A famous contest arose between the Jains and Sambandar: the Jains agreed to treat one half of the king's body, while the saint would treat the other half using sacred ash. While the Jain methods failed, Sambandar applied chanting the "Manthiramavathu Neeru" verses. Miraculously, the half treated with the sacred ash was not only healed of the fever but also became straight again, shedding its hunch.
The central message of this hymn is revolutionary for its time and remains deeply relevant. Sundarar says:
Like a river, whose waters, white with foam, Issue from the locks of the Destroyer, May the stream of mantras, born of Thy mouth, Descend, a cataract, on my head.
<div class="verse-block"> <div class="verse-line"><strong>Verse 9</strong> — Tamil</div> <div class="verse-line">பட்டமும் ஆவது நீறு | பார்ப்பவர் சூடுவது நீறு |</div> <div class="verse-line">இட்டமும் ஆவது நீறு | ஈசன் பூசுவது நீறு |</div> <div class="verse-line">கட்டும் அறுப்பது நீறு | கற்பகம் ஆவது நீறு |</div> <div class="verse-line">மட்டவிழ் கொன்றை சூடும் | திருஆல வாயான் திருநீறே ||</div> </div> <div class="translation"> <p><strong>English Meaning:</strong> The sacred ash is the crown (diadem). It is worn by the learned. It is the desired wish. It is the ash smeared by the Lord Ishvara. It cuts the bonds of attachment. It is the wish‑fulfilling Kalpaka tree. That is the sacred ash of the Lord of Madurai, who wears the honey‑dripping konrai flowers.</p> </div>
The letters are the bytes/vowels, the six religions, the three stores— The coral (your body) is seen with these. The directions I have recognized, I died after searching for you— The clouds of knowledge rise higher and higher. Manthiramavathu Neeru Thevaram Lyrics In English
The verses describe the Sacred Ash not just as a physical substance, but as a cosmic remedy and a symbol of ultimate truth.
| Tamil Line | English Translation | |------------|---------------------| | | The mantra is the sacred ash. | | Mathiyathavathu Neeru | The wisdom (or the lunar intellect) is the sacred ash. | | Santhathamum Paniyum Pathi Chandranaith Thigazhum Neeru | The sacred ash shines like the moon, revered constantly by the Lord of all places. | | Kanthamavathu Neeru | The fragrant sandal paste is the sacred ash. | | Kalabhathavathu Neeru | The dark, aromatic aloe wood is the sacred ash. | | Sundhara Thanthu Udaiyay Thoomani Saathi Neeru | O Lord who gave me beauty! The sacred ash is like the purest, flawless gem. | | Uththamanavathu Neeru | The supreme virtue (Uththaman) is the sacred ash. | | Uyar Sathanavathu Neeru | The exalted truth (Sathanam) is the sacred ash. | | Poththinil Thaan Irukka Pulaththodan Oatrum Neeru | The sacred ash resides in the cavity of the body and unites the senses (in Bhakti). | | Vaiyamathum Neeru | For this entire world, the sacred ash is everything. | | Vaanavarkkum Neeru | For the celestial beings (Devas), the sacred ash is supreme. | | Seyya Paavam Thannai Thiralodum Theerkkum Neeru | The sacred ash completely destroys all past sins with force. | | Kariyaana Neeru | The sacred ash is the dark/hidden mystery. | | Karuththinul Pukunthu | Entering the mind and thoughts, | | Periya Paraparam Aam | It becomes the great Supreme Being (Param). | | Peyaradiyaarkkum Neeru | For the devoted servants (adiyars) of the Lord’s name, it is the sacred ash alone. |
Below is the complete text of the song in Romanized Tamil (transliteration) for easy pronunciation, followed by a line-by-line English translation.
📍 Traditionally, many devotees chant this pathigam while applying Vibhuti to cure ailments or seek mental peace.📍 Spiritual Equality: The ash represents the final state of all worldly things. It reminds us that regardless of wealth or status, everything eventually returns to dust, promoting humility.📍 The Power of Faith: Thirugnana Sambandar was only a young boy when he used these verses to perform miracles, proving that sincere devotion (Bhakti) transcends age and logic. How to Use These Lyrics A famous contest arose between the Jains and
பூச இனியது நீறு புண்ணிய மாவது நீறு பேச இனியது நீறு பெருந்தவத் தோர்களுக் கெல்லாம் ஆசை கெடுப்பது நீறு அந்தம தாவது நீறு தேசம் புகழ்வது நீறு திருவால வாயான் திருநீறே.
Aruththam aavadhu nīru avala maruppadhu nīru Varuththan thanippadhu nīru vānama Lippadhu nīru Poruththam aavadhu nīru puNNiyar būsum veNNīru Thiruthagu māligai soozhntha thiruvāla vāyān thirunīrē.
Thevaram Song in Tamil | மந்திர மாவது நீறு | Sounds of Isha
The "Manthiramavathu Neeru Thevaram" is a masterful piece of Tamil Saiva Siddhanta philosophy. It transcends mere ritualistic prayer, offering a deep commentary on the nature of reality and spiritual discipline. For those seeking "," this hymn serves as a direct channel to the energy of Lord Shiva. Chanting these verses, or even meditating upon the significance of the sacred ash, is believed to cleanse the soul, cure ailments, and bestow divine wisdom. The central message of this hymn is revolutionary
In the forest of thoughts, I am searching For the feet of Lord Shiva The Vedas are chanting The glory of Lord Shiva
This song praises the sacred and its power to remove sins.
Here are the lyrics to "Manthiramavathu Neeru Thevaram" in English: