Parvathi

pangkaja nayanI

பங்கஜ நயனீ

Ragam: Revathi Talam: Adi

Pallavi

பங்கஜ நயனீ  பர்வத குமரி

pangkaja nayanI parvadha kumari

பரமேஸ்வரி பரிந்தருள் புரி நீ

paramEswari parindharuL puri nI 

Anupallavi

பாரெங்கும் சூது ஓங்கிட

pArengum sUdhu Ongida

கார்முகில் போல் கருமை நிறைந்திட

kArmugil pOl karumai niRaindhida

சிற்றின்பக் கூட்டினில் பற்றுளார் களித்திட

sitRinbak kUttinil patRuLAr kaLitthida

வேதனையால் வெந்திடும் என்னுள்ளம் உறைந்திடு

vEdhanaiyAl vendhidum ennuLLam uRaindhidu

Charanam

வேதவாஹினி ராதாகிருஷ்ணன் மகிழ் சோதரி

vEdhavAhini rAdhAkrishNan magizh sOdhari

கண் கனலால் கருகிய காமனுக்கும் கடைக்

kaN kanalAl karugiya kAmanukkum kadaik

கண் காணலால் புனர் உயிர் ஈந்த புவனேஸ்வரி

kaN kANalAl punar uyir Indha bhuvanEswari

காய்ந்திடும் உயிர்க்கெல்லாம் கருணை முகிலாய் நிறை காமாக்ஷி

kAyndhidum uyirkkellAm karuNai mugilAy niRai kAmAkshi

Translation

Pallavi

Lotus-eyed goddess, daughter of the mountain king, Supreme goddess: bless us with your compassion.

Anupallavi

I witness the whole world infested with deceit. Darkness descends like the clouds. Some people revel in lust and cheap pleasures. Please dwell in my tormented heart.

Charanam

She rides on the Vedas; she makes her brother Radhakrishnan happy. Manmatha was charred by sparks from the third eye of Lord Siva. Parvathi is the protector of the universe who with a single glance, gave life back to the God of Love, Manmatha. Kamakshi transforms into a pregnant cloud, raining compassion down on all the scorched lives on the planet . 

Author’s Note

Line 2 of the charanam refers to Lord Siva burning the demigod Manmatha to ashes. This episode occurs during Kumara Sambavam, also known as Muruga’s birth. Lord Siva is in deep penance. Encouraged by all of the celestials, Manmatha shoots his flower arrows at Siva so he will  return to his routine with Goddess Parvathi and not pursue this deep meditation. Disturbed by the event, Siva opens his third eye and burns Manmatha. Manmatha’s wife pleads for the life of her spouse and other gods join her in this effort. At this stage, Siva grants him life only visible to his spouse, Rathi. The legend continues with Siva marrying Parvathi on earth at another time. After the celebration, with a joyous Siva by her side, Parvathi gives Manmatha his life back. This story is narrated by Mahaperiyava and the reference below provides details.

தெய்வத்தின் குரல், முதற் பகுதி, ஜகத்குரு ஶ்ரீ காஞ்சி காமகோடி பீடாதீச்வர ஶ்ரீ சந்திரசேகரேந்திர சரஸ்வதி சங்கராசாரியஸ்வாமிகளின் அருள்வாக்குகள், வானதிபதிப்பகம், 13 தீனதயாளு தெரு, தி. நகர்,சென்னை-17, ஒன்பதாம் பதிப்பு: டிசம்பர் 1992, காமாக்ஷியின் சரிதை, பக்கம் 823-837.

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sAkambari sAranga sOdhari

சாகம்பரி சாரங்க சோதரி

Ragam: Saranga Talam: Roopakam

Pallavi

சாகம்பரி சாரங்க சோதரி சர்வேஸ்வரி

sAkambari sAranga sOdhari sarvEswari

சங்கரி சந்ததம் அருள் நீ தேவி

sankari santhatham aruL nI dhEvi

Anupallavi

பஞ்ச நிவாரிணி வஞ்சக ஹாரிணி

panja nivAriNi vanjaga hAriNi

ப்ரபஞ்ச துக்க நாசினி மஞ்சு பாஷிணி

prabancha dhukka nAsini manju bAshiNi

Charanam

கொஞ்சு மழலை குழந்தையர் கதறிடும் ஓலத்திலே

konju mazhalai kuzhandhaiyar kadhaRidum OlatthilE

பிஞ்சு கரம் பற்ற அவல மாதர் அரண்ட நேரத்திலே

pinju karam patRa avala mAdhar araNda nEratthilE

அரும் பொன்னும் குறுநெல்லும் இணையென்ற காலத்திலே

arum ponnum kuRunellum iNaiyendRa kAlatthilE

நறுங்கனியும் காயுமாய் தழைத்தே உறுபசி தீர்த்த

naRungkaniyum kAyumAy thazhaitthE uRupasi thIrttha

Translation

Pallavi

Oh Supreme Goddess Sakambari, sister of Lord Saranga and consort of Lord Sankara, please grant us perpetual peace and prosperity.

Anupallavi

She is the remover of drought and the destroyer of deceit and evil thoughts. She eradicates universal suffering and is endowed with speech as sweet as nectar.

Charanam

Once upon a time during a severe drought, infants cried incessantly. They went looking for food with their tender hands touching their mother’s body.  The desperate women, who did not have adequate milk supply, stood terrified, not knowing what to do to help. This was at a time when gold was equal in price to a morsel of grain.  The Goddess Sakambari transformed herself into a tree overflowing with fruits and vegetables, thereby alleviating the pervasive hunger of the populace. 

Author’s Note

The pallavi of this song starts with the name of Devi Sakambari that is mentioned in Devi Mahatmiyam. Details about Devi solving the hardship caused by the long drought, appearing as a vruksham (tree), and bearing fruits and vegetables, are detailed in Devi Mahatmiyam. The descriptions of her physical appearance are also detailed in Durga Saptashati, also known as Devi Mahatmiyam. This treasure is contained in Markhandeya puranam. Since Devi is extolled using 700 slokas or mantras, it is also known as Durga saptashati. 

For slokas 11.46–11.49 mentioning Sakambari in Devi Mahatmiyam, and translations, see:

../DEVI-MAHATMYA-FULL.pdf

The purpose of Sakambari’s incarnation was to destroy the evil Durgamasura. Devi acquired the name Durga after killing the demon. The reasons for Devi’s avatar, her transformation into a vruksham (tree), and the cause of the drought, are all described in the links below:

Mythology behind Goddess Sakambari’s incarnation

Description of Goddess Sakambari

Goddess Shakambari Devi - Information On Hindu Goddess

Shakambari Mata | Hindu Blog.pdf

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kAla bhaya hAriNi

கால பய ஹாரிணி

Pallavi

கால பய ஹாரிணி கைலாச வாசினி

kAla bhaya hAriNi kailAsa vAsini

மூல மந்த்ர ஸ்வரூபிணி மூலோக பாலினி

mUla manthra swarUpiNi mUlOka pAlini

Anupallavi

சகல செளபாக்ய தாயினி ஜன்ம வினை

sakala sowbhAgya dhAyini janma vinai

அகல கடாக்ஷிக்கும் கருணாகரி காமாக்ஷி

agala katAkshikkum karuNAkari kAmAkshi

Charanam

தங்க நிற மேனியள் தன்னேரில்லாதவள்

thanga niRa mEniyaL thannErillAdhavaL

சிங்க வாஹனமதில் சீராய் அமர்ந்தவள்

singa vAhanamadhil sIrAy amarndhavaL

சங்கத் தமிழ் இசை அடியார் பாட நெக்குருகி

sangath thamizh isai adiyAr pAda nekkurugi

அங்க ஆபரணங்கள் அசைந்தாட வரும்

anga AbharaNangaL asaindhAda varum

Translation

Pallavi

She is the remover of the fear of death and dwells in Mount Kailash. She is the personification and the origin of all chants and scriptures, and the protector of three universes. 

Anupallavi

She is the one who bestows auspiciousness, and the compassionate goddess who helps vanquish all mortal sins from birth cycles. She is known as Goddess Kamakshi who spreads joy to the world.

Charanam

Her complexion is a golden hue. Her compassion is unmatched. She is gracefully seated on a lion’s back. Her devotees extoll her through songs soaked in love. She rushes to the spot when she hears such songs in chaste Tamil, fostered by an assembly of scholars. She comes quickly, with her jewelry chiming melodiously. 

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madhi mayangidum mAvezhil

மதி மயங்கிடும் மாவெழில்

Ragam: Arabhi Talam: Misra Chapu

Pallavi

மதி மயங்கிடும் மாவெழில் மாதே மாயே

madhi mayangidum mAvezhil mAdhE mAyE

துதி பாடும் தூயோர்க்கு அருள்வாய் தாயே

thudhi pAdum thUyOrkku aruLvAy thAyE

Anupallavi

காண இருகண் போதாதென்றே நாதனும்

kANa irukaN pOdhAdhendRE nAdhanum

நாண முக்கண் தரித்தனனோ தயாபரீ

nANa mukkaN dharitthananO dhayAparI 

Charanam

அம்புஜ மலர்விழி ஒளியிடை குறுகியே

ambuja malarvizhi oLiyidai kuRugiyE

அம்புலி தானும் தேய் பிறை உருவாகினனோ

ambuli thAnum thEy piRai uruvAginanO

அங்கையற் கண்ணியுன் மரகத மேனி நினைந்தே

angaiyaR kaNNiyun maragatha mEni ninaindhE

நங்கையர்க்கரசியும் நாரணன் மார்பொளிந்தனளோ

nangaiyarkkarasiyum nAraNan mArboLindhanaLO

Translation

Pallavi

Goddess Parvathi, who possesses exquisite beauty and captivates both the heart and the intellect, please shower your blessings upon the virtuous souls who sing your praises.

Anupallavi

Oh compassionate Goddess, did your consort feel shy and humbled realizing that his two eyes were insufficient to behold your beauty, choosing to have a third eye instead?

