Shanmuga Bhujangam

 

Sanskrit Verse (Transliterated)

Sada balaroopapi vignaadri hantri,

Mahadanthi vakthrapi panchasyamaanya,

Vidheendraadhi mrugya ganesabhidha may,

Vidathaam shriyam kaapi kalyana murthy.

Word-by-word Meaning

Sada – Always, eternally

Balaroopapi – Though appearing in the form of a child (young form)

Vignaadri hantri – The remover of obstacles (Vigna = obstacle, Adri = mountain, Hantri = destroyer)

Mahadanthi vakthrapi – Even though having the face of a great elephant (Maha = great, Danthi = elephant, Vaktra = face)

Panchasyamaanya – Respected even by the five-faced one (Shiva) (Pancha = five, Asya = face, Maanya = respected)

Vidheendraadhi mrugya – Sought after by Indra and other deities (Vidheendra = Indra, Adhi = and others, Mrugya = sought after)

Ganesabhidha may – Called as Ganesha (Ganesha = Lord Ganesha, Abhidha = named)

Vidathaam shriyam – May he bestow prosperity (Vidathaam = grant, Shriyam = wealth, prosperity)

Kaapi kalyana murthy – The divine form of auspiciousness (Kaapi = unique, Kalyana = auspicious, Murthy = form)

Overall Meaning

This verse is a hymn in praise of Lord Ganesha, describing his divine attributes:

Although Ganesha appears in the form of a child (young and innocent), he is powerful enough to remove the biggest obstacles.

He possesses the face of a mighty elephant (Mahadanthi), yet he is deeply revered by even the five-faced Shiva.

Lord Ganesha is sought after by Indra (king of gods) and other deities for his blessings.

May Lord Ganesha, the embodiment of auspiciousness, bestow upon us prosperity and well-being.

Deeper Understanding

This verse highlights the paradoxical nature of Lord Ganesha—though childlike in appearance, he is immensely powerful.

The mention of "Vignaadri hantri" (remover of mountain-like obstacles) signifies his role as the divine problem-solver in spiritual and material realms.

The phrase "Panchasyamaanya" connects Ganesha to Lord Shiva, his father, emphasizing his esteemed position even among great gods.

The concluding lines are a prayer for wealth and well-being, reinforcing Ganesha's role as the bestower of fortune and remover of hardships.

This verse beautifully captures Lord Ganesha's essence as both a playful, childlike deity and a supreme remover of obstacles and granter of prosperity.

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Transliteration:

Na janaami sabdham, na janaami cha artham,

Na janami padyam, na janami gadhyam,

Chideka shadaasya hrudhi dyothathe may,

Mukhantthissaranthe giraschapi chithram.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Na janaami – I do not know

Sabdham – Sound (or words)

Na janaami cha – Nor do I know

Artham – Meaning (or essence)

Na janami – I do not know

Padyam – Poetry

Na janami – I do not know

Gadhyam – Prose

Chideka – The one supreme consciousness

Shadaasya – Six-faced (referring to Lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva)

Hrudhi – In my heart

Dyothathe may – Is shining or illuminating within me

Mukhanthih – From my mouth

Sararathe – Flows

Girascha – Speech

Api – Also

Chithram – Miraculously or wondrously

Overall Meaning:

The devotee expresses their humility, stating:

"I do not know the proper words (Shabda) or their meanings (Artha)."

"I do not understand poetry (Padyam) or prose (Gadhyam)."

"Yet, by the grace of the Supreme Consciousness, which manifests as Lord Kartikeya (six-faced deity), wisdom and divine speech arise within me."

"It is a wonder that, despite my ignorance, divine speech flows from my mouth."

Deeper Understanding:

This verse is a humble acknowledgment of divine grace, illustrating that true wisdom and eloquence do not come from personal effort but are bestowed by the divine.

The reference to Shadaasya (six-faced deity) symbolizes Lord Kartikeya, known for wisdom and valor.

The poet marvels at the miracle that, even without knowledge of words or structure, divine speech emerges effortlessly due to the divine presence in the heart.

This verse is a powerful reminder that devotion and surrender to the divine can lead to wisdom beyond scholarly learning. It aligns with the philosophy that true knowledge is granted by divine grace rather than mere intellectual effort.

