To truly grasp the power of the Kamakshi Virutham lyrics in English, one must listen to the legendary rendition by M.S. Subbulakshmi. Her Grammy-nominated album "Meenakshi Pancharatnam" often includes this Virutham as a lead-in piece. Her voice brings the "Mandasmitha" to life.
Other notable artists include:
In the vast ocean of Carnatic music and Tamil devotional literature, few compositions strike a chord as deeply as Kamakshi Virutham. Composed by the revered poet-saint Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the Musical Trinity, this piece is not merely a song—it is a spiritual ladder.
While many know Dikshitar for his complex Kritis (songs) in Sanskrit, Kamakshi Virutham stands out because it is composed in Tamil, rendered in the evocative Virutham format (a non-rhythmic, free-flowing poetic recitation). For devotees seeking the lyrics in English, understanding the meaning behind the words is just as important as the pronunciation.
This is a popular opening Virutham sung before the song "Kamakshi Navaratna Malai" or "Sri Kamakshi" in Carnatic music. kamakshi virutham lyrics in english
Verse 1:
Kaayai arumbum kanivum kanippay Karmam irumbinai urukki urukki Kaaya maya malaiyai neekki Ennai aandu kondaLaiyO?
Verse 2:
Madhiyai koduppay, manamum koduppay Madiyinai neekki marundu koduppay Kadhiyai koduppay, karunai kadale Ennai aandu kondaLaiyO? To truly grasp the power of the Kamakshi
Verse 3:
Kan padu noygalai theertu arulvay Karmam kedukkum perumai koduppay Inbamum dhukkamum nee than endru Unnai ninaikkum uyarvai koduppay
(Note: There are many versions of the Kamakshi Virutham. The above is a condensed, widely recognized lyrical form.)
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. Verse 2:
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.
Search for "Kamakshi Virutham" on YouTube or music streaming platforms. The most famous renditions are by M.S. Subbulakshmi (in her album "Akhilandeswari") and N. Ramani (on flute).