Monday, 18 December 2017

Thiruvempavai – Thiru Manikkavasagar - Lyrics and meanings



|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||













Thiru Manikkavasagar composed illustrious verses praising the glories of Lord Shiva at Thiruvannamalai was famously known as Thiruvempavai.  In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the Supremacy of Lord Shiva as Lingodhbhava.    One of the infinite forms of Lord as Lingodhbava/a colossal fire in the form of Linga which has no beginning and end as well.


Adhiyum Andhamum Illa Arum Perum
Chothiyai Yam Parkka Ketteyum Vanthadangal
Mathe Valaruthiyo Vancheviyo Ninchevithan
Madevan Varkazhalkal Vazhthiya Vazhtholippoi
Veedhivai Kettalumey Vimmi Vimmi Meimaranthu
Pothar Amaliyinmel Nindrum Purandu Enan
Yethenum Akan Kidanthan Yenne Yenne
Ethey Enthozhi Pariselor Empavai

-2-

 In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the glories of Lord Shiva at Thillai Thiruchitrambalam/Chidambaram and his compassion whose lotus feet are worshipped by the deities and sages.


Pasam Paramchothikku Anbai Irappakalnam
Pesumpotheppothu Ippothar Amalikkey
Nesamum Vaithanayo Nerizhayai Nerizhayeer
Cheesi Ivayul Silavo  Vilayadi
Yesumidam Itho Vinnorkal Yethutharkuth
Koosum Malarpadham Thantharula Vantharulum
Thesan Sivalokan Thillai Chitrambalathul
Eesanarkkanparyam Arelor Empavai

-3-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar narrates the significance of sincere devotion and total surrender to Lord Shiva.  The young maiden who admires Lord Shiva as eternal and elixir of nectar,  she sweetly speaks about the beautiful smile, attractive features of Lord and assumes him as her master was fast asleep in her bed, the ladies who gathered to wake her up to join the worship of Lord were surprised to watch her unresponsiveness.  The young maiden requests for forgiveness for her inattentiveness, later the ladies assembled speak highly about her unadulterated devotion to Lord.





Muthanai Vennakaiyai Munvanthu Yethir Yezhunthan
Aathan Ananthan Amuthendru Ulluri
Thithikka Pesuvai Vanthun Kadai Thiraivai
Pathudayeer Esan Pazhaadiyeer Pangudayeer
Puthadiyom Punmai Theerthada Kondar Pollathey
Yetho Nin Anpudamai Yellom Ariyomey
Chitham Azhakiyar Padaro Nam Shivanai
Ithanayum Vendum Namakelor Empavai

-4-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the accurate spirit of devotion to Lord Shiva.  The young maiden who lit up her face with beautiful smile always was fast asleep without the knowledge of the arrival of dawn.  There was a large number of young maidens assembled to worship the Lord of Lords who is the essence of Veda revealed their intention to sing and praise the glories of Lord Shiva, the lady gathered in the crowd informs the young maiden who was fast asleep in her bed that they have no time to count the numbers of person gathered instead they would prefer to immerse in the worship of Lord.   The lady from the crowd also advice her to wake up and count the number of persons assembled to worship Lord Shiva, if the crowd is not adequate go back to sleep.



Onnithillanakaiyai Innam Pularnthindro
Vannakilimozhiyar  Yellarum Vantharo
Yennikodunnava Sollukomavvalavum
Kannai Thuyindravame Kalathai Pokkathe
Vinnukku Orumarunthai Veda Vizhipporulai
Kannukku Iniyanai Padi Santhithullam
Unnekku Nindru Uruga Yammattom Neeye Vanthu
Yennikurayil Thuyalelor Empavai

-5-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the magnificence of Lord Thiruvannamalai.  The young maiden who was fast asleep in her bed without knowledge of supremacy Lord of Lords situated in Thiruvannamalai who stands before us majestically in the form of a huge hill was impossible to witness by Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.  The ladies assembled singing and praising the glories of Lord of Lords who is famously known to the three worlds is capable to eradicate our sins, further questioning the devotion of young maiden who has long beautiful plait of hair and invites her to join with them in the worship.