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Transliteration:

Mayurathi roodam Maha vakhya goodam,

Manohari deham, mahaschitha geham,

Mahee deva devam, maha veda bhavam,

Maha deva balam, Bhaje loka palam.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Mayurathi roodam – One who rides the peacock (Mayura = peacock, Roodam = riding)

Maha vakhya goodam – The one who embodies great spiritual truths (Maha = great, Vakhya = statements, Goodam = hidden or deep)

Manohari deham – One who has a captivating or enchanting form (Manohari = charming, Deham = body)

Mahaschitha geham – The abode of the great consciousness (Maha = great, Chitha = consciousness, Geham = house or abode)

Mahee deva devam – The supreme deity of the earth or the king of gods (Mahee = earth, Deva = god, Devam = supreme god)

Maha veda bhavam – The one who is the essence of the great Vedas (Maha = great, Veda = sacred knowledge, Bhavam = essence or being)

Maha deva balam – The strength of Lord Shiva (Maha = great, Deva = god, Balam = strength)

Bhaje loka palam – I worship the protector of the world (Bhaje = I worship, Loka = world, Palam = protector)

Overall Meaning:

This verse is a hymn praising Lord Kartikeya (Murugan):

He is riding a peacock, symbolizing victory over desires.

He is the embodiment of great spiritual knowledge.

His form is enchanting, and he is the abode of supreme consciousness.

He is worshipped as the supreme deity and represents the essence of the Vedas.

He is the strength of Lord Shiva (his father).

The devotee worships him as the protector of the world.

Deeper Understanding:

The reference to Mayura (peacock) signifies Lord Kartikeya's role as a warrior god who vanquishes ignorance and ego.

Maha Vakya Goodam highlights his connection to deep spiritual wisdom, indicating that he embodies the highest teachings of the Upanishads.

Mahaschitha Geham implies that he resides in the supreme consciousness, reinforcing his role as a divine guide for seekers of enlightenment.

The verse ends with a prayerful surrender, acknowledging Lord Kartikeya as the universal protector.

This verse beautifully encapsulates Lord Kartikeya's divine attributes and emphasizes his role as a guide for spiritual seekers and a protector of the righteous.

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Transliteration:

Yada sannidhanaam gatha maanava may,

Bhavaambhodhi param gathaasthe thadaiva,

Ithi vyanjayan Sindhu there ya asthe,

Thameede pavithram Parashakthi puthram.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Yada – When

Sannidhanaam – Nearness, presence

Gatha – Reached

Maanava may – Human beings (Maanava = human, May = my)

Bhavaambhodhi – The ocean of worldly existence (Bhava = existence, Ambhodhi = ocean)

Param – Beyond, the other shore

Gathaasthe – Have crossed over

Thadaiva – Then itself, at that moment

Ithi – Thus

Vyanjayan – Expressing, revealing

Sindhu there – On the shore of the ocean (Sindhu = ocean, There = shore)

Ya – Who

Asthe – Exists, remains

Thameede – I worship (Tham = him, Eede = I praise)

Pavithram – The pure one, sacred

Parashakthi puthram – The son of Goddess Parashakti (Parashakthi = Supreme Divine Mother, Puthram = son)

Overall Meaning:

This verse praises Lord Murugan (Kartikeya):

When humans reach his presence, they attain liberation from the vast ocean of worldly existence.

The moment they come near him, they cross beyond worldly sufferings.

He stands on the shore of the cosmic ocean, revealing this eternal truth.

I worship this sacred being, the divine son of Goddess Parashakti.

Deeper Understanding:

Bhavaambhodhi param gathaasthe signifies that Lord Murugan is the spiritual guide who helps devotees cross the cycle of birth and death.

The shore of the ocean symbolizes the boundary between illusion (samsara) and liberation (moksha), and Murugan stands at this divine threshold, guiding seekers to enlightenment.

Parashakthi Putram highlights his divine lineage as the son of Goddess Parvati (Parashakti), reinforcing his status as a supreme deity of wisdom and divine power.

The verse concludes with devotional surrender, acknowledging that true liberation comes through his grace.

