S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Vani Jairam perform ‘Maanikka Maamani’ in G. K. Venkatesh’s composition from the album ‘Thennangkeetru.’ Lyricist Kannadasan crafts a duet where romance meets spiritual awakening through intense visual imagery.
Maanikka Maamani
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | Vani Jairam • From “Thennangkeetru”
Maanikka Maamani Lyrics Translation (from “Thennangkeetru”)
Kannadasan merges physical descriptions with sacred metaphors, writing of a ‘land of wisdom’ found in the lover’s form. The characters frame their meeting as a temple consecration, where hearts unlock promises of rebirth.
Maanikka Maamani MaalaiyilIn the evening light that shines like ruby gems,
Mangai Aval Thanga Mugam Naan KandathuI saw the golden face of that maiden.
Maanikka Maamani MaalaiyilIn the evening light that shines like ruby gems,
Mangai Aval Thanga Mugam Naan KandathuI saw the golden face of that maiden.
Maanikka Maamani MaalaiyilIn the evening light that shines like ruby gems,
Mangai Aval Thanga Mugam Naan KandathuI saw the golden face of that maiden.
Then Idaiyil Oru Gnaana Bhoomi KandenI found a land of wisdom in her honey-sweet waist.
Theva Vilaasam Adhu Kovil Konda PaasamIt’s a divine splendor, a love that rests in a temple.
Idhamo Padhamo SugamoIs it comfort? Is it tenderness? Is it bliss?
Maanikka Maamani MaalaiyilIn the evening light that shines like ruby gems,
Mangai Aval Thanga Mugam Naan KandathuI saw the golden face of that maiden.
Poo Mugathil Oru Kodi Dheepam KandenI saw ten million lamps lit in her flower-like face.
Baba Saaban KollaTo destroy all sins and curses,
Kadhal Devasthaanam AanaenI’ve become a holy sanctuary of love.
Iraivaa Enakku VilakkuOh God, you are my guiding light.
Maanikka Maamani MaalaiyilIn the evening light that shines like ruby gems,
Mangai Aval Thanga Mugam Naan KandathuI saw the golden face of that maiden.
Maanikka Maamani MaalaiyilIn the evening light that shines like ruby gems,
Mangai Aval Thanga Mugam Naan KandathuI saw the golden face of that maiden.
Naan Varuvaen Dhinam Anthi Santhi NeramI’ll come to you every day at twilight.
Naan Ninaippaen Dhinam Jeeva Raaga GeedhamI’ll remember the soulful melody of life every day.
Udhayam Undu NamakkumA sunrise waits for us too.
Adhil Idhaya Geedham ThudikkumIn that light, the heart’s rhythm will pulse.
Pudhiya Vaazhvu InikkumA new life will taste sweet.
Nenjin Iniya Vaasal ThirakkumAnd the heart’s sweet gates will open up.
NamakkumFor us too,
OrunaalOne day,
PirakkumIt will be born.
Maanikka Maamani Music Video
Seeking the Maanikka Maamani lyrics translation reveals how Tamil devotional poetry structures romantic epiphany. The album ‘Thennangkeetru’ documents love as both personal transformation and communal ritual.