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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Koyil Enbathu Aalayam

From Aalayam · 1967

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
T. K. Ramamoorthy
Movie name
Aalayam
Movie release year
1967
Lyrics added on
22 Nov 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Mmm…mm…..aalayam….
Aalayam…..aalayam…..aalayam…..
Koyil enbathum aalayamae
Kudumbam enbathum aalayamae
Naanayam enbathum aalayamae
Nandriyum iraivan aalayamae
Koyil enbathum aalayamae
Kudumbam enbathum aalayamae
Naanayam enbathum aalayamae
Nandriyum iraivan aalayamae
Uzhaikkum kaigal engae
Unmai iraivan angae
Uzhaikkum kaigal engae
Unmai iraivan angae
Anaikkum kaigal yaaridamo
Aandavan iruppath avaridamae
Koduththaal undaavathu dharmam
Eduththaal undaavathu paapam
Koduththaal undaavathu dharmam
Eduththaal undaavathu paapam
Manaththaal innoruvan porulai
Ninaiththaal un nimmathi maraiyum
Payilum palli koyil
Padikkum paadam vedham
Nadakkum paathai evvithamo
Naalaiya pozhuthum avvithamae
Koyil enbathum aalayamae
Kudumbam enbathum aalayamae
Naanayam enbathum aalayamae
Nandriyum iraivan aalayamae
Mmm... mm... A temple...
A temple... a temple... a temple...
A place of worship is a temple,
A family is a temple too,
Honesty is also a temple,
And gratitude is a temple of God.
A place of worship is a temple,
A family is a temple too,
Honesty is also a temple,
And gratitude is a temple of God.
Wherever there are hardworking hands,
The true God is right there.
Wherever there are hardworking hands,
The true God is right there.
Whoever has hands that comfort and embrace,
The Lord lives with them.
When you give, it becomes virtue,
When you take, it becomes sin.
When you give, it becomes virtue,
When you take, it becomes sin.
If in your mind you covet another's wealth,
Your peace of mind will disappear.
The school you study in is a temple,
The lesson you learn is holy scripture,
Whichever path you walk upon,
Your tomorrow will be shaped by it.
A place of worship is a temple,
A family is a temple too,
Honesty is also a temple,
And gratitude is a temple of God.
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic song from 'Aalayam' (1967) redefines the concept of a temple and godliness. Written by Kannadasan, it asserts that divinity is not confined to stone structures, but resides in everyday human virtues. A loving family, honesty, gratitude, hard work, compassion, and education are described as true temples where God dwells.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

“Kudumbam enbathum aalayamae”

Equating abstract human virtues like family, honesty, gratitude, and education directly to a sacred temple.

Antithesis (Muran)

“Koduththaal undaavathu dharmam / Eduththaal undaavathu paapam”

Contrasting 'giving' (Koduththaal) which generates righteousness against 'taking/stealing' (Eduththaal) which generates sin.

Rhyme / Anaphora (Emona / Etukai)

“Uzhaikkum kaigal engae / Unmai iraivan angae”

Use of matching end-rhymes (engae/angae) and initial letter patterns across lines for rhythmic emphasis.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song was composed by T. K. Ramamoorthy after the famous split of the legendary Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy composer duo. Kannadasan's lyrics in this track became a widely quoted moral guide in Tamil culture regarding ethics and daily living.

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