- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Manimekalai
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Feb 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a grand romantic expression of admiration and praise sang by Prince Udayakumaran upon witnessing the divine beauty of Manimekalai. He marvels at her form as a unique masterpiece in God's creation, praising her graceful movements, her musical anklets, and her captivating eyes that lure the heart like a fishhook. He glorifies her by comparing her to an unfading blossom, a spring breeze, a heavenly nectar not derived from the ocean churn, and an unearthly music beyond the scope of a traditional yaazh.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani / Metaphor & Simile (உவமை)
“Thoondil vizhigal isai paada”
Compares her eyes to a fishing hook ('Thoondil vizhigal') that catches the heart, and her walk to that of a swan ('Anna nadaiyaale').
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Aazhiyil thondraa amudhamum neeyae”
Refers to Manimekalai directly as divine nectar ('amudhamum neeyae') and unheard music ('isai neeyae').
Edhukai (எதுகை - Second Letter Rhyme)
“Aazhiyil thondraa amudhamum neeyae / Yaazhdhanil kaelaa isai neeyae”
Rhyming of the second letter 'zhi' in 'Aazhiyil' and 'zh' in 'Yaazhdhanil'.
Anaphora / Repetition (அடுக்குத் தொடர்)
“Naan kanda arpudha penn vadive”
Repetition of the refrain 'Naan kanda arpudha penn vadive' to emphasize awe and admiration.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Manimekalai' (1959) is based on the famous ancient Tamil Buddhist epic written by Chithalai Chathanar. Singer-actor T. R. Mahalingam portrayed Prince Udayakumaran, and his powerful high-pitched classical vocal rendition in this G. Ramanathan composition remains legendary in classic Tamil cinema.
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