L. R. Eswari’s commanding voice captures a mood of pristine allure in “Pon Vandu Theendatha” from the album Poovum Pottum. Written by Vaali and composed by R. Govarthanam, the song features in a film starring S. V. Ranga Rao and P. Bhanumathi.
Pon Vandu Theendatha
L. R. Eswari • From “Poovum Pottum”
Poovum Pottum’s Pon Vandu Theendatha Lyrics Translation
Vaali’s writing first introduces a woman as a jasmine untouched by a beetle or a lotus uncaressed by the breeze. The song then turns as she declares that half of all pleasure is with her, offering to share it. This statement establishes her active participation.
Ponvandu Theendatha MalligaiA jasmine untouched by a golden beetle,
Poonthendral Konjadha Thamaraia lotus uncaressed by the gentle breeze,
Venmegam Moodatha Vennilaa full moon unveiled by white clouds,
Kann Pattu Vadatha Penn Nilaa moon-like woman who won’t wither from an evil eye.
Ninaithu Ninaithu Mayangudhu ThannaleMy heart grows faint, just thinking and thinking of her.
Sevvaiyin Idhazhgalai ThirakkumWhen she opens her coral-red lips,
Sendhenil Kani Suvai Kidaikkumyou find the taste of a sweet, honeyed fruit.
Malarndhal Kanidhal Penn PavaiWhen this doll-like woman blossoms, she becomes a sweet fruit.
Ponvandu Theendatha MalligaiA jasmine untouched by a golden beetle,
Poonthendral Konjadha Thamaraia lotus uncaressed by the gentle breeze,
Venmegam Moodatha Vennilaa full moon unveiled by white clouds,
Kann Pattu Vadatha Penn Nilaa moon-like woman who won’t wither from an evil eye.
Ninaithu Ninaithu Mayangudhu ThannaleMy heart grows faint, just thinking and thinking of her.
Muthu Mozhi Pesum SithiramShe’s a portrait that speaks pearly words.
Mangai Ilameni SandhanamThe young woman’s body is like sandalwood.
Thaththi Nadai Pottu VandhadhuShe came with a delicate, bouncing walk,
Thangha Ratham Pola Nindrathuand stood there like a golden chariot.
Inbam Oru Padhi EnnidamOne half of the pleasure is with me,
Innum Sari Padhi Unnidamand the other perfect half is with you.
Chinna Idaiyodu PinnavaWill you embrace my slender waist?
Chittu Vizhiyodu KonjavaWill you adore my lively eyes?
Sevvaiyin Idhazhgalai ThirakkumWhen she opens her coral-red lips,
Sendhenil Kani Suvai Kidaikkumyou find the taste of a sweet, honeyed fruit.
Malarndhal Kanidhal Penn PavaiWhen this doll-like woman blossoms, she becomes a sweet fruit.
Ponvandu Theendatha MalligaiA jasmine untouched by a golden beetle,
Poonthendral Konjadha Thamaraia lotus uncaressed by the gentle breeze,
Venmegam Moodatha Vennilaa full moon unveiled by white clouds,
Kann Pattu Vadatha Penn Nilaa moon-like woman who won’t wither from an evil eye.
Ninaithu Ninaithu Mayangudhu ThannaleMy heart grows faint, just thinking and thinking of her.
Kattu Kulaiyadha Ponn UdalA golden body with its form unblemished,
Thottu Piriyamal Unnudalyour body that I won’t leave after touching.
Otti Uravada VandhadhuIt came to join and become one,
Ondru Ondraga Thandhadhuand it gave itself piece by piece.
Putham Pudhidhana PorrsilaiShe is a brand new golden statue,
Nitham Uruvagum Karppanaia new fantasy born every day.
Endrum Padhinaru KondavalShe is the one who is forever sixteen,
Ilamai Kuraiyamal Nindravaland she stands with a youth that never fades.
Sevvaiyin Idhazhgalai ThirakkumWhen she opens her coral-red lips,
Sendhenil Kani Suvai Kidaikkumyou find the taste of a sweet, honeyed fruit.
Malarndhal Kanidhal Penn PavaiWhen this doll-like woman blossoms, she becomes a sweet fruit.
Ponvandu Theendatha MalligaiA jasmine untouched by a golden beetle,
Poonthendral Konjadha Thamaraia lotus uncaressed by the gentle breeze,
Venmegam Moodatha Vennilaa full moon unveiled by white clouds,
Kann Pattu Vadatha Penn Nilaa moon-like woman who won’t wither from an evil eye.
Ninaithu Ninaithu Mayangudhu ThannaleMy heart grows faint, just thinking and thinking of her.
Pon Vandu Theendatha Music Video
The woman is ultimately shown as an undiminishing ideal who remains “forever sixteen.” This “Pon Vandu Theendatha” lyrics meaning suggests that true beauty is a self-contained state of being. Her value is defined from within, not by external admiration.