Abhirami Anthadhi (Kappu & Opening Verse) — Benefits & How to Chant
அபிராமி அந்தாதி
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Abhirami Anthadhi (Kappu & Opening Verse)
A supremely powerful hymn to the Divine Mother (Shakti) as Abhirami
held to grant her direct grace and protection.
Recited for the removal of difficulties, for courage, and for the fulfilment of sincere prayers, as in the saint's own miracle.
Cultivates devotion to the Goddess and is believed to bestow well-being, wisdom and freedom from fear.
Traditionally recited especially on full-moon (Pournami) days, on Fridays, and on new-moon (Amavasya) days at Devi shrines.
Cherished across Tamil Nadu as one of the greatest Shakta hymns of the Tamil tradition.
How to Chant Abhirami Anthadhi (Kappu & Opening Verse)
Instructions
Bathe and sit before an image of the Divine Mother (Abhirami / Amman). Light a lamp, offer kumkuma and flowers. Begin with the kappu invoking Ganapati, then recite the verses with devotion, dwelling on the beauty and grace of the Mother. The full work has 100 verses bound in the anthadhi form; many recite the kappu and selected verses daily, and the whole on Pournami. Conclude by praying for the Mother's protection and grace.
Spiritual Significance
It is told that as Abhirami Bhattar sang the Anthadhi on the new-moon night, the Divine Mother cast her gleaming ear-ornament into the sky — or by her power caused the full moon to rise — flooding the night with light and proving the truth of her devotee's word before the king.
Origin & History
Source: Abhirami Anthadhi of Abhirami Bhattar (Tamil), Thirukkadaiyur
Author: Abhirami Bhattar (Subramania Iyer)
Abhirami Bhattar served the Goddess Abhirami at the temple of Thirukkadaiyur, so immersed in her vision that he often seemed lost to the world. When the Thanjavur king Serfoji visited and asked him what day it was, the saint, seeing only the Mother's radiant face, said it was a full-moon day — though it was new moon. Bound to prove his word or be punished, Abhirami Bhattar sang the hundred verses of the Abhirami Anthadhi through the night, and the Goddess, to save her devotee, made her light shine forth as the full moon.