P. Susheela’s song “Mannavar Kulam” is from the album Rani Samyuktha. With lyrics by Kannadasan and music by K. V. Mahadevan, it opens as a guide for a princess. The verses ask her to look at the assembled kings and decide which one has won her heart.
Mannavar Kulam
P. Susheela • From “Rani Samyuktha”
Rani Samyuktha’s Mannavar Kulam Lyrics Translation
The song builds a gallery of impressive suitors. One ruler is from a land so peaceful that swans sing lullabies to babies. Other kings from different domains are presented with equally flattering descriptions, creating a grand spectacle of choices.
Mannavar Kulam ParammaBehold the lineage of kings, my lady.
Mannavar Kulam ParammaBehold the lineage of kings, my lady.
Idhil Mangai Un Manam KavarndhaAmong them, maiden, who has captured your heart?
Mannavar YarammaWho is that king, my lady?
Mannavar Kulam ParammaBehold the lineage of kings, my lady.
Idhil Mangai Un Manam KavarndhaAmong them, maiden, who has captured your heart?
Mannavar YarammaWho is that king, my lady?
Mannavar Kulam ParammaBehold the lineage of kings, my lady.
Ponmalar Manivayil Punnagai PurigindraFrom lips like jeweled flowers, a smile blossoms,
Poovai Unai ParkirarAnd they gaze upon you, the flower-like one.
Ponmalar Manivayil Punnagai PurigindraFrom lips like jeweled flowers, a smile blossoms,
Poovai Unai ParkirarAnd they gaze upon you, the flower-like one.
Nindru Than Manam Thadumara Un Malar Vizhi KoorumThey stand with faltering hearts, waiting for a sign
Sammadham Thanai KetkkirarFrom your flower-like eyes, listening for your consent.
Nindru Than Manam Thadumara Un Malar Vizhi KoorumThey stand with faltering hearts, waiting for a sign
Sammadham Thanai KetkkirarFrom your flower-like eyes, listening for your consent.
Neeyum Mannavar Kulam ParammaYou too, look upon the lineage of kings, my lady.
Idhil Mangai Un Manam KavarndhaAmong them, maiden, who has captured your heart?
Mannavar YarammaWho is that king, my lady?
Mannavar Kulam ParammaBehold the lineage of kings, my lady.
Mayakkum Mugam Padaitha Madhargal Vizhi ThammaiHe is Maran, whose charm captures the eyes
Kalakkum Ezhil Padaitha MaranOf even the most enchanting women.
Mannil Sirikkum Sendhamarai Poo Sivandhadhu PolLike a red lotus that smiles upon the earth as it blooms,
Kalamum Sivappaga Porr Puriyum SeranSo does the Chera king’s valor redden the field of battle.
Mazhalai Kural Kettu Annangal ThalattumThe leader who protects a prosperous land
Valanadu Thanaikkakkum ThalaivanWhere even swans sing lullabies to the voices of children.
Karunkuzhal Pola Megangal Koothada Serndhu VarumThe lord who rules the kingdom of Kosala,
Kosalam Thanaiyalum IraivanWhere dark clouds gather and dance like flowing tresses.
Thanga Niram Padaitha Mangaiyar MeniyinaiHe is king even to the wind that caresses
Thalattum Katrinukkum ArasanThe forms of golden-hued maidens.
Mattrum Angam Ilangai Vangam Savagam PutpagathaiAnd then there is the line of crown princes who rule
Arasalum Yuvarajar VarisaiOver Anga, Ilangai, Vanga, Savagam, and Putpagam.
Mannavar Kulam ParammaBehold the lineage of kings, my lady.
Idhil Mangai Un Manam KavarndhaAmong them, maiden, who has captured your heart?
Mannavar YarammaWho is that king, my lady?
Mannavar Kulam ParammaBehold the lineage of kings, my lady.
Kottramirundhum Kudi Irundhum Mudi IrundhumThough he has sovereignty, subjects, and a right to the crown,
Koluvirukka Idamindri IngeHe has no place to be seated here.
Verum Koodagi Kavalanai NirpavanStanding only as a sentinel in this hall,
Prithvithan Prithvithan PrithvithanIt is Prithvi, it is Prithvi, it is Prithvi.
Kulamagale Un Ennam Enge Un Ennam EngeOh, noble lady, where do your thoughts wander? Where do they wander?
Un Ennam EngeWhere do your thoughts wander?
Mannavar Kulam Music Video
The music then turns its attention away from the grand display of royalty. It singles out a man who stands apart, a king with no official seat in the hall. The meaning of the ‘Mannavar Kulam’ lyrics is tied to this pivot from public status to private conviction.