Shatru Samhara Vel Pathigam Lyrics: In English

Prepared for academic and cultural studies audiences interested in South Indian devotional literature and its translation into English.

Vaelai kadal kidakka vael Vaaga marathai kidakka vael Maelai malai kidakka vael Meyya naalum kidakka vael Neela kandan vael Niththam nadungum en vael Kaela vazhi unarndhu Gnaana vel vandhu ennai aala vendum. shatru samhara vel pathigam lyrics in english

I, who wandered in worry—wicked and crooked—on the banks of nine rivers and oceans, I saw only one Vel. On the hill where frogs crawl, the one named Shanmuga, the Vel that touched that woman (Devasena) —that grace-giving Vel’s place is victory. On the hill where frogs crawl, the one

(Rhythmic syllables invoking cosmic dance and war drum) “Spear! Spear! Spear! Spear! O victorious Vel! Vel! Vel! Vel! Those who sing this ‘Hymn of the Spear that Destroys Enemies’ – They will sing and conquer.” Vel! Vel! Vel!