சித்தம் எல்லாம் நிறைந்த சிவ பெருமானேSitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane — Lyrics & Meaning
An intimate Shaivite bhakti song to Thiru Neelakandar — the dancer of the cosmos whose sway sets the universe in motion. The devotee recalls how Shiva once granted boons to Ravana enchanted by the yazh's music, and gave darshan to Sundarar who was intoxicated by honeyed Tamil — and prays, though possessing no such art, still to be accepted by unending love alone.
The Story Behind This Song
This song celebrates Lord Shiva as Thiru Neelakandar, the one who fills the mind entirely. The Lord is described adorning Ganga like a flower in his matted locks, bearing the crescent moon on his head, wearing the serpent as ornament — his anklets ringing and damaru thundering — whose very sway sets the whole universe in motion. The song then recalls two celebrated Saiva bhakti stories: Shiva, enchanted by Ravana's (Dasamukha) music on the yazh (lute), granted him boons; and Shiva, intoxicated by Sundarar Nayanar's honeyed Tamil, appeared before him in person. The devotee confesses he possesses no such art — yet pleads that by his unending love for the Lord alone, he too may be taken into service. The closing prayer is one of the most beautiful bhakti verses in the collection: 'Whatever birth I may take, grant me the blessed birth (narpirappu) in which I never forget You — my mind seeks nothing other than to take refuge in You.'
Lyrics in Tamil & English Transliteration with Meaning
Meaning: (Pallavi) O Lord Shiva who fills my entire mind — every moment I melt thinking of your sacred feet; wherever I look, to me everything is Shiva-mayam, pervaded by Shiva.
Meaning: (Charanam 1) Adorning Ganga like a flower in your matted locks, bearing the crescent moon on your head, wearing the serpent as ornament — with your anklets ringing and the damaru thundering, by the mere sway of your dance you set the whole universe in motion, O eternal (Imaiyon) Thiru Neelakandar.
Meaning: (Pallavi returns) O Lord Shiva who fills my entire mind — to me everything is Shiva-mayam.
Meaning: (Charanam 2) Enchanted by the music of the yazh, you granted boons to the ten-faced Ravana. Intoxicated by honeyed Tamil, you gave darshan to Sundarar Nayanar. We possess no such art — yet, by our unending love for you alone, please take us too into your service.
Meaning: (Pallavi returns) O Lord Shiva who fills my entire mind — to me everything is Shiva-mayam.
Meaning: (Charanam 3) Whatever birth we may take, grant us the blessed birth (narpirappu) in which we never forget You, O Lord. O Master, O Eeswara who rules over us — our mind seeks nothing other than to take refuge in You.
Meaning: (Final Pallavi) O Lord Shiva who fills my entire mind — every moment, your sacred feet — to me everything is Shiva-mayam.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the meaning of Sitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane (சித்தம் எல்லாம் நிறைந்த சிவ பெருமானே)?
- An intimate Shaivite bhakti song to Thiru Neelakandar — the dancer of the cosmos whose sway sets the universe in motion. The devotee recalls how Shiva once granted boons to Ravana enchanted by the yazh's music, and gave darshan to Sundarar who was intoxicated by honeyed Tamil — and prays, though possessing no such art, still to be accepted by unending love alone.
- Who composed Sitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane?
- Sitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane (சித்தம் எல்லாம் நிறைந்த சிவ பெருமானே) was composed and written by RG Madanagopal (இரா.கோ.மதன்கோபால்), a Tamil devotional composer. It is an original Tamil devotional song dedicated to Shiva (சிவன்).
- When should Sitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane be sung?
- Sitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane is most auspiciously sung on Mondays — the day traditionally associated with Shiva worship — and during shivaratri.
- Where can I find the lyrics of Sitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane in Tamil?
- The full lyrics of Sitham Ellam Nirainda Siva Perumane in Tamil script (சித்தம் எல்லாம் நிறைந்த சிவ பெருமானே), along with the English transliteration and verse-by-verse meaning, are available on this page above.