- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Manimekalai
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Jan 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This devotional song from the 1959 Tamil film 'Manimekalai' pays tribute to Lord Buddha and his eternal teachings. Beginning with the sacred Pali chant 'Buddham Saranam Gacchami' and 'Sangham Saranam Gacchami', the song invokes a sense of spiritual surrender and peace. The lyrics highlight Lord Buddha's renunciation of royal power and his throne in pursuit of universal truth. It praises his accessibility, generous nature, selfless service to humanity, and boundless compassion, perfectly capturing the core spiritual values of the epic poem Manimekalai.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Aatchi peedam thurandha / Kaatchikku eliyanana”
The second letter 'tchi' (ட்) rhymes between 'Aatchi' and 'Kaatchikku'.
Monai (First-letter Alliteration)
“Naattirkku nanmai seidha / Naayagan thondu pottri”
The 'Na' sound is repeated across words in the same couplet ('Naattirkku', 'nanmai', 'Naayagan').
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Annalin naamam pottri ... thondu pottri ... karunai pottri”
Multiple lines conclude with the word 'pottri' (praise), creating a rhythmic chant-like ending.
Refrain
“Butham saranam gachaami”
The repetition of 'Butham saranam gachaami' acts as a meditative chorus refrain.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Manimekalai' (1959) is an adaptation of one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature written by Chithalai Chathanar. Composed by G. Ramanathan with lyrics by A. Maruthakasi, this song directly incorporates traditional Buddhist Pali verses into classical Tamil cinema music, reflecting the epic's core Buddhist philosophies.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Manimekalai
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.