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Lyrics & meaning

Deviyin Kovil Paravai

From Avalukendru Oru Manam · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Avalukendru Oru Manam1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Deviyin kovil paravai idhuThis is a bird in the Goddess's temple
Thirunaal yetrum deepam idhuThis is the lamp lit on a holy festival day
Deviyin kovil paravai idhuThis is a bird in the Goddess's temple
Thirunaal yetrum deepam idhuThis is the lamp lit on a holy festival day
Female
Kaaval nayaki karunai idhuThis is the mercy of the guardian goddess
Kanneer ezhuthum kavithai idhuThis is a poem written in tears
Kaaval nayaki karunai idhuThis is the mercy of the guardian goddess
Kanneer ezhuthum kavithai idhuThis is a poem written in tears
Female
Deviyin kovil paravai idhuThis is a bird in the Goddess's temple
Thirunaal yetrum deepam idhuThis is the lamp lit on a holy festival day
Female
Mangai neethi mandram idhuThis is the court of justice for a woman
Mandram idhu..This court...
Kenjuvathu..nenjam idhu..The heart that begs...
Mangai neethi mandram idhuThis is the court of justice for a woman
Manjal kunguma sangam idhuThis is the sacred union of turmeric and vermilion
Female
Nilavaai nindru sirikkirathuIt stands smiling like the moon
Nizhalthaan angae therigirathuYet only a shadow appears there
Kaanal neeril kulikkirathuIt bathes in a mirage
Kanneer ezhuthum kavithai idhuThis is a poem written in tears
Female
Deviyin kovil paravai idhuThis is a bird in the Goddess's temple
Thirunaal yetrum deepam idhuThis is the lamp lit on a holy festival day
Female
Sonnaal puriyum vedhamidhuThis is a scripture that is understood when spoken
Vedhamidhu..This scripture...
Naadhamidhu..geethamidhuThis sound... this song...
Sonnaal puriyum vedhamidhuThis is a scripture that is understood when spoken
Sollaadhirundhaal paavamidhuIt is a sin to leave it unspoken
Female
Anbaal vilagum paadhaiyidhuThis is the path cleared by love
Adhu thaan unnai theduvadhuThat is what seeks you out
Kallil vadikkum vaazhkaiyidhuThis is a life carved in stone
Kanneer ezhuthum kavithaiyidhuThis is a poem written in tears
Female
Deviyin kovil paravai idhuThis is a bird in the Goddess's temple
Thirunaal yetrum deepam idhuThis is the lamp lit on a holy festival day
Kaaval nayaki karunai idhuThis is the mercy of the guardian goddess
Kanneer ezhuthum kavithai idhuThis is a poem written in tears
Female
Deviyin kovil paravai idhuThis is a bird in the Goddess's temple
Thirunaal yetrum deepam idhuThis is the lamp lit on a holy festival day

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Deviyin Kovil Paravai Idhu from Avalukendru Oru Manam (1971) portrays deep emotional anguish wrapped in divine metaphors. The song compares a woman's tragic destiny and pure soul to a bird in a goddess's temple and a sacred lamp. It conveys how sorrow and tears shape her poetry-like existence, as she navigates love, societal expectations, and heartbreak. Through evocative imagery like bathing in a mirage or carving a life in stone, Kannadasan captures the tragedy of unfulfilled longing and righteousness. The song reflects a plea for understanding and justice, underscoring that love's path persists even amid suffering and silent sacrifices.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Deviyin kovil paravai idhu

Compares the protagonist's pure and vulnerable soul to a bird living within a sacred temple.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kanneer ezhuthum kavithai idhu

Compares grief and sorrow to a poignant poem penned with tears.

Imagery & Irony

Kaanal neeril kulikkirathu

Bathing in a mirage visually symbolizes seeking comfort in non-existent or illusory hope.

Alliteration (Monai)

Nilavaai nindru sirikkirathu / Nizhalthaan angae therigirathu

Repetition of initial consonant sounds ('Ni') creating rhythmic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

The music for Avalukendru Oru Manam (1971) was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, with lyrics written by Kaviyarasu Kannadasan. The film featured Gemini Ganesan, Muthuraman, and Bharathi, and its soundtrack remains iconic in Tamil cinema.

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