Charanam

Was it because the Moon could not endure the brilliance radiating from your lotus-like eyes that he began to wane, taking the form of a crescent? And was it because Goddess Lakshmi, feeling overwhelmed by the luster of your emerald-hued body, grew bashful and chose to retreat and dwell within the chest of her consort, Lord Narayana?

Author’s Note

This song is based on Saint Thyagaraja’s kriti “Sundari Ninnu Varnimpa” in Ragam Arabhi. This elaborate composition by the saint has three charanams with vivid descriptions of the physical beauty, charm, grace, and compassion of Goddess Parvathi. The poet abbreviated the saint’s song in a single charanam. 

Transliteration and translation of the original Thyagaraja kriti

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Adhiyum nIyE anthamum nIyE

ஆதியும் நீயே அந்தமும் நீயே

Pallavi

ஆதியும் நீயே அந்தமும் நீயே சங்கரனின் சரி 

Adhiyum nIyE anthamum nIyE sankaranin sari

பாதியும் நீயே ஏதமிலா எழிலும் நீயே

pAdhiyum nIyE EdhamilA ezhilum nIyE

Anupallavi

மோதிடுவோர்க்கு மர்த்தினி நீயே (முறையே) மறைபயின்று

mOdhiduvOrkku martthini nIyE (muRaiyE) maRaipayindRu

ஓதிடுவோர்க்கு நாதமும் நீயே ஏதுமறியார்க்கு

OdhiduvOrkku nAdhamum nIyE EdhumaRiyArkku

நீதியும் நீயே சரணடைந்தோர்க்கருளும்

nIdhiyum nIyE saraNadaindhOrkkaruLum

ஜோதியும் நீயே பூதி அருளும் பூவையும் நீயே

jOthiyum nIyE pUthi aruLum pUvaiyum nIyE

Charanam

தாதியும் நீயே குறையுற்றோர்க் கெல்லாம்

thAdhiyum nIyE kuRaiyutROrk kellAm

வாதியும் நீயே அகந்தை கொண்டோர்க்கு அந்தக

vAdhiyum nIyE agandhai koNdOrkku anthaka

பீதியும் நீயே மாதவம் செய்திடும் முனிவர்க்கும்

bIdhiyum nIyE mAthavam seydhidum munivarkkum

நாதியும் நீயே கலை பல கற்றோர்க்கு மாறிடும்

nAdhiyum nIyE kalai pala katROrkku mARidum

வினோதினி நீயே சப்தஸ்வரங்களில் வாழ்ந்திடும்

vinOdhini nIyE sapthaswarangaLil vAzndhidum

போதினி நீயே பதம் பிடித்தேன் பரிந்தருள் புரிவாயே

bOdhini nIyE padham piditthEn parindhaRuL purivAyE

Translation

Pallavi

You are the beginning and you are the end. You are also one half of Lord Sankara, and a flawless beauty.

Anupallavi

You are the destroyer of troublemakers and of all who antagonize you.  You are the melody within the chants of devoted practitioners trained in sacred rituals. You are divine justice for the ignorant and a radiant light for those who have surrendered themselves unto you. You are a gracious Goddess who bestows unlimited prosperity.

Charanam 

You serve your devotees and plead for the suffering masses. You are the Goddess of death instilling deep fear in egomaniacs. You are a protector for the saints who perform penance. You are an ever-changing wonder even to those well-versed in a multitude of arts, and a teacher who resides within the seven musical notes. Please shower compassion on this devotee prostrating at your divine feet. 

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AdhAramE nI dhAn

ஆதாரமே நீ தான்

Pallavi

ஆதாரமே நீ தான் என்று அறிந்த பின்னால் 

AdhAramE nI dhAn endRu aRindha pinnAl

பாதார விந்தமே கதி என்று பஜித்து நின்றேன் 

pAdhAra vindhamE gathi endRu bhajitthu nindREn

Anupallavi

நா அசைவும் நயன ஒளியும் நல்லோர் நினைவும் 

nA asaivum nayana oLiyum nallOr ninaivum

மாவலியும் அம்பிகே உன் பிக்ஷை என்று உணர்ந்தேன்

mAvaliyum ambikE un bikshai endRu uNarndhEn

Charanam

நிலவிலா வானும் அன்பனின் அளவிலா துயரும் சேர 

nilavilA vAnum anbanin aLavilA thuyarum sEra

செலவிலா நிதியம் ஒரு சேர்ந்தார்போல் ஒளியாய்

selavilA nidhiyam oru sErnthArpOl oLiyAy

விதியினை மாற்றிட முழு மதியாய் உவகையொடு

vidhiyinai mAtRida muzhu madhiyAy uvagaiyodu

உலா வந்த பதியின் இடம் அமர்ந்த திருக்கடையூர் தெய்வமே 

ulA vandha pathiyin idam amarndha thirukkadaiyUr dheivamE

Translation

Pallavi

After I realized that you are the foundation for everything in the universe, I started chanting your divine name and praying to your lotus feet that offer the ultimate shelter.

Anupallavi

I have also learned that your alms include the movement of my tongue which leads to clarity in speech, the radiance and perfect vision of my eyes, aspirations to join virtuous company, and enormous strength.

