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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Idho Endhan Deivam 2

From Babu · 1971

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Babu1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Idho endhan deivam munnaalaeHere is my deity right in front of me,
Naan orae oru punnagayil kandenaeI saw God in a single smile.
Idho endhan deivam munnaalaeHere is my deity right in front of me,
Naan orae oru punnagayil kandenaeI saw God in a single smile.
Female
Pala nool padithuThe knowledge you acquire
Nee ariyum kalviBy reading many books,
Podhu nalam ninaithuThe wealth you distribute
Nee valangum selvamWith public welfare in mind,
Female
Pala nool padithuThe knowledge you acquire
Nee ariyum kalviBy reading many books,
Podhu nalam ninaithuThe wealth you distribute
Nee valangum selvamWith public welfare in mind,
Female
Pirar uyarvinilaeThe happiness you experience
Unakku irukkum inbamIn the rise and prosperity of others,
Ivai anaithilumaeWithin all of these noble qualities,
Iruppadhu thaan dheivamResides true divinity.
Female
Pirar uyarvinilaeThe happiness you experience
Unakku irukkum inbamIn the rise and prosperity of others,
Ivai anaithilumaeWithin all of these noble qualities,
Iruppadhu thaan dheivamResides true divinity.
Female
Paasamulla paarvaiyilaeIn a glance filled with love and affection,
Kadavul vaalgiraanGod Himself resides;
Avan karunai ulla nenjinilaeIn a heart filled with compassion,
Kovil kolgiraanHe resides as if in a temple.
Female
Idho endhan deivam munnaalaeHere is my deity right in front of me,
Naan orae oru punnagayil kandenaeI saw God in a single smile.
Idho endhan deivam munnaalaeHere is my deity right in front of me,
Naan orae oru punnagayil kandenaeI saw God in a single smile.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Idho Endhan Deivam' from the 1971 film Babu expresses a profound humanist philosophy. Lyricist Vaali conveys that divinity is not confined to stone idols or religious structures, but instead manifests in human virtues such as selfless service, pursuit of knowledge for social good, generosity, and genuine empathy for the growth of others. By seeing these virtues embodied in a good human being, the protagonist perceives the divine directly through a simple, pure smile.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Urvagai)

Avan karunai ulla nenjinilae / Kovil kolgiraan

Comparing a compassionate human heart to a sacred temple where God resides.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Pala nool padithu

Matching initial consonant sounds in words within the same line, such as 'Pala' and 'Padithu' (P-sound).

Anaphora (Refrain / Repetition)

Idho endhan deivam munnaalae / Naan orae oru punnagayil kandenae

Repetition of the refrain lines to reinforce the core realization of seeing God in a smile.

Did you know?

Trivia

Babu (1971) stars Sivaji Ganesan in the title role. The music for this iconic track was composed by M. S. Viswanathan and rendered by T. M. Soundararajan. The song is widely celebrated in Tamil cinema as a classic anthem of humanism, emphasizing that service to humanity is service to God.

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