkkiraenI’ll see that through.
Sarithaan PaarkkiraenRight then, I’ll see.
Paarkkalaandi VaadiLet’s settle this, come on!
Kaveri Thanniyil Kulichavadi Music Video
Regional pride and competitive camaraderie define this Tamil classic. The Aayiram Poi lyrics translation vividly captures cultural identity through spirited vocal exchanges between Manorama and Eswari.