The Kamakshi Virutham is a revered set of Tamil hymns dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, the presiding deity of Kanchipuram, who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Unlike a standard suprabhatam (morning wake-up song) or a stotram (hymn of praise), a Virutham is a unique metrical composition often sung in a free-flowing, raga-based improvisation. It is designed to evoke the essence of the Goddess through intricate wordplay, deep devotion, and philosophical undertones.
For millions of Tamil-speaking devotees, reciting the Kamakshi Virutham is a daily ritual. However, for those who speak English or are new to the tradition, accessing Kamakshi Virutham lyrics in English is essential for understanding and pronunciation. This article provides the complete lyrics in Romanized English, a word-for-word meaning, and an exploration of its spiritual depth.
Translation: "Auspiciousness to you, O Kamakshi. Auspiciousness to you, O compassionate-eyed one. Auspiciousness to you, O great beauty of the three cities."
Understanding the meaning elevates the recitation from mere chanting to heartfelt prayer. Here is a breakdown of the key verses.
Verse 1:
Kāmākṣīm karuṇā rasēm Kalaya mānasa sāntatam Kāñcī nagara nivāsinīm Kamalāsanārcita pādukām
Meaning:
O mind, always think of Kamakshi, who is the embodiment of the nectar of compassion, who resides in the city of Kanchi, and whose feet are worshipped by Brahma (the one seated on the lotus).
Verse 2:
Kāruṇya kadalī taraṅga Nivāsa śivē kātyāyani Māra janaka mātaṅga Vadana vighna nāśini kamakshi virutham lyrics in english
Meaning:
You are the wave in the ocean of mercy. O Shiva's consort, O Katyayani. You are the mother of Manmatha (god of love), and the destroyer of obstacles, with the elephant-faced Ganesha as your son.
Verse 3:
Śrī cakra rāja simhāsanē Sitātmajādi sēvitē Ānanda kanda kāma koṭi Lāvaṇya rūpa mātarē
Meaning:
Seated on the throne of Sri Chakra, served by Rama and others (deities), O mother who is the root of bliss, whose beauty equals millions of Kamadevas. Translation: "Auspiciousness to you, O Kamakshi
Verse 4:
Paramēśvarī praṇavākāriṇī Pañca brahma svarūpiṇī Sarvēśvarī sarva mantra siddhi Dāyini namō'stutē
Meaning:
O Supreme Goddess, you embody the Pranava (Om), you are the form of the five Brahmas (Panchabrahmas). O ruler of all, giver of all mantra siddhis – salutations to you.
A Virutham does not follow a strict meter like traditional shlokas. Instead, it is a flow of poetic lines that can be sung in various ragas (like Ragamalika). The Kamakshi Virutham typically starts with the famous line "Kamakshi amba, Kamakshi amba..." and proceeds to describe her from head to toe (Kesadi Padam). 108 repetitions are recommended.
There is no strict rule. Chanting it 3, 5, or 11 times daily is considered beneficial. For special occasions (Fridays, full moons, or Navaratri), 108 repetitions are recommended.