Charanam

Oh Devi, the presiding deity of Thirukkadaiyur, you are seated to the left of Lord Maheswara. You once joyfully moved across the sky like a radiant full moon to save the life of your devotee, Bhattar. On that new moon day, you appeared as though all unspent treasures of the world had gathered in one place. That day was one of unbearable suffering for your beloved devotee, yet your divine grace preserved his life. I have now come to realize your boundless compassion.

Author’s Note

The charanam of this song references the story of Abhirami Bhattar, a contemporary of Maratha King Sarfoji I (1675-1728). The Goddess, according to the hymn, threw one of her earrings into the sky and it shone like a moon to save her devotee Subramanian (his name was later changed to Abhirami  Bhattar). If the moon had not appeared in the sky on that new moon day, the king would have ended Bhattar’s life for his erratic responses to his queries. As the legend goes, Bhattar was chanting Abhirami andhadhi over a fire during his punishment and when he was about to complete the 79th verse, Devi threw one of her earrings into the sky and it appeared as a dazzling moon. The king realized his mistake in punishing a saint and let him go. For details, see:

 Goddess Abhirami appears as radiant moon

Abhirami andhadhi and Devi’s compassion

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ondRE dheivam adhu nIyE

ஒன்றே தெய்வம் அது நீயே

Ragam: Revathi Talam: Adi

Pallavi

ஒன்றே தெய்வம் அது நீயே என்று அறிந்து

ondRE dheivam adhu nIyE endRu aRindhu

இரண்டறக் லந்திட உன்பதம் நாடினேன் தேவி

iraNdaRak kalandhida unpadham nAdinEn dhEvi

Anupallavi

மூன்று தமிழ் வளர்த்த மதுரையின் மீனாட்சியே

mUndRu thamizh vaLarttha madhuraiyin mInAtchiyE

நான்கு வேதங்களின் சாரமே அதன் நாதமே

nAngu vEdhangaLin sAramE adhan nAdhamE

Charanam

ஐந்து அக்ஷரன் மனோகரியே உலகம் உய்ய 

aindhu aksharan manOgariyE ulagam uyya

ஆறு முகனை அருளிய அன்னையே மதுரமான

Aru muganai aruLiya annaiyE madhuramAna

ஏழு ஸ்வரங்களுள் மறைந்து நிற்கும் மாதே

Ezhu swarangaLuL maRaindhu niRkum mAdhE

எட்டு லட்சுமிகளும் என்னாளும் உபாசிக்கும் எழிலே

ettu latchumigaLum ennALum upAsikkum ezhilE

ஒன்பது ரசங்களுக்கும் ஒப்பிலா மூலமே ஓங்கார ரூபமே

onbadhu rasangaLukkum oppilA mUlamE OnkAra rUpamE

பத்து அவதாரன் பத்மநாபன் சோதரியே பராசக்தியே

patthu avathAran padhmanApan sOdhariyE parAsakthiyE

Translation

Pallavi

Goddess Parvathi, I sought your feet knowing that you are the Supreme One. I want to avoid duality and blend with you.

Anupallavi

Oh Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai, you fostered the Tamil language that contains three parts: prose, poetry, and drama. You are the essence of the four Vedas and the music underlying them.

Charanam

You are the darling of the Lord with the five syllable name, Na ma si va ya; you gracefully offered the six-faced Lord Muruga to the universe; you are the damsel hiding behind seven sweet musical notes; you are the ultimate beauty worshipped by Goddess Lakshmi in all eight of her manifestations; you are the incomparable source of nine emotions; you are the personification of the primordial sound Om; you are the sister of Lord Padmanabha who took ten incarnations; you are Supreme energy. 

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anAdha rakshaki

அநாத ரக்ஷகி

Pallavi

அநாத ரக்ஷகி அபீதகுசாம்பிகே விநாயக ஜனனீ

anAdha rakshaki apIthakuchAmbikE vinAyaka jananI

மகேசன் மனோகரி மதுசூதனன் சோதரி

magesan manOgari madhusUdhanan sOdhari

Anupallavi

தரித்ர ஹாரிணி வேதாகம காரிணி மூலோக பாலினி

dharidhra hAriNi vEdhAgama kAriNi mUlOka pAlini

சுசரித்ர ராகவாசினி சூலதாரிணி சுபதாயினி 

sucharithra rAgavAsini sUladhAriNi subhadhAyini

Charanam

போத நாயகியே தேனருவியெனச் செவிகுளிரும்

bOdha nAyakiyE thEnaruviyenach chevikuLirum

நாத ஸ்வரூபமே வரையறை செய்து உணர்ந்து

nAdha swarUpamE varaiyaRai seydhu uNarndhu

ஓத இயலா ஓங்கார உட்பொருளே உமையே

Odha iyalA OngkAra utporuLE umaiyE

காத தூரம் என்றெண்ணாமல் எளியனை வந்தாதரி (சங்கரி)

kAdha dhUram endReNNAmal eLiyanai vandhAdhari (sankari)

Translation

Pallavi

Goddess Apeethakuchambal, you are the protector of orphans, mother of Ganesha, darling consort of Siva, and sister of Vishnu.

