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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Alayamagum Mangai Manadhu

From Sumathi En Sundari · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Sumathi En Sundari1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aalayamaagum mangai manadhuA woman's heart becomes a sacred temple
Oru aalayamaagum mangai manadhuA woman's heart becomes a holy temple
Adhai andraadam kondaadumCelebrating it every single day
Kaalai pozhudhu nal kaalai pozhudhuIs the morning time, a good morning time
Female
Aalayamaagum mangai manadhuA woman's heart becomes a temple
Female
Mannan itta thaali pon vaeliThe sacred thread tied by her husband is a golden fence
Mannan itta thaali pon vaeliThe sacred thread tied by her husband is a golden fence
Maanam ennum vaeli than vaeliHer boundary of honor is her true fence
En maanam ennum vaeli than vaeliMy boundary of honor is my true fence
Kula magal aval kolam kunguma silaiyaagumThe virtuous woman's form becomes an idol adorned in vermilion
Kula magal aval kolam kunguma silaiyaagumThe virtuous woman's form becomes an idol adorned in vermilion
Naayagan kaigalil naayagi aadidumThe beloved wife sways in the arms of her husband
Female
Aalayamaagum mangai manadhuA woman's heart becomes a temple
Adhai andraadam kondaadumCelebrating it every single day
Kaalai pozhudhu nal kaalai pozhudhuIs the morning time, a good morning time
Kaalai pozhudhuThe morning time
Female
Kattil thandha paattu paaraattuThe song offered by the marital bed is praise
Kattil thandha paattu paaraattuThe song offered by the marital bed is praise
Thottil thandha paattu thaalaattuThe song offered by the cradle is a lullaby
Thottil thandha paattu thaalaattuThe song offered by the cradle is a lullaby
Ilamaiyil oru raagam mudhumaiyil oru baavamIn youth it is a musical melody, in old age an expression of emotion
Ilamaiyil oru raagam mudhumaiyil oru baavamIn youth it is a musical melody, in old age an expression of emotion
Dhevanin sannidhi dheviyin nimmadhiIn the presence of her lord lies the peace of the goddess

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Aalayamaagum Mangai Manadhu' is a timeless classic from Sumathi En Sundari celebrating the sanctity of a woman's heart, marital bond, and family life. Lyricist Kannadasan beautifully compares a woman's heart to a holy temple, where purity, honor, and love reside. Each dawn brings a fresh celebration of her devotion and dignity, guarded by the sacred marital thread (Thaali) and her self-respect. The song elegantly walks through the different stages of womanhood and marriage—from the intimacy and romantic praise of youth (symbolized by the bed) to the maternal warmth of motherhood (symbolized by the cradle), maturing into deep emotional companionship in old age. Ultimately, it equates the husband to a deity and the wife to a goddess, suggesting that true peace for a woman lies in the sanctuary of her husband's presence.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Aalayamaagum mangai manadhu

Compares a woman's heart directly to a temple (Aalayam), emphasizing purity and sanctity.

Metaphor

Mannan itta thaali pon vaeli

Refers to the sacred nuptial thread ('thaali') as a 'golden fence' ('pon vaeli') that protects her virtue.

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kattil thandha paattu paaraattu / Thottil thandha paattu thaalaattu

The second letter 't' (ட்) in 'Kattil' and 'Thottil' rhymes across both lines.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Kattil thandha paattu paaraattu / Thottil thandha paattu thaalaattu

The rhyming end words 'paaraattu' and 'thaalaattu' create a musical flow.

Muran (Antithesis)

Ilamaiyil oru raagam mudhumaiyil oru baavam

Contrasts 'Ilamai' (youth) with 'Mudhumai' (old age) and 'Raagam' (melody) with 'Baavam' (expression).

Did you know?

Trivia

The song 'Aalayamaagum Mangai Manadhu' from the 1971 film 'Sumathi En Sundari' was composed by the legendary music director duo M. S. Viswanathan (MSV) and sung by the iconic playback singer P. Susheela. Starring Sivaji Ganesan and Jayalalithaa, the movie was a major hit, and this track remains one of Kannadasan's celebrated compositions depicting traditional Tamil marital ideals.

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