This hymn beautifully encapsulates Lord Murugan's role as the savior and guide for spiritual seekers, emphasizing that simply being in his presence grants freedom from worldly suffering.

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Transliteration:

Yadabhidhe stharanga layam yanthi thunga,

Sthadivaa pada sannidhou sevathaam may,

Ithivormepankthirnunaam darsayantham,

Sadaa bhavaye hruthsaroje guham tham.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Yadabhidhe – By whose name

Stharanga – Waves

Layam yanthi – Dissolve, subside

Thunga – High (referring to strong waves)

Sthadivaa – In that very place

Pada sannidhou – In the presence of his feet (Pada = feet, Sannidhou = presence)

Sevathaam may – For those who serve (Sevathaam = serving, May = my)

Ithivormepankthirnunaam – Thus the series of waves of sins (Ithi = thus, Urmepankthir = waves, Nunaam = sins)

Darsayantham – Showing, revealing

Sadaa – Always

Bhavaye – I meditate upon

Hruthsaroje – In the lotus of my heart (Hruth = heart, Saroje = lotus)

Guham tham – That Lord Guha (another name for Lord Murugan)

Overall Meaning:

This verse is a devotional hymn to Lord Murugan (Guha):

The waves of worldly fears and troubles subside upon remembering his name.

For those who serve at his feet, all disturbances settle down.

He removes the waves of sins from devotees' lives.

The devotee meditates upon Lord Guha, visualizing him in the lotus of their heart.

Deeper Understanding:

The waves symbolize worldly distractions, fears, and sins. Just as ocean waves settle when reaching the shore, a devotee's mind finds peace in the presence of Lord Murugan.

"Pada Sannidhou Sevathaam" highlights that serving his feet (devotion and surrender) is the path to liberation.

"Hruthsaroje Guhaam" suggests that Lord Murugan is not just an external deity but also resides in the heart of true devotees, guiding them from within.

The metaphor of waves settling signifies spiritual calmness, where the restless thoughts of an individual dissolve in divine presence.

This verse beautifully conveys that Lord Murugan grants peace, dissolves sins, and resides within the heart of those who surrender to him.

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Transliteration:

Girou mannivase nara yea dhirooda,

Sthada parvathe sarvadha thedhirooda,

Itheeva broovan gandha sailathi rooda,

Sa devo mudha may sada Shanmukhosthu.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Girou – On the mountain

Mannivase – If one resides

Nara yea – Among humans

Dhirooda – O wise one (Dhi = intellect, Rooda = one who has)

Sthada parvathe – On the great mountain

Sarvadha – Always

Thedhirooda – One who ascends

Itheeva – Thus

Broovan – Speaking

Gandha sailathi – On the Gandha mountain (referring to a sacred mountain)

Rooda – Mounted upon, seated

Sa devo – That divine one

Mudha may – Happily to me

Sada – Always

Shanmukhosthu – May Lord Shanmukha (Kartikeya) be present

Overall Meaning:

This verse is a devotional hymn to Lord Shanmukha (Kartikeya):

It speaks of the wise (dhirooda) residing on mountains, symbolizing spiritual elevation.

Lord Murugan is always present on sacred mountains like Kailasa and Gandhamadana.

He proclaims divine wisdom from these heights.

The devotee prays that this divine Lord Shanmukha may always bless them with his presence.

Deeper Understanding:

"Girou mannivase" symbolizes the seeker who ascends to higher knowledge.

Mountains represent spiritual elevation, as sages and deities are often depicted residing on them.

Lord Murugan, seated on Gandha Parvata (mountain), shares wisdom.

The final line is a prayer for eternal blessings, seeking the presence of Lord Shanmukha (six-faced deity).

This verse glorifies Lord Murugan's divine presence on sacred mountains and invokes his wisdom and blessings for those on a spiritual path.

