Manjal Itta Nilavaga
From Aval Thantha Uravu · 1978
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Details
- Aval Thantha Uravu1978
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga | Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl, |
| Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam | Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds. |
| Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga | Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl, |
| Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam | Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds. |
| Female | |
| Mannar kula magal pola pallaandu vaazhnthida | To live for many long years like a princess of a royal lineage, |
| Annan konda ninaivoonjal anantham | The swing of memories harbored by her elder brother is pure bliss. |
| Mannar kula magal pola pallaandu vaazhnthida | To live for many long years like a princess of a royal lineage, |
| Annan konda ninaivoonjal anantham….oo…oo… | The swing of memories harbored by her elder brother is pure bliss... oo... oo... |
| Female | |
| Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga | Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl, |
| Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam | Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds. |
| Female | |
| Thaalaattum thanga meniyum manjal neerinil aada | As her soothing golden body bathes in auspicious turmeric water, |
| Thai maatha pongal polavae chinna punnagai oda | A gentle smile flows like the festive joy of the harvest month of Thai. |
| Male and Female : | [Male and Female chorus]: |
| Thaalaattum thanga meniyum manjal neerinil aada | As her soothing golden body bathes in auspicious turmeric water, |
| Thai maatha pongal polavae chinna punnagai oda | A gentle smile flows like the festive joy of the harvest month of Thai. |
| Female | |
| Ilanthamizh kaattril thiruvilakkettri | Lighting a sacred lamp in the tender Tamil breeze, |
| Ilanthamizh kaattril thiruvilakkettri evvitham oli veesumo | Lighting a sacred lamp in the tender breeze, how brightly will it radiate light? |
| Ilai marai kaayendru thalaimurai kulam vaazha | Like fruit hidden beneath leaves, so that generations of the family may flourish, |
| Yaaridam vizhi pesumo oo…oo…..oho…. | With whom will her eyes converse? oo... oo... oho... |
| Female | |
| Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga | Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl, |
| Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam | Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds. |
| Female | |
| Sripaatham thevathevargal vedha manthiram odha | As gods at her holy feet chant Vedic hymns, |
| Sridevi madurai naayagi somasundhrar kooda | Divine Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai stands together with Lord Somasundarar. |
| Sri paatham thevathevargal vedha manthiram odha | As gods at her holy feet chant Vedic hymns, |
| Sri devi madurai naayagi somasundhrar kooda | Divine Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai stands together with Lord Somasundarar. |
| Female | |
| : Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga | [Chorus]: Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl, |
| Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam | Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds. |
| Female | |
| Nooraandu maalai mangalam kaaladevathai paada | As the deity of time sings songs of auspiciousness for a hundred years, |
| Eeraaru pillai perarkal thanga thottilil aada | May twelve children and grandchildren swing gracefully in golden cradles. |
| Male :Nooraandu maalai mangalam kaaladevathai paada | [Male Voice]: As the deity of time sings songs of auspiciousness for a hundred years, |
| Eeraaru pillai perarkal thanga thottilil aada | May twelve children and grandchildren swing gracefully in golden cradles. |
| Female | |
| : Idhuvarai vaazhntha kulamagal yaarum | [Chorus]: Has any virtuous family daughter who lived until this day, |
| Ivalukku nigaraagumo…oo…oo…. | Ever been an equal to her? oo... oo... |
| Iraivanai naan vendi varam ondru ketkindraen | I pray to God asking for a sacred boon, |
| Kanavugal nanavaagumo….oo…oo…oo…oo….ohho…. | Will all these beautiful dreams come true? oo... oo... oo... oo... ohho... |
| Female | |
| : Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga | [Chorus]: Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl, |
| Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam | Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds. |
மஞ்சள் இட்ட நிலவாக மை பூசும் கலையாக
மாலை கட்டும் மலராக ஆரம்பம்
மஞ்சள் இட்ட நிலவாக மை பூசும் கலையாக
மாலை கட்டும் மலராக ஆரம்பம்
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
மன்னர் குல மகள் போல பல்லாண்டு வாழ்ந்திட
அண்ணன் கொண்ட நினைவூஞ்சல் ஆனந்தம்
மன்னர் குல மகள் போல பல்லாண்டு வாழ்ந்திட
அண்ணன் கொண்ட நினைவூஞ்சல் ஆனந்தம் ஓ....ஒ.....
To live for many long years like a princess of a royal lineage,
The swing of memories harbored by her elder brother is pure bliss.
To live for many long years like a princess of a royal lineage,
The swing of memories harbored by her elder brother is pure bliss... oo... oo...
