Dharma Devan Koyilil
From Dharma Devan · 1989
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Sankar Ganesh
- Details
- Dharma Devan1989
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Chorus | |
| …………………. | ... |
| Female | |
| Dharma devan koyilil | In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness |
| Kaiyendhi ketkkiren | I ask with hands outstretched in prayer |
| Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai | I gaze upon you at all times |
| Enneram paarkkiren | As Karna reincarnated once again |
| Illaiyendru ennalumae solladhavan | One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day |
| Selvamellam than sondhamaai kolladhavan | One who never claimed all wealth as his own |
| Vallal endru naalum per edutha | One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor |
| Female | |
| Dharma devan koyilil | In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness |
| Kaiyendhi ketkkiren | I ask with hands outstretched in prayer |
| Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai | I gaze upon you at all times |
| Enneram paarkkiren | As Karna reincarnated once again |
| Female | |
| Dharmathai naan ketka | As I ask for your virtues of righteousness |
| Kaiyil thaarai vaarthida | To pour water over hands as a sacred oath of giving |
| Jenmangal illamal sorgam sendru ooivedu | Take rest now in heaven, freed from further rebirths |
| Ingu neeyum vandha velai thaan | The purpose for which you came here to earth |
| Poorthi aanadhu | Has now been completed |
| Innum neenda kaalam vaazhumae | For a long time yet to come |
| Un keerthiyaanadhu | Your glory and fame will endure |
| Female | |
| Indru oor vittu nee sella | For you to leave this town today |
| Thaer kondu vandhenae | I have brought a chariot |
| Thennaattu mannavanae | Oh King of the Southern Realm! |
| Indru oor vittu nee sella | For you to leave this town today |
| Thaer kondu vandhenae | I have brought a chariot |
| Thennaattu mannavanae | Oh King of the Southern Realm! |
| Ezhai pillai yaarkum soru alitha | One who fed every poor child with rice |
| Female | |
| Dharma devan koyilil | In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness |
| Kaiyendhi ketkkiren | I ask with hands outstretched in prayer |
| Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai | I gaze upon you at all times |
| Enneram paarkkiren | As Karna reincarnated once again |
| Illaiyendru ennalumae solladhavan | One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day |
| Selvamellam than sondhamaai kolladhavan | One who never claimed all wealth as his own |
| Vallal endru naalum per edutha | One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor |
| Female | |
| Dharma devan koyilil | In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness |
| Kaiyendhi ketkkiren | I ask with hands outstretched in prayer |
| Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai | I gaze upon you at all times |
| Enneram paarkkiren | As Karna reincarnated once again |
| Female | |
| Thaaikku koyil katti | The one who built a temple for his mother |
| Thottathilae vachavenae | And placed her idol in his garden |
| Thaai illaa pullaikkellaam | The one who became a mother |
| Thaayagi vandhavanae | To every motherless child |
| Ezhai vaaikku arisiyittu | The one who put grain into poor mouths |
| Varumaiyai theerthavanae | And dispelled their lingering poverty |
| Un vaaikarisi naangal ida | As we now offer the final rice grains at your lips |
| Vaanagam thaan ponavanae | You have departed to the heavenly abode |
| Alli alli thantha kai thaan | The hands that gave endlessly without pause |
| Asaiyaama kedakuthaiyaa | Now lie still and motionless, oh lord |
| Aadi aadi vandha ratham | The chariot that arrived moving grandly |
| Aadaama irukkudhaiyaa | Now stands frozen without movement |
| Female | |
| Silukku sattaiyellaam | While all the fine silk shirts |
| Seeraaga irukkaiyilae | Remain neatly arranged as before |
| Vacha kullaa vachappadi | While the cap you wore |
| Vannamaai irukkaiyilae | Remains colorful as it always was |
| Rosaapoo maeni mattum | Only your rose-like body |
| Yaaththiraiyil vaadiduchu | Has withered on this final journey |
| Raajiyatha aandavanin | The breath of the king who ruled this kingdom |
| Moochandangi pooyiduchae | Has come to a final standstill |
| Female | |
| Podhum ozhaichadhunnu | Thinking you worked enough in this life |
| Ponnulagam poneengala | Did you depart for the golden realm? |
| Saami azhachadhinnu | Thinking the Almighty called upon you |
| Sorgathukku poneegala | Did you ascend to heaven? |
| Yen yaa en dhuraiyae idhu | Why, my lord? Does this act of departure |
| Unnakae nalla irukkaa | Seem fair and right to you? |
| Ezhai sanangalukku inimael yaar irukkaa | Who is left for the poor people hereafter? |
| Female | |
| Dharma devan koyilil | In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness |
| Kaiyendhi ketkkiren | I ask with hands outstretched in prayer |
| Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai | I gaze upon you at all times |
| Enneram paarkkiren | As Karna reincarnated once again |
| Illaiyendru ennalumae solladhavan | One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day |
| Selvamellam than sondhamaai kolladhavan | One who never claimed all wealth as his own |
| Vallal endru naalum per edutha | One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor |
| Female | |
| Dharma devan koyilil | In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness |
| Kaiyendhi ketkkiren | I ask with hands outstretched in prayer |
| Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai | I gaze upon you at all times |
| Enneram paarkkiren | As Karna reincarnated once again |
............................
