- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Annan Oru Koyil
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Nov 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic Tamil song celebrates the sacred and selfless affection between an elder brother and his younger sister. Metaphorically comparing the brother to a holy temple and the sister to the eternal flame of a lamp within it, the lyricist highlights the brother's nurturing role in her life. In the absence of parents, the elder brother acts as a father, mother, and protective deity from her infancy. The sister expresses profound devotion, declaring that she needs no scriptures or external holy books like the Bhagavad Gita because her brother's guiding words are her highest truth. The song stands as a poetic tribute to sibling love, sacrifice, and deep-rooted family values.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Annan oru kovil endraal / Thangai oru deepamandro…”
Compares the elder brother directly to a temple ('kovil') and the younger sister to a lamp ('deepam') illuminating it.
Second-letter Rhyme (Etugai)
“Thottilitta thaayumillai / Tholilitta thandhaiyillai”
The second consonant sound 'tt' rhymes across consecutive lines ('Thottilitta' and 'Tholilitta').
Hyperbole / Sacred Analogy (Adukkuthodar / Uvamaani)
“Annan mozhi geethaiyandro”
Equates the brother's everyday spoken words to the divine teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa)
“Annanandri yaarumundo / Pinnum oru sondhamundo”
Uses reflective questioning ('Annanandri yaarumundo?') to emphasize that no other relative can replace an elder brother's love.
Did you know?
Trivia
The movie 'Annan Oru Koyil' (1977) stars Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan and Sujatha. The soundtrack was composed by the legendary maestro M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics penned by Kannadasan, making it one of Tamil cinema's most famous songs celebrating sibling bonding.
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