Since a literal translation of a Virutham is complex, here is the essence of each verse:
Verse 1 (The Repetitive Chant)
Verse 2 (Her Divine Appearance)
Verse 3 (Her Compassion)
Verse 4 (The Prayer for Protection)
Verse 5 (The Cosmic Form)
Verse 6 (The Conclusion)
The script is often written in Tamil or Grantha, but the language is predominantly Sanskrit with a few Tamil influences (like the word amman implied in some versions). The lyrics provided above are from the Sanskrit tradition.
Below are the most popular verses of the Kamakshi Virutham. These are typically sung in Ragamalika (a garland of ragas), starting in Ragam Nattai, then moving to Ragam Saveri, and concluding in Ragam Bhupalam.
Verse 1 (Invocation of Auspiciousness)
Mangalam, mangalam, mangalam, kamakshi Mangalam, mangalam, mangalam, karunakshi Mangalam, mangalam, mangalam, mahatripurasundari Mangalam, mangalam, mangalam, kamakshi
Verse 2 (Description of Her Form)
Sindhura aruna vigraham, trinayana man angam Indra neela manishya dyuti, sharirajatha Mandara sumanah makuta, kundalavathi shobha Chandrardha virajitha, chandana lepitha deham kamakshi virutham lyrics in english
Verse 3 (Her Divine Weapons and Props)
Panchabana, pancha tanmatra pancha pranayautham Pancha pretha nivesitha, parameswari padabjam Ankusha pasham, karuna dhruta ikshu kodanda Shankari, samkari, brahmi, vaishnavi, mahendri
Verse 4 (The Plea for Mercy)
Mamava, mamava, kamakshi Mamava, mamava, karunakshi Mamava, mamava, mahatripurasundari Mamava, mamava, sri kamakshi
Verse 5 (Conclusion – The Names of Glory)
Kamakshi, Kanchi nagara nilaye Kamakoti, kamakoti peetha sthite Sri chakra raja simhasane, sri maharajni Kamakshi, tava charanam, sharanam, sharanam
Vannam kondu vaadaamal vaazha vaiththaay
Maamani nee yenakku aruL thandhaay
Minnaay oLi pol irundaay
Innum yenakku oru kurai irukkaa
Kanaa malar aLikkum kamakshi.
Meaning:
You made me live without fading, with all colors intact,
You gave me your precious grace,
You existed like a spark of light –
Is there any deficiency left for me?
Kamakshi, who grants even the unattainable flower (of liberation).
Whether you are a musician learning the nuances of Raga Saveri or a devotee seeking solace, the Kamakshi Virutham offers a unique blend of poetic beauty and spiritual depth. The lyrics in English serve as a bridge, connecting the modern heart to the ancient, timeless heartbeat of the Divine Mother of Kanchipuram.
Chanting these lines is believed to bring peace of mind and the grace of the Goddess, proving that faith transcends language barriers.
The Kamakshi Virutham is a powerful 11-verse Tamil hymn composed by Sirumanavur Munusami Mudaliar, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchipuram to seek her grace and protection. These verses reflect a deep, emotional dialogue, where the devotee expresses surrender and asks for blessings, liberation, and relief from life's hardships.
You can read the full Kamakshi Virutham lyrics and their meanings in English on Scribd and Brama Gnana Porsabai. S.Swarathmika - Facebook Since a literal translation of a Virutham is
The Kamakshi Virutham is a powerful devotional poem of 11 verses dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchipuram. It is composed as a deeply emotional conversation between the devotee and the Divine Mother, seeking her protection and grace. Lyrics Transliteration (English)
The hymn begins with a protective verse to Lord Ganesha (Ganapathi Kappu). Ganapathi Kappu:
Mangalam cher kachinagar Mannu Kamakshi misaiThungamula nar pathigam chollave - thingatPuya maruvum pani cheyyum paraman ullamthanil magizhumGaya mukhan iyngaran iru thaal Kappu. Key Verses (Transliteration):
Verse 1: Sundari soundhari nirandhari thurandhari jothiyaay nindra umaiyae! / Chukkira vaaraththil unaik kantu tharichiththavarkal thunpaththai nheekkituvaay!