Anupallavi

You are the destroyer of abject poverty, the source and cause of the scriptures and rituals, protector of the three universes. You dwell in the melody of Sucharitra raga, carry the trident and bestow auspiciousness all around.

Charanam

You are the source of all teachings. You embody a sound that flows like nectar from a fountain. You are the essence of the primordial voice, boundless and beyond what can be measured or learned. Goddess Uma, please save this poor soul from his longing. Do not calculate the distance or be dissuaded by how far away I am.

Author’s Note

Arunachaleshwara temple in Thiruvannamalai has a shrine for Devi as Apeethakuchambal or Unnamulai Amman both words (Sanskrit and Tamil) meaning Ambal’s breast milk had never been consumed by babies. The implication is that she did not breastfeed Ganesha or Muruga. However, Devi does feed the milk of divine knowledge to her devotees. She became one with Siva and the Lord assumed the name Ardhanariswara. There is a detailed prayer of Ambal by Appayya Dikshitar who pays high compliments to the calmness of Devi who is an integral part of the eternal flame, Lord Siva.  The blog below also provides the meaning of the deity’s name. It is interesting that the Sanskrit and Tamil names of the deity mean the same thing. 

Details can be found in the following links:

Apeethakuchambal aka Unnamulai Amman of Thiruvannamalai

Appayya Dikshitar’s Prayer to Apeethakuchamba

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padhaRiyE Odi vandhAlum

பதறியே ஓடி வந்தாலும்

Pallavi

பதறியே ஓடி வந்தாலும் பலவிதமாய்

padhaRiyE Odi vandhAlum palavidhamAy

கதறியே அழுதாலும் கருணை புரியாயோ

kadhaRiyE azhudhAlum karuNai puriyAyO

Anupallavi

சிதறியே வினைகள் சீர்கெடச் செய்யாமல்

sidhaRiyE vinaigaL sIrkedach cheyyAmal

உதறியே ஏழையைத் தள்ளிடலாமோ

udhaRiyE Ezhaiyaith thaLLidalAmO

Charanam

அரும்பியே முறுவலும் முகமதில் படராதோ 

arumbiyE muRuvalum mugamadhil padarAdhO

துரும்பினைப் போலவே துயர்களும் தொலையாதோ

thurumbinaip pOlavE thuyargaLum tholaiyAdhO

கரும்பினை ஏந்திய கரமலர் தான் குவியாதோ 

karumbinai Endhiya karamalar dhAn kuviyAdhO

விரும்பியே விழிகளும் அருள் மழை பொழியாதோ

virumbiyE vizhigaLum aruL mazhai pozhiyAdhO

Translation

Pallavi

Devi, even if I were to come running to you weeping in desperation, would you not show mercy toward me?

Anupallavi

Would you callously cast aside this poor soul, ignoring my pleas to remove all my past sins?

Charanam

Would not a smile grace your face? Would not all my suffering vanish like dust? Would the hand that holds the sugarcane not display a gesture of compassion? Would your eyes not shower mercy, moved by your desire to help this soul?

Author’s Note

This song is addressed to Sri Raja Rajeswari, also known as Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi, who holds a sugarcane in her hand. The song is a plea for her compassion, for the divine hand holding the cane to extend in a gesture of mercy to bless the devotee, who stands tormented by past actions and the sufferings that accompany them.

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mukundhan mUtthavaLE

முகுந்தன் மூத்தவளே

Ragam: Mukari Talam: Adi

Pallavi

முகுந்தன் மூத்தவளே முண்டக விழி உருவே

mukundhan mUtthavaLE muNdaga vizhi uruvE

முண்டாசுர மர்த்தினியே மூவுலகின் மூலாதாரமே

muNdAsura marddhiniyE mUvulagin mUlAdhAramE

Anupallavi

முப்பத்து முக்கோடி தேவரும் முத்தொழில் மூவரும்

muppatthu mukkOdi dhEvarum mutthozhil mUvarum

முனைந்து உபாசிக்கும் முக்கண்ணன் மனோகரியே

munaindhu upAsikkum mukkaNNan manOgariyE

Charanam

முகிலாய் வந்து மாயை புரிந்து பார்த்தனைக் காத்தாய்

mugilAy vandhu mAyai purindhu pArtthanaik kAtthAy

முதலும் முடிவும் உணர்த்தி கம்சனைக் கலங்க வைத்தாய்

mudhalum mudivum uNartthi kamsanaik kalanga vaitthAy

மும்முலை தாங்கி முடியும் சூடி முத்தமிழ் வளர்த்தாய்

mummulai thAngi mudiyum sUdi mutthamizh vaLartthAy

முத்தொடி கரத்தினால் மூலவன் கண்ட நஞ்சினை முறித்தாய்

mutthodi karatthinAl mUlavan kaNta nanjinai muRitthAy

Translation

Pallavi

Oh elder sister of Lord Mukunda, you have lovely, lotus-shaped eyes. You are the slayer of the demon Mundasura and the source of the three worlds.

Anupallavi

You are the beloved of the three-eyed Siva, and all thirty-three crore celestials—as well as the divine Trinity responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction. They worship you with deep devotion.

