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Lyrics & meaning

Kalyana Kovilin Sad

From Sathyam – 1976 Film · 1976

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Sathyam – 1976 Film1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kalyana kovilin deiveega kalasamThe divine finial of the wedding temple
Kangalil therindhadhu thelivaagaAppeared clearly in my eyes
Vaanampattu megam vaana thattil eariThe skylark and cloud climbed onto the platter of the sky
Aadudhu odudhu aanandham paadudhu kannaDancing, running, and singing in joy, my dear
Kalyana kovilin deiveega kalasamThe divine finial of the wedding temple
Female
Vaazhaiyum kamugum thorana pandhalA decorated canopy with banana and areca nut trees
Manavarai manasangu mani dheepangalThe marriage dais, auspicious conch, and gem-like lamps
Thozhiyar gaeli thogaiyar vaazhthuPlayful teasing by female friends and blessings from women
Sorgathil undaagum suga raagangalPleasant melodies originating in heaven
Female
Andru nanavaandahu indru kanavanadhuWhat was reality back then has become a dream today
Andru nanavaandahu indru kanavanadhuWhat was reality back then has become a dream today
Adhu deivathin sodhanaiThat is a test from God
Sondhathin vaedhanai kannaA pain caused by loved ones, my dear
Kalyaana kovilin dheiveega kalasamThe divine finial of the wedding temple
Female
Mangalam neendhum kunguma chaandhuAuspiciousness-swimming vermilion and paste
Malligai malarmaalai kanneerilaeThe jasmine garland soaked in tears
Kaigalil kaapu kaalgalil velliProtective band on hands and silver anklets on feet
Kanivuru thalaipaagai venneerileThe tender wedding turban immersed in hot water and tears
Female
Inba mananaal andruThat day was a joyous wedding day
Thunba thirunaal indruToday is a day of sorrow
Inba mananaal andruThat day was a joyous wedding day
Thunba thirunaal indruToday is a day of sorrow
Athu deivathin sodhanaiThat is a test from God
Sondhathin vaedhanai kanna……A pain caused by loved ones, my dear...
Female
Kalyana kovilin deiveega kalasamThe divine finial of the wedding temple
Haaaa…aaaa…aaaa….Haaaa...aaaa...aaaa...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song expresses the agonizing contrast between a woman's past dreams of a happy marriage and her present tragic reality. She visualizes marriage as a sacred temple crowned with a divine kalasam, surrounded by traditional celebrations such as decorated pandals, joyful songs, auspicious conches, and sacred lamps. However, destiny and betrayal from her own family transform those cherished visions into a mere dream submerged in tears. Kannadasan's evocative poetry highlights how a day that should have brought ultimate bliss has turned into a sorrowful ordeal, which she views as a trial imposed by God and an unbearable wound inflicted by her own relatives.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Kalyana kovilin deiveega kalasam

'Kalyana kovilin deiveega kalasam' compares the sanctity and beauty of marriage to the holy pinnacle (kalasam) of a divine temple.

Antithesis / Contrast (Ethir-inai)

Inba mananaal andru / Thunba thirunaal indru

'Inba mananaal andru / Thunba thirunaal indru' powerfully contrasts past joy ('inba' and 'andru') with present grief ('thunba' and 'indru').

Emonai / Monai (Alliteration & Rhyming)

Andru nanavaandahu indru kanavanadhu

'Andru' and 'Indru' feature temporal contrast reinforced through matching metrical patterns and sound harmony.

Visual Imagery

Vaazhaiyum kamugum thorana pandhal

Rich cultural motifs like 'Vaazhaiyum kamugum' (banana and areca trees) and 'Malligai malarmaalai' (jasmine garland) evoke a vivid picture of a traditional Tamil wedding.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Sathyam' (1976) starring Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan features music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Sung by P. Susheela and written by Kannadasan, 'Kalyana Kovilin Deiveega Kalasam' stands out as a classic tragedy song, revered for Susheela's soulful vocal delivery and Kannadasan's poignant lyrics contrasting auspicious wedding symbols with deep heartbreak.

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