மஞ்சள் இட்ட நிலவாக மை பூசும் கலையாக
மாலை கட்டும் மலராக ஆரம்பம்
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
தாலாட்டும் தங்க மேனியும் மஞ்சள் நீரினில் ஆட
தை மாதப் பொங்கல் போலவே சின்னப் புன்னகை ஓட
ஆண் மற்றும் பெண் :
தாலாட்டும் தங்க மேனியும் மஞ்சள் நீரினில் ஆட
தை மாதப் பொங்கல் போலவே சின்னப் புன்னகை ஓட
As her soothing golden body bathes in auspicious turmeric water,
A gentle smile flows like the festive joy of the harvest month of Thai.
[Male and Female chorus]:
As her soothing golden body bathes in auspicious turmeric water,
A gentle smile flows like the festive joy of the harvest month of Thai.
இளந்தமிழ் காற்றில் திருவிளக்கேற்றி
இளந்தமிழ் காற்றில் திருவிளக்கேற்றி எவ்விதம் ஒளி வீசுமோ
இலை மறை காயென்று தலைமுறை குலம் வாழ
யாரிடம் விழி பேசுமோ ஓ.....ஓ.....ஓஹோ......
Lighting a sacred lamp in the tender Tamil breeze,
Lighting a sacred lamp in the tender breeze, how brightly will it radiate light?
Like fruit hidden beneath leaves, so that generations of the family may flourish,
With whom will her eyes converse? oo... oo... oho...
மஞ்சள் இட்ட நிலவாக மை பூசும் கலையாக
மாலை கட்டும் மலராக ஆரம்பம்
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
ஸ்ரீபாதம் தேவதேவர்கள் வேத மந்திரம் ஓத
ஸ்ரீதேவி மதுரை நாயகி சோமசுந்தரர் கூட
ஸ்ரீபாதம் தேவதேவர்கள் வேத மந்திரம் ஓத
ஸ்ரீதேவி மதுரை நாயகி சோமசுந்தரர் கூட
As gods at her holy feet chant Vedic hymns,
Divine Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai stands together with Lord Somasundarar.
As gods at her holy feet chant Vedic hymns,
Divine Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai stands together with Lord Somasundarar.
திருமலை நாதன் இரு கரம் சேர்த்து
அடைக்கலம் தரும் நாள் வரும்
திலகமும் நிலையாக தெய்வத சிலையாக
திருமகள் திருநாள் வரும் ஓ....ஓ.......ஓஹோ.....
[Chorus]: Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
மஞ்சள் இட்ட நிலவாக மை பூசும் கலையாக
மாலை கட்டும் மலராக ஆரம்பம்
As the deity of time sings songs of auspiciousness for a hundred years,
May twelve children and grandchildren swing gracefully in golden cradles.
[Male Voice]: As the deity of time sings songs of auspiciousness for a hundred years,
May twelve children and grandchildren swing gracefully in golden cradles.
நூறாண்டு மாலை மங்கலம் காலதேவதை பாட
ஈராறு பிள்ளைப்பேரர்கள் தங்கத் தொட்டிலில் ஆட
நூறாண்டு மாலை மங்கலம் காலதேவதை பாட
ஈராறு பிள்ளைப்பேரர்கள் தங்கத் தொட்டிலில் ஆட
[Chorus]: Has any virtuous family daughter who lived until this day,
Ever been an equal to her? oo... oo...
I pray to God asking for a sacred boon,
Will all these beautiful dreams come true? oo... oo... oo... oo... ohho...
இதுவரை வாழ்ந்த குலமகள் யாரும்
இவளுக்கு நிகராகுமோ...ஓ....ஓ.......
இறைவனை நான் வேண்டி வரம் ஒன்று கேட்கின்றேன்
கனவுகள் நனவாகுமோ....ஓ....ஓ.......ஓ....ஓ.......ஓஹோ.....
[Chorus]: Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
மஞ்சள் இட்ட நிலவாக மை பூசும் கலையாக
மாலை கட்டும் மலராக ஆரம்பம்
Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
Mannar kula magal pola pallaandu vaazhnthida
To live for many long years like a princess of a royal lineage,
Annan konda ninaivoonjal anantham
The swing of memories harbored by her elder brother is pure bliss.
Mannar kula magal pola pallaandu vaazhnthida
To live for many long years like a princess of a royal lineage,
Annan konda ninaivoonjal anantham….oo…oo…
The swing of memories harbored by her elder brother is pure bliss... oo... oo...
Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
Thaalaattum thanga meniyum manjal neerinil aada
As her soothing golden body bathes in auspicious turmeric water,
Thai maatha pongal polavae chinna punnagai oda
A gentle smile flows like the festive joy of the harvest month of Thai.
Male and Female :
[Male and Female chorus]:
Thaalaattum thanga meniyum manjal neerinil aada
As her soothing golden body bathes in auspicious turmeric water,
Thai maatha pongal polavae chinna punnagai oda
A gentle smile flows like the festive joy of the harvest month of Thai.
Ilanthamizh kaattril thiruvilakkettri
Lighting a sacred lamp in the tender Tamil breeze,
Ilanthamizh kaattril thiruvilakkettri evvitham oli veesumo
Lighting a sacred lamp in the tender breeze, how brightly will it radiate light?
Ilai marai kaayendru thalaimurai kulam vaazha
Like fruit hidden beneath leaves, so that generations of the family may flourish,
Yaaridam vizhi pesumo oo…oo…..oho….
With whom will her eyes converse? oo... oo... oho...
Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga
Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
Sripaatham thevathevargal vedha manthiram odha
As gods at her holy feet chant Vedic hymns,
Sridevi madurai naayagi somasundhrar kooda
Divine Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai stands together with Lord Somasundarar.
Sri paatham thevathevargal vedha manthiram odha
As gods at her holy feet chant Vedic hymns,
Sri devi madurai naayagi somasundhrar kooda
Divine Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai stands together with Lord Somasundarar.
: Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga
[Chorus]: Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
Nooraandu maalai mangalam kaaladevathai paada
As the deity of time sings songs of auspiciousness for a hundred years,
Eeraaru pillai perarkal thanga thottilil aada
May twelve children and grandchildren swing gracefully in golden cradles.
Male :Nooraandu maalai mangalam kaaladevathai paada
[Male Voice]: As the deity of time sings songs of auspiciousness for a hundred years,
Eeraaru pillai perarkal thanga thottilil aada
May twelve children and grandchildren swing gracefully in golden cradles.
: Idhuvarai vaazhntha kulamagal yaarum
[Chorus]: Has any virtuous family daughter who lived until this day,
Ivalukku nigaraagumo…oo…oo….
Ever been an equal to her? oo... oo...
Iraivanai naan vendi varam ondru ketkindraen
I pray to God asking for a sacred boon,
Kanavugal nanavaagumo….oo…oo…oo…oo….ohho….
Will all these beautiful dreams come true? oo... oo... oo... oo... ohho...
: Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga
[Chorus]: Like a moon smeared with turmeric, like an art adorned with kohl,
Maalai kattum malaraaga aarambam
Like a flower woven into a garland, a new beginning unfolds.
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Manjal Itta Nilavaaga from Aval Thantha Uravu (1978) is a festive and emotionally rich song celebrating auspiciousness, womanhood, and sibling affection. Kannadasan's lyrics present a glowing portrait of a young woman being showered with blessings by her family, particularly her elder brother. She is compared to sacred traditional elements—turmeric-dyed moonbeams, fresh flower garlands, and royalty—symbolizing her purity, grace, and elevated place in the family. The song incorporates rich cultural imagery such as the holy month of Thai, sacred lamps, Vedic mantras, and divine blessings from Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Somasundarar of Madurai. It embodies deep prayers for her long life, prosperity, marital bliss, and a flourishing family tree. Composer M. S. Viswanathan encapsulates this joy with traditional Tamil musical flair.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamaani)
“Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga”
Comparing the girl's radiance to a moon adorned with turmeric ('Manjal itta nilavaaga') and her smile to the joy of Thai Pongal ('Thai maatha pongal polavae').
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Annan konda ninaivoonjal anantham”
Comparing the brother's loving memories to a joyful swing ('Annan konda ninaivoonjal anantham').
Idiomatic Imagery (Uvamai)
“Ilai marai kaayendru thalaimurai kulam vaazha”
Using 'Ilai marai kaayendru' (like a fruit hidden behind leaves) to symbolize modest, protected growth of family lineage.
Second-letter Rhyme (Etukai)
“Manjal itta nilavaaga mai poosum kalaiyaaga”
Assonance and second-letter rhyme in consecutive lines like 'Manjal' / 'Maalai' and 'Mannar' / 'Annan'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Aval Thantha Uravu' (1978) features music composed by the legendary M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics penned by Kannadasan. 'Manjal itta nilavaaga' remains a beloved classic played during traditional Tamil family celebrations, auspicious functions, and turmeric ceremonies (Manjal Neerattu Vizha).
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