Charanam

You appeared as a patch of cloud, performed an illusion, and protected Arjuna on the battlefield. You revealed both the beginning and the end to the demon Kamsa and struck terror into his heart. You had three breasts early in life when you were born as the daughter of the Pandya king Malayadhwajan. You ascended the throne and took on the crown. As queen, you fostered and nurtured the Tamil language, celebrated for its prose, poetry, and drama. With radiant pearl bangles on your wrists, you grasped the throat of Lord Siva and controlled the deadly poison he was poised to swallow, in order to save the universe.

Author’s Note

The pallavi line “முகுந்தன் மூத்தவளே” (“Elder sister of Mukunda”) is supported by details found in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Vishnu Durga, or Mahamayi, is described as the sister of Lord Vishnu. In his incarnation as Krishna, the Lord instructed her to transfer the fetus from Devaki’s womb to Rohini. He said, “I am going to appear as Krishna, the son of Devaki, endowed with all my divine powers. You will be born as the daughter of Yasoda, ready to be exchanged with the infant Krishna.” Yoga Maya went around him and carried out his command on earth.

In Vaishnavite thought, Devi always executes his will instantaneously. Thus, this episode aligns with the idea that Devi is an elder to Krishna—or Mukunda—as described in the pallavi. These events are drawn from Srimad Bhagavatam, Skandha 10, verses 10.2.13–10.2.14.

Bhagavan Vishnu also spoke to Devaki, explaining that he had appeared in his divine form to remind her of her previous births, during which she had requested that he be born as her child. He blessed her, saying that in this birth she would relate to him both as her child and as the Supreme Brahman, and would thus ultimately attain his divine feet. After this conversation, he remained still for a few moments and then manifested as an infant before the eyes of the couple (Skandha 10, verses 10.3.44–10.3.47).

The above references are from:

ஶ்ரீமத் பாகவத ஸாரம், முதல் பாகம், பத்தாவது ஸ்கந்தம், பக்கம் 513, உரை ஆசிரியர் “அண்ணா”, வெளியிடுபவர்: தலைவர், ஶ்ரீராமகிருஷ்ண மடம், மயிலாப்பூர், சென்னை 600004

The pallavi line muNdAsura mardhini refers to the line in Lalitha Tripurasundari sahasranama stotram “chaNda muNdAsura nishUdini”. The Sanskrit line means that Devi killed the Asuras and got the name chAmuNdi.

The Charanam of this song has references to illusory acts of Devi or Mahamaya appearing as a cloud and covering the sun to create an illusion that it was  sunset, in order to save Partha or Arjuna on the battlefield against Jayadhrutha.

It is a generally held belief (including that of this author) by Devi upasakas that all tricks or leelas or illusory mayas performed by Krishna in the Kurukshetra war were due to the divine powers of Yogamayi or Mahamayi. For details of the specific episode, see:

Arjuna kills Jayadhrata

Jayadhrata's life and death

The narrative that Vishnu’s powers made the sun set has been interpreted by people in different ways. The author believes that Vishnu’s sister Vishnu Durga, or Maya, was the divine force who saved Arjuna. The reference for this is in the words of Vyasa in the beginning of the Kurukshetra war, when on the tenth day, Lord Krishna instructed Arjuna to pray to Goddess Durga to win the war and defeat his foes.

Arjuna prays to Durga

Durga Stuti or Prayers

For Tamil version of Vyasa’s verses, see:

ஶ்ரீ மஹாபாரத ஸாரம், உரை ஆசிரியர் “அண்ணா”, ஶ்ரீராமகிருஷ்ண மடம், மயிலாப்பூர், சென்னை 600004, ISBN 81-7120-998- X

I-2M IC-8-2002, Pages 736-7.

Parvathi or Yoga Mayi was born as the seventh child of Devaki. When Kamsa tried to kill her by striking her on the ground, she flew away and warned Kamsa of the impending danger from Krishna, who was already born. This message sent chills through his spine and his evil mind started scheming wicked plots to kill baby Krishna. For details, see:

Srimath Bhagavatam, 10th Skantham, verses 10. 4 -12 through 10. 4-43. 

Goddess Parvathi appeared as a Pandya princess—the daughter of the Pandya king Malayadhwajan—before her marriage to Sundareswara in Madurai. According to the legends of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Pandya king ruled Madurai as its capital around 1200 B.C. However, none of the surviving Sangam texts corroborate this timeline, though they do acknowledge the existence of Pandya rulers prior to the period, covered by the extant literature.

Malayadhwajan and his wife, Kanchanamalai, remained childless for many years. Following Indra’s suggestion, they performed a Putrakameshti yagna, and Devi Parvathi emerged from the homakundam as an infant. The child bore three breasts from birth. After her father’s death, she ascended the throne, became queen, and conquered several nations. She patronized assemblies of scholars and Tamil poets, during which the Tamil language flourished with the creation of new literary works.