...
தர்ம தேவன் கோயிலில்
கையேந்தி கேட்கிறேன்
உன்னை மீண்டும் வந்த கர்ணனாய்
எந்நேரம் பார்க்கிறேன்
இல்லையென்று எந்நாளுமே சொல்லாதவன்
செல்வமெல்லாம் தன் சொந்தமாய் கொள்ளாதவன்
வள்ளல் என்று நாளும் பேர் எடுத்த...
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
I gaze upon you at all times
As Karna reincarnated once again
One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day
One who never claimed all wealth as his own
One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor
தர்ம தேவன் கோயிலில்
கையேந்தி கேட்கிறேன்
உன்னை மீண்டும் வந்த கர்ணனாய்
எந்நேரம் பார்க்கிறேன்
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
I gaze upon you at all times
As Karna reincarnated once again
தர்மத்தை நான் கேட்க கையில்
தாரை வார்த்திடு
ஜென்மங்கள் இல்லாமல் சொர்க்கம்
சென்று ஓய்வெடு
இங்கு நீயும் வந்த வேலைதான்
பூர்த்தி ஆனது
இன்னும் நீண்ட காலம் வாழுமே
உன் கீர்த்தியானது
As I ask for your virtues of righteousness
To pour water over hands as a sacred oath of giving
Take rest now in heaven, freed from further rebirths
The purpose for which you came here to earth
Has now been completed
For a long time yet to come
Your glory and fame will endure
இன்று ஊர் விட்டு நீ செல்ல
தேர் கொண்டு வந்தேனே
தென்னாட்டு மன்னவனே
இன்று ஊர் விட்டு நீ செல்ல
தேர் கொண்டு வந்தேனே
தென்னாட்டு மன்னவனே
ஏழை பிள்ளை யார்க்கும் சோறளித்த...
For you to leave this town today
I have brought a chariot
Oh King of the Southern Realm!
For you to leave this town today
I have brought a chariot
Oh King of the Southern Realm!
One who fed every poor child with rice
தர்ம தேவன் கோயிலில்
கையேந்தி கேட்கிறேன்
உன்னை மீண்டும் வந்த கர்ணனாய்
எந்நேரம் பார்க்கிறேன்
இல்லையென்று எந்நாளுமே சொல்லாதவன்
செல்வமெல்லாம் தன் சொந்தமாய் கொள்ளாதவன்
வள்ளல் என்று நாளும் பேர் எடுத்த...
