Manthiramavathu — Neeru Thevaram Lyrics In English

Vaiyamathum Neeru
Vaanavarkkum Neeru
Seyya Paavam Thannai
Thiralodum Theerkkum Neeru

The phrase "Manthiramavathu Neeru" translates roughly to "The sacred ash (vibhuti) is the mantra." In this hymn, Sundarar declares that for him, the external ritual of chanting mantras is secondary; the real, effective mantra is the holy ash (vibhuti) of Lord Shiva. He extols the greatness of wearing thiruneeru (sacred ash) on the forehead and body, considering it more powerful than learned mantras, fire rituals, or even the Vedas.

This padigam (set of ten verses) is part of the Tevaram’s seventh Thirumurai and is sung in the Pann (ancient Tamil raga) of Kolli.

Uththamanavathu Neeru
Uyar Sathanavathu Neeru
Poththinil Thaan Irukka
Pulaththodan Oatrum Neeru Manthiramavathu Neeru Thevaram Lyrics In English

Traditional sources suggest chanting this hymn during Pradosham (the twilight period on the 13th lunar day) or while applying Vibhuti after morning bath. You can also recite it 3, 5, or 11 times as a japa (meditative repetition).

Tamil Transliteration: Manthiramāvathu nīṟu matiyāvathu chandiraṉ
Sanchiramāvathu aravaṉ chaṭaiyāvathu vaṉṉamatu
Vancharamāvathu unnai vaḻipaṭuvāraich chañchalamāvathu
Anchuviththāl ammānai enchi peṟuvathu iṉṉamē.

English Meaning: The sacred ash (vibhuti) is my mantra; the moon is my wisdom (or the ornament on my Lord’s head).
The snake is the moving one (my Lord’s ornament); the matted hair is his beautiful color.
Deceit is to worship others (or to pretend devotion); fickleness is to fear anything else.
If I surrender to you, Lord, can I ever get a better state than this? Devotees of Lord Shiva often recite this Thevaram

Below is the full text of the hymn in easy-to-read English script, suitable for chanting and memorization.

Q1: Is "Manthiramavathu Neeru" a mantra or a song?
It is a pathigam (group of verses) from the Tevaram. While it is a song, its recitation is considered as potent as any mantra. Many use it for daily uppu (applying ash).

Q2: Can I recite these lyrics in English if I don’t know Tamil?
Yes. The spiritual efficacy lies in sincerity and understanding. Reading the Manthiramavathu Neeru Thevaram lyrics in English with devotion (bhava) is highly beneficial. However, learning the original Tamil phonetics adds vibrational power. Sundarar declares that for him

Q3: What are the physical benefits of Vibhuti mentioned in the hymn?
The hymn focuses on spiritual benefits. However, traditional medicine (Siddha) believes that ash from medicinal herbs/cow dung, combined with this chant, purifies the aura and activates the agni (fire) chakra on the forehead.

Q4: Where can I find the full audio of this Thevaram?
Major platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Saavn have recordings by artists like Sirkazhi Govindarajan, Sudha Ragunathan, and Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.

Devotees of Lord Shiva often recite this Thevaram in the morning after applying vibhuti. The steps include: