Mangiyathor Nilavinile Lyrics English Translation — Paavai Vilakku | C. S. Jayaraman

C. S. Jayaraman’s “Mangiyathor Nilavinile” is from the 1960 album Paavai Vilakku, with lyrics by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharthiyaar. It opens with a person recalling a dream seen “in the light of a fading moon.” A young woman appears in this vision, her face as bright as a full moon.

Mangiyathor Nilavinile Lyrics English Translation — Paavai Vilakku | C. S. Jayaraman
Released: December 31, 1960

Mangiyathor Nilavinile

C. S. Jayaraman • From “Paavai Vilakku”

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharthiyaar
Composer
K. V. Mahadevan

Paavai Vilakku’s Mangiyathor Nilavinile Lyrics Translation

The man recognizes the figure as “the god called beauty” and asks about destiny. The meaning in the lyrics of “Mangiyathor Nilavinile” develops as he questions if wisdom can overcome fate. She replies that time is merely a tool that wisdom uses.

Mangiyathor NilavinileIn the light of a fading moon
Kanavil Idhu Kanden KandenI saw this in a dream, truly I saw
Mangiyathor NilavinileIn the light of a fading moon
Kanavil Idhu KandenI saw this in a dream
Mangiyathor NilavinileIn the light of a fading moon
Kanavil Idhu KandenI saw this in a dream
Vayadhu Padhinaru IrukkumHer age must have been sixteen
Ilavayasu MangaiA maiden in her youthful bloom
Vayadhu Padhinaru IrukkumShe looked to be sixteen years old
Ilavayasu MangaiA young and graceful woman
Pongi Varum PerunilavuA face as luminous
Pondra Oli MugamumAs a great, rising moon
Punnagaiyin Pudhu NilavumThe new moon of her smile
Pottra Varum ThottramA form that commanded reverence
Mangiyathor NilavinileIn the light of a fading moon
Kanavil Idhu KandenI saw this in a dream
Thungamani Minn PolumWith a form like a flash of pure lightning
Vadivathal VandhuShe appeared before me
Thungamani Minn PolumA figure of brilliant lightning
Vadivathal VandhuShe came and stood there
Thoongadhe Ezhundhennai“Do not sleep, arise and look at me,”
Par Endru SonnalIs what she said
Angadhanil Kann VizhithenRight there, I opened my eyes
Adada O AdadaOh, what a wonder it was
Azhagennum Deivam ThanIt was the very goddess known as Beauty
Adhuvendre ArindhenThis I came to understand
Mangiyathor NilavinileIn the light of a fading moon
Kanavil Idhu KandenI saw this in a dream
Kalathin Vidhi Madhiyai“Can wisdom overcome the fate
Kadanthidumoo EndrenThat time dictates?” I asked
Kalame Madhiyinukorr“Time itself is but a tool
Karuviyam EndralFor wisdom,” she replied
Gnyalathil Virumbhiyadhu“Will the things we desire on this earth
Nannumoo EndrenEver come to pass?” I asked
Nalile Ondrirandu“In due time, one or two of them
Palithidalam EndralPerhaps may be fulfilled,” she said
Mangiyathor NilavinileIn the light of a fading moon
Kanavil Idhu KandenI saw this in a dream

Mangiyathor Nilavinile Music Video

The song’s progression turns a dream encounter into a philosophical dialogue. Initial admiration for the woman’s appearance leads to direct questions about human will. The song concludes by reframing destiny not as an opponent to wisdom but as its instrument.