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Transliteration:

Mahaabodhi theere maha papachore,

Muneendranukoole sugandhakhya shaile,

Guhayaam vasantham swabhasa lasantham,

Janaarthim harantham srayamo guham tham.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Mahaabodhi theere – On the shores of supreme wisdom (Maha = great, Bodhi = wisdom, Theere = shore)

Maha papachore – The great remover of sins (Maha = great, Papa = sins, Chore = thief, remover)

Muneendranukoole – Revered by great sages (Muneendra = great sages, Anukoole = favorable to)

Sugandhakhya shaile – On the fragrant, well-known mountain (Sugandha = fragrant, Aakhya = well-known, Shaile = mountain)

Guhayaam vasantham – Residing in the cave (Guha = cave, Vasantham = residing)

Swabhasa lasantham – Shining with his own divine light (Swabhasa = self-radiance, Lasantham = shining)

Janaarthim harantham – Removing the suffering of people (Jana = people, Aarthi = suffering, Harantham = removing)

Srayamo guham tham – I surrender to Lord Guha (Srayamo = I seek refuge, Guham = Lord Murugan, Tham = him)

Overall Meaning:

This verse glorifies Lord Murugan (Guha):

He resides on the shore of supreme wisdom and removes great sins.

He is revered by sages and dwells on the fragrant sacred mountain.

He shines with his own divine radiance in the spiritual cave of consciousness.

He removes the suffering of humanity.

The devotee surrenders completely to Lord Guha.

Deeper Understanding:

"Maha Bodhi Theere" symbolizes Lord Murugan as a source of supreme knowledge and enlightenment.

"Maha Papachore" refers to his power to absolve sins, indicating his grace and compassion.

"Sugandhakhya Shaile" alludes to sacred mountains like Palani, Tiruttani, or Kailasa, where he is worshipped.

"Swabhasa Lasantham" represents Murugan’s self-effulgence, showing that his wisdom does not come from external sources but is inherent.

The final line, "Srayamo Guham Tham," is a call for surrender, urging devotees to seek refuge in him.

This verse beautifully describes Lord Murugan as the supreme source of wisdom, the destroyer of sins, and the remover of worldly suffering, inviting devotees to seek refuge in his divine presence.

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Transliteration:

Lasad swarna gehe nrunaam kaamadohe,

Sumasthoma sanchanna manikya manche,

Samudhyath sahasrarka thulya prakasam,

Sada bhavaye karthikeyam suresam.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Lasad – Shining, radiant

Swarna gehe – In a golden abode (Swarna = gold, Gehe = house or abode)

Nrunaam – Of human beings

Kaamadohe – The fulfiller of desires (Kaama = desire, Dohe = giver)

Sumasthoma – Surrounded by fragrant flowers (Suma = flowers, Sthoma = many)

Sanchanna – Covered, filled

Manikya manche – Seated on a throne adorned with rubies (Manikya = rubies, Manche = throne)

Samudhyath – Rising

Sahasrarka – Like a thousand suns (Sahasra = thousand, Arka = sun)

Thulya prakasam – Equal in radiance (Thulya = equal, Prakasam = brightness)

Sada – Always

Bhavaye – I meditate upon

Karthikeyam – Lord Kartikeya

Suresam – The Lord of the gods (Sura = gods, Esam = Lord)

Overall Meaning:

This verse glorifies Lord Kartikeya (Murugan):

He dwells in a radiant golden palace, granting desires to devotees.

He is surrounded by fragrant flowers and seated on a majestic ruby-adorned throne.

His radiance resembles the brilliance of a thousand suns.

The devotee always meditates on Kartikeya, the Lord of the gods.

Deeper Understanding:

"Lasad Swarna Gehe" symbolizes divine opulence and supreme bliss, representing Kartikeya’s celestial abode.

"Kaamadohe" highlights his benevolence, as he grants wishes and fulfills righteous desires.

"Sahasrarka Thulya Prakasam" compares his divine radiance to a thousand suns, emphasizing his immense spiritual energy and illumination.

"Suresam" reaffirms his status as the commander of the celestial forces (Deva Senapati).

This verse beautifully describes Lord Kartikeya’s divine splendor, his celestial presence, and his ability to grant wishes, encouraging devotees to meditate upon his radiant form for blessings and wisdom.

