Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Annan Oru Kovil Female

From Annan Oru Koyil · 1977

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Annan Oru Koyil1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Annan oru kovil endraalIf the elder brother is a temple,
Thangai oru deepamandro… oo…Isn't the younger sister the sacred lamp inside it?
Female
Annan oru kovil endraalIf the elder brother is a temple,
Thangai oru deepamandro… oo…Isn't the younger sister the sacred lamp inside it?
Female
Annan oru kovil endraalIf the elder brother is a temple,
Thangai oru deepamandro…Isn't the younger sister the sacred lamp inside it?
Andru sonna vaedhamandroIsn't that the sacred Veda spoken in ancient times?
Adhan per paasamandroIsn't the name for that affection?
Female
Annan oru kovil endraalIf the elder brother is a temple,
Thangai oru deepamandro… oo…Isn't the younger sister the sacred lamp inside it?
Female
Ponnai vaitha idathinilaeIn a place reserved for gold,
Poovai vaithu paarppadharkkuTo place a gentle flower and cherish it,
Ponnai vaitha idathinilaeIn a place reserved for gold,
Poovai vaithu paarppadharkkuTo place a gentle flower and cherish it,
Annanandri yaarumundoIs there anyone other than an elder brother?
Pinnum oru sondhamundoIs there any other bond equal to this?
Annanandri yaarumundoIs there anyone other than an elder brother?
Pinnum oru sondhamundoIs there any other bond equal to this?
Adhan per paasamandroIsn't the name for that affection?
Female
Annan oru kovil endraalIf the elder brother is a temple,
Thangai oru deepamandro… oo…Isn't the younger sister the sacred lamp inside it?
Female
Thottilitta thaayumillaiThere is no mother who rocked the cradle,
Tholilitta thandhaiyillaiThere is no father who carried me on his shoulders,
Thottilitta thaayumillaiThere is no mother who rocked the cradle,
Tholilitta thandhaiyillaiThere is no father who carried me on his shoulders,
Kan thirandha neram mudhalFrom the moment my eyes opened,
Kai kodutha dheivamandroIsn't he the deity who held out a helping hand?
Adhan per paasamandroIsn't the name for that affection?
Female
Annan oru kovil endraalIf the elder brother is a temple,
Thangai oru deepamandro…Isn't the younger sister the sacred lamp inside it?
Female
Kannan mozhi geethai endruThat Lord Krishna's words form the Bhagavad Gita,
Kattravargal sonnadhunduThe learned scholars have often said,
Kannan mozhi geethai endruThat Lord Krishna's words form the Bhagavad Gita,
Kattravargal sonnadhunduThe learned scholars have often said,
Andha mozhi enakkedharkkuWhy do I need those holy words?
Annan mozhi geethaiyandroIsn't my elder brother's word my true Gita?
Adhan per paasamandroIsn't the name for that affection?
Female
Annan oru kovil endraalIf the elder brother is a temple,
Thangai oru deepamandro… oo…Isn't the younger sister the sacred lamp inside it?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

Keep listening

More from Annan Oru Koyil