P. Susheela’s vocals in ‘Azhagana Kovil’ from ‘Veedu Varai Uravu’ express deep sorrow. Lyricist Kannadasan and composer M. S. Viswanathan structure the song around temple-building imagery. The track examines devotion shifting to neglect.
Azhagana Kovil
P. Susheela • From “Veedu Varai Uravu”
Azhagana Kovil Lyrics Translation (from “Veedu Varai Uravu”)
Kannadasan describes a beloved once revered as an idol now serving as a temple doorstep. The lyrics question the absence of sacred recognition for her current state. Footsteps replace prayers as her only memorial.
Azhagaana Kovil KattaTo build a beautiful temple,
Nilam VaanginaarHe bought the land.
Avar Anbennum DeivaththidamFrom the deity known as ‘Love’,
Varam VaanginaarHe sought a boon.
Azhagaana Kovil KattaTo build a beautiful temple,
Nilam VaanginaarHe bought the land.
Avar Anbennum DeivaththidamFrom the deity known as ‘Love’,
Varam VaanginaarHe sought a boon.
Oridaththil Avan SendruHe traveled to a certain place,
Silai VaanginaanAnd he commissioned a statue.
Oridaththil Avan SendruHe traveled to a certain place,
Silai VaanginaanAnd he commissioned a statue.
Avan Ulloorin Seitha SilaiBut that statue he shaped from his heart,
ThaniyaaginaalHas been left all alone.
Azhagaana Kovil KattaTo build a beautiful temple,
Nilam VaanginaarHe bought the land.
Avar Anbennum DeivaththidamFrom the deity known as ‘Love’,
Varam VaanginaarHe sought a boon.
Kumbaabishegam Kooda Mudintha PinnaeEven after the temple’s ‘consecration’ is finished,
Avan KolgaiyinaiIs it right for him to change his principles,
Maattra Vanthaal Sariyaa KannaeAnd turn away now, my dear?
Kumbaabishegam Kooda Mudintha PinnaeEven after the temple’s ‘consecration’ is finished,
Avan KolgaiyinaiIs it right for him to change his principles,
Maattra Vanthaal Sariyaa KannaeAnd turn away now, my dear?
Azhagaana Kovil KattaTo build a beautiful temple,
Nilam VaanginaarHe bought the land.
Avar Anbennum DeivaththidamFrom the deity known as ‘Love’,
Varam VaanginaarHe sought a boon.
Alangaara SilaiyaanaalShe became the ornamental idol,
Avan SorpadiJust as he commanded.
Indru Aval Antha Kovilukku VaasarpadiBut today, she’s merely the doorstep to that temple.
Alangaara SilaiyaanaalShe became the ornamental idol,
Avan SorpadiJust as he commanded.
Indru Aval Antha Kovilukku VaasarpadiBut today, she’s merely the doorstep to that temple.
Ini Antha Padikkedhu ThiruvaasagamWhat sacred ‘Thiruvasagam’ hymns are left for this step?
Avan Yaeththi VaikkumThe footsteps he places upon it,
Kaaladithaan NinaivaalayamAre her only memorial monument.
Ini Antha Padikkedhu ThiruvaasagamWhat sacred ‘Thiruvasagam’ hymns are left for this step?
Avan Yaeththi VaikkumThe footsteps he places upon it,
Kaaladithaan NinaivaalayamAre her only memorial monument.
Azhagaana Kovil KattaTo build a beautiful temple,
Nilam VaanginaarHe bought the land.
Avar Anbennum DeivaththidamFrom the deity known as ‘Love’,
Varam VaanginaarHe sought a boon.
Oridaththil Avan SendruHe traveled to a certain place,
Silai VaanginaanAnd he commissioned a statue.
Avan Ulloorin Seitha SilaiBut that statue he shaped from his heart,
ThaniyaaginaalHas been left all alone.
Azhagaana Kovil KattaTo build a beautiful temple,
Nilam VaanginaarHe bought the land.
Avar Anbennum DeivaththidamFrom the deity known as ‘Love’,
Varam VaanginaarHe sought a boon.
Azhagana Kovil Music Video
Kannadasan’s ‘Azhagana Kovil’ lyrics translation traces a journey from worshipped deity to forgotten foundation. The album ‘Veedu Varai Uravu’ documents love’s reversal through architectural metaphors.