“Shiva Shiva Shankara,” a Tamil hymn performed by Haricharan in the film Kannappa, embodies a deep sense of devotion and spiritual surrender. The lyrics’ title, “Shiva Shiva Shankara,” signifies an earnest chant to Lord Shiva, evoking profound reverence and awe.
| Song Title | Shiva Shiva Shankara |
| Movie/Album | Kannappa |
| Artists | Haricharan |
| Lyricist | Shashank Vennelakanti |
| Composer | Stephen Devassy |
| Actors | Vishnu Manchu |
Shashank Vennelakanti’s lyrics translated express a heartfelt plea for divine connection and mercy. At the same time, Stephen Devassy’s composition elevates the listening experience with its stirring melodies. Haricharan’s rendition beautifully captures the essence of a devotee’s longing to unite with Shiva, blending adoration with a humble plea for grace.
Throughout the song, Vennelakanti crafts a vivid lyrical journey that illustrates the realization of seeing Shiva in nature, yearning for his presence, and committing to unwavering devotion. This immersive experience invites listeners into a space of introspection and faith.
Kannappa Movie’s Shiva Shiva Shankara Lyrics [English Translation]
Arivu Kanna Thiranthu Vachayae Shivalingammaiya,
You opened my eyes of wisdom, O ‘Shivalingamaiya’ (a name for Lord Shiva, referring to his form as a lingam).
Mаnasukkunnа Puriya Vachayae Maiyаi Anadum Meya,
Did you make the truth clear to my heart, O eternal truth?
Mannum Vinnum Theriyavillai,
I can no longer differentiate between the Earth and the sky.
Kadandhu Pochu Padhi Vazhkkai,
Half of my life has already passed.
Ulagil Neeyae Iruntha Pothum,
Even when you were present in this world,
Illai Endru Adi Vitten,
I was lost, thinking you weren’t there.
En Udalil Viboothiyai,
Anoint my body with sacred ash (‘viboothi’ – holy ash used in Hinduism, particularly associated with Shiva).
Karunai Kati Poosidu,
Show me your grace and bless me.
Ennai Un Nandhiyai,
Make me your sacred bull, ‘Nandi’ (the bull vahana, or mount, of Shiva).
Vasalile Kattidu,
Keep me at your doorstep forever.
Ezhu Jenma Punniyamo,
Is it the virtue of seven lifetimes?
Ennai Serthu Kollaiya,
Join me with you as yours.
Shiva Shiva Shankara,
Shiva Shiva Shankara.
Samba Shiva Shankara,
O Samba Shiva Shankara (Samba is a name of Shiva, often meaning “with Amba” (Parvati)).
Harom Hara Hara Hara Neelakandanae,
Hail, hail to you, O ‘Neelakanta’ (a name for Shiva, meaning “blue-throated one,” referring to the story of him drinking poison).
Swarnamukhi Karai Purandu,
As the ‘Swarnamukhi’ river (a sacred river in South India) overflows,
Paraiyile Oda,
And flows over the rocky terrain,
Lingamena Katchi Kanden,
I saw the divine vision of the Shiva Lingam
Kannukulla Dhan,
Right before my very eyes.
Kattilae Kombugal Siva Soolam Dhan,
The branches in the forest resembled Shiva’s trident.
Venmega Keeral Thiruneerae Dhan,
The streaks of white clouds seemed like sacred ash.
Kanum Idangalil Sivamayamae,
Wherever I look, I see only Lord Shiva.
Kandu Vitten Pudhu Anubavamae,
I have realized a new divine experience.
Omkaram Malaikattil Paravukindrathae,
The “Om” kara sound (‘Om’ – a sacred sound and spiritual symbol in Hinduism) resonates through the mountains.
Kainthu Vitta Nenjukkul,
And within my burning heart.
Oothu Ondru Vanthathae,
A divine breeze has entered.
Kaiyedudhu Vendinen,
I lifted my hands in prayer.
