The present study focused on low temperature synthesis of Mn doped ZnO nanorod array film via chemical bath deposition method on glass substrates. Microstructural, morphological, and optical properties of Mn doped ZnO nanorods were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns showed sharp and intense peaks, indicating the highly crystalline nature of the film. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) results confirmed the presence of Mn ions in ZnO nanorods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures suggested Mn doped ZnO nanorods were well aligned and distributed throughout the surface. Vibrational analysis has been carried out by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) exhibited the presence of one broad defects related band in the visible region ranging 440-640 nm. Blue shifting in the absorption edge with Mn doping was observed in absorption spectra.