Maanallavo Kangal
From Needhikku Pin Paasam · 1963
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- P. Susheela, T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Details
- Needhikku Pin Paasam1963
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Maanallavo kangal thandhadhu | Was it not the deer that gave those eyes? |
| Mayilallavo saayal thandhadhu | Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture? |
| Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu | Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips? |
| Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu | Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty? |
| Male | |
| Maanallavo kangal thandhadhu | Was it not the deer that gave those eyes? |
| Female :Aahaa | Female: Ah ah |
| Male :Mayilallavo saayal thandhadhu | Male: Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture? |
| Female :Oho | Female: Oh ho |
| Male :Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu | Male: Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips? |
| Female :Hmm hmm | Female: Hmm hmm |
| Male :Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu | Male: Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty? |
| Female | |
| Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu | The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body |
| Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu | A baby elephant gave its regal gait |
| Male :M hum m hum m hum m hum hum | Male: M hum m hum m hum m hum hum |
| Female :Pookkalellaam sirippai thandhadhu | Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile |
| Ponnallavo nirathai thandhadhu | Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion? |
| Female | |
| Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu | The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body |
| Male :Aahaa | Male: Ah ah |
| Female :Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu | Female: A baby elephant gave its regal gait |
| Male :Oho | Male: Oh ho |
| Female :Pookkalellaam sirippai thandhadhu | Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile |
| Male :Mhum | Male: Mhum |
| Female :Ponnallavo nirathai thandhadhu | Female: Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion? |
| Male | |
| Idaiyazhagu mayakkam thandhadhu | The beauty of the waist gave an intoxicating trance |
| Isaiyazhagu mozhiyil vandhadhu | The beauty of music entered into speech |
| Idaiyazhagu mayakkam thandhadhu | The beauty of the waist gave an intoxicating trance |
| Isaiyazhagu mozhiyil vandhadhu | The beauty of music entered into speech |
| Nadaiyazhagu… | The beauty of the walk... |
| Female | |
| Aa aa aa oh oh oh | Vocalizations (Aa aa aa oh oh oh) |
| Male | |
| Nadaiyazhagu nadanam aanadhu | The beauty of the walk turned into a graceful dance |
| Naalazhagum ennai vendradhu | Every growing beauty conquered me |
| Female | |
| Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu | The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body |
| Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu | A baby elephant gave its regal gait |
| Male | |
| Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu | Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips? |
| Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu | Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty? |
| Female | |
| Vanna malar maalai kondu | Carrying a garland of colorful blossoms |
| Vadivazhagai thaedi vandhen | I came seeking exquisite beauty |
| Vanna malar maalai kondu | Carrying a garland of colorful blossoms |
| Vadivazhagai thaedi vandhen | I came seeking exquisite beauty |
| Vaazha vaitha dheivam endru | Considering you as the deity who gave me life |
| Vanangi nindren | I stood in humble worship |
| Vaazha vaitha dheivam endru | Considering you as the deity who gave me life |
| Vanangi nindren | I stood in humble worship |
| Ini varavum selavum unnadhendru | Declaring that from now on all my income and spending are yours |
| Ennai thandhen | I surrendered myself to you |
| Male | |
| Maanallavo kangal thandhadhu | Was it not the deer that gave those eyes? |
| Female :Aahaa | Female: Ah ah |
| Male :Mayilallavo saayal thandhadhu | Male: Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture? |
| Female :Oho | Female: Oh ho |
| Male :Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu | Male: Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips? |
| Female :Hmm hmm | Female: Hmm hmm |
| Male :Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu | Male: Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty? |
| Female | |
| Aaa…aaa… | Vocalizations (Aaa...aaa...) |
| Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu | The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body |
| Male :Aahaa | Male: Ah ah |
| Female :Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu | Female: A baby elephant gave its regal gait |
| Male :Oho | Male: Oh ho |
| Female :Pookkalellaam sirippai thandhadhu | Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile |
| Male :Mhum | Male: Mhum |
| Female :Ponnallavo nirathai thandhadhu | Female: Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion? |
மானல்லவோ கண்கள் தந்தது
மயில் அல்லவோ சாயல் தந்தது
தேனல்லவோ இதழைத் தந்தது
சிலையல்லவோ அழகைத் தந்தது
Was it not the deer that gave those eyes?
Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture?
Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
மானல்லவோ கண்கள் தந்தது
ஆஹா
மயில் அல்லவோ சாயல் தந்தது
ஓஹோ
தேனல்லவோ இதழைத் தந்தது
ஹ்ம்ம் ஹ்ம்ம்
சிலையல்லவோ அழகைத் தந்தது
Was it not the deer that gave those eyes?
