Vani Jayaram’s ‘Mangala Kannagi’ from the album ‘Thaaliya Salangaiya’ features Kannadasan’s lyrics and K. V. Mahadevan’s composition. The song examines a woman’s struggle between marital tradition and artistic expression.
Mangala Kannagi
Vani Jayaram • From “Thaaliya Salangaiya”
Mangala Kannagi Lyrics Translation – Thaaliya Salangaiya Soundtrack
Kannadasan contrasts the ‘thaali’ necklace symbolizing marriage with the ‘salangai’ anklets representing dance. The lyricist questions whether society accepts an artist as a daughter-in-law through lines about sacred status and public judgment.
Mangala Kannagi Kunguma JanakiLike the auspicious Kannagi and the crimson-adorned Janaki.
Nalangal Thulanga Vilanga Aniyum ThaaliyaaWill I wear the sacred ‘thaali’ that lets my virtues shine clear?
Nadaga Kaviya Kaveri MadhaviOr like the dancer Madhavi from the dramatic epic,
Mayangi Kulungi Arangil Aniyum SalangaiyaWill I wear the jingling ‘salangai’ to enchant the crowd on stage?
Thaaliyaa SalangaiyaaIs it the wedding chain or the dancer’s anklets?
Thaaliyaa SalangaiyaaIs it the wedding chain or the dancer’s anklets?
Manamagal Ival Enum Deiva BandhamaIs it the divine bond that declares, “She is a bride”?
Vilaimagal Ival Enum Dhinasari SondhamaOr the daily affair that brands me, “She is a courtesan”?
Manamagal Ival Enum Deiva BandhamaIs it the divine bond that declares, “She is a bride”?
Vilaimagal Ival Enum Dhinasari SondhamaOr the daily affair that brands me, “She is a courtesan”?
Thaalikkum Medai Salangaikkum MedaiThere is a stage for the wedding chain and a stage for the anklets.
Irandil Edhu NerumoWhich of these two will come to pass?
Thalaivan Oruvan Valangum Bandham SerumoWill I find the lasting bond given by a true husband?
Thaaliyaa SalangaiyaaIs it the wedding chain or the dancer’s anklets?
Thaaliyaa SalangaiyaaIs it the wedding chain or the dancer’s anklets?
Sathiyam Thathuvam Pongum VaazhkaiyaIs it a life overflowing with truth and philosophy?
Nithiyam Methaiyil Konjum VaazhkkaiyaOr a life of daily pleasures upon a silken bed?
Sathiyam Thathuvam Pongum VaazhkaiyaIs it a life overflowing with truth and philosophy?
Nithiyam Methaiyil Konjum VaazhkkaiyaOr a life of daily pleasures upon a silken bed?
Kalaimagal Endrae MarumagalaagumCan a ‘daughter of the arts’ ever become a daughter-in-law?
Punidha Nilai SerumoWill I ever reach that sacred state?
Thagatheem Thagatheem Enavae Aada NerumoOr is my fate just to dance to the rhythm of “Thagatheem”?
Mangala Kannagi Kunguma JanakiLike the auspicious Kannagi and the crimson-adorned Janaki.
Nalangal Thulanga Vilanga Aniyum ThaaliyaaWill I wear the sacred ‘thaali’ that lets my virtues shine clear?
Nadaga Kaviya Kaveri MadhaviOr like the dancer Madhavi from the dramatic epic,
Mayangi Kulungi Arangil Aniyum SalangaiyaWill I wear the jingling ‘salangai’ to enchant the crowd on stage?
Ilamai Maeni Idhu PerumaiyoduIs this youthful body meant to hold onto its pride,
Kollum MalargaloLike sacred flowers that fade away?
Sabai Yeri Aadi NenjaiOr is it meant to climb the stage, dancing to plunder hearts,
Soorai Aadum Iru VizhigaloWith two eyes that strike like a storm?
Oru Ullam Thannil ThannaiTo surrender oneself within a single heart.
Alli Veikkum Uyar AngamoIs my body a high offering for that one love?
Malar Palli Meedhu SeiyumOr is it meant for a bed of flowers,
Kalla Kaadhal Tharum SangamoWhere illicit love brings its fleeting union?
Kadhalum Ennai MarukkumoWill true love deny me?
Vedhamum Ennai VerukkumoWill the scriptures despise me?
Nadhamae Ennai AnaikkumoWill music be the only thing to embrace me?
Nallavan Ullam ManakkumoWill a good man’s heart ever accept me?
Kalaiyo Enna NilaiyooIs this art, or is this just my fate?
Poruloo Iraivan ArulooIs it for wealth, or is it God’s grace?
Mangala Kannagi Music Video
The album ‘Thaaliya Salangaiya’ presents unresolved tension between societal roles through these lyrics. Listeners seeking the ‘Mangala Kannagi’ lyrics translation will find a timeless debate about identity and acceptance.