Meenakshi Mani Mala Ashtakam

Meenakshi Mani Mala Ashtakam
[Octet of gem studded garland to Meeanakshi]
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

[Meenakshi is the presiding Goddess of the city of Madhurai. She was born as a princess and daughter to the pandya king Malaya Dwaja Pandya and married Lord Sundareswarar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.]

1. Madhurapuri nayike namasthe,
Madhuralapishukabhiramahasthe.
Malaya dwaja pandya raja Kanye.
Mayi Meenakshi krupaam videhi dhanye,

Salutations to the Goddess of city of Madhurai,
Who holds the sweet singing parrot in her pretty hands,
Who is the daughter of the King Malaya Dwaja Pandya,
Oh Meenakshi, please shower your mercy on me, Oh blessed one.

2. Kacha nirjitha kala megha kanthe,
Kamala sevitha pada pankajanthe,
Madhura puri vallabeshta kanthe,
Mayi Meenakshi krupaam videhi santhe.

Oh God whose hair wins over rich clouds in their shine,
Oh goddess whose lotus like feet are served by Goddess Lakshmi,
Oh Goddess who is the dear wife of the lord of Madurai,
Oh Meenakshi,please shower your mercy on me, Oh peaceful one.

3. Kucha yugma vidhootha chakravake,
Krupaya palitha sarva jeeva loke,
Malaya dwaja santhathe pathake,
Mayi Meenakshi krupaam videhi pake.

Oh Goddess who shook the horizon with the pair of her breasts,
Be kind enough to protect all people of this world,
Oh goddess who was the ever present luck of Malaya Dwaja,
Oh Meenakshi,please shower your mercy on me, Oh matured one.

4. Vidhi vahana jethru keliyaane,
Vimathaamotana poojithaapadhane,
Madhure kshana bhava pootha meene,
Mayi Meenakshi krupaam videhi dheene.

Oh Goddess who is the playful vehicle to win over fate,
Oh Goddess who knocks down those who are averse to her and makes them worship her feet,
Oh sweet one who purified the devotees with unsteady minds,
Oh Meenakshi,please shower your mercy on me, Oh pityful one.

5. Thapaneeya payo jini thatasthe,
Thuhina prayaMaheedharo dharasthe,
Madha Nari pargruhe, krutharthe,
Mayi Meenakshi krupaam videhi sarthe.

Oh Goddess who lives in the banks of a river with warm water,
Oh Goddess who lives on the snow flake mountain,
Oh darling of the enemy of the god of love and one who is contented,
Oh Meenakshi,please shower your mercy on me, Oh meaningful one.

6. Kala Keera kalokthi nadha dakshe,
Kali thaneka jagannivasi rakshe,
Madanaa suka halla kantha paane,
Mayi Meenakshi krupaam videhi praveene.

Oh Goddess who makes the dumb parrot talk words of art,
Oh Goddess who protects the universe from the ills of kali age,
Oh goddess who holds the parrot of the god of love and the red lotus in her hands,
Oh Meenakshi, please shower your mercy on me, Oh expert.

7. Madhu vairi vinchi mukhya sevye,
Manasaa bhavitha chandra mouli savye.
Tharasaa paripooritha yagna havye,
Mayi Meenakshi krupaam videhi bhavye

Oh Goddess whose main follower is Brahma, the enemy of Madhu,
Oh Goddess who mentally displays Lord Shiva on her right.
Oh Goddess who directly completes the fire sacrifices,
Oh Meenakshi, please shower your mercy on me, Oh Goddess with humility.

8. Jagadamba Kadamba moola vase,
Kamala modakendu mandahase.
Mada mandira charu druk vilase,
Mayi Meenakshi krupam videhi dase.

Oh mother of all universe,
Who lives below a Kadamba tree,
Who has a face like the full moon and Lotus,
Who bestows the world with her sweet smile,
Whose beautiful vision occupies the Madura temple,
And who is my Goddess Meenakshi,
Kindly shower your grace on this your slave.

9. Padatham anisam prabhatha kale,
Mani malashtakam ashta bhoothi dhayi,
Ghatika satha chathurim pradadhyaath,
Karuna poorna kadaksha sannivesath.

Reading this garland of gems in the morning,
Without break would give the reader the eight types of wealth,
And he also would be offered with great cleverness,
In case of a merciful look from her.