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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Koodiyil Oruvan

From Engal Thanga Raja · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Engal Thanga Raja1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Iraivaa… iraivaa… iraivaa…Oh God... Oh God... Oh God...
Female
Kodiyil oruvan pirandhu vandhaanOne in ten million was born,
Pala kudumbangal kaakka vaazhndhu vandhaanHe lived to protect many families,
Engal thanga raajaaOur golden king,
Avan endrum manakkum rojaaHe is an ever-fragrant rose.
Female
Kodiyil oruvan pirandhu vandhaanOne in ten million was born,
Pala kudumbangal kaakka vaazhndhu vandhaanHe lived to protect many families,
Engal thanga raajaaOur golden king,
Avan endrum manakkum rojaaHe is an ever-fragrant rose.
Female
Kadavulai adaindhadhu oru vilakkuA light has reached God,
Engal kangalil erindha mani vilakkuA precious lamp that shone in our eyes,
Female
Kadavulai adaindhadhu oru vilakkuA light has reached God,
Engal kangalil erindha mani vilakkuA precious lamp that shone in our eyes,
Than nalam karudhaa thani vilakkuA unique lamp that never sought self-interest,
Nenjil thaaimai niraindha arul vilakkuA divine lamp filled with maternal love in its heart.
Iraivaa… iraivaa… iraivaa…Oh God... Oh God... Oh God...
Female
Kodiyil oruvan pirandhu vandhaanOne in ten million was born,
Pala kudumbangal kaakka vaazhndhu vandhaanHe lived to protect many families,
Engal thanga raajaaOur golden king,
Avan endrum manakkum rojaaHe is an ever-fragrant rose.
Female
Jaadhi samayangal ondrenbaarHe said all castes and religions are one,
Oru sagodharargal naamenbaarHe declared that we are all brothers,
Aadhi buthanin vazhi nindraarHe walked in the path of the ancient Buddha,
Avar aathma saanthi adaindhu vittaarNow his soul has attained peace.
Female
Nallavarkkellaam pagaivar unduAll good people have enemies,
Ingu nandri illaadhavar silarunduThere are some ungrateful people here,
Nallavarkkellaam pagaivar unduAll good people have enemies,
Ingu nandri illaadhavar silarunduThere are some ungrateful people here,
Kallinum kodiya manamunduThere are hearts crueler than stone,
Idhil karunaikku engae idamunduIn such a world, where is room for mercy?
Female
Kodiyil oruvan pirandhu vandhaanOne in ten million was born,
Pala kudumbangal kaakka vaazhndhu vandhaanHe lived to protect many families,
Engal thanga raajaaOur golden king,
Avan endrum manakkum rojaaHe is an ever-fragrant rose.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This mournful track serves as an elegy for a virtuous, selfless leader who dedicated his life to protecting and uplifting families in need. The song compares the departed protagonist to a golden king, an ever-fragrant rose, and a guiding lamp of selfless grace who treated all people as brothers regardless of caste or religion following Buddha's path of peace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Rupakam)

Avan endrum manakkum rojaa

Comparing the protagonist directly to a blooming rose ('rojaa') and a shining lamp ('mani vilakku') to denote purity and guidance.

Anaphora / Eyaipu (Epistrophe)

Than nalam karudhaa thani vilakku / Nenjil thaaimai niraindha arul vilakku

The repetition of the word 'vilakku' (lamp) at the end of consecutive lines creates a rhythmic emphasis on enlightenment and purity.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Kodiyil oruvan pirandhu vandhaan

Describing the person as 'Kodiyil oruvan' (one in ten million) emphasizes his extraordinary uniqueness and noble character.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Engal Thanga Raja' (1973) stars Sivaji Ganesan and Manjula. The music for this movie was composed by the legendary playback singer T. M. Soundararajan, who took on the role of music director for this film, with lyrics written by Kannadasan.

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