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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sivanai Thedi Pakthargal

From Aalayam · 1967

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

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Sivanai thedi pakthargal ponaarDevotees went in search of Lord Shiva
Adhuthaan aalayamaaIs that what a temple is?
Ivanai thedi iraivan vanthaanGod Himself came in search of this man
Idhuthaan aalayamaaIs this what a temple is?
Male
Thaamathamaagum aanapothumThough there may be delays
Saththiyam vellumadaaTruth will ultimately prevail, my dear
Thaamathamaagum aanapothumThough there may be delays
Saththiyam vellumadaaTruth will ultimately prevail, my dear
Naamariyaamal seivam vanthuUnbeknownst to us, our good deeds will come
Namakkena uzhaikkumadaaAnd work on our behalf, my dear
Male
Nenjae vaazhgaLong live, my heart!
Nenjae vaazhgaLong live, my heart!
Male
Nenjae nee vaazhga…..May you live long, O my heart!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

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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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