For details, see:

தடாதகைப் பிராட்டியார் திரு அவதாரப் படலம், தடாதகைப் பிராட்டியாரின் திருமணப் படலம் in கூடல் மாநகரத்து ஆடவல்லான் (திருவிளையாடற் புராண மகிமை), நாகர்கோவில் கிருஷ்ணன், Published by MATHI NILAYAM, #4(39) Thanikachalam Road, Brindavan Apartments, T.Nagar, Chennai 600017, Ph. 4311838, mutaR patippu, 2003, Pages 61 – 108.

Devi Parvathi also stopped the spread of the haalahala poison in Lord Siva’s neck when he drank it to save the universe from its deadly effects. This specific episode—of Parvathi restraining the poison—is not fully described in the Mahabharata or in the puranas such as the Bhagavata Purana, Siva Purana, or Padma Purana. However, the sthala puranam and associated legends of the Siva temple at Suruttapalli in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh provide detailed accounts of this event.

As Siva gradually began to feel the effects of the poison while traveling toward Kailash, he became extremely drowsy and lay down with his head on Goddess Parvathi’s lap at Suruttapalli. This occurred on a Pradosham day in the early evening, between approximately 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. When he awoke, he saw rishis and devas who had gathered there upon hearing of his condition, and he performed a reenactment of the cosmic dance. The observance of Pradosham is believed to have originated at this very temple, at a time when Siva swallowed the toxin to save the universe.

For full details, see:

Pallikondeeswara Swamy Temple Sthalapuranam

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vEdhikaikku vEliyAna

வேதிகைக்கு வேலியான

Ragam: Naadanamakriya Talam: Adi

Pallavi

வேதிகைக்கு வேலியான முல்லைவனன் மனோகரியே

vEdhikaikku vEliyAna mullaivanan maNogariyE

வேதமூலமே நாத சாரமே ஜனன பாலினியே

vEdhamUlamE nAdha sAramE janana pAliniyE

Anupallavi

குழந்தைப் பேறருளி நிறை மாதமும் அக்

kuzhandhaip pERaruLi niRai mAdhamum ak

கொழுந்தை காத்திடும் திருக்கருகாவூர் திருவே

kozhundhai kAtthidum thirukkarukAvUr thiruvE

Charanam

முனி ஒருவன் கோபத்தால் சபித்தாலும்

muni oruvan kObatthAl sabitthAlum

இனி ஒருக்காலும் இடர் அணுகா என்றே

ini orukkAlum idar aNugA endRE

புனித குடத்திடை கருவினை இருத்திக் காத்து

punidha kudatthidai karuvinai irutthik kAtthu

புத்துயிர் ஈந்த பூவையே கர்ப்ப ரக்ஷகியே

putthuyir Indha pUvaiyE garba rakshakiyE

Translation

Pallavi

Darling of Lord Mullaivana Nathar, you were protective like a fence around Rishi Nidhruva’s pregnant wife Vedhikai. You are the origin of all the Vedas. You are the essence of music and the universal guardian of all births.

Anupallavi

Oh, Goddess of Thirukarukavur, you bless women to have a child, and protect their wombs until the child is born. 

Charanam

Although Rishi Urdhvapada angrily cursed the pregnant Vedhikai, you reassured her that no harm would come to her. You safely separated the fetus from her womb, stored it in a sacred pot, and guarded it to stay safe until childbirth. You created a new life. You are a compassionate goddess, stewarding all pregnancies.

Author’s Note

This song is based on the sthalapuranam of Sri Garbarakshambikai temple in Thirukarukavur, located in the Tanjore District. Siva and Parvathi blessed Rishi Nidhruva and his wife Vedhika after a long marriage with a pregnancy. During her third trimester, Rishi left home to meet the demi-god Varuna. Another rishi, Urdhvapada, came to the Ashram to meet Nidhruva. Vedhika was tired and resting. She did not see the rishi arrive and did not welcome him. Annoyed, the angry saint cursed her for her indifference towards him. The rishi cursed her with the dreaded “Rayatchu” disease. Vedhika cried and pleaded for his forgiveness in vain. She begged Goddess Parvathi to protect her and her child. The goddess separated the baby from the womb and kept it in a sacred pot until the time of delivery. A healthy baby was born at the right time. Rishi Nidhruva learnt all this background from his wife after his return. Vedikai begged Goddess Parvathi to stay in Thirukarukavur and bless all of the needy women expecting a baby, and so the Goddess did exactly that. 

For details, see: 

Mullaivana Nathar Temple Sthalapuranam

The story of Garbarakshambigai Amman

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mAyE magEswari Ezhaiyai

மாயே மகேஸ்வரி ஏழையை

Pallavi

மாயே மகேஸ்வரி ஏழையை ஏற்றருள்

mAyE magEswari Ezhaiyai EtRaruL

தாயே சிறு தவறு செய்த சேயென்று

thAyE siRu thavaRu seydha sEyendRu

Anupallavi

ஓயாத அலை போலே வேகமாய் ஓடியே

OyAdha alai pOlE vEgamAy OdiyE

மாயாத வினைகள் வந்த போதிலும்

mAyAdha vinaigaL vandha pOdhilum

Charanam

பாலையில் கானல் நீர் என்றறியாது

pAlaiyil kAnal nIr endRaRiyAdhu

வாலையில் நான் செய்த பிழை எல்லாம்

vAlaiyil nAn seydha pizhai ellAm

காலையில் கதிர் கண்ட பனிபோல் மறைய

kAlaiyil kadhir kaNda panipOl maRaiya

சாலையில் வழிகாட்டும் மார்க்கபந்துவாய்

sAlaiyil vazhikAttum mArkkabandhuvAy

Translation

Pallavi

Goddess Mageswari, please treat me like a small child who committed a trivial mistake. Please accept me and offer me refuge.

