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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Koyil Muzhuthum

From Nenjathai Allitha · 1984

Lyricist
Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nenjathai Allitha1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Koyil muzhuthum kandaenI searched all over the temple
Uyar gopuram yaeri kandaenI climbed high up the temple tower and searched
Koyil muzhuthum kandaenI searched all over the temple
Uyar gopuram yaeri kandaenI climbed high up the temple tower and searched
Female
Devaathai devanai aththozhiThe God of Gods, my dear friend
Thediyum kandilanaiDespite searching, I could not find Him
Devaathai devanai aththozhiThe God of Gods, my dear friend
Thediyum kandilanaiDespite searching, I could not find Him
Female
Koyil muzhuthum kandaenI searched all over the temple
Uyar gopuram yaeri kandaenI climbed high up the temple tower and searched
Female
Sirpa silai kandaenI saw sculpted statues
Nalla chiththira velai kandaenI saw fine artistic paintings
Sirpa silai kandaenI saw sculpted statues
Nalla chiththira velai kandaenI saw fine artistic paintings
Female
Arputham mootti enai thozhiFilled with wonder, my friend
Angengum kandilanaiYet I could not find Him anywhere there
Female
Koyil muzhuthum kandaenI searched all over the temple
Uyar gopuram yaeri kandaenI climbed high up the temple tower and searched
Female
Devaathai devanai aththozhiThe God of Gods, my dear friend
Thediyum kandilanaiDespite searching, I could not find Him
Female
Koyil muzhuthum kandaenI searched all over the temple
Uyar gopuram yaeri kandaenI climbed high up the temple tower and searched
Female
Ullaththil ullaathadiHe resides within your heart, my friend
Adhai nee unara vendumadiYou must realize this truth, my friend
Ullaththil ullaathadiHe resides within your heart, my friend
Adhai nee unara vendumadiYou must realize this truth, my friend
Female
Ullaththil kaanbaai enilIf you see Him within your heart
Koyil ullaeyum kaanbaayadiThen you will find Him inside the temple as well
Female
Ullaththil ullaathadiHe resides within your heart, my friend
Adhai nee unara vendumadiYou must realize this truth, my friend
Nee unara vendumadiYou must realize this
Nee unara vendumadiYou must realize this

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic devotional and philosophical song emphasizes that God cannot be found merely through external rituals or physical structures. The seeker explores every corner of a majestic temple, climbing its towering gopuram and admiring beautiful sculptures and artwork, yet fails to experience the Divine presence there. The revelation comes in the final verses: God dwells within one's own heart. True spiritual perception begins internally—only when one realizes divinity within oneself can one truly experience the sacredness of an external temple.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora / Eyaibu (End Rhyme)

Koyil muzhuthum kandaen

Repetition of the line-ending word 'kandaen' across multiple verses creates rhythmic emphasis on the act of searching and observing.

Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)

Sirpa silai kandaen

Alliteration of the initial consonant sound 'S' in 'Sirpa' and 'silai'.

Philosophical Paradox / Repetition

Ullaththil ullaathadi

Use of 'Ullaththil' (in the heart) to contrast external physical searching with internal spiritual realization.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics are adapted from a famous poem by the revered Tamil poet Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai. The poem reflects core tenets of Tamil Bhakti philosophy and Advaita, reminding devotees that self-realization is a prerequisite to divine realization.

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