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
I gaze upon you at all times
As Karna reincarnated once again
One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day
One who never claimed all wealth as his own
One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor
தர்ம தேவன் கோயிலில்
கையேந்தி கேட்கிறேன்
உன்னை மீண்டும் வந்த கர்ணனாய்
எந்நேரம் பார்க்கிறேன்
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
I gaze upon you at all times
As Karna reincarnated once again
தாய்க்கு கோயில் கட்டி
தோட்டத்திலே வச்சவனே
தாயில்லா புள்ளைக்கெல்லாம்
தாயாகி வந்தவனே
ஏழை வாய்க்கு அரிசியிட்டு
வறுமையைத்தான் தீர்த்தவனே
உன் வாய்க்கரிசி நாங்கள் இட
வானகம்தான் போனவனே
அள்ளி அள்ளி தந்த கைதான்
அசையாம கெடக்குதய்யோ
ஆடி ஆடி வந்த ரதம்
ஆடாம இருக்குதய்யோ
The one who built a temple for his mother
And placed her idol in his garden
The one who became a mother
To every motherless child
The one who put grain into poor mouths
And dispelled their lingering poverty
As we now offer the final rice grains at your lips
You have departed to the heavenly abode
The hands that gave endlessly without pause
Now lie still and motionless, oh lord
The chariot that arrived moving grandly
Now stands frozen without movement
சிலுக்கு சட்டையெல்லாம்
சீராக இருக்கையிலே
வச்சக் குல்லா வச்சப்படி
வண்ணமாய் இருக்கையிலே
ரோசாப்பூ மேனி மட்டும்
யாத்திரையில் வாடிடிச்சு
ராஜ்ஜியத்த ஆண்டவனின்
மூச்சடங்கி போயிடுச்சே
While all the fine silk shirts
Remain neatly arranged as before
While the cap you wore
Remains colorful as it always was
Only your rose-like body
Has withered on this final journey
The breath of the king who ruled this kingdom
Has come to a final standstill
போதும் ஒழைச்சதென
பொன்னுலகம் போனீகளா
சாமி அழச்சதின்னு
சொர்க்கத்துக்கு போனீகளா
ஏன்யா என் துரையே இது உனக்கெ நல்லாருக்கா
ஏழை சனங்களுக்கு இனிமேலே யாரிருக்கா
Thinking you worked enough in this life
Did you depart for the golden realm?
Thinking the Almighty called upon you
Did you ascend to heaven?
Why, my lord? Does this act of departure
Seem fair and right to you?
Who is left for the poor people hereafter?
தர்ம தேவன் கோயிலில்
கையேந்தி கேட்கிறேன்
உன்னை மீண்டும் வந்த கர்ணனாய்
எந்நேரம் பார்க்கிறேன்
இல்லையென்று எந்நாளுமே சொல்லாதவன்
செல்வமெல்லாம் தன் சொந்தமாய் கொள்ளாதவன்
வள்ளல் என்று நாளும் பேர் எடுத்த...
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
I gaze upon you at all times
As Karna reincarnated once again
One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day
One who never claimed all wealth as his own
One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor
தர்ம தேவன் கோயிலில்
கையேந்தி கேட்கிறேன்
உன்னை மீண்டும் வந்த கர்ணனாய்
எந்நேரம் பார்க்கிறேன்
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
I gaze upon you at all times
As Karna reincarnated once again
………………….
...
Dharma devan koyilil
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
Kaiyendhi ketkkiren
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai
I gaze upon you at all times
Enneram paarkkiren
As Karna reincarnated once again
Illaiyendru ennalumae solladhavan
One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day
Selvamellam than sondhamaai kolladhavan
One who never claimed all wealth as his own
Vallal endru naalum per edutha
One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor
Dharma devan koyilil
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
Kaiyendhi ketkkiren
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai
I gaze upon you at all times
Enneram paarkkiren
As Karna reincarnated once again
Dharmathai naan ketka
As I ask for your virtues of righteousness
Kaiyil thaarai vaarthida
To pour water over hands as a sacred oath of giving
Jenmangal illamal sorgam sendru ooivedu
Take rest now in heaven, freed from further rebirths
Ingu neeyum vandha velai thaan
The purpose for which you came here to earth
Poorthi aanadhu
Has now been completed
Innum neenda kaalam vaazhumae
For a long time yet to come
Un keerthiyaanadhu
Your glory and fame will endure
Indru oor vittu nee sella
For you to leave this town today
Thaer kondu vandhenae
I have brought a chariot
Thennaattu mannavanae
Oh King of the Southern Realm!
Indru oor vittu nee sella
For you to leave this town today
Thaer kondu vandhenae
I have brought a chariot
Thennaattu mannavanae
Oh King of the Southern Realm!