Malariya Nanmughanum Kana Malayinai Nam
Polarivom Yennulla Porkkangale Pesum
Palooru Thenvai Padri Kadaithiravai
Jyalame Vinne Pirave Arivariyan
Kolamum Nammai Atkondaruli Kothadun
Sheelamum Padi Shivane Shivaneyen
Olam Idinum Unarai  Unaraikan
Yelakuzhali Pariselor Empavai


-6-

In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the gorgeous young maiden, who was promised earlier to wake up everyone in the early hours of dawn  was fast asleep in her bed, the ladies assembled were surprised to see her unpredictability.  The Lord of Lords who is worshipped by the celestials and Sages & Rishis is ever compassionate to his devotees.  The ladies assembled announce their purpose of arrival as to sing praising the glories of Lotus feet of Lord which is capable to provide liberation from repeated births and enquires the young maiden to answer about her indifferences and criticizes her.  The ladies gathered advise the young maiden to join with them to worship the supreme Lord Shiva.




Mane Ni Nennalai Nane Vanthungalai
Nane Yezhuppuvan Yendralum Naname
Pona Thisaipakarai Innam Pularnthindro
Vane Nilane Pirave Arivariyan
Thane Vanthemmai Thalaialithu Andukondarulum
Vanvar Kazhalpadi Vanthorkkul Vaithiravai
Ulle Urukkai Unakke Urum Yemakkum
Yennorkkum Thangolai Padelor Empavai

-7-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the indifference of a young maiden who always praises the holy names of Lord Shiva after listening to the glorious forms of Lord eulogized by the deities, she dissolves in the moment she pronounce the sacred names of Lord, was fast asleep in her bed while the ladies assembled to worship Lord in the early hours of dawn.  The ladies gathered were questioned her unresponsiveness to remain in the bed at the time of crack of dawn, criticizes her callous attitude while they were chanting the glorious names of Lord.



Anne Ivayul Chilavo Pala Amarar
Unnarkku Ariyan Oruvan Irunjeeran
Chinnagal Ketpa Shivanendrey Vaithirappai
Thenna Yenna Munnam Theeser Mezhukuoppai
Yennanai  Yen Arayan Inn Amudhu Yendru Ellomum
Chonnomkel Veyvverai Innam Thuyuluthiyo
Vannenchu Pethayarpol Vana Kidathiyal
Yenne Thuyilin Pariselor Empavai

-8-


 In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the apathy of a young maiden after listening to the rooster’s cries, chirping of birds, divine sounds of holy instruments and the reverberation of the divine conch.  The ladies assembled were sung praising the glories of Lord and his compassion.  The ladies gathered sharply criticizes uncaring attitude of the young maiden for remaining in the bed in the early hours of dawn and advises her to sing praising the splendor of  supreme Lord Shiva who is the Lord of distressed people.


Kozhi Silamba Silambum Kurukku Engum
Yezhil Iyamba Iyambum Vensanghu Engum
Kezhil Paramchothi Kezhil Pazhangkarunai
Kezhil Vizhipporulkal Padinom Kettillayo
Vazhi Ethenna Urakkamo Vaithiravai
Azhiyan Anbudaimai Amarum Evvatro
Oozhi Muthalvanai Nindra Oruvanai
Yezhai Pangalanaiye Padelor Empavai


-9-


In this verse, Thirumanikkavasagar describes the authenticity of Supreme Lord Shiva who is new to novice; we are just a particle of the supreme soul surrendered at the lotus feet of supreme Lord Shiva and ardent devotees of Lord and his devotees, associates of devotees of Lord and will sincerely follow their instructions and respect them.  Thiru Manikkavasagar earnestly prays to Lord to shower his blessings always on us and keep us contended in this life.