Anupallavi

Even if insurmountable difficulties crash over me like relentless ocean waves, please accept me into your fold and protect me.

Charanam

All my youthful mistakes appeared like a mirage in a desert. Let these faults vanish like dew drops as the sun rises at dawn. Please be my guide on the roadside and direct me to a righteous path in life.

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dhEvi un thiruviLaiyAdal

தேவி உன் திருவிளையாடல்

Pallavi

தேவி உன் திருவிளையாடல் எல்லாம்

dhEvi un thiruviLaiyAdal ellAm

அறிந்தோரை அலையவிடல் ஞாயமா

aRindhOrai alaiyavidal nyAyamA

Anupallavi

ஆக்கமும் அழிவும் நின் மாயை அன்றோ

Akkamum azhivum nin mAyai andRO

ஆதிசக்தியுன் மகாத்மியம் உணர்ந்த பின்னும்

Adhisakthiyun magAthmiyam uNarndha pinnum

Charanam

இயக்கம் யாவும் உன் சக்தியே என்றும்

iyakkam yAvum un sakthiyE endRum

மயக்கம் கலக்கம் நின் லீலையே என்றும்

mayakkam kalakkam nin lIlaiyE endRum

அறிவும் செறிவும் அகக்கனிவும் பரிவும்

aRivum seRivum agakkanivum parivum

உமாபரணமே என்றும் முடிந்தவரை ஓயா அலையென (அலையவிடல்...)

umAbharaNamE endRum mudindhavarai OyA alaiyena (alaiyavidal …)

Translation

Pallavi

Oh Goddess, is it fair to let those who comprehend your cosmic acts, drift aimlessly in this illusory world?

Anupallavi

Creation and destruction – are they not your illusion? Oh primal power, even after understanding your greatness, would you let those wise beings drift aimlessly?

Charanam

Oh Goddess Uma, every movement of creation is due to your energy. Confusion and turmoil are your cosmic acts. Wisdom, clarity, inner sweetness, and compassion are your ornaments. Would you allow those who comprehend all of this and have accepted your Supremacy, to drift aimlessly like the ever-roaring waves?

Author’s Note

This song is based on Saint Thyagaraja’s kriti beginning with Nija Marmamulanu in ragam Umabharanam.

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puRam kAttalAgAdhu

புறம் காட்டலாகாது

Pallavi

புறம் காட்டலாகாது அம்மா புவனேஸ்வரி 

puRam kAttalAgAdhu ammA bhuvanEswari

திறம் இதுவோ உனக்கிதுவும் தகுமோ

thiRam idhuvO unakkidhuvum thagumO

Anupallavi

அறம் என்றெண்ணி அபலைக்கு அருள்வாய்

aRam endReNNi abalaikku aruLvAy

தரம் குறைவு பார்க்கலாகாது தயாபரீ

tharam kuRaivu pArkkalAgAdhu dhayAparI

Charanam

இகம் இதுவே சதம் வாழ்வினிலே நிதம்

igam idhuvE sadham vAzhvinilE nidham

சுகம் என்றே நினைந்து போக மாயைதனில்

sugam endRe ninaindhu bOga mAyaidhanil

அகம் கொண்டு அழிந்து சோக நிலையிலுன்

agam koNdu azhindhu sOga nilaiyilun 

முகம் காண பதறியோடி நான் வரும் போது

mugam kANa padhariyOdi nAn varum pOdhu

Translation

Pallavi

Oh, mother Bhuvaneswari, please do not turn your back on me. Is this proper etiquette? Is this befitting your stature?

Anupallavi

Please consider it justifiable righteousness and bless this destitute soul. As a compassionate goddess, please overlook my flaws for now.

Charanam

I thought that this present worldly life is permanent, and that it is pleasant  each day. Little did I know that I ruined myself in the vagaries of this illusory existence. When the truth hit me, I came crying and running in utter despair, to see your lovely face. Please do not turn your back on me. 

Author’s Note

This is one of many songs I composed spontaneously. I was about to have a darshan of Goddess Parvathi at the Concord Siva Murugan Temple when the curtain fell, and for a moment, I lost my balance. I was puzzled by Ambal’s gesture. With half-formed thoughts of the spirit, I feared perhaps she was not ready to reveal herself. From that trembling uncertainty, this song was born.

Later, I found solace in the profound reflections of Sri C. Rajagopalachari, particularly in his popular composition குறையொன்றும் இல்லை மறை மூர்த்தி கண்ணா(kuRaiyondRum illai maRai mUrtthi kaNNA) on Venkatesa Perumal. I realized that even if Ambal is behind the curtain, she would still bless me, for she is the Goddess of the universe and aware of my plight.

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