Ezhai pillai yaarkum soru alitha
One who fed every poor child with rice
Dharma devan koyilil
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
Kaiyendhi ketkkiren
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai
I gaze upon you at all times
Enneram paarkkiren
As Karna reincarnated once again
Illaiyendru ennalumae solladhavan
One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day
Selvamellam than sondhamaai kolladhavan
One who never claimed all wealth as his own
Vallal endru naalum per edutha
One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor
Dharma devan koyilil
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
Kaiyendhi ketkkiren
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai
I gaze upon you at all times
Enneram paarkkiren
As Karna reincarnated once again
Thaaikku koyil katti
The one who built a temple for his mother
Thottathilae vachavenae
And placed her idol in his garden
Thaai illaa pullaikkellaam
The one who became a mother
Thaayagi vandhavanae
To every motherless child
Ezhai vaaikku arisiyittu
The one who put grain into poor mouths
Varumaiyai theerthavanae
And dispelled their lingering poverty
Un vaaikarisi naangal ida
As we now offer the final rice grains at your lips
Vaanagam thaan ponavanae
You have departed to the heavenly abode
Alli alli thantha kai thaan
The hands that gave endlessly without pause
Asaiyaama kedakuthaiyaa
Now lie still and motionless, oh lord
Aadi aadi vandha ratham
The chariot that arrived moving grandly
Aadaama irukkudhaiyaa
Now stands frozen without movement
Silukku sattaiyellaam
While all the fine silk shirts
Seeraaga irukkaiyilae
Remain neatly arranged as before
Vacha kullaa vachappadi
While the cap you wore
Vannamaai irukkaiyilae
Remains colorful as it always was
Rosaapoo maeni mattum
Only your rose-like body
Yaaththiraiyil vaadiduchu
Has withered on this final journey
Raajiyatha aandavanin
The breath of the king who ruled this kingdom
Moochandangi pooyiduchae
Has come to a final standstill
Podhum ozhaichadhunnu
Thinking you worked enough in this life
Ponnulagam poneengala
Did you depart for the golden realm?
Saami azhachadhinnu
Thinking the Almighty called upon you
Sorgathukku poneegala
Did you ascend to heaven?
Yen yaa en dhuraiyae idhu
Why, my lord? Does this act of departure
Unnakae nalla irukkaa
Seem fair and right to you?
Ezhai sanangalukku inimael yaar irukkaa
Who is left for the poor people hereafter?
Dharma devan koyilil
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
Kaiyendhi ketkkiren
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai
I gaze upon you at all times
Enneram paarkkiren
As Karna reincarnated once again
Illaiyendru ennalumae solladhavan
One who never said 'No' to anyone on any day
Selvamellam than sondhamaai kolladhavan
One who never claimed all wealth as his own
Vallal endru naalum per edutha
One who earned fame daily as a supreme benefactor
Dharma devan koyilil
In the temple of the Lord of Righteousness
Kaiyendhi ketkkiren
I ask with hands outstretched in prayer
Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai
I gaze upon you at all times
Enneram paarkkiren
As Karna reincarnated once again
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song is a deeply emotional elegy honoring a benevolent leader and patron whose generosity mirrored that of the legendary mythological philanthropist Karna. The speaker mourns at the temple of righteousness, lamenting the passing of a noble ruler who dedicated his entire life to feeding poor children, eradicating poverty, and comforting motherless souls. The imagery contrasts the enduring neatness of the leader's earthly possessions—his silk shirts and iconic cap—with the stillness of his once-generous hands and withered body, highlighting the tragedy of mortality for a revered figure.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor / Allusion (உவமை / புராணக் குறிப்பு)
“Unnai meendum vandha karnanaai”
Comparing the benevolent leader to Karna (a heroic character from Mahabharata famous for his boundless generosity).
Contrast / Antithesis (முரண்)
“Alli alli thantha kai thaan / Asaiyaama kedakuthaiyaa”
Contrasting the hands that used to give generously with their current motionless, lifeless state.
Emonative imagery / Synecdoche (உருவகம் / உவமை ஆகுபெயர்)
“Rosaapoo maeni mattum / Yaaththiraiyil vaadiduchu”
Describing the physical attributes of the leader like his rose-like body (Rosaapoo maeni) fading during the final journey.
Rhyme / Alliteration (எதுகை / மோனை)
“Thaaikku koyil katti / Thottathilae vachavenae”
Repetition of initial consonant and second-letter sound patterns across adjacent lines (Thaaikku / Thottathilae / Thaai illaa / Thaayagi).
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics strongly reference the real-life persona, iconography, and public legacy of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), notably highlighting the mid-day meal scheme ('Ezhai pillai yaarkum soru alitha'), his trademark velvet cap ('Vacha kullaa'), silk shirts ('Silukku sattaiyellaam'), and his famous devotion to his mother Ramamirtham ('Thaaikku koyil katti').
Keep listening
More from Dharma Devan
Dharma Devan
Dharma Devan
Dharma Devan
Dharma Devan
Dharma Devan