Munnai Pazhamporutkku Munnai Pazham Porule
Pinnai Puthumaikkum Perthum Apetriyane
Unnai Piranaka Petravul Sheeradiyom
Unnadiyar Thalpanivom Angavarkke Pangavom
Annavare Yemkanavar Aavar Avar Ukanthu
Sonna Parise Thozhumpai Pani Seivom
Inna Vakaye Yamakku Yemkon Nalkuthiyel
Enna Kurayum Ilom Elor Empavai

-10-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the various magnificent forms of Lord Shiva as Ardhanareeshwara/Pennorubhagam Udayavan, amorphous, eulogized by Vedas, Rishis and Sages, impossible to cite his personification, resides in the heart of His devotees, sinless women born in the stately families’ worship him and work for keep his sanctum immaculate.   Thiru Manikkavasagar emphasizes where is his abode? What’s his name? Who are his relatives & non-relatives? How to sing his glories?




Pathalam Yezhinumkeezh Shorkazhivu Padhamalar
Pothar Punnaimudiyum Yella Porulmudive
Peythai Orupal Thirumeni Ondrallan
Vedamuthal Vinnorum Mannum Thuthithalum
Otha Ulava Oru Thozhan Thondarulan
Kothil Kulathu Aran Than Koyil Pillaipillaikan
Yethavan Oor Yethavan Per Yar Uttrar Yar Ayalar
Yethavanai Padum Pariselor Empavai

-11-


 In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar praising the glories of Lord Annamalaiyar of Thiruvannamalai, who is the savior of his staunch devotees immersed in the singing and praising the glories of lotus feet of Lord while taking holy dip in the pond packed with the earsplitting noise of honey bees.  The supreme Lord resembles colossal fire, he is consort of Goddess Sri Parvati who has gorgeous physical features and long and wide attractive eyes!  We have completely absorbed in your various celestial forms worshipped by the ardent devotees! Manikkavasagar earnestly prays to Lord Annamalaiyar to protect us.




Meyyar Thadam Poikai Pukku Mukerena
Kaiyar Kudainthu Kudainthu Un Kazhalpadi
Ayya Vazhiyadiyom Vazhnthom Kan Yar Azhal Por
Seyya Venneeradi Selva Sirumarungul
Maiyar Thadangan Madanthai Manavala
Ayya Ni Atkondarulum Vilayattin
Uyivarkal Uyyum Vakaiyellam Uyarthozhinthom
Eyyamar Kappai Yamaiyelor Empavai


-12-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the significance of holy dip in the pond so as to get rid of the persistent sorrows and grief in this material life and worship of Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram/Thillaikoothan who is dancing with the fire in his hand.  The supreme Lord Shiva who protects the celestial world and Earth and its living beings performs the functions of trinities.  Thiru Manikkavasagar insists to sing praising the glories of the lotus feet of the supreme Lord to the young maidens assembled to have holy dip and worship Lord in the early hours of dawn, with all that loud noise of bangles, deafening voices of women in bliss and earsplitting noises of honey bees around their hair locks.




Artha Piravi Thuyar Keda Nam Arthu Adum
Keerthan Natrilai Chitrambalathe Theeyadum
Koothan Ivvanum Kuvalayamum Yellomum
Karthum Padaithum Karanthum Vilayadi
Varthayum Pesi Valaisilamba Varkalaikal
Arpparavam Seyya Ani Kuzhalmel Vandarppa
Poothikazhum Poikai  Kudainthu Udaiyar Porpadham
Yethi Iruchunaineer Adelor Empavai



-13-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar emphasizes the perfect manner of holy dip to the young maidens assembled in the early hours of dawn.  The sincere devotees of Lord Shiva who desired to wash off their sins should have holy dip in the beautiful pond crammed with crystal clear water and red lotus flowers where Goddess Sri Parvati with her consort Lord Shiva dwells, the pond filled with the flowers of Kuvalai and red lotuses and the earsplitting noise of the honey bees.   Thiru Manikkavasagar instructs the young maidens assembled to have holy dip in the pond to immerse in a state of bliss with utmost enthusiasm that should cause twirl of jewels on their bodies and the swirl of anklets, thus the pond would overflow with water.



