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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kudumbathin Thalaivi

From Olimayamana Ethirkalam · 1977

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
K. Vijaya Baskar
Details
Olimayamana Ethirkalam1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kudumbathin thalaivi kulavilakkuThe matriarch of the family is the light of the clan
Kudumbathin thalaivi kulavilakkuThe matriarch of the family is the light of the clan
Kondavan manthil saravilakkuShe is a chain of glowing lamps in her husband's heart
Olimayamaanathu illaramaeDomestic life becomes bright and radiant
Female
Kudumbathin thalaivi kulavilakkuThe matriarch of the family is the light of the clan
Female
Kaalaiyil ezhunthathum manjalil kuliththuWaking up in the morning and bathing with turmeric
Aa…aa…aa….aah…aa…aa…aa…Aa…aa…aa….aah…aa…aa…aa…
Kaalaiyil ezhunthathum manjalil kuliththuWaking up in the morning and bathing with turmeric
Kanavanin nalangalai deivam vaazhaathoWon't God bless the well-being of her husband?
Female
Nalla penmaniyaaga kudumbam nadaththida vendumOne must run the household as a virtuous woman
Nalla penmaniyaaga kudumbam nadaththida vendumOne must run the household as a virtuous woman
Uyarntha panbugalai endrum mathithu varumAlways respecting and upholding high values
Sirantha pengalidam deivam vaazhaathoWon't God reside with such exemplary women?
Female
Kudumbathin thalaivi kulavilakkuThe matriarch of the family is the light of the clan
Female
Kuzhanthaigal peruvathum maarbudan valarppathumGiving birth to children and nurturing them at her breast
Aa…aa….aa….aa…aah….aa…..aa….Aa…aa….aa….aa…aah….aa…..aa….
Kuzhanthaigal peruvathum maarbudan valarppathumGiving birth to children and nurturing them at her breast
Kodhaiyin kulaththukku kadavlin parisuIs God's precious gift to the lineage of women
Female
Thaaimai karunaiyin vadivamMotherhood is the very embodiment of compassion
Ulagam muzhuvathum vanangumWorshipped and revered by the entire world
Thaaimai karunaiyin vadivamMotherhood is the very embodiment of compassion
Ulagam muzhuvathum vanangumWorshipped and revered by the entire world
Kallangabadamindri pillai selvangalaiWithout any deceit, raising the precious children lovingly
Konji valarththuvidu deivam paaraattumPamper and raise them, and even God will praise you
Female
Kudumbathin thalaivi kulavilakkuThe matriarch of the family is the light of the clan
Kondavan manthil saravilakkuShe is a chain of glowing lamps in her husband's heart
Olimayamaanathu illaramaeDomestic life becomes bright and radiant
Female
Kudumbathin thalaivi kulavilakkuThe matriarch of the family is the light of the clan

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song extolling the traditional virtues of motherhood and family life highlights the essential role a woman plays in bringing prosperity, warmth, and divine grace to a household. The lyrics compare a virtuous wife and mother to a sacred light (Kulavilakku) that brightens her husband's life and nurtures the family with selflessness and compassion. By upholding high moral standards, devotion, and loving care for her children, she transforms the home into a holy sanctuary where God resides.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagambar / Metaphor

Kudumbathin thalaivi kulavilakku / Kondavan manthil saravilakku

Comparing the housewife directly to a clan light (kulavilakku) and a decorative row of lamps in her husband's heart (saravilakku).

Edhugai (Second-letter rhyming)

Thaaimai karunaiyin vadivam / Ulagam muzhuvathum vanangum

Matching second consonants in Tamil poetic structure: 'Kudumbathin' and 'Kondavan' share 'da/nd' sound structures; 'Thaaimai' and 'Ulagam' set up thematic rhyming across couplets.

Rhetorical Question (Avinaya Vina)

Sirantha pengalidam deivam vaazhaatho

Asking 'Won't God reside/bless?' to emphasize the certainty of divine grace upon noble women.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. Vijaya Baskar and sung by Vani Jairam, this track from the film Olimayamana Ethirkalam (1977) remains a timeless Tamil classic often played during cultural events celebrating traditional family values and motherhood.

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