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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sivanai Thedi Pakthargal

From Aalayam · 1967

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

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Sivanai thedi pakthargal ponaar
Adhuthaan aalayamaa
Ivanai thedi iraivan vanthaan
Idhuthaan aalayamaa
Thaamathamaagum aanapothum
Saththiyam vellumadaa
Thaamathamaagum aanapothum
Saththiyam vellumadaa
Naamariyaamal seivam vanthu
Namakkena uzhaikkumadaa
Nenjae vaazhga
Nenjae vaazhga
Nenjae nee vaazhga…..
Devotees went in search of Shiva, is that what a temple is?
is that what a temple is?
God came in search of this man, is this what a temple is?
is this what a temple is?
It may take time, but even so,
truth will surely win, my friend.
It may take time, but even so,
truth will surely win, my friend.
Without our even knowing, God comes
and works on our behalf, my friend.
Live on, my heart,
live on, my heart,
oh my heart, live on...
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This philosophical song from the 1967 film Aalayam explores the true concept of a temple and divine grace. Rather than merely being a physical place where devotees seek God, a true temple is defined as a sacred space where God Himself arrives in search of a righteous human being. Kannadasan's lyrics emphasize moral fortitude, reassuring the listener that even if justice or rewards are delayed, truth will always prevail. Furthermore, the song reflects on how good karma and righteous deeds act silently behind the scenes to protect and serve a person without their explicit knowledge, ultimately offering comfort and courage to one's own heart.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis (Contrast)

Sivanai thedi pakthargal ponaar / Ivanai thedi iraivan vanthaan

Personification

Naamariyaamal seivam vanthu / Namakkena uzhaikkumadaa

Personifies good deeds (seivam) as dedicated workers that silently serve and protect us without our knowledge.

Anaphora / Repetition

Nenjae vaazhga / Nenjae vaazhga / Nenjae nee vaazhga…..

Repeats the phrase praising and encouraging the heart to emphasize emotional resilience and spiritual endurance.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is from the 1967 film Aalayam, featuring music composed independently by T. K. Ramamoorthy after the separation of the legendary Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy duo. Sung with deep emotion by T. M. Soundararajan, lyricist Kannadasan captures timeless Vedantic wisdom about truth and karma.

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