- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Manimekalai
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Jan 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the 1959 movie 'Manimekalai' celebrates the rich cultural heritage, history, and values of the Tamil people. The lyrics extol the glorious triad of ancient Tamil dynasties—the Pandyas (symbolized by the fish emblem), the Cheras (symbolized by the bow emblem on the Himalayas), and the Cholas (symbolized by the tiger emblem along the Kaveri river). Kannadasan highlights how Tamils have traditionally conquered through love and intellect rather than mere brutality, comparing their noble spirit to a lion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Singam pola”
Compares the noble and courageous disposition of the Tamilian to that of a lion ('Singam pola').
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kannam sivandha annam”
Metaphorically compares a beautiful, blushing young woman to a swan with red cheeks ('Kannam sivandha annam').
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Aandavan thamizhanda / Endrum anbenum neriyaale”
The second letters 'nd' in 'Aandavan' and 'Endrum' rhyme across consecutive lines.
Monaif (Alliteration)
“Paandiyar kodi meedhu panbudan meen aada”
Repetition of the initial 'P' sound in 'Paandiyar' and 'Panbudan'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by G. Ramanathan and sung powerfully by T. R. Mahalingam, this song remains an iconic anthem of Tamil pride. Lyricist Kannadasan skillfully weaves references to Sangam literature, ancient Tamil royal emblems (Fish, Bow, Tiger), and traditional female virtues into a popular cinematic melody.
Keep listening
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