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Lyrics & meaning

Koyil Enbathu Aalayam

From Aalayam · 1967

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
T. K. Ramamoorthy
Details
Aalayam1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Mmm…mm…..aalayam….Mmm... mm... temple...
Aalayam…..aalayam…..aalayam…..Temple... temple... temple...
Male
Koyil enbathum aalayamaeA place of worship is a temple,
Kudumbam enbathum aalayamaeA family too is a sacred temple,
Naanayam enbathum aalayamaeHonesty and integrity are a temple,
Nandriyum iraivan aalayamaeGratitude too is God's temple.
Male
Koyil enbathum aalayamaeA place of worship is a temple,
Kudumbam enbathum aalayamaeA family too is a sacred temple,
Naanayam enbathum aalayamaeHonesty and integrity are a temple,
Nandriyum iraivan aalayamaeGratitude too is God's temple.
Male
Uzhaikkum kaigal engaeWhere there are hands that work hard,
Unmai iraivan angaeThere resides the true God.
Uzhaikkum kaigal engaeWhere there are hands that work hard,
Unmai iraivan angaeThere resides the true God.
Anaikkum kaigal yaaridamoWhosoever possesses hands that embrace and comfort,
Aandavan iruppath avaridamaeGod resides with that very person.
Male
Koduththaal undaavathu dharmamGiving creates righteousness,
Eduththaal undaavathu paapamTaking creates sin.
Koduththaal undaavathu dharmamGiving creates righteousness,
Eduththaal undaavathu paapamTaking creates sin.
Manaththaal innoruvan porulaiIf you covet another person's wealth in your mind,
Ninaiththaal un nimmathi maraiyumYour peace of mind will vanish.
Male
Payilum palli koyilThe school where one learns is a temple,
Padikkum paadam vedhamThe lesson one studies is sacred scripture,
Nadakkum paathai evvithamoWhatever path you walk today,
Naalaiya pozhuthum avvithamaeTomorrow will be shaped in that very manner.
Male
Koyil enbathum aalayamaeA place of worship is a temple,
Kudumbam enbathum aalayamaeA family too is a sacred temple,
Naanayam enbathum aalayamaeHonesty and integrity are a temple,
Nandriyum iraivan aalayamaeGratitude too is God's temple.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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