“Long live I, the sinner who cannot count my own sins! Long live that unique great compassion (of Shiva) that counts its own ways to save me!” Explanation: In beautiful irony, he blesses himself (the unworthy one) and extols Shiva’s grace that needs no reason to shower mercy. Verse 4 Lyrics: Unarvin uyir kazhikkum Ulaginayaka vazhga, Inippa arul paliththu Enai aanda vazhga
“That which cannot be measured by inside or outside, nor known by any means—that is the divine Tiruvachakam and the Sivapuranam.” Explanation: This verse declares that the hymn itself is identical with the ineffable Lord. Verse 10 (Closing) Lyrics: Sivapuranam vallaar Peruvazhvu peruvaar, Sivan aru ludaith thaal Sindai seidhu kazhvaar
In Tamil Saivite tradition, reciting the Sivapuranam with understanding is believed to purify the mind, remove karmic bonds, and grant Arul (divine grace). It is often chanted during the , on Mondays, and during the month of Karthikai. sivapuranam lyrics in english with meaning
“Salutations to the sacred feet! Salutations to the sacred grace! Salutations to the great attainment (of devotion)! Salutations to the state of no more births!” Explanation: A string of salutations to the means (feet, grace) and the ends (devotion, liberation). Verse 9 Lyrics: Agamalavum ilagalavum Allathadhu ariya, Nigama thiruvachagam Sivapuram thanai
“Long live the feet of Siva who dwells in the sacred hall of Chidambaram! Long live the feet of the great madman (Shiva as the ecstatic beggar) who ruled over this lunatic (me).” Explanation: Shiva is called the “great madman” from a worldly perspective, and the devotee calls himself a “lunatic” – only such a Lord can rule him. Verse 6 Lyrics: Kandathu kazhalai Karutha kazhalai vazhga, Kandathu kazhalai Karutha kazhalai vazhga “Long live I, the sinner who cannot count my own sins
“Long live the Lord of the universe who removes the pride of living beings! Long live the One who sweetly bestowed grace and ruled over me.” Explanation: Shiva humbles the ego and then lovingly takes possession of the devotee’s heart. Verse 5 Lyrics: Thiruchitrambalam udaiya Sivan adi vazhga, Peruchoottan adi vazhga, Pechai aanda vazhga
“Long live the sacred name ‘Nama Sivaya’! Long live the feet of the Lord (Nadan)! May the two karmas (good and bad deeds) that reside in my blinking mind disappear as falsehood.” Explanation: The devotee first salutes the Panchakshara mantra and Shiva’s feet, praying that all accumulated karma is destroyed. Verse 2 Lyrics: Pirava varam tharum Peruman adi vazhga, Karavatha manamum kamalamum Onraga vazhga Salutations to the sacred grace
Om Nama Sivaya.
Below is the hymn in Romanized English (transliteration) along with the meaning of each stanza. Note: The original Tamil has multiple variations; this is the widely accepted standard version. Verse 1 Lyrics: Nama sivaya vazhga, Nadan thaal vazhga, Imai podum yennenjil nirkum Iruvinaiyum poiga
“Long live the feet of the great Lord who grants the boon of ending rebirth! Long live the union of my untainted mind (or ‘bee-like mind’) and the lotus feet of the Lord.” Explanation: He prays for his mind to merge inseparably with Shiva’s lotus feet, like a bee with a flower. Verse 3 Lyrics: Yen kanakku ariya Iru vinaiyen vazhga, Than kanakku kondu Thani perum karunai