Here are the Shatru Samhara Vel Pathigam lyrics in English transliteration (Tamil to English), along with a brief explanation of the feature you requested.
This pathigam (a set of 10 verses) is dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya) , specifically praising His Vel (divine spear) for its power to destroy enemies (shatru = enemy, samhara = destruction). It is traditionally recited for protection, courage, and victory over adversaries—both external and internal (e.g., ego, anger, fear).
Pambaiyil vel vel
Paramanandha vel vel
Samba sadhashiva vel vel
Shatru samhara vel vel
In the vast ocean of Tamil devotional literature, the Shatru Samhara Vel Pathigam (also spelled Satru Samhara Vel Padhigam) stands as a powerful beacon for those seeking victory over adversaries. Composed by the revered saint Arunagirinathar, this hymn is dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya, Subramanya, or Shanmukha) in his aspect as the wielder of the divine Vel (lance).
The term Shatru Samhara translates to "annihilation of enemies," and Pathigam refers to a set of ten verses (Pathu = ten). Unlike general prayers for peace, this specific hymn is a spiritual weapon—a sonic Vel—designed to destroy both external foes and internal enemies like ego, anger, greed, lust, and jealousy.
For non-Tamil speakers, having the Shatru Samhara Vel Pathigam lyrics in English (transliterated) is essential to chant correctly. Below, you will find the complete transliteration, a rough meaning per stanza, and guidance on how to use this hymn effectively.
Transliterated:
Kariya munnam karumbu mulaithaal
Kazhuthu aruppom ena vandha
Viriya vael mudi soodi
Veeran varum idam kandu
Poriyum pori muthal aaga
Pugaiyum pugai vithai aaga
Muriyum vidaiyum uyarum idam
Murugan anaiyaaga vanthidumae.
Rough Meaning:
Before the sugarcane (enemy) sprouts, it comes to cut its neck. That hero who wears the spreading Vel—see his place. Where all enemies become burnt offerings, where smoke becomes the seed of victory—Lord Murugan himself comes equal to that place.
| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Meter | The hymn follows a kāṟṟi (four‑beat) rhythmic pattern, typical of kirtan style compositions. Each line consists of eight akṣaras (syllabic units). | | Rāga | Commonly set in Mohanam (a pentatonic major scale), evoking a bright, auspicious mood. Some renditions use Hamsadhwani to accentuate the “spear” motif. | | Tāla | Performed in Adi tala (8‑beat cycle) with a characteristic konnakol (percussion syllable) pattern: “ta ka dhi mi ta ka dhi mi”. | | Chanting Technique | A blend of padhantam (recitative) and pallavi (refrain) allows singers to improvise melodic embellishments (gamakas) while preserving the lyrical core. |
The brilliance of the Shatru Samhara Vel Pathigam lies in its duality.
The rhythm of the poem is fast-paced and energetic, mimicking the heartbeat of a warrior entering battle. It instills a sense of immediate courage and invulnerability in the reciter.
Reciting just the transliterated lyrics is powerful, but following these guidelines enhances the effect: