“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
“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
The Sivapuranam is one of the most revered and powerful hymns in Shaivism, composed by the saint Manikkavachagar (9th century CE). It forms the final part of his masterpiece, the Tiruvachakam ("Sacred Utterance"). Unlike hymns that describe Shiva’s external glories, the Sivapuranam is a deep, confessional, and philosophical outpouring of the soul yearning for liberation. It is structured as a prayer of surrender, where the devotee acknowledges his own worthlessness, begs forgiveness for countless sins, and seeks refuge at Shiva’s feet. sivapuranam lyrics in english with meaning
“Long live the feet that are seen (by the wise), long live the feet that are conceived in thought. Long live the feet that are seen, long live the feet that are conceived.” Explanation: A repetition for emphasis, praising both the manifest and unmanifest forms of Shiva’s grace. Verse 7 Lyrics: Pothi ena potriya Punniyan adi vazhga, Muthi koduth ennai Mukthi yil vaitha vazhga
Om Nama Sivaya.
“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
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 I, the sinner who cannot count my own sins
“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
