(Note: There are many versions of the Kamakshi Virutham. The above is a condensed, widely recognized lyrical form.)
Would you like a PDF version of this guide, or the lyrics in a different script (e.g., Sanskrit or Tamil)?
Sangari Sankari Sambhavi Sadhasivi Sarveswari Dhayabaraiyey, Angkayarkanni Amudha Ghateswari Agila Loga Nayagiye, Kangala Lolai Kalyana Selvi Kamakshi Thaye Saranam. Bhuvaneshwari Punya Loga Nayagi Boorva Punya Palaney, Sivakami Srimathi Chidambara Nayagi Sivasankari Ammaiye, Thavamigundha Munivar Thuyar Theerkum Santha Swaroopiniye, Kavalaigal Theerkum Karunai Kadaley Kamakshi Thaye Saranam. Verse 3 Narayani Navarathri Nayagi Namasivaya Magizhnthavaley, Parayana Prithi Padha Malar Neetiya Parameswari Ammaiye,
Below is the popular opening verse of the Virutham, transliterated into English for devotees to chant and sing:
காமாக்ஷி விருத்தம் kamakshi Virutham Lyrics - Facebook Kamakshi Virutham Lyrics and Meaning | PDF - Scribd Kamakshi Virutham Lyrics in English - Facebook kamakshi virutham lyrics in english
O beautiful, elegant, eternal Goddess, and destroyer of all ills! You are Uma, who stands as a radiant flame. You remove all sorrows of those who come to see you on Fridays. You also take away the suffering of those who simply salute your feet in their thoughts.
Pirandhu vandhu ivvulaginil valarndhum, punidha thalangal dhorum naan poga villai, Periyorkalai naan paarkka villai, paravai kettu naanum paada villai, Thaay thagappaangalin thiruvadiyai naan thozha villai, Meiyyargalin thiruvadiyai kai thozha villai, Ulaga engum ennai pola yaaravadu mudhandhanirka pugazh petraaramma, Azhakaana kanchiyil pugazhaaka vaazhnthidum ammai kamakshi umaye.
The beauty of lies in its imagery. The poet describes the Goddess not just as a divine figure, but as a loving mother.
Kamakshi, Kanchi nagara nilaye Kamakoti, kamakoti peetha sthite Sri chakra raja simhasane, sri maharajni Kamakshi, tava charanam, sharanam, sharanam (Note: There are many versions of the Kamakshi Virutham
I was born and grew up on this earth, but I never sought sacred places or worshipped great saints. I never bowed to my parents' feet or to the lotus feet of a true Guru. Have you, O Mother, ever seen a greater fool on this earth than me?
Represents the divine union of Shiva and Shakti at the center of the earth.
The 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.
Tvamīha devī sarvapi sarva devair Ādiśaktiḥ parameśvari You remove all sorrows of those who come
As I prepare to recite this sacred poetic hymn in praise of Goddess Kamakshi, who resides in the auspicious city of Kanchipuram, I seek the protection of the two feet of the elephant-faced Lord Ganesha, who is adorned with five arms and resides in the heart of Lord Shiva (the great God who wears the snake and the crescent moon).
When you chant this Virutham, imagine you are the poet in Kanchipuram, sitting before the Mother of the universe, who holds a sugarcane bow—not to shoot others, but to pierce your own heart with sweetness.
Kedhiyaaga vunthanai kondaadi ninadhu mun kuraigalaich solli ninrum, Kodumaiyaa yenmeedhil varumaiyaai vaithu nee kuzhappamaa iruppadheno, Sadhigaari yendru naan ariyaamal unthanai sadhamaaga nambinenae, Sattragaagilum manadhu vaithu ennai rakshikka saadhanam unakkillaiyo, Madhi pola oliyutra pugal nedungaravudaiya madhaganai yendra thaye, Maayanudai thangaye, Paramanudai mangaye, Mayaanathil ninra umaye, Adhikaari yendru naan aasaiyaai nambinaen anbu vaithu ennai aalvai, Azhakaana kanchiyil pugazhaaka vaazhndhidum Ammai Kamakshi umaye.
The poet fell at her feet and began to cry. He remembered an ancient tradition: the Virutham . A Virutham is not a song with a tune; it is a free-flowing, rhythmic chant of raw emotion—like a river breaking its banks. It has no chorus, only a cascade of names, praises, and pleas.
