Kamakshi Amman Virutham
This hymn is a profound expression of devotion, blending ownership, anger, fear, surrender, and heartfelt love.
Ganapati Protection Verse:
O Kamakshi of the auspicious Kanchipuram,
Let me recite your sacred hymn,
May Ganapati—the elephant-faced, the five-armed,
Adorned with the crescent moon, snow-white tusks, and ornaments—
Protect me with joy residing in his heart.
(1)
O Beautiful One, eternal light, Uma Devi!
Those who see you on Fridays are freed from sorrow.
Those who worship your feet wholeheartedly are relieved of suffering.
Can the entire universe fully describe your illusionary play?
It’s impossible for a small being like me!
Being your own child, is it not my right that you protect me, Divine Mother?
You are the Supreme Goddess, crown jewel of Maheshwara, radiant and gracious!
You are the eternal protector, boundless, supreme, and mother to all.
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(2)
The shine of ten fingers adorned with rings, anklets, waistbands,
The green emeralds sparkling on your feet’s anklets,
The pearls on your nose ring, gem-studded pendant, the beauty of your enchanting garland,
The brilliant sacred thread adorned with gems and topaz,
The ear ornaments, the golden bangles on your hands,
Your radiant face admired across the universe,
How can I, a humble devotee, describe the form of Satti, the divine consort of Lord Varadaraja?
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(3)
I praised you joyfully, told you my worries openly,
But why then did you place poverty and suffering upon me, confusing me?
Unaware, I trusted you completely, thinking you my refuge,
Is it not fitting for you to protect me, even a little, O Divine Mother?
O Mother of the elephant-faced Ganesha, with radiant hands and famed glory,
Sister of Vishnu, consort of the Supreme, Uma who stands firm amidst cremation grounds,
I believed you as the supreme authority; govern me with love,
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(4)
Though I was born and raised on this earth,
I never sought sacred places, never worshipped great saints.
I never sang your praises, never bowed to my parents’ feet.
I never prayed sincerely with folded hands alongside the wise,
Never bowed at the lotus feet of the true Guru.
Have you seen any fool as ignorant as me, O Mother, on this earth?
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(5)
Trusting you as my own mother, I relied on you dearly,
Unaware, I forgot your consort, the Lord, calling you playfully.
Even as a faithful devotee, if you continue to ignore me,
How can I, an innocent child, remain unaffected, O Mother?
These misdeeds shouldn’t continue, this is not righteous.
Do you not have even a single thought of protecting me?
Did you forget your child, drawn by your elephant-faced son’s affection? Please bless me.
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(6)
Sister of Vishnu! You are Maragathavalli, the jewel-encrusted goddess,
The embodiment of illusion, Maheshwari, daughter of the mountains,
Mother Meenakshi, reservoir of virtues, treasure of compassion, Visalakshi!
You are the renowned divine queen of the universe,
You grew blessed as the consort of the Lord,
You are Pranava personified, radiant Prasanna Valli, the nourisher of love.
O Ayyee, Maha Mayee, Ananda Valli, Akhilanda Valli,
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(7)
Even if the child is mischievous,
Will a mother not advise her child?
Even if it’s a demon child, will a mother not raise it with love?
Even if I am like a stone, breathing faintly,
Did my cries not even enter your ears?
Why these hardships on me, Mother, will you not leave me be?
Is it right that both of us, clinging to each other, fall in the streets,
And the world mocks you? Is that justice, Mother?
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(8)
What sins have I committed in my previous births,
Foolish me, did I lie, cheat, steal, deceive?
I don’t know; suddenly misfortunes have fallen upon me.
I, a helpless soul, plead guilty—please forgive, grant me relief, Mother.
Without symbols of victory, am I to live without dignity, Mother?
Place kind thoughts upon me, bless me with good fortune, O Kamakshi!
Ride upon your swan, joyously appear before me,
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(9)
Those born like me live happily,
But why am I suffering so much, O Mother?
I firmly believed in you, took refuge at your feet,
There is no other support I see in this world,
Please remove my poverty, protect me.
Let the world admire me like young Markandeya,
O Mother, do not delay further in protecting me,
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(10)
In this Bharata land, always protect me with good fortune,
Bless children who devoutly worship your feet daily.
Keep the body free of illness, keep away evil,
Grant prosperity to the child, let them live victorious,
Let death not follow behind, protect me dearly,
Forgive the poetic errors of this humble soul,
“You are Ekambari, who worshipped with mounds of sand,”
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
(11)
I don’t know how many births I have taken on this earth,
But now, please show grace and end my cycle of birth.
I’ve worshipped you alone, trusting that you will grant me liberation,
Don’t let me wander aimlessly like ordinary men.
Hearing these eleven verses sung in devotion,
Kindly bestow wealth, lest the pure souls mock me.
Leaving the side of the Supreme, remove my sufferings, O Mother,
O Kamakshi, the revered Mother who resides gloriously in Kanchipuram!
May all beings live blissfully!
Tiruchitrambalam!