Un Dhayavai Nadinen,
I sought your mercy.
Siva Siva Ennum Peru Ennul,
And the name of Shiva
Pinainthu Vittathae,
Became one with my soul.
Shiva Shiva Shankara,
Shiva Shiva Shankara.
Samba Shiva Shankara,
O Samba Shiva Shankara.
Harom Hara Hara Hara Neelakandanae,
Hail, hail to you, O Neelakanta.
Ohh Thenaruvi Neeru Kudaichu,
Drawing water from the sweet-flowing river.
Neeru Poosava,
Shall I anoint you with it?
Kattu Malli Poveduthu Alangarikkava,
Shall I decorate you with wild jasmine flowers?
En Vittu Chella Pillai Neeye,
You are like a beloved child in my home.
Muppodhum Un Siripoli Dhane,
Your laughter echoes in my ears constantly.
Kattu Manu Kari Padaiyal Vekkava,
Shall I offer you a feast with deer meat?
Oi Sivane,
Oh, Shiva!
Malai Thenai Kondu Virunthu Vekkava,
Shall I bring mountain honey for your offering?
Unnai Seeratti Thalatti Nan Valarkkava,
Shall I raise you like a mother, singing lullabies?
Sutterikkum Veyilai Thangumo Un Maeniye,
Can your divine body endure the scorching sun?
Kulir Kаthu Veesinal Yar Pаthu Kolvathu,
If the cold breeze blows, who will care for you?
Ini Un Kudaiyai Un Nizhalai Kathu Nirpenae,
I will become your shade and stand to protect you.
Eppodhum Ennai Parkka Neram Illaiya,
Do you not have time to look at me even once?
Kann Munne Nee Varathan Nashtamennaiya,
Your absence before my eyes feels like a significant loss.
Thamadham Idhu Nyayam Dhana,
Is this delay fair?
En Mele Adhu Oozhal Dhana,
Or is it fate’s play upon me?
Edhu Edhuvo Nadаnthuduchu,
Whatever has happened, happened.
Pavangal Ellam Mudinchiduchu,
All my sins have now come to an end.
Sivaiya Un Sadai Mudiyil Sikki Ninnnenae,
O Shivaiya, I have clung onto your matted hairlocks.
Veruththu Ennai Thallinal,
Even if you push me away in anger,
Etti Ennai Virattinal,
Even if you chase me away,
Soolaththal Kuththinal,
Even if you pierce me with your trident,
Pambu Vanthu Koththinal,
Even if the serpent comes to bite me,
Nagarnthidathan Mattan,
I will not move an inch away.
Intha Thinnam Dhanada,
Such is my determination.
Shiva Shiva Shankara,
Shiva Shiva Shankara.
Samba Shiva Shankara,
O Samba Shiva Shankara.
Harom Hara Hara Hara Neelakandanae,
Hail, hail to you, O Neelakanta.
Hara Hara Shankara,
Hail Shankara.
Shiva Shiva Shankara,
Shiva Shiva Shankara.
Shankara Shankara Shiva Shiva Shankara,
Shankara, Shankara, Shiva Shiva Shankara.
Hara Hara Shankara,
Hail Shankara.
Shiva Shiva Shankara,
Shiva Shiva Shankara.
Shankara Shankara Shiva Shiva Shankara,
Shankara, Shankara, Shiva Shiva Shankara.
Translated by: Sakthimahi
The memorable chorus, “Shiva Shiva Shankaraa, Samba Shiva Shankaraa,” translates to “O Shiva, O Shankara, O Samba Shiva Shankara,” serving as a reverent call to the divine that resonates throughout the piece.
Shiva Shiva Shankaraa Music Video
For those interested in visual storytelling, the Tamil music video for “Shiva Shiva Shankara” features Vishnu Manchu and is directed by Mukhesh Kumar Singh, who skillfully enhances the song’s spiritual resonance.