O mother, Kamakshi, mother, Auspiciousness of all auspicious things, O Siva’s consort, accomplisher of all goals, Refuge of the helpless, three-eyed one, White-complexioned, consort of Narayana (Lakshmi), I bow to you.
Praises Goddess Kamakshi as the supreme, beautiful Goddess of Kanchi, holding the lotus, and identifying her with Saraswati and the Vedas.
The Kamakshi Virutham is a masterpiece of Tamil devotional literature. Its beauty lies not in portraying the devotee as perfect, but as perfectly human—filled with doubt, love, anger, and an unshakeable hope for motherly grace. Whether you are a scholar of Carnatic music, a spiritual seeker, or someone looking for strength in difficult times, immersing yourself in the Kamakshi Virutham Lyrics in English opens a direct line of communication with the compassionate Mother of Kanchipuram. By chanting these verses with understanding and devotion, one can truly experience the removal of inner darkness and the radiant arrival of divine peace. kamakshi virutham lyrics in english
Long ago, in the city of temples, Kanchipuram, there lived a devout poet who had lost his way. Not physically, but spiritually. His mind was tangled in doubt, his heart heavy with the weight of ego, and his tongue could no longer praise without pride. He felt abandoned by the divine.
This hymn remains a profound testament to a deeply personal bhakti, where the devotee feels emboldened to speak to the divine as one would to a beloved mother. O mother, Kamakshi, mother, Auspiciousness of all auspicious
You can find the full lyrics of the Kamakshi Virutham in English, along with its meaning, at: Stotranidhi The Portal of Divine Share public link
The hymn is notable for its raw honesty. The devotee does not simply sing praises but openly confronts the Goddess, questioning why hardships persist despite unwavering faith. It is this blend of "liberty, anger, fear, devotion, and surrender" that has made the Kamakshi Virutham a beloved piece, though its original author remains unknown. Its beauty lies not in portraying the devotee
I come to you joyfully, praising you and telling you all my problems. But why do you cause me confusion by placing poverty and suffering upon me in return? I did not realize that this could be seen as cheating; I simply trusted you completely, thinking you were my only refuge. Is it not your responsibility to protect me, even a little? Oh mother who gave birth to the radiant, elephant-faced Lord Ganesha! You are the sister of Lord Vishnu (Maya), the consort of Lord Shiva, and the one who stands fearlessly in the cremation grounds. I believed you were my supreme authority. Please rule over me with love. Oh mother Kamakshi, who lives with great fame in the beautiful city of Kanchipuram!