Verse 1: Salutation to the Goddess of Kanchi
Kamakshi Varnishu Karunakarakshi Kanchipurishu Giri Suthaikshi Sripura Vilasini Siva Sankari Sarva Mangala Sada Palini
(Meaning: O Kamakshi, the Goddess with eyes full of compassion! O Goddess who resides in Kanchipuram, the daughter of the mountains (Parvati). You are the one who plays in Sripura, the consort of Lord Shiva, and the one who always bestows all auspiciousness.)
Verse 2: The Compassionate Mother
Pahi Pahi Jagan Matha Pahimam Kamalalaya Matha Bhava Bhaya Harini Bala Bhavani Bhuvana Mohini Bahu Priya
(Meaning: Protect me, O Mother of the Universe! Protect me, O Mother who resides in the Lotus. You are the one who removes the fear of the cycle of birth and death. You are the youthful Bhavani, the enchantress of the world, and the dear consort of the Lord.)
Verse 3: The One with the Sugarcane Bow
Ikshu Danu Shara Kusha Bana Ishta Phala Prada Ishta Dhayini Akila Kaladhara Sarva Shakthi Ananda Roopini Amba Gauri Verse 2 (Her Divine Appearance)
(Meaning: O Goddess who holds the sugarcane bow and flower arrows! You grant the desired fruits to your devotees. You are the wielder of all arts and all powers. You are the embodiment of bliss, O Mother Gauri.)
Below is the most common version of the Kamakshi Virutham. Note that slight variations exist depending on the lineage (Sringeri, Kanchi, etc.). The following text is transliterated for accurate pronunciation. (Sanskrit/Tamil mixed)
Verse 1 (Invocation) Kaamakshi amba, Kaamakshi amba, Kaamakshi amba, Kaamakshi. Kaamakshi amba, Kaamakshi amba, Kaamakshi amba, Kaamakshi.
Verse 2 (The Crown & Hair) Sindhuram bindu bilwa patra makutam, Shonamsukam sundaram, Indeevarabham mahaneeya vakshoruham, Indeevaraakshim anisham.
Verse 3 (The Face & Smile) Mandasmitha manda girah mahaasi, Maanasa hamsi maharha vastreh. Kanchana geha kudumbavasi, Kamakshi amba, tvam bhajami.
Verse 4 (The Eyes & Grace) Meena nayana, mama hridayam, Meenakshi, Kamakshi, Parvathi. Palaya maam, palaya maam, Karunakari, Kamakshi.
Verse 5 (The Pancha Bhuta Description) Prithvi rupena sthitha devi, Ambhu rupena sthitha devi, Agni rupena sthitha devi, Vayu rupena sthitha devi, Akasha rupena sthitha devi. Pancha bhuta swarupini, Kamakshi.
Verse 6 (The Closing Plea) Bhava banda nasini, bhava ruja chhedini, Bhakta jana poshini, bhajesham aham. Kamakshi, Kamakshi, Kamakshi namostute.
(Note: For the full traditional Virutham, there are approximately 10-12 stanzas. The above captures the core elements most commonly recited.)
Before diving into the lyrics, it is crucial to understand the deity. Kamakshi (Kama = desires + Akshi = eyes) means "She whose eyes fulfil desires." Her famous temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Unlike the aggressive form of Kali or the serene form of Saraswati, Kamakshi represents Sri Vidya—the supreme knowledge that blends mercy with cosmic power.
The Kamakshi Virutham is traditionally attributed to the great sage Adi Shankaracharya, though some verses come from the collective works of later saints. It describes the goddess’s physical beauty, her divine weapons, and her compassionate nature. The verses are an outpouring of love, portraying the devotee as a child seeking refuge in the mother’s lap.