Female: Ah ah
Male: Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture?
Female: Oh ho
Male: Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Female: Hmm hmm
Male: Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
தேக்கு மரம் உடலைத் தந்தது
சின்ன யானை நடையைத் தந்தது
ம் ஹும் ம் ஹும் ம் ஹும் ம் ஹும் ஹும்
பூக்களெல்லாம் சிரிப்பைத் தந்தது
பொன்னல்லவோ நிறத்தைத் தந்தது
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
A baby elephant gave its regal gait
Male: M hum m hum m hum m hum hum
Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile
Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion?
தேக்கு மரம் உடலைத் தந்தது
ஆஹா
சின்ன யானை நடையைத் தந்தது
ஓஹோ
பூக்களெல்லாம் சிரிப்பைத் தந்தது
ம்ஹும்
பொன்னல்லவோ நிறத்தைத் தந்தது
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
Male: Ah ah
Female: A baby elephant gave its regal gait
Male: Oh ho
Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile
Male: Mhum
Female: Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion?
இடையழகு மயக்கம் தந்தது
இசையழகு மொழியில் வந்தது
இடையழகு மயக்கம் தந்தது
இசையழகு மொழியில் வந்தது
நடையழகு
The beauty of the waist gave an intoxicating trance
The beauty of music entered into speech
The beauty of the waist gave an intoxicating trance
The beauty of music entered into speech
The beauty of the walk...
ஆஅ ஆ ஆ ஓ ஓ ஓ
Vocalizations (Aa aa aa oh oh oh)
நடையழகு நடனம் ஆனது
நாலழகும் என்னை வென்றது
The beauty of the walk turned into a graceful dance
Every growing beauty conquered me
தேக்கு மரம் உடலைத் தந்தது
சின்ன யானை நடையைத் தந்தது
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
A baby elephant gave its regal gait
தேனல்லவோ இதழைத் தந்தது
சிலையல்லவோ அழகைத் தந்தது
Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
வண்ண மலர் மாலை கொண்டு
வடிவழகைத் தேடி வந்தேன்
வண்ண மலர் மாலை கொண்டு
வடிவழகைத் தேடி வந்தேன்
வாழ வைத்த தெய்வம் என்று
வணங்கி நின்றேன்
வாழ வைத்த தெய்வம் என்று
வணங்கி நின்றேன்
இனி வரவும் செலவும் உன்னதேன்று
என்னைத் தந்தேன்
Carrying a garland of colorful blossoms
I came seeking exquisite beauty
Carrying a garland of colorful blossoms
I came seeking exquisite beauty
Considering you as the deity who gave me life
I stood in humble worship
Considering you as the deity who gave me life
I stood in humble worship
Declaring that from now on all my income and spending are yours
I surrendered myself to you
மானல்லவோ கண்கள் தந்தது
ஆஹா
மயில் அல்லவோ சாயல் தந்தது
ஓஹோ
தேனல்லவோ இதழைத் தந்தது
ஹ்ம்ம் ஹ்ம்ம்
சிலையல்லவோ அழகைத் தந்தது
Was it not the deer that gave those eyes?
Female: Ah ah
Male: Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture?
Female: Oh ho
Male: Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Female: Hmm hmm
Male: Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
ஆஅ.......ஆஆ.......
தேக்கு மரம் உடலைத் தந்தது
ஆஹா
சின்ன யானை நடையைத் தந்தது
ஓஹோ
பூக்களெல்லாம் சிரிப்பைத் தந்தது
ம்ஹும்
பொன்னல்லவோ நிறத்தைத் தந்தது
Vocalizations (Aaa...aaa...)
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
Male: Ah ah
Female: A baby elephant gave its regal gait
Male: Oh ho
Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile
Male: Mhum
Female: Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion?
Maanallavo kangal thandhadhu
Was it not the deer that gave those eyes?
Mayilallavo saayal thandhadhu
Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture?
Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu
Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu
Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
Maanallavo kangal thandhadhu
Was it not the deer that gave those eyes?
Female :Aahaa
Female: Ah ah
Male :Mayilallavo saayal thandhadhu
Male: Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture?
Female :Oho
Female: Oh ho
Male :Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu
Male: Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Female :Hmm hmm
Female: Hmm hmm
Male :Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu
Male: Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu
A baby elephant gave its regal gait
Male :M hum m hum m hum m hum hum
Male: M hum m hum m hum m hum hum
Female :Pookkalellaam sirippai thandhadhu
Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile
Ponnallavo nirathai thandhadhu
Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion?
Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
Male :Aahaa
Male: Ah ah
Female :Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu
Female: A baby elephant gave its regal gait
Male :Oho
Male: Oh ho
Female :Pookkalellaam sirippai thandhadhu
Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile
Male :Mhum
Male: Mhum
Female :Ponnallavo nirathai thandhadhu
Female: Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion?
Idaiyazhagu mayakkam thandhadhu
The beauty of the waist gave an intoxicating trance
Isaiyazhagu mozhiyil vandhadhu
The beauty of music entered into speech
Idaiyazhagu mayakkam thandhadhu
The beauty of the waist gave an intoxicating trance
Isaiyazhagu mozhiyil vandhadhu
The beauty of music entered into speech
Nadaiyazhagu…
The beauty of the walk...
Aa aa aa oh oh oh
Vocalizations (Aa aa aa oh oh oh)
Nadaiyazhagu nadanam aanadhu
The beauty of the walk turned into a graceful dance
Naalazhagum ennai vendradhu
Every growing beauty conquered me
Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu
A baby elephant gave its regal gait
Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu
Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu
Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
Vanna malar maalai kondu
Carrying a garland of colorful blossoms
Vadivazhagai thaedi vandhen
I came seeking exquisite beauty
Vanna malar maalai kondu
Carrying a garland of colorful blossoms
Vadivazhagai thaedi vandhen
I came seeking exquisite beauty
Vaazha vaitha dheivam endru
Considering you as the deity who gave me life
Vanangi nindren
I stood in humble worship
Vaazha vaitha dheivam endru
Considering you as the deity who gave me life
Vanangi nindren
I stood in humble worship
Ini varavum selavum unnadhendru
Declaring that from now on all my income and spending are yours
Ennai thandhen
I surrendered myself to you
Maanallavo kangal thandhadhu
Was it not the deer that gave those eyes?
Female :Aahaa
Female: Ah ah
Male :Mayilallavo saayal thandhadhu
Male: Was it not the peacock that gave that graceful posture?
Female :Oho
Female: Oh ho
Male :Thaenallavo idhazhai thandhadhu
Male: Was it not honey that gave sweetness to the lips?
Female :Hmm hmm
Female: Hmm hmm
Male :Silaiyallavo azhagai thandhadhu
Male: Was it not a sculpted statue that gave this beauty?
Aaa…aaa…
Vocalizations (Aaa...aaa...)
Thaaekku maram udalai thandhadhu
The teak wood gave its sturdy frame to the body
Male :Aahaa
Male: Ah ah
Female :Chinna yaanai nadayai thandhadhu
Female: A baby elephant gave its regal gait
Male :Oho
Male: Oh ho
Female :Pookkalellaam sirippai thandhadhu
Female: All the flowers gave their sweet smile
Male :Mhum
Male: Mhum
Female :Ponnallavo nirathai thandhadhu
Female: Was it not gold that gave its golden complexion?
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This romantic duet from the movie Needhikku Pin Paasam (1963) is a poetic celebration of physical charm, beauty, and mutual devotion between lovers. The lovers playfully attribute their best features to nature's finest elements—comparing eyes to a deer, posture to a peacock, sweetness to honey, gait to a young elephant, smile to blooming flowers, and complexion to gold. Beyond physical attributes, the song transitions into a deeper surrender of love, where the speaker views their beloved as a divine entity who bestows life and purpose. By offering a floral garland and symbolically surrendering everything—including life's fortunes and self—the song beautifully captures classical Tamil romantic tradition blended with spiritual-level devotion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani / Metaphor & Simile
“Maanallavo kangal thandhadhu”
Nature imagery (deer, peacock, honey, statue, teak wood, elephant, flowers, gold) is metaphorically cited as the source of physical attributes.
Ezhukai / Rhyme (Monai and Ethirai)
“Idaiyazhagu mayakkam thandhadhu”
Use of second-letter rhyming (Ethirai) across consecutive lines like Idaiyazhagu / Isaiyazhagu / Nadaiyazhagu.
Anaphora / Repetition
“Mayilallavo saayal thandhadhu”
Repetition of the phrase suffix '-allavo' and '-azhagu' across lines to create rhythmic symmetry and melodic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Needhikku Pin Paasam (1963) is a classic Tamil movie starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and B. Saroja Devi. The film's music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and the lyrics were penned by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan. This particular duet is known for its sweet conversational tone between the leads, capturing traditional Tamil poetic tropes of describing female and male beauty through nature.
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