Paikuvalai Karmalaral Semkamala Paimpothal
Angam Kurukinathal Pinnum Aravathal
Thangal Malamkazhuvuvar Vanthu Sarthalinal
Engal Pirattiyum Engonum Pondru Inaintha
Pongum Maduvil Puka Painthu Painthu Nam
Changam Chilamba Chilambu Kudaiyum  Punalponga
Pangaya Poompunal Painthu Adelor Empavai

-14-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar passionately describes the method of holy dip to the young maidens assembled in the early hours of dawn to worship the Supreme Lord Shiva; with the jingling noise of ear stud, clattering noise of the jewels worn on their bodies, dancing of hair locks and the flowers decked on it surrounded by the deafening noise of honey bees.  Thiru Manikkavasagar advises the young maidens to sing praising the glories of Thiruchitrambalam/Chidambaram who is the embodiment of Veda & Vedanga.  Thiru Manikkavasagar instructs them to sing enthusiastically about the blazing fire form of Lord as  Lingodbhavar, and the garland of Kondrai flowers adorned on his body,  supreme Lord who has no beginning or end  and earnestly prays to provide salvation from the repeated birth and death.




Katharar Kuzhaiyada Paipoon Kalanada
Kothai Kuzhalada  Vandin Kuzham Ada
Seethapunal Adi Sitram Palapadi
Veda Porul Padi Apporul Ama Padi
Chothi Thirampadi Choozh Kondraithar Padi
Adi Thirampadi Andham Ama Padi
Pethithu Nammai Valarthedutha Peivanai Than
Padha Thirampadi Adelor Empavai



-15-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the sincere devotion a young maiden who relentlessly chant the names of Lord Shiva and preach the glories of Lord in a state of ecstasy, hysterically shed tears of joy thinking about the compassion of Lord and fails to remember the existence of the material world, she doesn’t think or worship any deity other than Lord Shiva and sings praising the glories of Lord and worship the lotus feet of Lord Shiva.  Thiru Manikkavasagar invites the young maiden assembled in the early hours of dawn to have holy dip in the pond filled with the fresh alluring flowers.





Ororukal Emperuman Yendrendre Namperuman
Sheerorukal Vai Ovvan Sitham Kalikoora
Neerorukal Ovva Neduntharai Kan Palippa
Parorukal Vanthanaiyan Vinnorai Than Paniyan
Perarayarkku Engane Pithoruvar Amarum
Aroruvar Evvannam Atkollum Vitthakar Than
Varuruva Poonmulaiyeer Vayara  Nampadi
Yeruruva Poompunalpainthu Adelor Empavai


-16-

In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the enthralling beauty of Mother of the Universe Goddess Sri Parvati who is consort of Lord Shiva, water vapors raised from the bed of sea formed dark cloud which crammed in the sky resembles the complexion of Goddess Sri Umaiyammai, the downpour along with thunder bear a close resemblance to the thin waistline and the sounds of anklets of Goddess Sri Parvati.   The rainbow formed in the sky reminds the beautiful long eyebrows of Goddess Sri Parvati, an inseparable part of Lord Shiva.  Thiru Manikkavasagar earnestly prays to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sri Parvati to shower blessings on devotees.



Mun Ekadalai Churukku Yezhunthu Udaiyan
Yennai Thikazhnthu Yemmai Aludaiyan Ittidaiyin
Minni Polinthu Empiratti Thiruvadimel
Ponnumsilambin Silambi Thirupuruvam
Yennasilai Kulavi Nanthamai Aludaiyan
Thannie Pirivila Yengoman Anparukku
Munni Avan Namakku Munsurkkum Innarulae
Yenna Pozhiyai Mazhayelor Empavai

-17-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the enthralling exquisiteness and glories of Goddess Sri Parvati consort of Lord Shiva, who has long and beautiful black colored plait of hair, she has abundance of compassion to Lord Vishnu who has attractive eyes resembles to lotus flower petals and Lord Brahma who has four faces and deities, she showers her grace on devotees, resides in their home and eradicates their sins.  Thiru Manikkavasagar insists the young maidens gathered to worship Lord in the early hours of dawn to have holy dip in the pond filled with lotuses, sing and praise the glories of Lord Shiva who has attractive eyes and compassionate as elixir of nectar towards fervent devotees was detained by Goddess Sri Parvati/Umaiyyammai.