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Transliteration:

Ranadwamsake manjule athyantha sone,

Manohari lavanya peeyusha poorne,

Mana shat padho may bhava klesa thaptha,

Sada modatham skanda they pada padma.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Ranadwamsake – The destroyer of enemies in battle (Rana = battle, Dwamsaka = destroyer)

Manjule – Beautiful, charming

Athyantha sone – Extremely radiant (Athyantha = very, Sone = red, bright)

Manohari – Captivating, enchanting

Lavanya peeyusha poorne – Filled with the nectar of beauty (Lavanya = beauty, Peeyusha = nectar, Poorne = full of)

Mana shat padho – The six-legged bee of my mind (Mana = mind, Shat = six, Padho = feet/legs)

May – My

Bhava klesa thaptha – Suffering from the pains of worldly existence (Bhava = worldly life, Klesa = suffering, Thaptha = heated, afflicted)

Sada modatham – Always rejoices (Sada = always, Modatham = rejoice)

Skanda – Lord Skanda (another name for Kartikeya)

They pada padma – At your lotus feet (They = your, Pada = feet, Padma = lotus)

Overall Meaning:

This verse glorifies Lord Skanda (Murugan):

He is the mighty warrior who destroys enemies in battle.

He is exceedingly radiant and beautiful, captivating all who behold him.

His form is filled with the nectar of supreme beauty and grace.

The devotee's mind, like a six-legged bee, seeks refuge at his lotus feet, suffering from the pains of worldly existence.

The devotee prays for eternal joy by surrendering at the feet of Lord Skanda.

Deeper Understanding:

"Ranadwamsake" emphasizes Lord Murugan’s role as a warrior god, protecting devotees from internal and external evils.

"Manohari Lavanya Peeyusha Poorne" describes his divine beauty, symbolizing the grace and bliss of devotion.

"Mana Shat Padho" uses a beautiful metaphor where the devotee’s mind is likened to a bee longing to rest on the lotus feet of the Lord.

"Bhava Klesa Thaptha" signifies the burning pains of samsara (worldly existence), which can only be cooled by surrendering to Lord Murugan.

This verse beautifully expresses devotion, surrender, and the longing of the soul for the divine grace and refuge of Lord Skanda's lotus feet, seeking liberation from worldly suffering.

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Transliteration:

Suvarnaabha divya ambaraair basa maanaam,

Kwanath kinkini mekhala shobhamaanaam,

Lasadhema pattena vidhyotha maanaam,

Katim bhavaye skanda thedeepya maanaam.

Word-by-word Meaning:

Suvarnaabha – Golden-hued

Divya ambaraair – With divine garments (Divya = divine, Ambara = clothes)

Basa maanaam – Radiantly shining

Kwanath kinkini – With jingling bells (Kwanath = jingling, Kinkini = small bells)

Mekhala shobhamaanaam – Adorned with a beautiful girdle (Mekhala = girdle, Shobhamaanaam = shining, beautified)

Lasadhema pattena – With a shining golden waistband (Lasad = shining, Hema = gold, Pattena = with a cloth/band)

Vidhyotha maanaam – Brilliantly glowing

Katim bhavaye – I meditate upon the waist (Katim = waist, Bhavaye = I meditate upon)

Skanda – Lord Skanda (another name for Kartikeya)

Thedeepya maanaam – Resplendent, shining brightly

Overall Meaning:

This verse glorifies the divine appearance of Lord Skanda (Murugan):

He is adorned with golden garments that radiate divine brilliance.

His waist is decorated with a jingling girdle (mekhala) with tiny bells, adding to his majestic aura.

A shining golden waistband enhances his radiant form.

The devotee meditates upon the resplendent waist of Lord Skanda, admiring his divine beauty.

Deeper Understanding:

"Suvarnaabha Divya Ambaraair" emphasizes Lord Skanda’s golden radiance, symbolizing spiritual illumination.

"Kwanath Kinkini Mekhala" portrays the sound of divine energy, as tiny bells in his girdle symbolize movement, rhythm, and cosmic dance.

"Lasadhema Pattena Vidhyotha Maanaam" highlights the opulence and splendor of the Lord’s divine form.

"Katim Bhavaye" expresses the devotee’s meditation on the graceful and powerful presence of Lord Skanda.

This verse beautifully describes Lord Kartikeya’s divine attire and ornaments, encouraging devotees to meditate upon his radiant and majestic form as a source of spiritual energy and strength.