Manimekalai is a 1959 Indian Tamil-language epic film directed by V. S. Raghavan and written by Elangovan, starring T. R. Mahalingam and P. Bhanumathi.

While wandering about the island Maṇimekalai comes across the Dharma-seat, the seat on which Buddha had taught and appeased two warring Naga princes, and placed there by the God Indra.

They meet Sage Aravana Adigal who informs them the history of the mystic Amudhasurabhi and expounds her the Buddha's Teaching and advises her about the nature of life.

The king who had earlier viewed her with suspicion now perceives her innate divinity and agrees to her proposal to turn the prison to a hall of charity where Buddhist monks could meditate and establish a hospice for the poor.

Udhaya Kumaran continues to pursue Manimekalai, despite her avowed spiritual inclinations to dedicate herself to a religious celibate life.

Kayachanika's husband Kanjanan believes that Manimekalai is his wife who has been cured of her illness, and when he finds Udhaya Kumaran stalking her, kills him in fury.