Chemkanavanpal  Thisaimukhan Pal Thevarkal Pal
Yengum Illathor Inpam Nam Palatha
Kongu Un Karungkuzhali Nanthammai Kothatti
Ingu Nam Illangal Thorum Yezhuntharuli
Semkamala Porpadham Thantharulum Sevakanai
Angan Arasai Adiyongadkku Aramudhai
Nangan  Perumanai Padi Nalanthikazh
Pangaya Poompunal Painthu Adelor Empavai

-18-

In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the grandeur of Lord Annamalaiyar of Thiruvannamalai who is worshipped by all the deities;  it reduces the sparkling of the crown of deities before the magnificence of Lord Annamaliyar which has brilliance of Lord Surya who removes the darkness and eventually results in disappear stars from the sky.   Thiru Manikkavasagar describes the supremacy of Lord Annamaliyar who is the elixir of nectar dwells in the form of male as well as female to his devotees, Earth/Sky and also discloses the autonomous existence of supreme Lord.  Thiru Manikkavasagar insists the young maiden assembled to worship Lord in the early hours of dawn to have holy dip and sing praising the glories of lotus feet of Lord Shiva.




Annamaliyan  Adikkamalam Chendrirainjum
Vinnor Mudiyin Manithokai Veetru Andrarpol
Kannar Iravi Kathirvanthu Karkarappa
Thannar Olimayangi Tharakaikal Tham Akala
Pennaki Aanai Aliyai Pirangolicher
Vinnaki Mannaki Iththaniyum Veraki
Kannar Amuthamai  Nindran Kazhalpadi
Penne Epoompunalpainthu Adelor Empavai

-19-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar passionately reveals the devotion and dedication to Lord Annamalaiyar of Thiruvannamalai who is the savior of his children/ passionate devotees who are surrendered at his lotus feet.  Thiru Manikkavasagar insists the young maidens assembled to worship Lord in the early hours of dawn to sincerely pray to Lord to have bride-groom who is fervent devotee of Lord Shiva, our hands should engage in the self-less work of Lord and eyes should witness the majestic form of Lord through out the day and night.  Thiru Manikkavasagar enthusiastically declares that the blessings of Lord would make him worriless about the sunrise.


Ungaiyir Pillai Unakke Adaikkalam
Anga Pazhanjol Puthukkum Yem Acchathal
Engal Peruman Unakkondru Uruaippom Kel
Engongai Nin Anpar Allarthon Cherarka
Yengai Unakkalathu Yeppaniyum Seiyyarkka
Kangul  Pakal Engan Matrondrum Kanar
Inge Parise Yemakku Engon Nalkuthiyel
Engezhilan Jyayiru Yemakkelor Empavai

-20-


In this verse, Thiru Manikkavasagar emphasizes the significance of worship of lotus feet of Lord Annamaliyar of Thiruvannamalai and solemnly prays to Lord Annamalaiyar who has no beginning or end to shower His blessings on us.   The holiest feet of Lord Annamalaiyar which provides life to all creatures and abundance of joy, it is the ultimate place where all the living being rests, glorious feet which was not recognized by Lord Vishnu & Lord Brahma.  Thiru Manikkavasagar instructs the young maidens assembled in the early hours of dawn to have holy dip in the beautiful pond filled with lotuses in the auspicious month of Markazhi and sing praising the glories of Lord.


Potri ! Aruluka Nin Adhiyam Padhamalar
Potri ! Aruluka Nin Ananthamam Senthalirkal
Potri ! Yella Uyirukkum Thotramam Porpadham
Potri ! Yella Uyirukkum Pokamam Poompkazhal
Potri ! Yella Uyirukkum Etram Inaiyadigal
Potri ! Mal Nanmuganum Kanatha Pundareekam
Potri ! Yam Uyya Atkondarulum Ponmalarkal
Potriyam ! Markazhi Neeradelor Empavai !


|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||