The is a revered set of Tamil devotional hymns dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi – the presiding deity of Kanchipuram, a form of Parvati as the goddess of love and devotion. A "Virutham" is a metrical composition sung in free-flowing, melodic style, often without percussion, usually before a main piece in Carnatic music concerts.
I have called you my father and called you my mother. Have I realized your true nature because of this? No. In my joy at seeing your beauty, I playfully forgot about your consort, the Lord. Even as a devotee who belongs to you, you have not touched my heart. For a child who is filled with ignorance, what is the punishment? My misdeeds continue, which is not right. Do you not even have one thought about protecting me? Did you forget me, your child, because you were captivated by your elephant-faced son’s affection? Please bless me. Oh mother Kamakshi, who lives with great fame in the beautiful city of Kanchipuram! kamakshi virutham lyrics in english
To recite this sacred poem on Kamakshi, the Goddess of the auspicious city of Kanchipuram, I seek the protection of the two feet of Lord Ganesha. He is the elephant-faced god with five hands who resides joyfully in the mind of Lord Shiva, the great God who adorns the moon and the snake. The is a revered set of Tamil devotional
Ippirandhu menmai yendra bhoomiyilum pirandhu valarnthu, Periya kovil thanaiyum arindhilen, Periyore thannaiyum kaana vayillai, Pithan pattan yendru unnai keerthithida vaayalillai, Thaai than thagappan thiruvaadigalile vanangi kidakavillai, Santhatharudan kai koothi nenjunchelvathillai, Guruparan thiruvaadigale pugundhathillai, Indha bhoomiyil ennaik kaal enna analiyanaai patta sadhuran yaarum kando, Azhakaana kanchiyil pugazhaaka vaazhndhidum Ammai Kamakshi umaye. Have I realized your true nature because of this
Mangalam cher kachinagar Mannu Kamakshi misai Thungamula nar pathigam chollave – thingat Puya maruvum pani cheyyum paraman ullamthanil magizhum Gaya mukhan iyngaran iru thaal Kappu.
Tharaniyil Vazhum Manidhargal Thuyarkalai Theerkum Thayalaye,
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.